Urban Sentinel (Jul - Aug 2023) - Myeka Johnson

Johnson A CEO on the Move

Urban Sentinel Magazine

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Editor in Chief Reginald Kearney

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From The Desk of The Editor EDITORIAL

Greetings,

A new month and a new edition of Urban Sentinel has arrived. I hope everyone is having a great summer so far, even with the high temperatures and heat we have faced in recent weeks. This country continues to face a lot of challenges which affect many of us daily. The recent decision of the Supreme Court to abolish affirmative action programs at the college and university levels is a setback for many of us. I would like to say, elections have consequences.

This month’s edition features Ms. Myeka Johnson who is the CEO of Myeka Johnson, Inc. which is a talent consulting agency. Ms. Johnson is a driving force in the talent industry and she is a CEO who gets the job done. As a young CEO, Ms. Johnson is a person to watch.

We value the feedback from our readers because it helps us to grow. Please email us at reginald.kearney@marylanddailyexaminer.com with your feedback. If you would like to advertise with us, send an email with the word ‘Advertise’ in the subject line. Like us on FaceBook at The Urban Sentinel2, follow us on Twitter at @UrbanSentinel and you may follow us on Instagram at @theurbansentinel2. Visit our website at www.UrbanSentinelMagazine.com.

I invite you to view our show, ‘Urban Sentinel Live’, which can be viewed on Tuesday nights at 8:00pmET on YouTube. It is a half hour show that features guests that come from a variety of backgrounds.

Thank you for your continued support. The Urban Sentinel magazine and talk show are great ways to share amazing stories about amazing talent. We thank you in advance for sharing our brand with your fans, family, and followers. We hope you enjoy all of the great stories in the July/August edition and please be safe and continue to enjoy your summer.

Reginald Kearney Editor

Brandon J. Jolly Layout Designer

Corretta L. Doctor Business Manager

Anita Davis-DeFoe Writer

Bridgette Alfred Writer

Claudia Newby-Tynes Writer

The NBA Draft

The second pick was Brandon Miller to the Charlotte Hornets and that was the final decision owner Michael Jordan will make before he officially sells the team. Miller is a 6’9 forward and he is the prototypical three point shooting defending wing that is invaluable in the league today. He fits perfectly alongside Hornets star point guard Lamelo Ball and will probably make an immediate impact on the court. The biggest flaw with Brandon Miller is the fact that he is way too reliant on his jump shooting ability and that is very evident with a measly 14% of his shots coming at the rim. He was one of the biggest surprise picks of the draft so the pressure to perform is already heating up.

by RODNEY HARRISON, JR

The NBA draft let's talk about it. Boy oh boy was it a night from the Wizards questionable moves all the way down to the Thompson twins going backto-back and even the Heat neglecting to address their biggest need of big men. The draft is always an exciting and very emotional night for plenty of fans, families, players, and organizations. The French sensation Victor Wembanyama was picked first to the San Antonio Spurs and people are hoping that he becomes everything he has been hyped up to be. Wembanyama is a seven-foot three center who has guard skills and is an interior force on defense. I personally think that it will take some time for his offense to fully pan out but from the gate his defensive versatility and shot blocking ability will translate perfectly to the NBA game.

The third pick and one of the most interesting picks was Scoot Henderson going to the Portland Trailblazers. Scoot Henderson is an extremely athletic guard with natural playmaking skills and a high motor player. The Trailblazers are in a difficult place as an organization because their superstar player Damian Lillard wants to contend for a championship and the Blazers are not currently equipped to build a championship team around him. So, the Scoot Henderson pick would be considered a home run if Lillard was no longer on the team because it would be a great starting point for rebuilding, but Lillard wants to bring a championship to Portland which does not really give them lots of flexibility.

The Houston Rockets had the fourth pick and they selected Amen Thompson from the Overtime Elite League and he’s another athletic guard who is a

fantastic playmaker and should start game one. The Rockets are in a great place in their rebuilding process because they finally have some direction. They have decent pieces like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green. With the addition of Amen Thompson and coach Ime Udoka the Rockets should be much improved defensively and implement a cohesive offensive scheme rather than the clunky “your turn, my turn” heavy isolation style that was played last season.

