God is Still Working
A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
I believe most people, when asked to describe the best thing that has ever happened to us, our answers are readily available. They are accompanied by smiles and exuberance, possibly because the word “best” triggers feelings of goodness and happiness. On the other hand, when asked to describe the worst thing, our responses are the opposite. This might be a result of how our emotions are directed by the laws of human nature, which is similar to how members of a church choir are to their director. We connect good with happiness, and bad with sadness, two emotions on different ends of life’s spectrum.
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?
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.
Throughout my journey of walking with God and trusting His leadership and direction, I have learned that I am never alone. Through every hurt and pain, through every hill and valley moment, God has always been there. Even during the times when I have walked away, He was there, providing grace, even when I didn’t deserve it. God has shown me through each experience that there is a lesson to be learned, and without the experience of joy, pain, and heartache, I wouldn’t know. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to win and conquer my giants. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to see mountains move in my life, and to see strongholds come down. Without the low moments, how would I know what it feels like to see the Holy Spirit work on my behalf, during moments when I have no words to explain my pain.
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.
As children of God, I believe that we should never stop striving to get into alignment with what God has purposed us to do. We all have assignments, unique and specific, and accompanied by a clear list of instructions that God provides. He instructs us to pray without ceasing. He instructs us to follow Him and to trust His word. God instructs us to repent and turn from our wicked ways.
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.
While our journeys can be difficult, we must be mindful and know that trouble doesn’t last always, and joy does come in the morning. Get up for your morning, and know that regardless of what it looks like, good or bad, God is still working.
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Photo by
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
Unifour One Renee Rowe
High Point’s Spoken Word Demhaj Poetry Lounge
Years of Ministry Kim and Ray Larkin
The Krew of Kingsmen Carlos Melton & Shane Reese
Bringing Awareness To Mental Health Reketta Brown Thrive Foundation
By Terry L. Watson
Mental health is not a trend, a buzzword, or something reserved for moments of crisis. It is part of our everyday human experience. It shows up in how we think, how we love, how we work, how we parent, how we grieve, and how we try to keep going when life feels heavy. And yet, for so many people, it remains the part of health we whisper about instead of speak out loud.
Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a date on the calendar it is an invitation. An invitation to slow down long enough to notice ourselves and each other. To ask, “How am I really doing?” and actually answer honestly. To ask someone else that same question and be willing to sit in whatever response comes back without trying to fix it right away.
So many people are carrying invisible weight. Some are navigating anxiety that makes everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Others are managing depression that looks like functioning on the outside but feels like numbness on the inside. Some are grieving losses that never fully had space to be spoken out loud. And many are simply exhausted from trying to hold everything together without support.
We often misunderstand mental health struggles because we only recognize them when they become extreme. But mental health lives in the small moments too in the sleepless nights, the irritability that builds up over time, the quiet withdrawal from people we once felt connected to, or the constant feeling of being “on” with no space to rest.
One of the most powerful things we can do is normalize talking about what we feel without shame. There is strength in naming what is happening internally. There is courage in saying, “I’m not okay right now,” and even greater courage in allowing yourself to receive help without guilt.
Healing does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like taking a walk. Sometimes it looks like setting a boundary. Sometimes it looks like finally making that appointment. Sometimes it looks like prayer, journaling, therapy, medication, community, or simply resting without apology. There is no single right way to care for your mental health only the commitment to not ignore it.
We also have to remember that healing happens in community. People are not meant to carry life alone. We were created for connection, for safe spaces where we can be seen without performance. One conversation, one moment of compassion, one person choosing to listen instead of judge can change the trajectory of someone’s entire day or even their life.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, may we challenge the silence that keeps people suffering in isolation. May we become more intentional about how we show up for ourselves and for each other. And may we begin to treat mental health with the same urgency, care, and respect as physical health because they are deeply connected. As we continue to prioritize mental health in our communities, may it lead us toward more good days together.
Photo Provided by Reketta Brown
Heads Up For Our Youth Hosts Big 10 Documentary Premiere
Information obtained from Online Source
On May 19, 2026, Heads Up For Youth hosted its The Big 10 Documentary Premiere. The purpose of the event was to show the work of the organization, celebrate the impact it has made, and expand their mission. For ten years, Heads Up For Our Youth has served nearly 10,000 youth and families through programs, partnerships, and consistent community engagement. The Big 10 documentary captures that journey and gives people a real look at what we’ve done, why we do it, and the results it has produced.
Founded by Rick Morton (Co-Founder and Program Director) and Dwayne Shaw (Co-Founder and Executive Director), HUFOY’s mission is to provide economic development and educational opportunities and equality for underserved youth in Greensboro, NC, and surrounding areas. Through strategic partnerships with organizations, community leaders, and businesses, they create programs for the educational growth and personal development of those they serve. Their goal is to empower youth to overcome barriers, achieve academic success, and thrive in their communities, fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
This premiere is about more than watching a film. It is about: Bringing awareness to the challenges youth face in our community, showcasing real impact through our programs and the 10th Annual Back to School Rally, celebrating the people and partners who made this work possible, engaging new supporters and stakeholders who can help the organization grow, building momentum for the future, including the 11th Annual Back to School Rally.
