Triumphant Magazine June 2018
DR. L. Ronald Durham Learn why Durham is running for Volusia County Council at-large seat. The interview starts on Page 7
MAN UP Sean King
FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE CHOOSEN FOR A PURPOSE PAGE 21
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Thankful for the ones who contributed to this extraordinary magazine Sean King Barb Girtman Dr. L. Ronald Durham Dr. Primrose Cameron Dr. Evelyn Bethune Angie Bee Tonya Newton Griffin I am extremely thankful for ones who allowed me to advertise their businesses in June 2018 issue of Triumphant Magazine
Encouraging Words MAN-UP by Sean King Interview with Dr. L. Ronald Durham Father's Day Tribute Dr. Evelyn Bethune
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Barb Girtman- For Volusia County Council District 1
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My Greatness Dr. Primrose Cameron
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Spring to Unleash Your Best Potential
CONTENTS
TABLE OF
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encouraging words Learn to celebrate life, celebrate each other and what God is doing in all of our lives. Fortunately, I was able to go on a cruise in April 2018 with a lovely friend who was actually celebrating her birthday, Pastor April Goins. I am definitely not taking this time away for granted. I know people are not going to just invite anyone to go with them. You have to be very particular with who you choose to go with because this person could either make or break your getaway. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people, and to be honest I probably wouldn't have met them had I not venture out on God's creation. I had the pleasure of meeting some off duty nurses, and they were simply enjoying themselves in Couzmel, Mexico. These ladies are always taking care of someone else, and they decided as a group. It was necessary for them to think about themselves for a change. There is nothing wrong with sometimes taking time out for yourself. I actually met some awesome crew members aboard the Carnival Magic, and on the island of Couzmel, Mexico. Speaking of things to do, we have numerous activities taking place in the month of June: Saturday, June 9th, NAACP Freedom Banquet at 7:00 P.M., Saturday, June 16th, Klassy Kouture Fashions is having ALL White Party, Tuesday, June 28th, Vicent Taylor and Cornbread will be at Midway Cultural and Educational Center at 1:00 P.M. This is a Free Event, so please bring your children out to this amazing event. Additionally, I will have a monthly calendar established for Deltona, Deland and Daytona Beach. If you have upcoming events, please email Triumphantmagazine2017@gmail.com. We have to remember like Psalms 121 says, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."
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MAN - UP We have decided to Man-Up become the change, we want to see in this world in
man-up by sean King Mastering the Art of Navigation through Universal Principles (MAN-UP) is a mentoring organization located in Volusia County Florida. The MAN-UP Mentoring Program mission is to develop young men into 21st century Leaders by exposing them to positive leadership models, equipping them to be spiritually grounded, to make a difference within humanity, and empowering them to become competent leaders with a passion for lifelong learning. The birth of MAN-UP started through a conversation between Charles Lacey, Latif Muhammad and myself Sean King, where we discussed the absence of true leaders. We understood that our generation 35-50 was lost and absent from the family. The trickle-down effect of our absence is reflected on our youth. We decided to start Man-Up Mentoring Program as it is focused on leadership development for men between the ages of 8-18, 19-35, and 36-50. These stages are reflected in Youth, Manhood, and Age. Each stage is like what the ancients referred to the rites of passage. As a group, we decided to find books that would help build our lost men and begin the process of healing. As we read “As A Man Thinketh by James Allen� at my office we realized that our sons were next door playing video games and could have benefitted off the discussion on the book. We then began sharing the book with our sons.
