Nov./Dec. 2024 Vol. 2 Issue 10
God Doesn’t Expect For You To Do it All
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
Regardless of what anyone else says, I am a natural introvert. Amazingly, I publish a magazine and talk to people, many of who are strangers, and yet I find comfort in not saying anything. However, God often creates scenarios that push me out of my comfort zone. Whether He calls for me to speak to a group of young minds or even a large audience, with obedience, I must meet the assignment. I appreciate each opportunity as they have opened my mind to accepting the assistance for my destiny.
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?
Ask anyone who really knows me, and they will tell you that I am someone who tries to do a lot on my own. I don’t know why; maybe it has something to do with the way my brain is programmed. Yet, with managing the assignment of the company I run, God has frequently reminded me that He doesn’t expect me to do it all by myself.
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.
While the capability of what I can do is extensive, the limits of where I am able to take the messages and voices of my community are far out of my reach. A community is only as strong as the input and participation that each member offers. The beauty in the message that God intends to bring forth is a unifying one, and I only hope that I do my part to persuade and inspire others in their journey.
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.
God has planted gifts in all of us. My gifts are mine, and whenever I am able to cross paths with others who share a similar passion, I receive that as God expects more to be done. If you see me working alone, don’t mnd me, just know that I am actually trying to find the next opportunity to connect my gifts with others.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Inquiries
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Photography Group
St. Louis, MO
The Mayor of St. Louis
Tishaura Jones
Charlotte, NC
Honoring Our Leaders
Huami Magazine Community Awards
St. Louis, MO
Mastering The Art of Cheesecakes
Laresa Thompson has established herself in the communications and broadcasting industry. Charlotte, NC
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. He name is Silas Cade Gibson.
Love
Art Daisha Breona
N. Alabama Patrick Wynn
Kham’s House Kischa Howard
Mayor Tishaura Jones
The City of St. Louis
Tishaura Jones was sworn-in as the 47th mayor and the first Black female mayor in the City’s history on April 20th, 2021.
Transparency, Integrity, and Service define who she is and how she did it. Since 2012, Tishaura O. Jones has helped the City of St. Louis earn and save over $30 million and counting.
With a deep personal commitment, a wealth of experience, and a proven record of leadership, Jones started her career as a public servant in 2002 when she was appointed as Democratic Committeewoman of the 8th Ward in the City of St. Louis. A history-maker on a mission, she served two terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, and was selected as the first African American woman in Missouri history to hold the position of Assistant Minority Floor Leader. She also is the first African American woman to serve as Treasurer of St. Louis.
Mayor Jones has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Hampton University and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health. A graduate of the Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, she has served as Vice President of Public Finance for Blaylock Robert Van, LLC, an investment banking firm, as well as adjunct faculty at the Anheuser-Busch School of Business at Harris-Stowe State University.
In her tenure as Treasurer, she launched the Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE) to help St. Louisans make better financial choices, as OFE’s College Kids Program has helped over 18,000 public school students start saving through educational savings accounts. With over a million and a half dollars saved to date, these college saving accounts will help more city children get a higher education, using parking revenue, family contributions and community support
Mayor Jones’ volunteer service is as notable as her robust career accomplishments. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., her dedication to public service has earned her numerous accolades including awards from the St. Louis Coalition for Human Rights, the RCGA, and the Lupus Foundation of America. From financial empowerment to the modernizing of services, Jones has helped make city government easier to navigate, easier to participate in, and easier to understand.
She is also the proud mother of Aden.
Alisha Jones-Pickens Leads Community of Hope, St. Louis
Information and Photos provided by www.communityofhopestl.org
Allisha Jones-Pickens is the founder of Community of Hope, a non profit organization that focuses on providing social services and resources to at risk young mothers and women transitioning from prison to the community of St. Louis, MO. Alisha has accomplished a great deal while leading her organization. SHe is aan author, life coach, mentor, motivational speaker, and playwright.