Most importantly, this event positions HUFOY to expand its reach into underserved and marginalized communities, allowing them to serve more youth, more families, and create even greater opportunities.
“This is not just a premiere; It is a moment to reflect, connect, and move forward with purpose,” they said. For more information about HUFOY, please visit their website.
The City of Greensboro Prepares for 6th Annual Juneteenth Festival
The City of Greensboro is preparing to gather in powerful celebration, reflection, and forward movement as the 6th Annual Juneteenth GSO Fest returns June 18–21, 2026.
Founded by Princess Johnson and fully produced by Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet, Juneteenth GSO Fest marks six years of honoring Black freedom, culture, and community—and now enters a new phase of growth and impact through strategic partnerships, expanded programming, and a deeper commitment to year-round engagement.
This year’s festival introduces a dynamic new collaboration with ThriveShift ,bringing a renewed focus on wellness, economic empowerment, and generational progress—while continuing to center the arts, culture, and community connections that have defined the festival since its inception in 2021.
For a complete list of events and their schedules, please visit the event website.
www.headsupforouryouth.com h
www.juneteenthgsofestival.com
The Dawn Alzheimer Research Study
By Terry L. Watson
Dr. Goldie S. Byrd is a Professor of Public Health Sciences and a Principal Investigator of the DAWN Alzheimer’s Research Study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The study is an international initiative whose focus is to build a resource that will expand Alzheimer’s disease genetic studies in 13,000 people of African ancestry and Hispanic/Latinx groups. This work also addresses non-medical drivers of health and hopes that it will lead to new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease.
The collaborative group includes the University of Miami, Columbia University, Case Western Reserve University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), and 11 other sites across the African Continent. This study is one of the first to examine interactions between ancestry and the non-medical drivers of health. Both factors can contribute to the risk and age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and studying both types of risk factors will help researchers understand how they interact in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Participation of diverse individuals assists in addressing inequalities and medical disparities in Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention.
Dr. Byrd shares that over the years, they have built a trusted bi-directional relationship with social, civic, and faith networks across the country and internationally. These relationships have helped spread the word about Alzheimer’s in diverse populations, close research gaps, and reduce disparities. We partnered with our Triad Pastors Network, housed at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, whose goal is to address health disparities by creating or advancing health ministries. Faith Leaders in the Network recently completed a year-anda-half-long project in Alzheimer’s, involving small churches and mega churches across the country. With the support of a senior Pastor, Dr. Kelvin Lamonte Williams, and the leadership of an Ecclesiastical Advisory Council, the Network has addressed major health disparities, such as heart disease, the COVID pandemic, physical activity, pastoral care, and Alzheimer’s disease for the past seven years.
Photos Provided by Donna Bradby
I not only wanted to conduct genetics research, but I also wanted to be a resource for families who experienced dementia. I wanted to contribute something much more impactful than my initial research goals.”
Dr. Goldie S. Byrd
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, it is the sixth leading cause of death in America, and the numbers of those affected are expected to triple in less than ten years. It occurs twice as often in African Americans as in Whites. In addition, African Americans experience a higher caregiver burden and are less likely to get a diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disease with a pronounced genetic component with an estimated heritability of 60%80%. That means it often affects multiple people in the same family and across generations. Understanding the genetic basis of this disease, as well as the social and environmental effects of the disease, is critical to understanding Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans and why there are such disparities in this community. Although the disease affects individuals of all ethnic and ancestral backgrounds, efforts to understand it in African Americans have suffered due to a lack of participation in studies. Most genetic-based studies in Alzheimer’s disease have been performed in non-Hispanic white populations of European ancestry, with communities of Hispanic and African ancestry largely excluded.
The ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; and changes in mood or personality. Recognizing these signs earlier can make a meaningful difference for families navigating this disease. My experiences have fueled a deep and lasting passion—not only to help find answers, but also to support families and raise awareness so others can recognize the signs sooner and take action.
Dr. Goldie S. Byrd grew up in Magnolia, NC, a small rural town in Duplin County. Her parents, Jessie and Bertha Smith, were her greatest influencers and supporters. She shares that they taught her brothers and sisters to be decent, to work hard, and to have faith. Not only did they support Dr. Byrd and her siblings by providing shelter, food, and a safe home, but they also supported their efforts. “We were brought up in church and in Sunday School. You can only imagine what my parents experienced while trying to own their own farm, raising six children, and assuring that all six went to college, during the Jim Crow era. Though they both are deceased, they live within each of us, and we honor them.”
Dr. Byrd’s work in Alzheimer’s disease began while she was on sabbatical at Duke University School of Medicine, beginning in 2002. Though she was trained as a Microbiologist with a concentration in genetics, she changed her research focus to human genetics to address Alzheimer’s disease. The disease was wreaking havoc in the African American community, yet there was little talk about it due to stigma and embarrassment. Even more, there was less research being done on how this devastating disease was affecting this population. Learning in the early 2,000s that this disease was more burdensome in African Americans (twice as much as in Whites), and yet there was hardly any research being done with this population to understand the huge disparity, Dr. Byrd was convinced early on that she should do something in this field of research. “I not only wanted to conduct genetics research, but I also wanted to be a resource for families who experienced Dementia. I wanted to contribute something much more impactful than my initial research goals,” she says.