We Decided to become the change
man-up (continued) The name MAN-UP acronym was critical as we needed a meaning behind the lessons. Mastering the Art of Navigation Through Universal Principles. The principles we thought were critical to the development of Men are grammar, Logic and Rhetoric (The Trivium) and Numbers, Geometry, Music and Astrology (The Quadrivium). If our young men master these principles they will be able to navigate through the trials and tribulations of life. The first three is critical in the early stages of life referred to as youth. Our youth today cannot function in society because of the lack of understanding grammar and the power of the spoken word through our society. Logic is often described as common sense. The ability to reason and draw acceptable conclusions. Rhetoric puts the two together. The ability to persuade and describe an Idea to an expecting audience. The MAN-UP program will change lives and restore principles that ancients held close within the family unit. We will challenge our men to engage in leadership within the community we serve. Our website www.manupvolusia.com shows some of the community activities our men have participated in. We continue to look for mentors from all walks of life that can offer a life lesson to our men. We seek Sponsors who would like to partner with us to invest in our future. MANUP partners with several community events. Saturday Seminars are held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month at the Chisholm Center in Deland from 10:AM to 11. Youth Power Hour following the seminar. NAACP Youth Council on the 4th Saturday of the Month Held in Various Locations. Democratic Black Caucus held on the 1st Monday of the Month at the Deland Police Department. NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on June 9th 7:PM to 10. You can reach Sean King at (407) 837-7743 for additional information about Man-Up.
Fresh Book Festival will be held on Friday, January 11th, 2019 & Saturday, January 12th, 2019Â
When we do right by all of Volusia County, in the end, we will most certainly grow the quality of life for all those living, working and even visiting Volusia County. Helping those doing poorly to do well and helping those doing well to do even better awards a great benefit to us all. So, let’s re-imagine excitement. New Vision. New Direction. Re-newed Emphasis on Job Training. Expanded Small Business Resources. Balanced and Equitable Investment for All Community Stakeholders. I’m hopeful, I’m excited to run to meet challenges, old and new, and be about the change I seek in those who we look to to lead and impact the community. It’s time to make first the needs and aspirations of those of us who call and make Volusia County home. I am Barb Girtman, MBA, and Candidate for Volusia County Council District 1. I have made DeLand my home, I am the mother of one son, the grandmother of two grandsons and a Yorkie Mom. My family lives in the DeLand Spring Hill neighborhood. I have consistently served and been of service to Volusia County communities as a Realtor, Commissioner for the West Volusia Hospital Authority and as a Founding Member of the Minority Elected Officials of Volusia. My service to the community led me to become a candidate for Volusia County Council. I listened to the people of District 1 and throughout Volusia County and they say it is time for a New Voice, New Vision, and New Energy with fresh eyes for this non-partisan county council seat. I look forward to following the legacy of Councilwoman at Large Joyce Cusack as the only Black woman on the Volusia County Council. While serving as an elected official we greatly impact futures through our decisions. I do not take this opportunity for granted. It is also important for the County Council representation to resemble the communities it serves, through inclusion of diverse ages, cultures and beliefs. I have had numerous leadership roles within the community including chairing the Realtors Legislative Committee and continuing to serve as the key contact for State House Representative Patrick Henry. In this role I represent 1000's of Realtors statewide and this has allowed me to develop working relations with local Mayors, Councils, State House Representatives and Senators responsible for Volusia County communities. I’ve also served;for several years on the Rotary Club of DeLand board, sponsoring grant funding for local community programs, West Volusia NAACP Executive Officer, on the local Beacon News and GULC Community Board.
As a strong supporter of small business, I initiated the Minority Business Network created to help minority business identify resources, support and visibility. We have held numerous business expos and developed a Minority Business Directory at mylocalminoritybusiness.com. My campaign is currently visiting local churches, organizations and knocking on doors to share my platform for creating living wage jobs, social justice reform and business development. We also want to get feedback from the people of District 1. It is my desire that my community involvement will leave you with the knowledge that I am a candidate with the head to lead and the heart to serve. Please help me, help us to create a better Volusia. Please consider contributing to the campaign or volunteering. We need you. Don’t forget to request a mail-in ballot or Vote early. Make your Vote count in the election on August 28th. Please visit www.barbgirtman.com for more information or call Barb at 386-308-9058. Approved and Paid by Barb Girtman Campaign for Volusia County Council District 1. Request an Absentee Ballott at volusiaelections.org or call 386-736-5930.