The Detroit Pistons selected Ausar Thompson with the fifth pick, and he should make an immediate impact as a scoring threat at the small forward position. Unlike his twin brother Amen, Ausar is a score first player rather than making shots for others. He fits right in with the Pistons' young core as they look to build with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren. The Pistons just need experience and better coaching, and they will be a future contender in a few years.

The sixth pick belonged to the Orlando Magic, and they selected point guard Anthony Black, and this pick ensures that Markelle Fultz or Jalen Suggs will be on the move in the near future because there is only so much space in the backcourt.

Moving on to more notable picks the Dallas Mavericks

moved down and selected Dereck Lively. Lively is a 7’1 center, and he will finally be a reliable lob threat for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. He will also provide much needed paint protection to a team that has been lacking defensively for years.

The Mavericks are making the right moves to build a winning core around their two superstars after a disappointing end to last season. The Washington Wizards made the most significant moves throughout the whole week of the draft. They finally traded their long-time shooting guard Bradley Beal and their starting center Kristaps Porzingis. The Wizards traded Bradley Beal to the Pheonix Suns for Chris Paul and some second round picks and pick swaps. Then the Wizards traded Chris Paul to the Warriors for Jordan Poole. They traded Porzingis to the Celtics in a threeteam deal in which they acquired Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies. The Wizards are likely to resign Kyle Kuzma to a big deal and likely find a new team for Tyus Jones. They also drafted Victor Wembanyama’s teammate Bilal Coulibaly who is extremely athletic and has an insane wingspan for his height. The Wizards finally decided to rebuild after fans had been begging for years and they have a bright future with all their young talent and the possibility of everyone breaking out. The entire draft week had lots of moves being made but overall, there were a lot more teams that were winners rather than losers.

Heather MonahanCreating Confidence

Heather Monahan is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, TedX speaker and has most recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of Healthlynked Corp. Having successfully climbed the corporate ladder for nearly 20 years, Heather Monahan is one of the few women to break the glass ceiling and claim her spot in the C-suite.

As a Chief Revenue Officer in Media, Heather Monahan is a Glass Ceiling Award winner, named one of the most Influential Women in Radio in 2017 and Thrive Global named her a Limit Breaking Female Founder in 2018.

Heather’s first book Confidence Creator shot to #1 on Amazon’s Business Biographies and Business Motivation lists the first week it debuted on Amazon.

Heather’s show, Creating Confidence, debuted on the Top 200 shows on Apple podcast. Her guests include Sara Blakely, Gary Vaynerchuck, Ryan Serhant, Kaitlyn Bristowe among many other noteworthy celebrities and entrepreneurs.

Heather was named one of the Top 40 Female Keynote Speakers for 2020 by Real Leaders and Top 50 Keynote Speakers for 2022. Her TEDx talk was promoted to TED and translated into 6 languages. Harper Collins Leadership published her new book Overcome Your Villains which hit the charts at #1 on the Workplace Culture List on Amazon.

Heather has been featured in USA Today, CNN, Forbes, Fast Company, Gary V’s Audio Experience and The Steve Harvey Show. Heather and her son Dylan reside in Miami.

Who Am I? Why Am I Here?

Some days I don’t know some days I do

When I was younger I was just searching as I got a little older the search became vast but slow I needed more knowledge so I prayed I need new skills so I studied I needed more influence so I started hanging with a new crew as I searched for my own place in life I started to find myself as I found myself I realized I already had Jesus in my heart My heart grew bigger and my style and ego followed as I matured as time kept moving so did I once i I started loving others and helping others it all came together I felt good about just being myself with God on my side nothing can stop me as I proceed to be all I need to be in this life and along the way life just got better and better I realized I needed to be kind to myself along the way so I started loving me even more along the way there was some heartache and pain even had some families deaths

So right now you can enjoy me I hope you start enjoying yourself may the lord have patience with you as he did with me

Hebrews 13:2

MARKETING GURU

Sharine Joseph is a highly accomplished social media consultant, Instagram training expert, and the esteemed founder of Blu Media Marketing. With an impressive background encompassing over 6 years of marketing and sales experience, Sharine has established herself as a soughtafter professional in the digital marketing industry.

