Huami Magazine Indianapolis March/April 2022

INDIANAPOLIS

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March/Arpil 2022 Volume 1 Issue 9

Tolbert&Tolbert LLC Attorneys at Law Indianapolis - March/April 2022

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There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It! It Matters Who We Are At Our Core A Letter from the Editor

A Letter From The Editor

We What have finally made itdidn’t to the monthAllofofMarch.

However, if tomorrow arrive? your plans, hopes living in North Carolina, I learned not to get my hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. Whatfor if warm weather too high due decided to the inconsistency in tomorrow the weather everything that you to put off until never patterns.

All in the same day, it may feel like it’s Springtime, happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy and before youcould knowspare it, thesomeone temperature may rise, it feels day, and you the trouble of and making like Summer; By the evening, it’s Fall-like, and when midnight promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired arrives, Winter.

That just how it is in North Carolina. today?it’s What would youisdo?

www.huamimagazine.com

I amI’ve a warm-weather of guy. it’sI 70 every day, been told thatkind I often seemIflike do degrees too much. that is fine with me.

Though I’ve survived the Winter, I can do Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm without it. in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me believer that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would As myidle mother would what dress itmy brother and me I beaifyoung I chosekid, to sit and accept presented to me. in have thick found winterthat coats us my to go outside and play to before be veryallowing boring. In opinion, opportunity in is the cold. Underneath the coats, wore sweaters, two a blessing that isn’t afforded to we everyone.

A challenge t-shirts, and sometimes more t-shirts.

Shehappen? wanted to to me thermals, is an adventure.

What is the worst that can ensure wouldInot while out We didn’t, If I dowe nothing, fail,get andtoo if I cold try I don’t, but playing. instead learn and when it was to myself. come back inside, mom wouldand peel something newtime about Relinquish your pride in our layersacquire of clothing return life. away, down to one shirt. Our inner core body temperature remained warm beneath everything, and our The best advice ever given toexperience me happened whenme someone wellbeing remained intact.

That reminds of how told me to make myalltomorrow happen today. In doing so God protects me for seasons and situations.

I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. have also learned the word, difference between Through prayer, Ifasting, reading God’s and application, whatof God blesses me with and what burden meGod withat a layer protection is placed over my life life.can When I keep well.He I compare it to knowing when to beare confident and myascore, reveals Himself when the layers peeled away. when to beguilt, quiet,orbecause These layers can be fear, shame, depression, anything someone it confused the enemy may try to use to discourage me may into get believing I am less than what God created me towith be. being arrogant.

Make you I start each day with prayer and reading, andtomorrow I seek God today, most first; that is the first layer applied. happen When my faithbut is tested importantly make it count. throughout the day, I speak life Life is but a whisper andGod’s into my situation and rest on we must put this, ourselves in a promise.

By doing another position to hear what it is layer is applied, and I am warmed telling us. to happen by faith. by what I expect Before my day ends, I can only thank God for His grace yet once again for Terry L. Watson keeping me.

We must keep God at the core of Editor/Founder who we are.

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November/December 2014

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by Email or Telephone E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 RightsReserved Reserved 2022 All All Rights

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2022

INDIANAPOLIS

Laced Kreationz LLC

Jhenelle Bagley

On The Cover

The Tolbert Law Group

Shelice and Michael Tolbert

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Nita Notary LLC

Lenita Campbell

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Bonafide Worshippers

Patrick Bean

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Wynter Rose

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Also Featured

Aja Cavin Learn more about how she used her gift of healing to lauch a massage practice.

Chicago, IL

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Sheriff Danny Rogers He is completing his first time as the first African American Sheriff in Guilford County, and preparing for the second round.

Greensboro, NC

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LaCrystal Davis Learn more about the founder of The Legacy Foundation.

Greensboro, NC

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Indianapolis - March/April 2022

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Michael Tolbert

Like most urban communities around the United States, Gary, IN is rich in culture and diversity. According to a recent count, Gary’s population consists of nearly 76,000 citizens, with African Americans representing the highest ethnicity at 78%. Having such a decisive edge compared to other races, the Black experience in Gary is defined by hard work, resilience, durability.

Like most urban communities, Gary has seen its share of crime and violence, and during the 1990s, it was once labeled as one of Indiana’s most dangerous places to live.

Fast forward to 2022, that stigma has faded away, and Gary’s identity is being rebuilt by those who believe that its greatest days are within distance.

That is the story of Michael and Shelice Tolbert of Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law. True to their roots, they are building one of Indiana’s top law firms in the heart of Gary. Having their practice based in Gary, Indiana is critically important to this power couple.

Michael and Shelice have enjoyed 15 years of marriage.