At Community of Hope, we believe that the best opportunities for personal growth come from hands-on experiences. This is the inspiration behind our Community Service Programs, where we encourage our staff and volunteers to use their own experiences - good or bad - to help guide their relationships with the community; promoting transparency to develop trust. Our programs are developed with all backgrounds and skill sets in mind, providing the perfect platform to connect, learn and grow.
Our mission is to create a positive and supportive environment for young mothers ages 11-19 and expecting mothers. We believe that every mother deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we are committed to their mental health and well-being. Through our programs and services, we provide young mothers with the resources they need to become self-sufficient and confident parents.
At Community of Hope, we are dedicated to providing resources and support for positive mental health and wellness. Our goal is to empower individuals and communities to prioritize their mental and emotional wellbeing and have the tools to improve their lives.
Mike Milton
The Freedom Community Center
Information and Photos provided by www.freedomstl.org
The Freedom Community Center (FCC) is a new, Black-led organization in North St. Louis that was founded to dismantle systems of oppression that inflict harm and trauma on Black communities in St. Louis City, particularly the police and the criminal punishment system. We ground ourselves in the knowledge that the Black survivors of St. Louis have the solutions to the question: What will keep us safe? Given the resources to alleviate immediate economic needs, the space to facilitate communal healing, and the time to dream collectively of alternative approaches, our community of survivors meaningfully address harm happening in St. Louis.
Together we will work toward a future of compassion and investment not punishment and isolation. We center our work on five main principles: Collective Power, Communal Healing, True Accountability, Embracing Repair, and Nonviolence.
The Freedom Community Center’s mission is to build a movement of survivors that will meaningfully address violence in St. Louis City and collectively design alternatives to state systems of punishment. Our community will fight to end mass incarceration and advocate for transformative justice approaches to reducing harm.
Our vision is to end mass incarceration and state systems of punishment. We imagine a Beloved Community, in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where people have the power to address all forms of violence.
PatUpchurch Pat t y’s Cheescakes
By Terry L. Watson
For St. Louis, MO, native, Pat Upchurch, faith, family, friends and fulfillment are the pillars of her life. She is the CEO and founder of Patty’s Cheesecakes, also based in St. Louis, MO. Her company offers Artisan Cheesecake Desserts.
Launched in 2015, the inspiration for Patty’s Cheesecakes is connected to Pat’s grandmother’s recipe and the joy she brought to every family gathering with her delicious creations. Beginning at an early age, Pat learned to cook from her chef Dad, as her love and passion started at his side on a small step ladder. “My grandmother was a great cook and always made the best cheesecakes, as well as the best everything. When she decided to not make them anymore, she gave me her recipe and mixer,” Pat says. Soon Pat started making cheesecakes for family and friends in her kitchen just like her grandmother. As the demand grew and with the urging and prompting of loved ones, Pat ventured out to begin a food business. She began by working in a commercial kitchen at St. Louis University. Next, she worked at Creative Cookery and the Bakers Hub before opening her current location at the City Foundry Food Hall in St. Louis. Hence, the fun and great adventure in the cheesecake world began.
Photos Provided by Pat Upchurch
Pat says there is no idea or creation that is too far-fetched. There is the Cranberry White Chocolate, Apple Pie, Banana Pudding, Strawberry, Chocolate Chip, Gingersnap Cookie, the Original, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, and more. Their most popular item is the Petite Cheesecakes. Pat says, “I found a mini cheesecake pan that could make a dozen cakes at a time. I started making little cheesecakes and that took on a life of itself.” Additionally, two of their fan favorites and best sellers are the Banana Pudding and Gooey Butter Cake Cheesecakes.
Pat has thirty-seven (37) years of professional experience, which includes 19 years of experience specializing in nonprofit, client services, training, program development, leadership development, crisis intervention, case management, crisis counseling, parent and family training, volunteer services, resource coordination, and administration. Additionally, she has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and food industry. She is married to her loving husband, Ahdon, and they have a wonderful son, David. When she has a little free time, she enjoys helping others practically, especially around a great meal.