Vote on Tuesday, August 28th, your voice counts!
As a child, did you have a mentor in your life? Were you an active teen who took pride in working hard? What about as an adult? Who do you seek advice and guidance from on a daily basis? Who are the cheerleaders on your team? I am fortunate that as an adult, I have had the opportunity to engage with mentors who have taken a vested interest in my growth and success. Dr. Margaret Duncan, a retired Bethune Cookman University professor, Dr. Patrick Coggins, a Stetson University professor, Brenda Cusack, a community matriarch and others have made such an impact in my life that will never be forgotten. I can only hope that what they have done for me, I am able to offer to my mentees. I feel that everything that occurs in my life is a learning experience and that my path towards successful living is predetermined by God. In Jeremiah 29:11, it states: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. He gives us a bonus by positioning us amongst those who have experienced and triumphed in living. I haven't always taken the advice given to me or followed the road in front of me. However, I have always acknowledged its presence. I just want to be great. I just want to be greater then I ever imagined I could be and I want the same for everyone that I come in contact with in my life. The funny thing about it is, I don’t want to be great for myself, but great so that future generations can have positive role model for their own greatness. But I know with greatness, comes responsibility and I accept the challenge. I accept the responsibility of transparency for those who may be depending on me to accomplish tasks. I accept the responsibility to provide platforms that allow for engagement amongst others who are striving for more. I also accept the responsibility of utilizing the skills taught to me by those that have come before me. Now it's your turn. I encourage you to take time to reflect on those that have mentored you and provided guidance. What is his/her wow factor? How has your mentor impacted your life? What responsibility do you take for your own success? Answering these questions is the beginning of the rest of your life. All things doable and all things are possible as you continue on your journey towards greatness. Dr. Primrose Cameron contact@primrosecameron.com www.primrosecameron.com 386-235-5032
Spring to Unleash Your Best Potential Spring has sprung, according to our calendars. This is a season of growth and development. A time to witness new beginnings and relish the pristine beauty that the earth is rendering. An opportunity to consider the possibilities that yet await us! In the aura of spring, we must consider ourselves personally in this season of growth and development. As individuals, we must avoid a fixed mindset and adopt a growth mindset of spring. “Spring” to unleash your best potential. As individuals, we are constantly a work in progress. Life will bring about a myriad of situations; some bitter and some sweet. As a result, we must posture ourselves to leap up or forward during the lows and valleys of our circumstances. Most often, we strengthen our resilience and learn valuable lessons in the process. Difficult times yield situations that assist us in our growth and development as humans. One must be intentional in the process of unleashing one’s best potential. Setting goals, developing a growth mindset, divorcing toxic people, exploring new ventures… could be your starting point. This spring, create a vision for your endeavors. Set out to design your life with a purpose in mind. This will assist you in planning strategically to unleash your best potential. Daily, I make it my mission to spring to unleash my best potential through the manifestation of a growth mindset. I consider myself a lifelong learner; I have a vision for my life. I strive diligently to maintain a positive demeanor with all that I encounter and in all that I do professionally and personally. So, an individual thinketh, so is he or she … I encourage you to adopt a growth mindset of Spring. Live in a season of growth and development. Spring to unleash your best potential. Strive to continue to blossom. Declare that this is your season of blessings and that you will seek all that God, our Father, has in store for you. Through your mountains and valleys…sorrow and pain, find the strength to rejoice and convert to an “elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted” …SPRING!