Their union appears to be almost purposeful. They both pursued careers to practice law. Michael received his formal education in the Gary, IN public school system. He later attended and graduated from Valparaiso University as an undergraduate and Valparaiso University School of Law. He is a believer and faith-based individual and professes that nothing in his life would be possible without God. Michael is also an avid reader. “I don’t spend a lot of time watching television. Instead, I enjoy reading about three books at a time,” he shares. “Family is my passion. I love my wife and would do anything for her.”

“Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals.”

Michael Tolbert

Shelice was also formally educated in the Gary public school system and later attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. After graduating from there she came back to Gary and “followed” Michael to Valparaiso School of Law. She describes herself as a family-oriented, homebody, down-to-earth type of person who desires to help others. “Michael is my best friend, and spending time with him is always fun,” she says.

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Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys at Law opened their doors to the public on January 26, 2015. However, Shelice says the idea to open the firm was conceptualized many years before that. Michael says they like to describe themselves as a litigation boutique, meaning they do complex litigation for individuals, cities, towns, municipalities, and higher exposure litigation matters, involving millions of dollars hanging in the balance. Often, companies engaged in complex litigation matters will hire them to help guide them through the process. However, they do not do any family law or criminal cases. Additionally, Michael is a certified mediator, a resource their firm utilizes for Alternative Dispute Resolutions.

Shelice shares something she saw missing in the black community: individuals being educated about transferring wealth and properties and estate planning. “There is a huge misconception that our people have about estate planning. Many believe that you must have millions of dollars to plan out your estate. When they hear that word, they become intimidated by it or think something else; when really you are just being smart about planning for the future of your family and planning generational wealth, whether it’s through keeping your home in the family or designating what you want to be done upon your passing. When it’s not talked about it can create emotional havoc amongst family members. It can be easily taken care of when you plan ahead,” she says.

Michael and Shelice are proud to share that Tolbert & Tolbert is a Christian-based firm. “We openly pray in our office. We have scripture everywhere,” he says. Their mission statement is Christian-based as well. “Our mission is to honor God by rendering compassionate litigation services to businesses, organizations, and individuals”.

Michael says their mission statement is placed in two strategic places in their office; one in the front of the office and the other one at the back door. “It’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see before you leave. It’s a constant reminder of who your source is, which is God and not man. That is what inspires me, knowing that I have a God who has blessed me enough to have a wife and family who cares about me and be able to have a successful business and help people in our community. We are doing what we love in a community that we love and loves us back. The Gary community helped to raise and nurture us, and now we are able to return the love.”

For Shelice, she says her inspiration comes from her desire to help people. Whether through the law, community service, or education, Shelice believes her purpose in being created and placed in Gary is to help people. “Even if one person is affected by what we do, we have done our job, and we are blessed.”

Being connected to their hometown gives the Tolberts a unique opportunity to address the needs of their neighbors. “A lot of people look at our city negatively.

When I first went away to college, many people connected me with being from the “murder capital,” and people from Gary weren’t able to achieve things. In actuality, that was

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definitely not the case. We have very intelligent, productive, hardworking folks coming out of our city. That is something I had to grapple with, but it’s one of the main reasons I came to Gary, the place where I am from and continue to help build up the place where I am from. When I was younger, I didn’t realize my purpose, but now that I am older, it all adds up.

When I was a child, there was never a time when I didn’t have food to eat. My mother, Shirley Winfrey, always made sure we had what we needed, whether I knew what it took to have it. At the same time, I felt I had an obligation to return to Gary and put everything I had received back into the community,” she says.

That narrative that was spoken to Shelice in college has been a source of motivation for her and Michael. As they’ve built their law practice, they’ve only placed billboards that read (Straight Out of Gary) within the city of Gary. That move is strategic; they want to encourage young people, particularly that you can come from here and be something. They want to let people know that Gary produced these magnificent, productive, successful people. “We want people to know that God has created something in each of us. We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from. You can live up to what God has created you to do,” Shelice says.

Confirming what his wife has shared, Michael says his testimony is of a young black kid who grew up in an area where the odds said he wouldn’t make it. “In the 80s and early 90s, Gary was a really tough place to grow up. We were blessed to have families that gave us a lot of guidance and structure that allowed us to bypass the pitfalls many of our friends fell victim to, such as the crack epidemic and the aids epidemic. Through all of that, I was able to go to college, get a degree and finish law school, and return to the same streets I was told I would never get out of. When I run into friends who didn’t take the same path, it is a stark reminder that one bad decision could have caused my life to be completely different. Every day, I thank God for blessing me with my father, Matthew Tolbert, who taught me how to make good decisions,” Michael says.

For those who may follow in their footsteps, the Tolberts offer some advice. “Always believe in something. Pray to God for what you want and speak what you want. Be positive and stay encouraged. Just because there is a bump in the road, or things are not happening the way you would like for them to, “it doesn’t mean that it’s not meant for you. Stay the course and persevere. Things will get hard sometimes, but if they weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it,” they shared.