Just like many small business owners , Pat has endured a few challenges along her journey. One she says has been scaling from one stage to another. This process, she says, involved adjusting and changing their processes and workflow. “We learned and are still learning how to adapt to growth,” she says. Staffing has also been challenging for Pat. Again, she has been able to adjust and change her processes and workflow in response to the highs and lows of staffing.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Pat says it’s being a part of people’s everyday life and special celebrations. While she credits her parents and grandmother for having the biggest impact on her life, she appreciates the support and love from mentors who she says has been impactful in work and business.
For those who may follow in her footsteps, Pat offers the following advice. “Walk in/know your purpose; know your (why). Be authentically yourself. Also, have fun and work hard. Most importantly, take care of yourself holistically. Also, get or build a support system and network. And finally, when challenges arise, return to your (why).”
Looking ahead, Pat shares that she plans to expand her retail business and wholesale partnerships. “Our business has three areas: retail, wholesale and catering/events/weddings. We are in 33 grocery stores in the St. Louis metro area and in several restaurants and hospital cafes,” she says.
If you are in the St. Louis area, stop by Patty’s Cheesecakes and enjoy Pat’s delicious creations. You will not be disappointed.
of North Alabama Boys & Girls Club
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Patrick Wynn
Patrick Wynn is the Chief Executive Officer of The Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama. The areas the organization serves are Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Athens, Ardmore, and Pineville, AL.
The mission of the organization is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The organization’s code says, “I believe in God and the right to worship according to my own faith and religion. I believe in America and the American way of life, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe in fair play, honesty, and sportsmanship. I believe in my Boys & Girls Club, which stands for these things.”
Born and raised in Huntsville, AL, Patrick attended and graduated from Southern Mississippi University. After college, he returned to Huntsville to provide leadership to the community that helped to raise him. “I felt like I had a real tangible role model in my mom, Janice Fletcher. She was a single parent, worked, went to college, and raised three kids. I was able to avoid many of the pitfalls that many of my friends endured due to how she raised and provided for us,” he says.
Coming back to Huntsville is something that Patrick believes he was destined to do. For 26 years, Patrick has worked with the Boys & Girls Club. For the last 16 years, he has served as the organization’s CEO. In his role, Patrick is charged with setting a vision and leading the organization. He adds, “I am required to work with our Board of Directors to ensure that fiscal responsibility and policies and procedures are intact. Ensuring safety and the quality of our program is one of my primary objectives. One thing that I learned is that many people in our community are familiar with the name of the Boys and Girls Club, but many are not aware of the depth of our organization. It is my goal to educate others about our depth and how vital we are to the communities that we serve.”
By design, Boys & Girls Clubs work in and with communities where there is a void of males, fathers, mentors, and role models. These could be rural communities, low-income communities, Indian bases, and military bases. The organization provided essential care for the young people there. The care in mind may consist of education and career development, workforce readiness, ACT prep, public speaking, arts and crafts, drivers’ education, and more.
Photos
“I believe that I am successful in my role as CEO because I can relate to those that we serve. I have walked the same path they have. With the help and guidance of God, along with a very special mom, I was able to navigate through tumultuous situations that exist in the areas where I grew up.”
Patrick says that he is a firm believer that there is no coincidence. “I believe that God aligned the stars for me to work at the Boys and Girls Club,” he says. Before coming there, Patrick worked as a Therapeutic Group Counselor, and a high school teammate informed him about opportunities at the Boys & Girls Club. “I was ready to get out of my role as a Therapeutic Group Counselor because I felt that wasn’t serving my community.”
What Patrick says he loves most about what he does is the opportunity to work with young people. “I see myself in each kid that walks through our doors. Again, I was a product of single parenting, and I also grew up in public housing, and even more, my mother was a teenage parent. I believe that I am successful in my role as CEO because I can relate to those that we serve. I have walked the same path they have. With the help and guidance of God, along with a very special mom, I was able to navigate through tumultuous situations that exist in the areas where I grew up. I was able to excel despite being in disadvantaged circumstances. Amazingly, I never felt disadvantaged because of the guidance that I had. I believe that God put me in those situations so that I can help the people that I do today.”