Dr. Goldie S. Byrd
Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Byrd was awarded grants with Dr. Margaret Pericak Vance at Duke for a sabbatical and for research projects to conduct the largest Genome Wide Association study in Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans, the first of its kind. At that time, Dr. Pericak-Vance was and remains one of the top geneticists studying Alzheimer’s disease. In 2002, however, she had not begun to do this work in African Americans. Now working at the University of Miami, Dr. PericakVance and Dr. Byrd have continued to work together for 24 years to diversify Alzheimer’s research. They are currently working on a $54 million dollar study, the DAWN Alzheimer’s Research study, which will create one of the largest cohorts, mostly community based, of African, African American, and Hispanic ancestries to understand the genetic architecture of Alzheimer’s disease in these populations.
Though Alzheimer’s disease was discovered in 1906, a significant amount of what is known about the disease was discovered in the past couple of decades. More than 50 million people around the world and over 7.2 million Americans have been diagnosed. That number is predicted to double in the next 30 years, without intervention, since the number one risk factor for it is age and we are living longer. “We are now aware of the stages of disease, from pre-clinical (where there are no symptoms), to severe and eventual death. Most people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in their 60s or 70s. However, a person can have the disease over 20 years before the first symptom. In the last couple of years, drugs have been discovered that actually slow the disease rather than just treat symptoms. This is a major advancement. In addition, we know that our everyday life can impact the risk of Alzheimer’s. Having enough sleep, reducing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and getting a good education all impact the possibility of getting the disease. These social and environmental factors suggest that living a healthy and active lifestyle reduces people’s risk of Alzheimer’s, even if there is a history of it in your family.”
Since the inception of Dr. Byrd’s work, she has been intentional about listening to her community. She says, “I watched caregivers struggle from lack of information and resources and the inability to care for themselves as they cared for others – essentially suffering in silence. Families were forced to make the difficult decision to put a loved one in a facility. After learning from the community, we were able to create a resource to support communities that had been under resourced as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease. I knew our team could make a difference when we had the opportunity to bring a comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease awareness project to North Carolina A&T State University, where I served as the chair of biology, endowed professor, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. With the support of the administration, Merck Foundation, AARP, alumni, and friends, we created the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s Aging and Community Health, to provide a physical space and a resource for families burdened by Alzheimer’s. We provided lunch and learns, support groups, workshops, seminars, symposia, a caregiver college, and, for 10 years, a caregiver conference that drew hundreds of people annually from around North Carolina and nearby states. Being at an Historically Black University we were able to create a campus hub for including African Americans in awareness, education, support and research opportunities,” Dr. Byrd says.
At Wake Forest we continue to support caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s disease through a Dementia Caregiver College that is led by Dr. Allison CabanHolt. There have been numerous recognition and lifetime achievement awards for the work, including from the United Nations, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, and AARP. However, our greatest reward comes in knowing we have made a difference in reducing disparities in this disease.
Takiyah Starks Broadnax
Dr. Allison Caban Holt
Program Director
Program Manager
I
was 19 when I noticed a startling change in my grandmother’s behavior. She began using profane language, something I had never heard her do in my life. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant...... It felt out of character but not yet connected to something larger in my mind.”
Takiyah Starks Broadnax
The Family Based Study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s is co-leading a major initiative to identify genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in families of African ancestry. This research takes a family-centered approach, focusing on African American families in which two or more members are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as relatives who are unaffected. By analyzing DNA and blood-based biomarkers, researchers aim to uncover rare genetic variants that may cluster within families and increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease. This work is especially critical, as African American populations have historically been underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research, leaving significant gaps in scientific understanding and care.
Americans in awareness, education, support and research opportunities,” Dr. Byrd says. The Center, now directed by Dr. Travonia Hughes, continues to do this work and is doing a fabulous job. Through their grassroots community work, they have supported families who have multiple people affected by the disease in their FamilyBased study where they look for genetic and environmental factors that affect the disease. There have been numerous recognition and lifetime achievement awards for the work, including from the United Nations, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, and AARP.
We still do not have a cure or a way to prevent Alzheimer’s. The goal is that all people from all backgrounds will be equitably represented in research studies and clinical trials in order to contribute to new knowledge, new therapies, and ways to prevent AD.”
Dr. Goldie S. Byrd
The DAWN study has benefited significantly from the commitment and dedication of an outstanding clinical research team led by Program Manager, Takiyah Broadnax Starks. She also has a deeply personal connection to the disease as her paternal grandmother was diagnosed in her late fifties and lived until the age of 97. Takiyah says that watching her grandmother’s long journey shaped her understanding in ways she didn’t fully recognize at the time, and it would be years before she truly grasped the signs she had witnessed firsthand. “I was 19 when I noticed a startling change in my grandmother’s behavior. She began using profane language, something I had never heard her do in my life. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant, and I didn’t mention it to my father or my aunt. It felt out of character but not yet connected to something larger in my mind. Years later, as I became more deeply involved in Alzheimer’s research and learned the ten warning signs of the disease, everything began to come into focus. By then, my grandmother had already been living with Alzheimer’s for several years. One of the warning signs—changes in mood or personality— immediately brought clarity to that memory. I realized that what I had witnessed at 19 was not random, but a symptom of the disease.”