Sharine's expertise is underscored by her extensive certifications in Social Media Marketing, Digital Media & Marketing Strategies, Fundamentals of Social Media Advertising, and Digital and Creative Entrepreneurship. These credentials not only showcase her comprehensive knowledge but also highlight her commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Currently serving as a Lifestyle Journalist at Loop St. Lucia, Sharine has demonstrated her versatility and ability to effectively engage with audiences across multiple platforms. Her role as a journalist allows her to leverage her expertise in marketing and

storytelling to deliver compelling content that resonates with readers.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field, Sharine was selected as a 2023 YLAI fellow, a prestigious program initiated by the US Department of State in collaboration with IREX. This esteemed fellowship program reflects her dedication to professional growth, cross-cultural collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and experiences with other emerging leaders in the industry.

Throughout her career, Sharine has had the privilege of collaborating with prominent brands such as WUSC Caribbean, Duty-Free Shoppers, Nature's Best, SLUDTERA, Cooyah Clothing in Jamaica, and Oasis Pet and Garden in Grenada. Her ability to develop and execute tailored marketing strategies has enabled these brands to achieve remarkable results and reach their target audiences effectively.

While Sharine has worked with renowned brands, she is particularly passionate about working with small businesses and giving back to the community. She takes pride in providing mentorship and training and has worked with over 200 local and regional businesses, empowering them with the knowledge

and tools they need to thrive in the digital realm. Her dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering growth in the community is a testament to her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

Sharine Joseph's outstanding accomplishments, expertise in social media marketing, and commitment to empowering businesses have firmly positioned her as a respected leader in her field. Through her agency, Blu Media Marketing, she continues to help businesses unlock their full potential in the digital landscape while leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the communities she serves.

About Blu Media Marketing

At Blu Media Marketing, our core purpose is to assist growing businesses and startups in maximizing their online presence, enabling them to connect with a broader audience and achieve their marketing goals. We understand the challenges faced by these businesses and strive to provide tailored solutions and training to help them thrive in the digital landscape.

Our services encompass a range of offerings designed to enhance our clients' social media presence and marketing strategies. We specialize in:

• Social media page setups & management

• Social media audits

Expert consultancy and training (mobile videography training, Instagram training, Canva training)

• Brand ambassador services

Content creation

• Product photography

Product unboxing/reviews

Social media /marketing ebooks

Graphic Designers, Currently Serving in the Navy

Elvrich Castane is a multi-talented individual, born in New York and raised in Virginia Beach. With a passion for design and creativity, Elvrich has honed his skills as a self-taught graphic designer. Alongside his career as a freelance designer, Elvrich has also dedicated the past 11 years of his life serving in the United States Navy.

Combining his artistic talent and military discipline, Elvrich brings a unique perspective to his design work. His keen eye for detail, coupled with a deep understanding of visual communication, allows him to create captivating and impactful designs that resonate with clients and audiences alike.

Elvrich's commitment to excellence is evident in every project he undertakes. Whether he is crafting compelling logos, designing engaging websites, or producing stunning visual materials, he consistently delivers high-quality work that exceeds expectations. His ability to adapt to different styles and industries makes him a versatile designer, capable of bringing any creative vision to life.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Elvrich is a dedicated Navy servicemember, demonstrating unwavering commitment, discipline, and teamwork in his military responsibilities. This unique combination of creative talent and military service has shaped him into a well-rounded individual, capable of overcoming challenges and achieving success in all aspects of his life.

As Elvrich continues to make his mark in both the design industry and the military, he remains driven by a passion for innovation, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to make a positive impact. His inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and hard work in achieving one's goals."

Myeka Johnson

Myeka Johnson is the CEO of Myeka Johnson, INC, a talent consulting agency. Being an entrepreneur comes natural to MJ. As early as age fifteen – Myeka knew she wanted to be a CEO. By age seventeen, she became just that. While still in high school, Myeka started MJ’s Be YOU, LLC. She carried the company’s name while serving in the military and then, sometime after, changing the name to Direct Consultants, LLC – which she retired from at 29.

After retiring, MJ moved to New York. There is where she started Myeka Johnson, INC. MJI has been going strong for four years. It’s a place where talent, business owners, and public figures can grow their brand and business. The idea came from combining her experience and skills with business consulting and modeling and acting into one business.

MJI has worked with talent from all ages and all backgrounds. They have been featured in movies, commercial, TV shows, etc. Many models have walked New York Fashion Week and have been featured in print and high fashion projects. From magazine features to magazine covers – MJI has done it all.