As the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, Patrick shares that he has faced a few challenges and has found ways to overcome them. “Being an African American and wearing a CEO title in the nonprofit space, I have always strived to help people understand that this is a business,” he says. “When I first began, my goal was to understand the business aspect of the organization, and I surrounded myself with people who ran companies. There have been people who have taught me some things and may not realize they have. I am inquisitive by nature, and I ask questions because I want to learn. Over 26 years, I have won many awards, but if you come to my office, you will not see any of them. They are in boxes because I feel that I haven’t arrived and that I am still hungry. I believe that when you stop learning, you stop living. That is why I continue to ask questions and pick others’ brains; I want to get better. I believe that success breeds success. If you are not watching what other successful people are doing, then you don’t want to be successful. I want to pick up successful habits and be the best version of myself.”
Patrick credits many individuals with inspiring and impacting his life. Obviously, his mom has, and Patrick also credits his wife, Kecia, with whom he has shared 20 years of marriage. Together, they have three boys. “My wife is always looking for greatness.” Patrick also finds inspiration in his community. “There are things that were built to stop us from being successful, but still, we rose like a rose from concrete. There are so many people who come from our communities who didn’t begin with an advantage, but we still have found a way to succeed. That is what I love about the communities we serve. It is not about the position you hold or what you own; it is about where you come from. It is also about how many lives you’ve touched,” he says.
It is obvious that Patrick has a genuine desire to help and serve others and being in the role of CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama appears to be the perfect fit for him. When asked if there is anything that he would change about the way things have happened along his journey in life, Patrick’s response is very concise. “Your journey makes you who you are. If some of the things that happened to me hadn’t happened, I would be where I am today. I also wish I would have read more when I was a child,” he says.
Looking ahead, Patrick is eager to continue to lead the Boys & Girls Club into greater places. In 2021, he led the organization with its Comprehensive Capital Campaign. A first for them, they were able to raise $13 million dollars, and those funds are being used to build new facilities throughout North Alabama.
Patrick concludes by offering a bit of sound wisdom. “I want to be an airplane. People of great height don’t go backward. Airplanes don’t fly backward. I want to go to great heights like an airplane. We all will make mistakes, but when I make them, I write them down to ensure that it will not happen to me again,” he says.
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Daisha Maria Breona
New Dai Art Studio
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Daisha Kimbrough
Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, Daisha Kimbrough has always had an interest in art. Initially, as a young girl, she desired to be a fashion designer. However, it wasn’t until she took her first art course in high school that her art teacher encouraged Daisha to try something new, which would be painting. She says her first piece was ballet slippers and admits she didn’t take it seriously and thought it was a cool project. It wasn’t until she went through a mental health breakdown that she began to embrace her gift.
A few years ago, Daisha experienced a mental health breakdown and learned that she was bipolar. During that time, she couldn’t work, and as a result, she almost got evicted from her residence. She states the depression was overwhelming. Much of the breakdown was triggered by childhood trauma that hadn’t been addressed. Daisha says that once she found the healing, she was able to find peace.
During her mental health crisis, Daisha shared that God gave her clarity to what is important. “My family helped me with their support and patience. My therapist helped me understand my trauma and triggers so I can control and manage my bipolar. Even more, painting was something I was able to zone in on and get out creative thoughts and emotions,” she says.
Seeing how my family has developed from where they were in Jersey City has shown me that anything is possible. Their belief in me has helped me to believe in myself.
Today, Daisha owns New Dai Art Studio, and her official artist’s name is Daisha MB, which stands for Daisha Maria Breona. She says, “I really, really love it when people understand the message that I try to portray. I appreciate color, creativity, and mental stimulation and love to watch people make something out of nothing. I also love that something visual can evoke a specific emotion and make you think introspectively.”
Daisha has two siblings, one brother, and one sister, and she moved around a lot as a kid, mainly because her family was in the Air Force. She found her way to Kansas City after her parents retired there. Academically, Daisha has an Associate Degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, and a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership.