Across all sights the clinical research coordinators and managers actively recruit and retain participants for the study. They provide talks, workshops and exhibits to African American communities across the country. They conduct assessments and collect genetic and environmental data to understand Alzheimer’s disease in persons of African and Hispanic Ancestry.
Predicting the future of the disease is a daunting task. Even more, funding for research has changed in recent years and is a bit more uncertain. This creates challenges for researchers and determines the extent to how much can be done in vulnerable and high-burdened communities and with people who are less represented in studies and trials. “We still do not have a cure or a way to prevent Alzheimer’s. The goal is that all people from all backgrounds will be equitably represented in research studies and clinical trials in order to contribute to new knowledge, new therapies, and ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Byrd says.
African Americans over the age of 60 are encouraged to join the DAWN Alzheimer’s study. “We are seeking African American individuals and their family members with memory loss, or who have dementia, or Alzheimer’s. We also need family members who are healthy and are not affected. For individuals who are experiencing memory loss, or not, and for families who wish to join or donate brain tissue after death, your participation is welcomed to help find answers to this devastating disease by joining our study. “My hope is that the disease as we know it will become a thing of the past,” Dr. Byrd says.
To learn more about this study, please contact Takiyah Starks Broadnax at the email address that is listed below, or call 336-713-7600.
Antonio Tolson Dr. Tonya Arnold
A Father’s Voice
“Raising
A Son With Autism”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
When two great minds come together, the results will be even greater. This is the case for Antonio Tolson and Dr. Tonya Arnold. The pair has teamed up to raise awareness about autism, and educate others about what the condition is all about, and how it affects families.
Antonio is a native of Washington, DC. He moved to Charlotte, NC, in 2013, and would eventually marry the love of his life, Tonya. Together, they share one son, AJ, who was diagnosed with autism in 2019. “It all started with a lady from the AVA Clinic. She told us that our son has autism, good luck, and then walked out of our home,” he says. Antonio shares that moment left him and his wife speechless, but he realized that he needed to do something about his son’s diagnosis.
In response to his son’s diagnosis, they launched a nonprofit organization, AJ and The Cool Kids. Some of the services provided by their organization include Occupational and Speech Therapy to their clients. They also conduct an annual walk at the Caramont Health Center in Gastonia, NC, during the first week of April. They also conduct an annual gala during the first week of August. “We try to give other families as much support as possible, and let them know that life isn’t over just because their child has autism.”
Dr. Tonya Arnold is originally from Greensboro, NC. She attended North Carolina A&T State University and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University. There, she was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant, serving for a total of 22 years. She retired in 2015 and moved to Charlotte, which allowed her to be closer to her mother’s side of her family, and also experience what it’s like to live in a big city. In Charlotte, she began working on her Masters in Public Administration. She says, “Since being in Charlotte, when compared to living in Greensboro, and being active in various community service-based organizations, including working with small businesses and being in the military, I’ve noticed that our nonprofit doesn’t get the necessary amount of funding and equity that most other businesses receive. I believe a lot of it is due to what has been coined “the hustle”. What I am trying to do with businesses and nonprofits, for-profits, and community-based organizations, is to make sure that they are legitimate, operationally sound, and are in compliance on the federal, local, and state levels.” Additionally, in her capacity, she initially began working as a consultant from a pro-bono perspective. Dr. Arnold has worked with sororities and with the Ben L. Smith High School Alumni Association in Greensboro. She is also a member of the Cobra Sports Foundation. “In these roles, I have been able to understand processes,” she says. She also has a media and publishing arm with her brand. With this, she gives opportunities to others to share their stories, which are relevant to them; their history and struggles told from their perspective.
Amazingly, with all that she has done, Dr. Arnold created a consulting business, Arnold Consulting Group. She says that Antonio has greatly inspired her. “Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book. He was open to the idea, and we met a few times to discuss the structure of what the book would be, until the idea became a reality,” she says.
“Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book.”
The book, A Father’s Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, is about Antonio’s son, AJ, but it also reaches fathers who have children with different disabilities and disorders. A soft launch was held in March of this year. During that event, Antonio shared what the vision and intentions are for the book, and he also realized that a workbook should accompany it. On June 13, 2026, Antonio and his team will host a Dads Discuss Group at Amerihealth Carnitas NC on Wilkerson Boulevard in Charlotte. The time for the event is 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
“I can’t thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author.”
Since publishing his book, Antonio’s schedule has become very busy. He has been interviewed and made appearances on several television stations in Charlotte. He has been a guest on a podcast and is scheduled for a few others. During the month of July, he will attend an Autism Dad Weekend event in Atlanta, GA. On August 8th, they will host their annual gala and most significant fundraising event, themed Under The Cherry Moon. It will be held at Caramont Health Park in Gastonia, NC. In September, he’s been asked to speak at The Autism Strong event, called Field Strong that will take place in Charlotte.
“Things are moving. I am a person who puts high expectations on myself. I do not like to do things halfway. I can’t thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author. I have learned since writing the book that there are a lot of men and fathers who feel like me, but just didn’t know how to express themselves,” Antonio says.