Twenty twenty-three will bring many new projects for Myeka and her company. She has been featured in several commercials and print ads and she looks forward to walking the runway later this year. Many talent at MJI will be featured in major movies, commercials, and runway shows this week.

Myeka recently added voiceover actress to her

resume. Recently, she was the voiceover actress for an international company in India. This isn’t the first time Myeka has done international work. While serving in the Marine Corps, she modelled in Hiroshima, Japan. What’s next for Myeka?

TOURS

Myeka recently launched the MJ’s Talent Tour LIVE 2023 and the MJI MODELING Tour 2023. The MJI Talent Tour LIVE will give talent the opportunity to tour in different countries and throughout the nation for the next two years. The MJI MODELING Tour 2023 will be led by MJ in New York.

LIFESTYLE

In 2022, Myeka lived a minimalist, slow-living lifestyle. During this time, Myeka took a year-long break from MJI. She minimalized her life by spending less and saving more. The slowing living helped Myeka understand being mindful and appreciative of what she has and where she is in life. This lifestyle helped her go the next level in her life, financials, relationships, future goals.

This year, Myeka will begin the process of building her dream home. She recently purchased ten acres and the blueprints to get started.

RECOGNITIONS

Myeka will be on the cover of the Urban Sentinel Magazine July - August 2023 issue. She’ll also be awarded Business Woman of The Year 2023 at MJI.

Website: www.myekajohnsoninc.com

IG: @officialmyeka

Facebook: Myeka Johnson

TikTok: @officialmyeka

A RELATIONSHIP ADVICE COLUMN

Lasheika Letters to

My husband doesn’t do the same romantic things that he used to. I feel that he has gotten a little lazy. He works but not any crazy hours. He doesn’t plan anything anymore. We haven’t had a date night in months or a weekend getaway. We have only been married for two and a half years but have been together for seven. I have mentioned this to him a couple times over the past few months and I told him that it doesn’t make me feel good. I feel like I have been completely ignored because nothing has changed. I love him and I want our marriage to work but I am running out of patience. I don’t know how much longer I can take this. Please help.

Relationships are not always peaches and cream but being married for only two and a half years should still feel like the honeymoon stage. Date nights, flowers, and weekend getaways. Life does happen though, and marriage is work. Two people must put in the work if they want to continue to be together. The goal is to grow together not apart. A spouse should never make their partner feel like they are being ignored. If your husband does not want to do the things that he did to get you, do them for yourself. Take yourself to dinner or go out with a girlfriend. Having a spa day for yourself is always nice. Enjoy the things that you enjoyed before you were married without disrespecting your marriage. Self-care is the best care in any situation.

Planning a romantic evening for you and your husband may turn things around. Sometimes people go through things on the inside that may not have anything to do with their spouse. Sometimes men need a romantic gesture to make them feel better as well, they don’t communicate like we do. If things do not change after you put in the effort it will be time to have a serious talk with your husband. Relationship coaching or counseling will always help couples get to the root of the problem. Always remember your happiness is your own happiness. To be happy in a relationship both individuals must be happy with themselves first.

All relationship advice is confidential. You can email Letters to Lasheika at lasheika32@gmail.com

Shante' Mercer Profile

My name is Shante’ D. Mercer. I was born and raised in Orangeburg SC. I am an Edisto High School Alumni, Class of 2012. After my first semester in college, I decided to join the military. I did 4 years in the Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. There I met an amazing man and his son. They became my husband and bonus son. Since then, our family has grown. We have been blessed to have 2 more children, a son and daughter, for a total of three blessings from God.

While working during the pandemic as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, I became pregnant with my daughter. I changed career paths and went back to school for my Cosmetology License. I started my training at Central Piedmont Community College and finished at Gaston College, in May 2022. I went through Stated Board Testing and obtained my license as a certified Cosmetologist in July of 2022.

I worked as an apprentice, under an amazing stylist at “Supercuts.” This helped me to learn more about cutting while I was preparing for my state board testing. I am now working in Hickory, NC at “Uniquely Ur Hair Care”, as an apprentice stylist doing braids, blowouts, natural hair treatments and more.

I love working with all types of hair especially in its natural form. Helping people embrace and love their natural hair is my goal. I want people to understand that while we do love extensions, wigs, braids, and color; we can wear our natural hair and keep it healthy while doing so. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve you this pampering, selfcare experience, if you are in my area or looking for a new stylist.