By: Tonya Newton Griffin, Ed. S. SAVVY Ventures, LLC Contact@venturessavvy@gmail.com
CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE: "GOD CALLS AND USES US TO GROW HIS KINGDOM Scripture Lesson: 1 Chronicles 28:1-28 Key Verse (10): “Take heed now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary; be strong, and act.” We live in a world that measures success by individual accomplishment and wealth. Each generation hopes to accomplish something significant in our lives to ensure that we leave behind a legacy for future generations. Parents want to see their offspring follow in their footsteps and achieve their own unfulfilled or unfinished dreams. David was no different. His dream to build a temple for God was so much a part of his aspirations that he actually saved a copy of the temple plans for his son. He passed on those plans and his covenant relationship between God and the house of Israel, and charged his son to conduct himself with the same dedication as required by all previous generations. Our key verse reveals the urgency with which God expected Solomon to act. Though it is seldom true that we discover our life’s calling at such a young age (Solomon was “young and tender”), too often we miss the greatest opportunities to use our gifts and talents to glorify God because we postpone or altogether reject His plan. As Christians, we should be diligent in our exploration of life’s Godordained purpose, and earnest in our desire to plot our course in obedience to His plan for us. Passing the Baton (vs. 1-4): David’s reign was coming to a close. It was time to pass the baton of Israel’s legacy. As a faithful and prudent king, he wanted to set the course for the next generation to follow, which included the ordination of his son Solomon as the next God-appointed king of Israel. Israel’s faith legacy had been reestablished by King David, and reaffirmed by God with the promise that the Messiah would come from David’s house. Solomon would be given the awesome responsibility of moving the nation forward in their worship of the One True and Living God. As a demonstration of faithfulness, Solomon would be charged with the task of building a temple for the Ark of the Covenant…a test of his obedience and willingness to serve God wholeheartedly. Reflection: Consider the proof of your faithfulness to grow God’s kingdom. What is your role? Paving the Way (vs. 5-8): Spiritual leaders have enormous responsibility. They not only lead by example, but they also leave behind valued insight and direction long after they are gone. Conversely, the sinful antics and shortcomings of a weak leader leave a stain on the spiritual life of a congregation long after the tainted leader is removed from leadership. Thus, the legacies of our predecessors are a critical component in the spread of the Gospel. David knew that he had not been a perfect man, and he knew it would help to erase some of the impact of his failures on the nation of Israel if he would confess them and open the way for Solomon to begin fresh. David had been a warrior and had shed too much blood (1 Chronicles 22:6-16) to be able to build the Temple to God. God wanted clean hands to build it. Reflection: Confession is the cleansing process that restores us to wholeness. The Plans (vs. 9-10, 20): David’s temple plans passed on to Solomon were extremely detailed and explicit. The plans David gave to Solomon were written in a document that the writer of 1st Chronicles says came directly “from the hand of Yahweh” (See 1 Kings 6:1-38), which means that the temple plans were divinely inspired. According to rabbinical law, no one could erect a temple to God without God’s prior approval. David had received the plans from God in much the same way that Moses received the details for the building of the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:9-40). The temple plans included details about the sanctuary, the location of the Ark of the Covenant, the ornamentation on the walls, the design of several rooms, the vessels to be used in worship, and even information about the service of the priests and Levites. As with the Tabernacle built by Moses, the exact replication of the Temple plans would be a demonstration of Solomon’s desire to obey God in every way. Reflection: Are your plans God-made or manmade? It takes discipline to follow God’s plans for your life. David’s Plan for Unity (vs. 21): As with any changing of the guard, the transition from one leader to another can sometimes cause disruption and even spur disloyalty. Wise David knew that a smooth transition of leadership could only be accomplished if all of the people participated in the experience. By divine wisdom, David advised Solomon to use every skilled worker in the nation of Israel to construct God’s temple. David knew that participation would breed ownership. The entire nation of Israel would be unified if they worked together. Reflection: Our congregations today enjoy the same benefit when we work side-by-side toward a common goal. Wrap Up The Church of Jesus Christ is little more than 2,000 years old. It may, at times, seem as though we are moving ahead slowly, but the work of kingdom building will continue until God says “Well done!” It is our duty to discover what role we play in God’s grand design for mankind. No task is too small and no purpose too insignificant. As Christians, our role is to make ourselves available, to discover our place in the family of God, and to fulfill our calling before God calls us home.