In the future, Michael and Shelice have plans to grow their law firm in the Gary community and give other lawyers, African American lawyers, a chance to practice law. They hope to have about 10-15 lawyers at their firm in the next five to ten years. The Tolbert’s have also launched a successful podcast entitled “Married People’s Business” aimed at highlighting positive married couples and partners in business. The podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and other popular platforms. More than anything, they want to be a blessing and example for others.

“We want people to know that God has created something in each of us.

We all can shine and we all have a gift. It doesn’t matter where you are from.”

Shelice Tolbert

Tolbert & Tolbert Attorneys At Law 1085 Broadway Suite B Gary, IN 46402 www.tolbertlegal.com (219) 427-0094

To learn more about Tolberts & Tolberts Attorneys At Law, please visit their website. h

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Indianapolis - March/April 2022

I am

Lenita Campbell

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lenita Campbell Lenita Campbell is a pastor’s wife, mother of two beautiful girls, and one son, Lenita was born and raised in Southern California but now resides in the midwestern town of Gary, IN. Lenita is also a savvy businesswoman and leads a notary public company called Nita Notary, LLC. While serving the Greater Northwest Indiana area, Lenita offers Loan Signing Service, Mobile Notary Service, Remote Online Notary Service, I-9, and Photo Inspections, and office support to various businesses. “I am professional and friendly while working with everyone involved. Furthermore, I understand the demands and pressure associated with being a notary, and I promise to return every document signed as soon as possible,” she says.

Lenita provides services to title companies, law offices, and more with her Loan Signing Service. Her main focus is to ensure her clients receive closing documents signed without any missing signatures, initials, or dates. Her Remote Online Notarization (RON) component is a notarial act performed electronically via audiovisual by a notary and does not require a physical appearance in front of the notary.

Lenita says Remote Online Notarizations are convenient and secure. “Your document can be notarized in the safety and privacy of your own home. All you need is some form of identification (a government-issued ID with a photo), the document(s) you need notarized, an email address, a device such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer,” she shares.

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“I am professional and friendly while working with everyone

involved. Furthermore, I understand the demands and pressure associated with being a notary, and I promise to return every document signed as soon as possible.”

Lenita earned a bachelor’s degree in Business at Liberty University in 2018, and she has ten years of experience in mortgage service. She has obtained both NNA and LSS certifications and a Title Producer’s License, and her services are bonded and insured.

Nita Notary LLC was formed through the encouragement of one of Lenita’s former coworkers. She says they would always encourage her to become a notary so that she would be able to complete real estate closings. “We both worked in Mortgage Servicing for over ten years.

I was familiar with all of the loan documents, and she pushed me to go for it. After two years of her trying to get me to do it, I finally applied for my commission and got all the necessary training, certifications, and licensing to become a Loan Signing Agent(LSA)/Notary Signing Agent(NSA),” she says. Lenita has been operating as a commissioned notary since December 2020 and an LSA/NSA since January 2021.

Lenita says most people do not realize the importance of a notary’s job until they need one.

Still, she loves helping people and seeing her clients’ relief once they finally get their documents signed and notarized to finalize their transactions.

Lenita says she is inspired by the love and support of her family. On the other hand, she admits that finding a family-work balance is a huge challenge. “I must be present with my family,” she says.

As the demand for her services grows, Lenita plans to diversify her business by adding Mobile Ink Fingerprinting and Apostilles. One thing is for sure, there will always be a need for notary services, and Lenita will be prepared to meet those needs.

To learn more about Nita Notary Services LLC, please visit their website. h

Nita Notary LLC www.Nita-Notary.com 219-801-4887

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Re-elect for Guilford County Sheriff

By Marrissa Dick Photos by Still Shots Photography Election time is nearing again and that means the citizens of Guilford County will cast their ballots for sheriff on May 17, 2022. During this primary election, citizens will be critically reflective of all campaign promises and weigh the checks and balances of their current elected officials. One office that will be reexamined is the Sheriff’s Office.

It is important for all citizens to know that the Sheriff’s Office is interwoven into America’s democratic society.

Citizens should understand that the Sheriff is a law enforcement officer who is directly responsible to the citizens in the counties in which he or she serves. The Sheriff’s Office is not a county government; instead, it is the independent office through which the Sheriff exercises the powers of the public’s trust. No individual or small group hires or fires the Sheriff or has the authority to interfere with the operations of the office. One of the most important facts that people should know is that all elected sheriffs are accountable directly to the constitution of their state, the United States Constitution, local statutes, and to the citizens of their county. As primary elections near the citizens of Guilford County will have a watchful eye on the new candidates vying for the seat of Sheriff as well as reviewing the promises made by the current Sheriff, Danny H. Rogers.