To purchase a copy of A Father’s Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, please contact Antonio directly. You may also find it on Amazon and Kindle. To purchase tickets to attend their gala and to learn more about AJ and The Cool Kids, please visit their website.
Carlos Melton & Shane Reese
Krew of Kingsmen Legacy Academy
Building Boys, Strengthening Men
By Terry L. Watson
I am a Kingsman. I stand on honor. I move with discipline. I live with purpose. I protect my brothers. I respect my family. I serve my community. I do not run from pressure, I rise through it. I do not follow weakness, I lead with strength. My word is law. My actions carry weight. I am built to lead. I am called to serve. I rise as a King, and I stand as a brother. These words spoken are the Kingsmen Creed.
The Krew of Kingsmen is a non-profit organization, based in Greensboro, NC, whose focus is to instill sound life values into young men and give young men a positive outlook. Founded collaboratively by all members of the organization, The Krew of Kingsmen goal is to recruit like-minded men who go by a chivalrous code and are able to mentor kids. The mission of the Krew of Kingsmen is to develop and unite men and boys of purpose who lead with strength, spirituality, uplift families, and drive meaningful change—creating a legacy of impact that reflects honor, financial stability, dignity, and excellence.
Shane serves as the organization’s President, and Carlos serves as Vice President. Shane shares, “When we were growing up, we were known as the Kings of Kings. Our late friend Peso has been talking about the idea of coming together during our annual Father’s Day Cookout. After Peso’s passing in July 2025, our goal was to make the cookout bigger. We decided that was the right thing to do, and within a few months, we began the work to put things into motion.”
Photos Provided by Krew of Kingsmen
Shane and Carlos began to accept donations for the next scheduled Father’s Day Cookout for 2026. Once the process began, they often reflected on Peso’s words; being organized and being a legitimate organization. Peso was already paying himself $100 a week out of every paycheck, and was contributing to his grandson’s future. At the next scheduled meeting, Shane and Carlos, and the other members of Krew of Kingsmen discussed what was needed to make their idea an official program.
Shane says the vision for Krew of Kingsmen came from a collaborative effort amongst the group. “We wanted to keep the tradition of honoring Peso with the KOK. Based on the words and information shared during our meetings, I Googled some information about Kings. What I found was something from the medieval times, and it depicted what a Kingsmen was to a King. We adapted our honor code based on this. Every since we were young boys, we have always considered ourselves to be Kings, and, adapting to what we learned, that Kings are honorable men, it made a lot of sense for us to adapt the name Krew of Kingsmen.”
While their goal is to reach and serve young men, their goals are very clear. “The first part is to hold community events, serve the community and more. The second part is to conduct fundraisers to build the Krew of Kingsmen Legacy Academy,”
When we were growing up, we were known as the Kings of Kings. Our late friend Peso has been talking about the idea of coming together during our annual Father’s Day Cookout. After Peso’s passing in July 2025, our goal was to make the cookout bigger.”
Shane Reese
Shane says. The purpose of the Krew of Kingsmen Legacy Academy is to equip middle school to college kids in Guilford County with the knowledge, discipline, and exposure needed to become financially literate, emotionally grounded, and purpose-driven young men—while simultaneously creating a brotherhood and support system for their fathers or male guardians. This program directly aligns with the Krew of Kingsmen mission by fostering manhood, financial stability, leadership, and generational impact.
The Krew of Kingsmen is seeking to serve boys ages 8–14, and is enrolled as middle school students in Guilford County. This includes young men who reside in underserved communities. They are seeking to work with Fathers, Father figures, and male guardians. Carlos says they are also dependent on families and the broader community for support. He says, “Men, we need you.” Meeting once per month, the young men, based on qualification, will become a Pawn and a Squire. “We have created stair steps to keep the kids focused and program participants. We also want them to become Kingsmen,” Carlos and Shane said. Scheduled for this coming August, they will run a pilot program and take nine middle school students and place them into the academy. Some of the areas of focus the program will offer participants
are Financial Literacy Education (saving, budgeting, investing, stocks), Mentorship and Rites of Passage DevelopmentOfficial Membership in Krew of Kingsmen, Career Exploration and Workforce Exposure, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and Mental Health Support. Other services offered are Fatherhood Engagement Circles and Leadership Development, Life Skills Training (discipline, communication, decision-making), and exposure experiences such as college tours, career days, and business visits. When put into perspective, the program addresses three critical gaps: Early identity and manhood development, Financial literacy and wealth-building exposure, and mental health and emotional support.
It is very clear that the Krew of Kingsmen is positioning itself to be a resource for young men. For families and parents who are interested in learning more about the program, please visit their website or contact them directly.
Shane Reese
The Team of Krew of Kingsmen
Shane Reese is a builder of men, a servant leader, and a man whose purpose has been shaped by both success and profound loss. As President of Krew of Kingsmen, he leads with vision, conviction, and a deep commitment to helping young men become men of distinction.
Born and raised in Greensboro, NC, Shane has spent his life leading in business, coaching in athletics, and investing in the next generation. A graduate of Page High School, he went on to earn an Associate Degree in Accounting Software Specialist from Brookstone Business College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Sports Management from Guilford College.