Family means everything to Daisha. She states their support has helped her understand her confidence, as well as helped to steer her in the right direction. “Seeing how my family has developed from where they were in Jersey City has shown me that anything is possible. Their belief in me has helped me to believe in myself,” she says.
Through every up and down that Daisha has experienced in life, there has been a lesson involved. She also admits that besides having more confidence in herself, there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened. “I feel like if I had more confidence in my abilities, I would be able to unlock and unleash more vulnerable emotions and messages. I believe I could help and heal somebody else. Yet, I rest knowing that it is a work in progress.”
Young, talented, and ambitious, Daisha is excited about what her future holds. Just turning 30, she is focused on building self-confidence and making strides towards owning her abilities. “I am currently working as a Donor Relationships Manager with the Metropolitan Organization to counter sexual assault (MOCSA). I am also looking forward to expanding my career in this nonprofit space. I’m excited to do more art shows and hopefully get more exposure. More than anything, I am focused on pushing myself to my emotional limits to get a message out about healing,” she says. h
Laresa
THOMPSON & BOYD COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
When you think of someone who embodies joy, creativity, and a knack for connecting with people, Laresa Thompson undoubtedly comes to mind. She’s captured hearts with her infectious energy, love for storytelling, and dedication to shining a spotlight on organizations and businesses in her community through her business, Thompson and Boyd Communications, LLC (T&B).
T&B offers a variety of services such as media and public relations, on-camera and voiceover talent, media training, writing and more.
A true “Carolina” girl, Laresa Thompson was raised in Greensboro, NC, and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from North Carolina A&T State University. Throughout her career, Laresa has held a variety of roles, including serving as the Morning Co-Host at WCCB and as a Content Producer/Reporter for Neighborhood TV (NTV). Laresa also served as the spokesperson for Charlotte Amusement Park, Carowinds, and FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company Lowe’s. She’s also been featured in two Style Blueprint articles: “FACES of Charlotte” (2017) and “The Morning Routines of 11 Successful Charlotte Women“ (2017), and was recognized as one of the Top Women of Excellence by Radio One (2016).
For over 15 years, Laresa has enjoyed a career in the broadcast and communications industry. Her roots began in her hometown of Greensboro, NC at radio station, 102.1 JAMZ. She would later work at a local television station there, WFMY News 2, before working in Charlotte and working at WCNC-TV, a television station. Laresa would pause television and find her footing working in public relations and internal communications for several companies before returning to television. Leveraging the expertise she gained through years of experience across various businesses and organizations, she built her own brand, Thompson and Boyd Communications, LLC.
Always looking for unique ways of expressing her gift of communication, Laresa is also the owner of a popular yard sign business in the Charlotte and Greensboro areas, Yardy Cardy, LLC. Yardy Cardy provides customized lawn greetings and foam parties for residential and commercial clients.
Her passion for helping others has led her to take on many volunteer roles at various organizations, including Nations Ford Community Church, Rebuilding Together of the Carolinas, Dress for Success, the Battered Women’s Shelter, and Habitat for Humanity. She professes her love for the Charlotte community and continues to serve as an emcee or host for organizations with causes she is passionate about, including those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as her alma mater.
Laresa shares that she is such a people person. She adds, “I always enjoy learning new things about people, a new store or restaurant, a company, whatever it may be. That curiosity is the reason I’m working in the field I’m in today. In many instances, when I am hired by a company, I am hired to represent them. To do that effectively, I must know who they are.”
Laresa credits her mother, Fannie Thompson, for having the most significant impact on her life. She says, “My parents divorced when I was very young, and my father died in a car crash a few years later when I was 11. That left my mother to raise three girls on her own, with the help of family, friends and church members. My mom was a schoolteacher, and she dedicated more than 30 years of her life to the classroom. While growing up, our parents were taught to go to college and get an education so you can get a good job and stay at that job until it’s time for you to retire… a way of thinking passed down to me. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this mindset; however, I do believe there’s more to life, like owning your own business… that’s a good thing too. When I started my first business, my mom was concerned, as any parent should/would be. What happens if you don’t have any customers? How will you pay your bills? Those type of questions were real”, she laughs. “Today, it’s a different story and I know my mother sees what entrepreneurship offers and what I’m able to accomplish for my own company and not someone else’s.”