Read on as Sheriff Rogers reminds the citizens of the pledges, he made four years ago and shares the new plans he has to further enhance the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Rogers shares, “I’m glad that I have an opportunity to speak about the Sheriff’s Office as I complete my first four years of being sheriff. This has been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I’ve learned so much doing this job and just when I think I have it down something else comes along to remind me that there is always going to be something new and interesting to learn and I’m grateful for that process because it all just keeps me on my toes. I’m grateful that God has entrusted me with this position because I couldn’t do any of it without Him. Daily I ask Him to keep my deputies safe, but I also ask Him to reveal to me how I can make a difference in the communities we serve.” Titus 3:1-2 reminds us, “that we should be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” These are the principles that

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Sheriff Rogers strives towards daily, and it is evident by his constituents that he has made a progressive change within the Sheriff’s Office as well as within the communities that he has made “a positive change for all Guilford County citizens”.

When Sheriff Rogers was elected in 2018 his primary focus was to restore agency accountability, accreditation, create safer outcomes with community policing, rebuild law enforcement and citizen relationships, saving tax dollars through recidivism reduction, reduce officer attrition rates, and develop equitable employment practices.

It suffices to say that Sheriff Danny H. Rogers has honored his 2018 commitments. For example, the Sheriff’s Office received full accreditation on November 19, 2021, from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). This agency has been in existence since 1979 and is a credentialing authority, based in the United States, whose primary mission is to accredit public safety agencies, namely law enforcement agencies. This accreditation is essential because it brings continued training to the Sheriff’s Office and that training can be utilized in the community, especially with the current climate of cases like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery which touched the hearts and minds of people all over the world, but also the citizens of Guilford County.

According to Sheriff Rogers, “We had civil unrest behind Mr. Floyd, Mr. Arbery, and Ms. Taylor. Most people were very concerned about how these events would touch our counties. When the civil unrest did come our way, we were as prepared as we could be because of the training we had.

There was a lot going on in Greensboro and High Point and unfortunately, there was some property loss, but I’m very grateful that it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.”

Sheriff Rogers is grateful for the Community Resource Unit (CRU) which has been enhanced significantly since he became sheriff. “This unit was already in place, but it wasn’t very viable within the community. When I came into office, I enhanced it by employing more empowered deputies throughout all of Guilford County. We have a presence at most events in the city as well as in rural sections of the county. Prior to this enhancement citizens were not accustomed to seeing the Sheriff’s Office unless they called us for help. Now our presence is there to support the community and our presence often deters offenders. The Sheriff’s Office is not here to just incarcerate people. We’re here to help make a difference and the CRU teams help with that cause. Our citizens understand that we are here to be of service to them and I believe they really appreciate our support.”

Not only has Sheriff Rogers enhanced training programs for his deputies and has intense communication with its’ community partners he has also instituted the Sheriff’s Community Roundtable, (SCR), where they discuss what’s happening in different communities. These discussions are beneficial because it helps reduce drug and gun violence, sex trafficking, domestic violence, and break-ins. He shares, “We work collaboratively with the community to find effective ways to eradicate these things. Has it all stopped? No, it hasn’t, but what I will say is that through the roundtable meetings a lot of these issues have decreased.”

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“Our office has grown significantly, especially within our Law Enforcement, Detention Services, and Civilian departments. The Sheriff’s Office is now more diverse than it has ever been. Our numbers have increased to include all mankind. This is something the office never had before.

I’m big on diversity because it’s important for people to see diverse representation.”

One other program that has significantly been revamped is the Re-Entry Program. Sheriff Rogers shares, “We have instituted a broader and better vision to the Sheriff’s Office with our Re-Entry Program. This program helps us reach those individuals who are going against the grain before they become incarcerated. We do this by addressing educational needs with our GED, drug addiction, and job readiness programs. Then we’re here once they have served their time and come back out into society. Once people serve their time they shouldn’t have to come out and be penalized again. If they are unable to get housing or gainful employment what else are they going to do? The ex-offender will resort to unlawful ways of having their basic needs met. They need to feel like a viable part of the community especially when they have a change of heart and mind. The Re-Entry Program only works when stakeholders reach out and give them hope and I am grateful that we have area businesses willing to extend that much needed hand. Believe me, I do understand that people want to know who they are living and working around, but once they have served their time, they still deserve the opportunity to become a viable part of society again, so they don’t have to revisit prison and use our tax dollars to support them.” The Sheriff’s Office has also instituted a Food Pantry Program, a Toys and Coats Program, and Fill the School Bus Program. Some of these programs were already in place, but it is under Sheriff Rogers leadership that these programs are now accessible and beneficial for all communities.