I’m also a new business owner of Te’lise Beauty LLC, which I started last year when my daughter developed eczema and hair loss from antibiotics. My goal was to develop a product to clear my baby girl’s skin and grow her hair back, since RX medication wasn’t working. I had no idea it would do so well. After seeing her progress, I got requests, first from family and close friends, then through “word of mouth,” from friends of friends and the rest as they say is history. I will be officially launching my line of hair and skincare products in the near future, so be on the lookout for Te’lise Beauty LLC.

You can find me on social media at Te’lise beauty on facebook and @telisebeauty on Instagram.

Close Your Eyes and Breathe

As your eyes are shut you can see what u need to see stand back let them stay shut... now look at what u can accomplish...

Close your eyes and breathe

The thoughts the actions your vision is all within reach it's the constant of slowing down and listening to a higher power

You can have more but that's hard when you already have it all

Days and situations and people make us doubt our own happiness

Some others have been passed awaybut we have been given favor

Close your eyes and breathe

Another nite has made its way into the morning and yes joy has come to the day

My happiness is within me so don't wake me right now the peace I am having as my savior is sitting at talking to me like my daddy does

Comfort my soul as I thought I needed something or someone else or just not sure

Close your eyes and breathe so u can see.....

Giving u the best of me so u don't fear or desire anything or anyone outside of yourself

I made u like this... it's my testimony for a saved soul

Remember close your eyes and breathe then make your next move

PACK LIGHT

by CATHERINE TYSON, MSW

Pack light because the journey may be long and you don’t want to get too bogged down with unnecessary cargo. Each of us all have baggage of some sort. We have bags of insecurity. Bags of self loathe and criticism. Bags of generational and family issues. We have kid’s problems, work problems, spouse problems, sibling problems, health problems, enemy problems, you name it and we have got it. Stuff of the past is also baggage that we need to rid ourselves of for the journey ahead. Yet it is sometimes hanging on for dear life that we don’t even know that it is there. If you believe in the Bible, it teaches that we should cast our troubles on him and he will dump it into to the deepest ocean. Sometimes it is almost as if we literally say “no thank you, I will just carry all of this myself if you don’t mind” and then we complain to everyone who will listen while carrying the baggage being hunched over and in pain, And sometimes do unaware that we even are carrying it around.

We all want to think that we are evolved and past some things but in truth we are our own prisoners and hostages of the past and holding on to the baggage and all of the stuff that brings us down. Remember you are making them real today because even if they happened it doesn’t mean that you have to hold on to them and take them into your tomorrow. Take all the things that you’ve learned from the past and let the rest go. There will also be people that want you to remember those things in the past and keep you hostage but you have the power to just move on and not allow that. There is a song by Erykah Badu that is called Bag Lady and in it she says “bag lady you gon hurt your back, dragging all them bags like that. One day all them bags gon get in your way, so pack light. She also says, “Bag lady you gon miss your bus, you can’t hurry up, you got too much stuff. I guess no one ever told you all you must hold onto is you. Bag lady, let it go, let it go, let it go.” This song should be an

anthem for people to let go of their baggage.

Do you want to be free?

Then drop those bags and run to freedom. Run to where you don’t have to think about them anymore.

Run to where they don’t even matter.

Do you want to know where that place is? That place is literally only one step ahead of you. Just step into that place and drop those bags down and leave them there. And breathe free. And forget that those things ever existed. And live and be free like you deserve to.

Pack light because your journey might be long, and let it go, let it go, let it go.

Actor BRAD BANACKA

Brad Banacka is an award winning Actor, Director and Producer. Brad enjoys working both of the Camera these days. He also designs One Sheets for Actors that help define a look and branding. Brad has been in the entertainment industry in one capacity or another for over three decades. Brad enjoys working with actors and being able to help mentor them to find the truth in the moment. Brad's award winning short More...More...More... is traveling the festival circuit with a total of 32 awards so far in 34 festivals. This project is one that is closest to his heart as he Wrote, Starred, Directed and Edited the Entire short on a very limited budget.

DAVION L. PETTY

Director of Admissions and Recruitment South Carolina State University

Davion Petty is the director of admissions and recruitment at South Carolina State University. In his current role, he now promotes the transformative power of higher education to students across the United State and around the world. Alongside campus partners, Davion works with schools, colleges, and alumni to lead the admissions and recruitment strategies at SCSU.