Being able to travel this journey with her mother makes it all worth it, Laresa says. “She is my number one cheerleader and has always encouraged and inspired me and reminded me of who I am and what I can achieve. She sent me a note via text message that read “Have you ever looked back at all of the things you’ve done? You should be proud of yourself”. To get a note like that from my mother lets me know that she understands it now. I often reference her note as a means to remind myself of all my achievements.”
When asked if there is anything that she would change about the way things have happened along her journey, Laresa says, “Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything. By doing so, it would mean that I wouldn’t be where I am or WHO I am today. I wouldn’t have learned so many lessons, even the ones I didn’t want to learn, but needed to go through.” Laresa says she’s glad she did have those challenging times. “You grow when you’re uncomfortable.”
Looking ahead, Laresa has plans to take her brands to higher heights. She also appreciates the opportunity to care for her mother and be there when she needs her.
Our were taught to go to college and get an education so you can get a good job and stay at that job until it’s time for you to parents retire... a way of thinking that was passed down to me. h
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER SEVEN: The Measurement of Love for Mom
One of the hardest things I have experienced while caring for my mother was accepting the fact that she would forever be totally dependent on the care and assistance of others. For all of my life, I had been used to seeing her go, go, and go, and just like that, things changed. One Sunday morning, I stopped by my mother’s home to eat dinner, and the following day, I got a call that she had suffered a stroke. Things changed so fast.
Over the past eight years, I have slowly and stubbornly adapted to meeting my mother exactly where she is. Any success in my ability to adapt to these changes has been connected to my ability to find hope in her—I mean, our situation. Any opportunity that I have to make her smile, I have taken advantage of it, whether it be by saying something silly or reminding her of the things that I know she loves to hear. Seeing and feeling the joy in her smile has been therapeutic for me and her, I do believe.
For anyone who has experienced having a loved one suffer a stroke, one that was debilitating and disabling, you may understand the bucket of emotions that accompany it. My first response was to make life as normal as possible for my mother. I soon realized that would be mission impossible. My advice to others who may find themselves in this place is always to strive to make the most of each situation every day. On some days, my mother could pronounce her words more clearly than the day before. On other days, she seemed so drained from the effects of her brain injury that all she could do was rest. Regardless of what was presented, I had to find a way to prepare my mind to handle it. And I did.
When you truly love someone, the amount is impossible to quantify. It’s just love. My love for my mother is absolutely unconditional, and I am committed to being there for her needs for the rest of our days together. I have also found resolve in learning that she is really aware of my commitment to serving her, and she lets me know in her own way of appreciation.
I have been told that it’s not often that you find a man who cares for his mother as I do as a Caregiver. To be honest, I am surprised to learn that more are not showing up. I have a ton of memories, some great ones, of my mother before she suffered her stroke. However, the memories I have created while caring for her after the stroke are so much more meaningful. God has blessed me to be able to do something for someone that I feel like I owe the world to, and yet, they have never asked for anything in return. That is love. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Huami Magazine Community Awards 2025
Charlotte Marriott Center City - Charlotte, NC
We are coming to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC.
Please mark your calendars for June 7th, 2025, as the Huami Magazine Community Awards will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Following up on our first gala of 2023, we are excited for the opportunity to present Black Excellence from various parts of the Huami Magazine network, which covers more than 23 states around the country.
Community Leaders, Business Leaders, and NonProfit Organizations will be honored and recognized for the great work they have done and continue to do in their respective communities. There will also be some great speakers, good food, and entertainment. This a formal, black tie event, and one that you don’t want to miss.