Another enhancement to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office has been the intake of diverse deputies. Since Sheriff Rogers tenure he has significantly increased the number of sworn and non-sworn detention officers and law enforcement deputies that are more equitable and representative of the communities in which they serve. Sheriff Rogers shared that initially, it was hard to maintain qualified deputies due to the low annual salaries, but now with help from administration, they have been able to increase the pay rate. He also shared that both men and women from all walks of life are invited to apply to the Sheriff’s Office as long as they are qualified, can pass the background test, and are legal citizens of the United States. Sheriff Rogers is a firm believer that law enforcement should be representative of the communities in which they serve. He shares, “Prior to my serving as Sheriff there was a severe lack of diversity within the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Our office has grown significantly, especially within our Law Enforcement, Detention Services, and Civilian departments. The Sheriff’s Office is now more diverse than it has ever been. Our numbers have increased to include all mankind. This is something the office never had before. I’m big on diversity because it’s important for people to see diverse representation.” Sheriff Rogers is proud that under his leadership diversity is steadily on the rise. Currently, his sworn deputies are comprised of African Americans, American Indians, Arabians, Asians, Hispanics/Latino, and Whites. Sheriff Rogers looks forward to the day when every nation and culture can be representative of the Sheriff’s Office.

What other changes has Guilford County benefited from Sheriff Rogers being at the helm? He shares, “I have a Special Enforcement Team, (SET), and they focus on the drugs coming through the highways and backroads. Within three years we have taken close to $12 million dollars in drugs off the street. And most times these crimes are not from people who even live in our communities. We are also working on our Real Time Crime Center, (RTCC). This Center will really help us solve crimes. Now that so many people have real-time video like Ring, they can provide us with that video feed needed to help us solve crimes much quicker. The RTCC can be even more effective if the community will submit that video feed. You know

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you can talk all day, but the rubber meets the road with that viable and creditable video or phone call. You know I listen to people talk about defunding the police, but I do not agree with that concept. I tell people all the time that we don’t want to defund the police; instead, you want to reform the police and the way to do that is through continual diversity training because understanding people from different walks of life is important. Another thing I advocate for within the Sheriff’s Office is mental health wellness. As the Sheriff I’ve seen things that are gut wrenching and so have my deputies.

So, I am a proponent for counseling. We must learn how to deal with what we see daily because we’re human beings. I don’t want my deputies internalizing any negative emotions, so counseling is essential and not frowned upon within the office. I certainly advocate for counseling, self-care, and spending quality time with family. You know I am not a oneman show. I have a phenomenal upper-level command team and I have a phenomenal group of experienced men and women who serve beside me. Together we all are making a difference in Guilford County.”

As you can see, Sheriff Rogers has more than maintained his campaign promises to the citizens of Guilford County.

He has enhanced the Sheriff’s Office by strengthening relationships with the court system on all levels; he has increased salaries; he has hired an unprecedented amount of qualified and culturally diverse deputies, and he has restructured old programs while simultaneously initiating new ones that benefit the community. He shares, “You know the Sheriff’s Office is set apart from other law enforcement agencies because we are directly accountable to the citizens.

Well, I believe that I have been accountable, and I also have the experience needed to further this office, so it works to the benefit of all not just some. Real talk, I stopped by K&W for dinner one evening and I held the door open for this little fragile woman and she said, ‘Thank you, baby.’ Then she really looked at me and said, ‘You’re the Sheriff, aren’t you?’ I said yes, ma’am, I am, I’m Danny, and she said, ‘Good to meet you, Sheriff. I bet you didn’t know you had a lot of white Grand Ma’s praying for you.’ And I thanked her and her friends for their prayers. That short conversation gave me chills because she didn’t have to share that with me. I could see the sincerity in her eyes. I am so grateful for all the prayers for me and my deputies because we can’t do this job without the prayers or without God. Real talk I love what I do. This has been the greatest experience in my life because it has made me a better person overall. Being the sheriff means you’re a servant of the people. You’re not serving yourself or looking for power and privilege. I do this job effectively because I won’t be a puppet for anyone, but I will be the sheriff for everyone. I genuinely believe in Guilford County and the relationships that the Sheriff’s Office have fostered within the communities we serve.”

If you would like to continue seeing “A Positive Change for All Guilford County Citizens” then join the 2022 campaign to re-elect Danny H. Rogers as Guilford County Sheriff on May 17, 2022. You can visit www.dhrogers4sheriff.com or follow his campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. h

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Information And Photos Provided By The Legacy Foundation 100% Stars accepted into college. 89% Golds completed their freshmen year of college. 28 college acceptance letters. $96,000 in scholarships, and 3 Honors Program offers, is what the young women in The Legacy Foundation’s achieved during The Legacy Foundation’s inaugural year, in the midst of Covid and in the midst of Founder & Executive Director’s LaCrystal Davis’ health challenges that began shortly after their launch in July 2020.

LaCrystal, a native of East Greensboro (Dudley Heights), first knew that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of young women when she was a junior at Dudley High School.

There was a girl in middle school that she knew, whom was constantly making detrimental decisions. This pulled at LaCrystal’s heart to want to work with young women in helping shape the trajectory of their future. LaCrystal attended North Carolina A&T where she majored in Social Work.