Professionally, Shane has built a strong foundation in leadership and entrepreneurship. He spent 15 years as a Sales and New Car Manager at Terry Labonte Chevrolet, where he sharpened his skills in communication, accountability, team development, and business leadership. For the past 20 years, he has also owned and operated a successful janitorial service, demonstrating the consistency, discipline, and vision required to build and sustain a business.
Shane’s influence, however, reaches far beyond the workplace. For more than two decades, he has coached and mentored middle school and high school boys through football, helping young athletes develop not only their skills, but also their confidence, discipline, and character. Through his training program, Hut Hut Football Training, Shane created a space where young men could learn the value of hard work, focus, and perseverance both on and off the field.
Carlos Melton Vice President, Krew of Kingsmen President, Krew of Kingsmen
In 2017, Shane experienced a loss that forever changed his life when his oldest son, Tyshawn Reese, who suffered from mental illness, died by suicide. That heartbreaking chapter deepened Shane’s purpose and strengthened his commitment to reaching young men before they feel unseen, unsupported, or alone.
Today, Shane carries that purpose into every part of his leadership. As President of Krew of Kingsmen, his mission is to help shape young men into individuals of integrity, accountability, brotherhood, and strong character. He understands that leadership is not measured by titles, but by service, sacrifice, and the willingness to show up when it matters most.
Through Krew of Kingsmen, Shane is building more than an organization. He is building legacy, creating a path for young men to be seen, guided, strengthened, and prepared to become the men they were created to be.
Carlos Melton is a man shaped by life, strengthened by purpose, and committed to helping others rise beyond their circumstances. As Vice President of Krew of Kingsmen, he brings a voice of honesty, accountability, and real-world wisdom to a brotherhood dedicated to guiding young boys and men toward leadership, discipline, and character.
Born and raised in the Dudley Heights community of Greensboro, NC, Carlos knows firsthand how powerful guidance can be when a young man is trying to find his way. His early life came with challenges that could have easily shaped his future in a different direction, but Carlos chose growth over excuses. He turned those experiences into lessons and those lessons into a mission.
Today, that mission is deeply personal. Carlos believes mistakes do not have to become a man’s identity. He understands that with the right support, structure, and mindset, growth is always possible. His approach is direct, relatable, and grounded in lived experience, allowing him to connect with young men in a way that feels real, not rehearsed.
Carlos is also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He has shared 18 years of life with his wife, including 14 years of marriage. As a family man, he understands that fatherhood, relationships, and personal growth are not always simple or perfect. Those experiences have given him a deeper passion for helping young men build stronger character, make wiser choices, and understand the value of accountability while there is still time to grow.
Outside of his leadership role, Carlos is a dedicated truck driver and small business owner. He co-leads Our Journey Clean Team, a company built on consistency, hard work, and pride in every job completed. Whether he is on the road, building a business, serving his family, or pouring into the community, Carlos lives by the same values he encourages in others.
His mindset is captured in a simple but powerful truth: “If nothing changes, nothing changes.” For Carlos, Krew of Kingsmen is more than an organization. It is an opportunity to give young men the guidance, truth, and support he knows can change the direction of a life. He is not simply speaking about transformation. He is living it.
Pictured from left to right (Back Row): Robert Lockett, Anthony Morrison, Toriano Ellis, and Anthony Stanback (Front Row): Charles Davis, Carlos Melton, Shane Reese, and Kenneth Walden
Demhaj Poetry Lounge
The Spoken Word Gem for the City of High Point
By Terry L. Watson
If you haven’t heard about Demhaj Poetry Lounge, then you’d better ask somebody.
Nestled away in the city of High Point, NC, Demhaj Poetry Lounge has been operating as a Black-Owned, Faith-Based business since 2022. Led by mother-son duo, Brigette Williams and Jahmed Williams, Demhaj Poetry Lounge has developed into a place that provides local and aspiring poets with a platform to showcase their poetic gifts and talents. It has also become a popular location for talented and accomplished poets, with many hosting private listening parties and events there. Each Thursday evening, they host Open Mic Thursday, and occasionally, yet with frequency, Demhaj hosts their Love Jones Saturday, which is a more intimate affair for both performers and guests.
Demhaj Poetry Lounge was founded by Bridgette Williams. She says that since her youth, she’s had a passion for the art of poetry. She also dreamed of opening a space for her community to freely express themselves. After years of planning, that dream eventually became a reality. Bridgette named the poetry cafe after her son, Jahmed (spelled backwards), as an expression of her love for him. Jahmed himself is an established poet, creative, and writer, and received a Bachelors degree in Business from Georgia State University.
Photos Provided by Demhaj Poetry Lounge
Since 2022, Demhaj has experienced a great deal of popularity of growth. They have hosted more than 250 events in the Carolinas, with nearly 2500 confirmed guests.
“I don’t really see it as popularity, I see it as people who come into our atmosphere. We are very diverse and offer everyone a chance to speak and be heard. I am very humble and thankful for what God has allowed us to do,” Bridgette says.
There are many other poetry lounges and cafes spread across North Carolina, yet what makes Demhaj different is its ability to connect with its poets and their audience.