The evening will begin with a Red Carpet Reception at 5:30 pm. The Gala Reception will start at 6:30pm
For more information, please call 336-340-7844. Seating is limited and group packages are available. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the link listed below. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship information, please send a detailed email to mykelmediaco@gmail.com h
www.read-huamimagazine.com/awards-gala-2025
Silas Cade Gibson
The son of Corey Gibson and S’Mia Davidson
By Terry L. Watson
More than anything, Kischa Howard is determined to keep the memory of her son, Khamron Dawson, alive. In 2019, Khamron was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma Cancer, and in 2022, he died at the young age of 20. Osteosarcoma Cancer is a bone cancer and is labeled as a childhood cancer. Having to care for her son while he battled cancer was understandably a blow that Kischa hadn’t prepared for. “I have faced many challenges in life. To watch my baby boy go through the pain of cancer and die before my eyes has been by far the hardest thing I have ever experienced,” she says.
During the time that Khamron battled cancer, the world was shut down due to COVID-19, and it made it difficult for Kischa to assist Khamron with care, mainly because he was deemed as an adult at age 18. “I worked as a cosmetologist and a part-time life insurance agent. Things were a little difficult for me, but with the love and support of her family and community, we made it work. My family, friends, organizations, and cubs pulled together financial resources to allow me to stay with my son at M.D. Anderson hospital as he received his first chemotherapy treatment. On Jan 2, 2022, Khamron passed away. It was then that I decided to give back in the same way that others had given to our family.”
In response to Khamron’s passing, Kischa started a 501C3 nonprofit organization called Kham’s House. The goal of Kham’s House is to reduce the financial strain on families who have loved ones navigating the journey of cancer and disease that require treatment through short-term lodging, hotel vouchers, food and travel expenses, and fertility clinic storage fees. They also have comfort care packages and partner with mental health professionals to provide social and mental health services.
Born in New Orleans, LA, Kischa moved her five children to Dallas, TX, after Hurricane Katrina ravished New Orleans in 2006. They also only brought three clothing outfits each. Looking forward to life in Dallas, Kischa decided to pursue higher education in 2015 to obtain my B.A. in Social Work. She started by studying at a community college and completed her studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Kischa completed her Master’s Degree studies in Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018. While pursuing higher education, Kischa’s primary income came from working as a licensed cosmetologist.
“Oftentimes, I wonder if I am doing what my life’s work and purpose is, and each time, a new opportunity presents itself. It is then that I am encouraged to keep moving forward.”
Kischa Howard
Photos Provided by Kischa Howard
Kischa shares that she finds inspiration in the strength that Khamron displayed during his cancer journey. “Khamron didn’t complain about what he was going through. Even in intense pain, his spirit was as strong as that of a lion. The day he died, the last thing he said was to his oldest sister, asking her if he did good. Her reply to him was that he did. He was always concerned about pleasing others and giving them grace even when they manipulated him,” Kischa says.
Since Khamron’s passing, Kischa has received grief therapy and grief coaching. Both, she shares, have enabled her to move into the space of actually working with her nonprofit. “Being an Executive Director for a nonprofit is new to me and can be overwhelming. I have a heart to give and do the work, but I need a team to share the responsibilities. I am challenged to obtain supporters as I try to serve any individual between the ages of 15-29 who are receiving cancer treatment or treatment for any disease,” she says.
Finding locations near a hospital to house their clients has also been challenging for Kham’s House. Kischa says, “Oftentimes, I wonder if I am doing what my life’s work and purpose is, and each time, a new opportunity presents itself. It is then that I am encouraged to keep moving forward. Days before my son died, he grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said momma, move forward.”
Currently, Kischa is seeking assistance through a United Way Incubator program, which will allow her to gain business mentors and advisors. Her hope, she says, is to gain some insight through others who are stronger in this space than she is. She also plans to provide lodging units across the United States in every major city where comprehensive cancer treatment facilities are located or a Ronald McDonald House is available. “We would like to have our first location in Dallas and another in Houston, TX. Our goal is to increase the community knowledge and awareness of childhood cancers, specifically osteosarcoma, and the effects on the AYA Adolescent and young adult population.,” she says.
To learn more about Kham’s House, please visit their website. h
www.stlouis-mo.gov/ovp www.developstlouis.org
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