Shortly after graduating college, she was afforded the opportunity to work for 14 years assisting high school students with their college goals, life skills, and basic needs.

LaCrystal began working on The Legacy Foundation, Inc (TLF) in 2018. She wanted a name that represented the purpose of the organization, as well her heart in creating it. She prayed about it and one day out of the blue, God dropped in her spirit “Legacy”. When she heard “Legacy” she KNEW that was it!

LaCrystal planned to launch TLF in 2021, but after feeling it was time for a shift, she left her job at the end of the 20192020 school year and launched TLF in July 2020.

The Legacy Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is designed to provide services to college-bound high school Senior young women and mentor them until they reach the age of 25. It was founded on the belief that young women, no matter their background, deserves an opportunity to become successfully in life and have financial means that will allow them to access elusive resources for their future family. TLF’s aim is to remove any barriers that will prevent their students from being able to graduate college and achieve their career goals.

The Legacy Foundation’s mission is to provide programs that will develop college, career, social, and financial readiness in the lives of the young women that they serve and vision is to empower their young women in creating a legacy of generational wealth. TLF serves their college young women through their Gold Program and their high school seniors through their Star Program. They navigate their Golds through college administrative challenges and Stars through the college application process.

At the very end of October 2020, just a few short months after TLF’s launch, LaCrystal was hospitalized. It was revealed during her hospitalization that she had fibroids and blood clots in her lungs. She took 5 weeks off from The Legacy Foundation to recuperate. Thankfully, most of the Stars had completed their college applications and financial aid. January 2021, her results came back showing that the blood clots had dissolved and in February 2021, LaCrystal had surgery to have

her fibroids. She took 8 weeks off, but was still available to her students when needed. After returning from surgery, her and her students she was able to pick up where she left off.

The Legacy Foundation is thankful to those that invest in the lives of their students. Through partnerships and donations, their young women receive school supplies, dorm room items, assistance with college associated fees, scholarships, guest speakers that host college prep, career development, and life skills workshops, and has future plans to expose their students to college tours, cultural experiences, and social events.

LaCrystal is most inspired by her late mother, Oneater PeeleDavis, who passed away when she was 11. She gives credit to her mother for being one of the reasons why she is passionate about young women receiving an education. Her mother was a stayat-home mom that instilled in her the importance of having an education and what she didn’t know at the time is that she was planting a legacy in her that would one day give birth to The Legacy Foundation.

To learn more about The Legacy Foundation’s work, please visit their website. www.thelegacyfoundationinc.org h

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Laced Kreationz, LLC

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Jhenelle Bagley In an era where online megastores determine how consumers shop, there is little room for small to medium-sized retailers to exist. Also, without adequate capital, marketing, and representation, most businesses won’t survive long. Yet, one savvy businesswoman is proving that good, old-fashioned hard work does pay off.

Jhenelle Bagley is the owner of Laced Kreationz, LLC. Originally from Miami, FL, but now residing in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Jhenelle confesses she is a proud Floridian. She is a wife and mother of three.

In addition to being an entrepreneur, she works as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Laced Kreationz specializes in personalized gifts and apparel. Jhenelle shares that Laced Kreationz started as a hobby in 2019 merely to relieve the stress and hypertension she was being affected by. She’s always been creative and sort of artsy but never imagined using her gift beyond the realms of a hobby. That all changed when she designed a personalized bottle of water on a whim. Next, she took it to work, and to her surprise, everyone loved it. Orders came flooding in, she says. “Even though I had just started, one coworker wrote me a check for $300 and trusted me to create their family cruise shirts. I was so excited to get them done.

I delivered on my end of the deal, and I’ve been booked ever since.”

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Some of the products Laced Kreationz offers are t-shirts and bath towels. They also offer screen print designs, DTF (direct to film), and vinyl options, as well as Glittered Tumblers, Swag Bag goodies, and promotional items. Jhenelle says tablecloths and personalized infant apparel are her best sellers. “If it can be printed using sublimation, Jhenelle says she can accomplish it.”

Jhenelle has a genuine love for helping others, whether in her CNA capacity or through her business. “I have encountered some amazing women on this journey who are goal-driven, motivated, positive and securing bags while genuinely being themselves. Those are the types of people who inspire me,” she says.

Challenges in business happen at all levels, it doesn’t matter the size of the structure, and for Laced Kreationz, this also applies.

“There are so many challenges I’ve had to overcome while being an entrepreneur: finances, relationship fallouts, inventory shortages, and more. I’ve survived because I have learned to just roll with the punches and do my best to stay motivated,” she says.

Though relatively new in her business journey, there is only one thing Jhenelle says she would have done differently. “I wish I would have taken time to formulate a business plan fully. Other than that, I believe everything that has transpired so far was meant for me, including the failures and successes,” she says.