“We are a mother-son management company, and it works for us. Jahmed loves what we do, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is right to the best of his ability. We are different because of our authenticity. People can enjoy great spoken words and feel welcome. I believe that many people are dealing with many things, including trauma, and poetry offers a form of therapy. We provide a platform for others to come and share their stories. I have heard many people call our lounge a gem that is hidden in High Point. When people come in, they are often in awe, mainly because they didn’t know we existed,” she says.
Some of the services and products offered at Demhaj include a variety of coffees and special drinks. They also offer merchandise such as t-shirts, cups, and accessories. The space itself is also available for rent for special events such as birthday parties, retirement parties, and more. Poets who are looking for a place to showcase their talents in a private event, that service is available as well. Looking ahead, Demhaj Poetry Lounge is excited to continue to offer poets a platform, as well providing a space for its guests to enjoy spoken word. Demhaj Poetry
While Demhaj has grown, Bridgette does ponder the idea of opening a second location. Their current High Point location holds a special place in Bridgette’s heart, as her mother, who passed away a few years ago, was a part of the opening season in 2022. “While we may open another location in the future, the small, yet intimate space we currently have allows me to continue to connect with my mother,” Bridgette says.
Renee Rowe Unifour One
If We Empower Our Youth We Empower
Our Communities
Information and Photos Provided by Unfour One
For nearly 25 years, Unifour One has stood as a trusted voice, advocate, and hands-on service provider for underserved communities across North Carolina. What began as a vision rooted in justice, opportunity, and community empowerment has grown into a strong, multi-service nonprofit organization with offices in Greensboro and Hickory, North Carolina.
Co-Founded by Renee Rowe, Unifour One has remained committed to its mission of promoting educational achievement, social equality, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are too often overlooked, underserved, or counted out. As CoFounder and Co-Executive Director, Renee Rowe has dedicated her life’s work to serving justice-impacted youth, adults, families, and communities facing barriers to stability and success. Alongside her, Brian Rowe, Co-Executive Director, provides leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction that helps keep Unifour One grounded, accountable, and moving forward. Together, Renee and Brian Rowe have helped build an organization that does more than talk about change; Unifour One shows up, does the work, and remains present in communities when families need support the most. As Unifour One approaches its 25th year of service, the organization continues to expand its impact through youth development, juvenile justice programming, violence interruption, civic engagement, employment support, and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Serving Youth Through JCPC Programs
One of the strongest pillars of Unifour One’s work is its commitment to youth development through its JCPC-funded programs, which include mentoring, life skills, vocational training, and structured support for justice-involved and at-risk youth. These programs are designed to help young people make better decisions, build healthy relationships, improve school performance, develop employment skills, and stay connected to positive adults and positive opportunities.
The JCPC team plays a critical role in this work. William Jones, Daquan Bryant, Sonya Smith, Cam Dula, and Brian Jemel Johnson serve youth and families through mentoring, life skills support, court involvement, transportation assistance, group sessions, and community-based guidance. Their work requires patience, consistency, compassion, and accountability. They are often the people standing in the gap for youth who need someone to believe in them before they fully believe in themselves.
Latoya Jones serves as the Intake Coordinator for all programs, helping families, youth, and referring partners begin the process of receiving services. Her role is vital because intake is often the first point of contact for families who may already be overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure of where to turn.
Interrupting Violence and Restoring Hope
Unifour One is also deeply engaged in violence interruption and violence prevention work. The organization understands that violence does not happen in isolation. It is often connected to trauma, poverty, unresolved conflict, lack of opportunity, grief, retaliation, and broken systems.
Through its violence interruption work, Unifour One responds to community conflict, supports young people and families in crisis, and works to prevent violence before it escalates. The organization uses credible messengers, mentoring, mediation, life skills education, and community engagement to help individuals choose peace, safety, and a different path forward.
Gavin Wharton, Employment Specialist and Certified Violence Interrupter, plays an important role in connecting individuals to employment opportunities while also helping address the root causes that often lead to violence. His work reflects one of Unifour One’s strongest beliefs: when people have real opportunities, support, and guidance, they are more likely to choose stability over survival mode.
Supporting the Unhoused Through Day Labor and Employment
Unifour One’s work also reaches individuals and families experiencing homelessness through its Day Labor Program for the unhoused. This program provides more than temporary employment. It offers a pathway toward dignity, income, stability, and hope. Through day labor opportunities, participants are connected to work, job readiness support, transportation assistance, and resources that help them begin rebuilding their lives. For many, having the chance to earn income is the first step toward housing stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed confidence.
Ashanti Bell
Myra Moore
Sonya Smith
Laura Torres
Daquan Bryant
Brian Rowe
Jullian Harrison
Cam Dula
Unifour One understands that homelessness is not simply the absence of housing. It is often the result of job loss, family instability, trauma, financial hardship, lack of transportation, and limited access to supportive services. The Day Labor Program meets people where they are while helping them move toward where they want to be.
Civic Engagement and Voter Registration
Another major part of Unifour One’s legacy is its long-standing commitment to civic engagement and nonpartisan voter registration. For years, the organization has worked across North Carolina to educate, engage, and register over 200,000 voters, especially in communities where people have historically been underrepresented. Unifour One’s civic engagement work is rooted in the belief that every voice matters and every eligible citizen should have access to the democratic process. The organization works in communities, schools, events, neighborhoods, and public spaces to help residents register to vote, update their voter registration, and understand the importance of civic participation.