The future looks bright for Laced Kreationz. Under the leadership of Jhenelle, things will only continue to prosper. She hopes to open up a storefront eventually and offer same-day print services. It’s going to happen for sure, and Jhenelle will be ready for it.

To learn more about Laced Kreationz, please h visit their website.

Jhenelle Bagley Laced Kreationz LLC www.lacedkreationz.com 904-518-9212

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Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness 30

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Aja Cavin Aja Cavin describes herself as a hardworking, dedicated, and devoted mother and entrepreneur. “I am a healer of the community and a child of God,” she says.

Professionally, she is the lead Massage Therapist and Owner of Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness. Their motto is “We Care About Self Care”. Aja says they strive to provide an amazing service while also educating their clients on various healthy self-care practices.

Located in Alsip, IL, Aja and her team provides relaxation, therapeutic, and clinical massage. “We cater to clients who need to escape and get a piece of mind through relaxation massage. We also cater to clients who need therapeutic work, which addresses the deeper muscles to help relieve pain. Additionally, our services help clients fix or correct their muscle deviation or range of motion,” she says.

The idea of Rejuvenated Soul appears to have happened on purpose. In 2017, Aja quit her corporate job as a Personal Banker for Chase Bank. She shares she wanted to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the best massage therapists in the world. In October of the same year, she enrolled in The Soma Institute in downtown Chicago and studied Clinical Massage. There she received in-depth studies on Pathology, Kinesiology, Anatomy, and Physiology. After the 11-month program concluded, Aja took her state licensing exam (MBLEX) and passed on her first try. “Once I received my license, I began taking individual clients and provided services at their homes or other locations. I showed them how to properly relax and helped them with their aches and pains. As time went on, my business grew to the point where I had needed help to meet the demand,” she says.

In July 2021, Aja opened her very own practice and hasn’t looked back.

Aja’s toughness can be traced back to her upbringing.

She grew up in a family of six and is the third sibling of four. “I was the rebel of the family. I always marched to the beat of my own drum and did things my way. I have a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset regarding achieving goals and getting things done. This mindset keeps me grounded and focused,” Aja says.

Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness happened because of Aja’s love for helping people with aches and pains and as a means to create a safe space and job opportunity for other therapists. Her team now consists of three amazing therapists and a network of other independent massage therapists, including mobile therapists who can serve clients all over the Chicagoland area.

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In Aja’s line of work, there is never a dull moment. She often has the opportunity to meet and help many different people from all walks of life. She shares that is something she loves most about her business. “I love helping others get more in tune with their body while educating them on a variety of useful self-care practices. I also love building business relationships with my clients. That is so important because they trust me with the most important part of them; their body.”

Along the way, there have been some challenges that Aja has faced. She says, “Before going to massage school, I would massage people just because I had the skill to do it. I didn’t necessarily have the knowledge of the body. My mom then encouraged me to attend school to become more professional and knowledgeable about bodywork. That was very valuable advice because I learned that working with someone’s body can be very dangerous, especially if you don’t know if they are suffering from a certain condition.”

Gaining clientele and marketing was also a challenge Aja faced. She started working primarily with family and friends but realized she couldn’t grow her practice by those means alone. She had to think of strategic ways to get other clients, and one was (word of mouth) and building rapport with clients. She also promoted her services via social media and surrounded herself with other experienced therapists and business owners with the intention to learn how to be a better businesswoman and massage therapist. That strategy paid off.

www.rejuvenatedsoulllc.com 872-903-3873

Aja says she is inspired by her late grandmother Alma Jones. “She was my biggest supporter and influencer who kept me grounded to continue pursuing massage. Growing up and watching her as an entrepreneur (hairstylist) drove me to follow in her footsteps. While I took steps to pursue my dreams, my grandmother passed before seeing my business grow. I wanted to continue in her honor and show her that her little “A” will use the gift she always knew I had for helping others,” she shared.

As Aja continues her entrepreneurial journey, she promises to reach back and help anyone who may follow in her footsteps. Her advice to such individuals is to never give up and see things all the way through. “If you have a dream that keeps tugging on you to start, it’s tugging on you for a reason. It’s your purpose and God will keep drawing you near and aligning people until you take the steps. Understand that things will get tough but persevere and keep going.

Her future goals are to expand Rejuvenated Soul to other cities outside of Chicago and create more job opportunities for upcoming therapists. “I look forward to adding more modalities outside of massage and giving my community a variety of wellness options that will help them live a happier and healthier life,” she says.

To learn more about Rejuvenated Soul Massage and Wellness, please visit their website. h

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Bonafide Worshippers 34

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By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Patrick Bean Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – Psalm 105:2 (New International Version).

If you are a part of the church-going crowd and you enjoy singing praises to our wonderful Heavenly Father, then you need to know more about Patrick Bean & The Bonafide Worshippers. This apostolic gospel group was birthed from the dream of Forrest City, AR native Patrick Bean. “I am a church boy who loved music,” said Bean. “I grew up in church and spent most of my free time listening to and dreaming of becoming a gospel singer like Donald Lawrence and Ricky Dillard. I started pursuing this passion alongside my brother and three other cousins when we formed a family youth ensemble when I was like five years old. I also started singing in my family’s church choir and became a praise and worship leader at a very young age.”

Although he would take a break from music for a brief period, God would keep the dream of bringing his worshipful music to all who need it. “It was funny that while I was taking a step back from music ministry, to enjoy spending time with my new bride, God birthed a new dream in my heart to start a gospel group,” said Bean.

“After sitting down with the pastor, I knew that this dream was going to become a reality.”

While it would take some time to find all the key players that would one day form a heavenly choir, the dream that God had placed in Bean’s heart began to take shape within a few months. “While I would like to tell you that everything fell into place easily, that was not the case,” said Bean. “As a matter of fact, it would take months of researching and sending inquiries to other gospel musicians/singers to find out if they would be interested in forming a group of apostolical worshippers,” said Bean. “Fortunately, God began opening doors, and people started agreeing to join my wife and me from all over, including Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, and Illinois.”

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Before long, this group of God-given performers from around the Midwestern United States were rehearsing and performing at churches, conferences, stage plays, and going on tour with gospel musicians like Chrystal Rucker, Evangelist Andrew Johnson, famed Pastor Tim Rogers, and Leandra Johnson. “It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music,” said Bean. While the Gospel group that was once a dream inside a young man’s heart began their claim to fame by singing gospel songs that were made famous by a few of Bean’s mentors, it would not take long before the Lord led this lover of worship music towards writing his own gospel tunes. “I will never forget my brother pulling me aside and telling me that if I wanted to build my and this group’s brand, then I needed to start writing my own songs. It’s funny because shortly after this, our group held a rehearsal where our first original single called “Finish The Work” came to life,” he said.

Following this single, Bean and his Bonafide Worshippers have written and released two singles, including their recent single taking the gospel world by storm – “Something’s About To Happen” and one full album. As this Contemporary Gospel Group continues to follow the path that God has laid out for them, what does the future look like for Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers?

“It has been an amazing experience. I have always loved music, and found my first love for the church in music.”

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“We have our second album coming out in the next two or three months, and I can see this one charting since our new/ lead single is being played regularly on various Christian radio stations and is even charting,” said Bean. “I am hoping that, with the help of my Heavenly Father, I and others in this group can become full-time artists so that we can bring God’s music to places like Italy, England, Africa, and throughout the world.”

Productions of Patrick Bean and the Bonafide Worshippers on popular online music outlets, including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube. You can also find out more about Bean and his worshippers on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. h

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Santia Creative Styles Salon

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Cazualtee Santia describes herself as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister-friend, and of course, a hairstylist.

“I’m a woman who wears many hats, and I look good while doing it,” she says. Originally a native and resident of Washington, D.C., Santia moved to Pensacola eight years ago after her husband, Jonathan, job placed them there.

Natural Hair Care and making others feel beautiful about themselves is her expertise. “I truly care about the health of my clients’ scalp and hair. I listen to their concerns and offer solutions and treatments that will work best for them,” she says.

While enjoying the success of Creative Styles Salon Spa, Santia decided to change the dynamics of her business model. In 2017, she stepped out on faith and launched her own natural hair care product line that includes shampoos, conditioners, tonics, and lemongrass butter. The reviews have been stunning.

One client shared, “I’ve always used hair tonic while sporting a short hairstyle. I decided in September 2019 to use Santia’s products because I wanted to let my hair grow. The results have been amazing, and some people are doing head turns, not thinking it’s me. My hair smells good, and it’s so soft. People often ask to touch it. I am so pleased with my hair growth.”

Santia’s products are available online and in various stores in Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, and Pensacola.

What Santia loves most about styling hair she shares is connecting with new people and providing confidence and encouragement. She also credits her aunt, who recently passed away for impacting her life and career.

Like most business owners, Creative Styles Salon Spa has been affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.

Santia says when the virus arrived in Pensacola, she had to close her salon. However, being the wise businesswoman that she is, she was able to offset her losses with the online sales of her hair products. She survived, proving that her brand is her to stay.

In the future, Santia says she plans to distribute her products to more stores and open other hair salons throughout the region. Her advice to others who may follow the same path she has is never to give up.

“Obstacles will come, but you have to keep pushing,” she shares.

www.creativestylessalon.com

To learn more about Santia and Creative Styles Salon Spa, please visit either of their locations in Pensacola, Fl, or visit their website. h

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Wynter Rose The daughter of Christopher and Latisha

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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www.pogrooming.com

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