The voter registration and compliance team helps ensure that this work is done with integrity, accuracy, and professionalism. Ashanti Bell serves as Voter Registration Quality Control for the Greensboro office. Melissa Scott serves as Voter Registration Quality Control for the Hickory office. Tiara Jones serves in the Hickory office as Voter Registration and Compliance Officer, helping support the organization’s commitment to accurate, nonpartisan voter registration work.
Myra Moore, Western NC Lead Organizer, provides leadership in the western region, helping strengthen Unifour One’s reach and presence in communities across that part of the state. Jullian Harrison, Disability Advocate for Civic Engagement, plays an important role in helping ensure that individuals with disabilities are seen, heard, respected, and included in civic participation efforts. His work strengthens Unifour One’s commitment to accessibility, representation, and equal opportunity.
A Team Built on Commitment
Behind every successful organization is a team of people who carry the mission forward each day. Unifour One’s staff reflects dedication, compassion, and a deep understanding of the communities being served. Laura Torres, who has served as a Spanish interpreter for 15 years, has been an important part of Unifour One’s ability to serve Spanish-speaking individuals and families with dignity and respect. Her work ensures that language is not a barrier to receiving support, understanding services, or being treated with care. The organization’s team continues to represent the heart of Unifour One: people serving people, not from a distance, but directly in the community.
Looking Toward the Future
As Unifour One celebrates its 25th year, the organization is not simply looking back. It is also looking ahead. The work is still needed. Youth still need mentors. Families still need support. Communities still need peace. Individuals experiencing homelessness still need employment pathways. Residents still need access to civic participation. And underserved communities still need organizations that are willing to stand with them for the long haul. For Co- Founder Renee Rowe, this milestone is deeply personal. It represents 25 years of sacrifice, faith, service, leadership, and love for the community. It represents the youth who found direction, the families who found support, the adults who found work, the voters who found their voice, and the communities that found hope through Unifour One’s presence.
Unifour One’s story is one of perseverance. It is a story of service that did not stop when the work became difficult. It is a story of leadership rooted in purpose. Most of all, it is a story of what can happen when an organization remains committed to people, community, and the belief that transformation is always possible. After 25 years, Unifour One continues to stand strong with a clear message: the work is not finished, and the mission continues. h
Gavin Wharton
Brian J. Johnson
Tiara Jones
Latoya Jones
Josiah
The son of Hannah Chatman and Elegonoie Brownlee Jr
By Terry L. Watson
Real Love Music
You have most likely heard and seen them in the Triad. Perhaps you may have witnessed one of their performances somewhere around the country. What Kim and Ray Larkin share in marriage, love, and life transcends onto every welcoming platform.
Known as the faces and voices of Real Love Music, Kim and Ray have shared 19 years of marriage, a union that has also produced two amazing sons, Raymond and Ray. Kim was born and raised on the south side of Winston-Salem, NC, with her mom and two sisters. She is an alumna of Robert B. Glenn High School, which is also located in the Twin City. Raymond was born in Grand Rapids, MI, and moved to High Point, NC at the age of 11. He would later graduate from High Point Central High School.
What is Real Love Music? In addition to sharing their anointing with the world, the power couple offers professional vocal performances for a wide range of events, including weddings, concerts, festivals, private gatherings, and sporting events. They also offer event-hosting services and vocal accompaniment services for other artists. Yet, there is so much more to Kim and Ray than just music. “We have a strong foundation of faith. We believe God, and that has impacted our lives and careers more than anything else. He gave us our purpose and vision, which is “Bringing fun back to love through music and entertainment,” Kim says.
We have a strong foundation of faith. We believe God, and that has impacted our lives and careers more than anything else. He gave us our purpose and vision, which is to bring fun back to love through music and entertainment.”
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
From the small beginnings to the monumental moments and everything in between, we believe that it has all played a significant role in shaping our development, our growth, our professionalism, and our reason.”
When asked what they love most about what they do, they share, “We love singing as a duet. Being able to meet and/or connect with a diverse community of people through the music we share is very rewarding. We are inspired by various artists and the audience of people who enjoy live music. The love and encouragement we continue to receive are incredibly special.”
Singing comes naturally to Kim and Ray; that’s what they do, and though they are operating in their gifts, it does come with its own unique set of challenges. Kim says the main challenge they face is learning to balance work life and performing, especially when their desire is for singing to be their sole profession. Another challenge, she says, is not having the funds readily available for the creative projects we want to present such as live shows, business products, and collaborations. She says, “We manage our challenges by prayer, planning, and patience. We also do it by understanding that God’s timing is extremely important. We never want to try and force a goal that may not be in His plans yet.”
With life, family, and music, the journey has been amazing, they shared. They also state there isn’t much they would change about the way things have happened and occurred. “From the small beginnings to the monumental moments and everything in between, we believe that it has all played a significant role in shaping our development, our growth, our professionalism, and our reason,” they said.
To learn more about Kim and Ray, and to book them for your event or special occasion, please contact them directly. h