Davion is a social impact strategist, philanthropic advisor, artistic curator, and public servant who is committed to advancing access and equity in enrollment which includes financial support for students. Prior to being the admissions director, Davion severed as the assistant director for the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium and most recently the director of alumni relations. In those capacities he influenced fundraising initiatives that assisted low income, first-generation, and underrepresented students, and families. He was responsible for building and strengthening alumni giving and participation, major gifts, increasing foundation giving, and cultivating corporate

partnerships and planned giving. The highlight of Davion’s career was being successful at raising more than $2.5 million dollars where he secured six-figure gifts from various donors.

Davion bring a wealth of knowledge in the higher education sector and a unique blend of skill set to the office of admissions. His current research includes developing business strategies that create sustainable impact for HBCUs.

He serves in advisory capacities for regional/national businesses and boards, including the South Carolina State University’s Board of Visitors, HBCU Times Magazine, Foundation, and the Center of Creative Partnerships.

He earned his Master of Business degree (2018) and Bachelor of Science degree (2011) in Accounting from South Carolina State University.

You can follow Davion, @davionpetty on LinkedIn.

ARIEL ALYSSE PEAKE

major in Fashion Merchandising & Retailing. I would later find myself loving to blog. Today, I am currently volunteering in fashion shows in Charlotte, NC. I am currently working in online retailing. I am currently blogging about fashion and makeup. What I want to accomplish in my blog career is to travel around the world visiting boutiques and runways. I would love to see what other types of fashion is out there in the world of today. I basically am into anything about the fashion life. I am not close minded and have a tendency to understand others' creativity. After finding my calling in blogging,I hope to grow more within myself and creativity. I hope to grow stronger within my writing and networking.

I am Ariel Alysse Peake. I was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on October 22, 1990. I was raised in Union County, South Carolina. I have six brothers and one sister. I am a Christian. I grew up loving everything about fashion because of my grandmother and cousins. My grandmother and cousins are all seamstresses. When I was little, I would be in community fashion shows. I was very interactive when growing up. I was into dancing, piano playing, JROTC, Yearbook Staff, jazz band, Beta Club, and marching band. During my senior year in high school, I became a debutant. In 2005, I graduated from Barbizon Modeling School. In 2008, I graduated with honors in High School. I am attending Johnson & Wales University of Charlotte to

The McCREARY Experience

by LASHEIKA BOYD

When most people think of a car salesman the first thing that comes to their minds are pushy, fasttalking, and smooth-talking. Anthony McCreary a car salesman who is a native of Madison Georgia is the total opposite of that. His mother always told him to treat people the way he treated her and that is with the utmost respect and that is one of the many reasons why Mr. McCreary is so successful. The former manager at Badcock Furniture started in the automobile industry in February 2020. Before Anthony was able to get his feet wet March of 2020 came rather quickly and the world shut down due to

the pandemic.

Anthony did not let that stop him from learning the automobile business the best way he could. While most people were sitting at home collecting unemployment benefits Mr. McCreary chose to work from 9:00am until 7:00pm every day. He was determined to learn how to excel and be the best that he could be. Anthony would think of professional but creative ways to sale cars and deliver the cars to the customers under the circumstances. He was successful in doing that. Anthony had a “nothing can stop me attitude”. That was just how he was raised.

One of Mr. McCreary’s favorite types of customers are the most difficult people in the room believe it or not. The people that do not like dealing with salesmen. One of Anthony’s mottos is “Don’t tell me what I can’t do because I will show you what I can do”. Anthony loves elderly customers and treating them like family makes his job even more worthwhile. He makes them feel comfortable and they trust him. Anthony treats all his customers the same. People who have bad credit are treated the same as people who have great credit. He does not judge anyone. “I don’t focus on the problem, only the solution”, said Mr. McCreary. He

also said that every single person that he speaks with at the dealership leaves better than when they came in, which is one of his main goals. Anthony establishes personal relationships with his customers, and they always leave feeling happy and satisfied.

Mr. McCreary realized he was great at selling cars when he “found himself.” He was his true authentic self with his customers. He loves to laugh, he is articulate, analytical, and logical. Anthony is at the top of what he does. “We are in this together, “said Mr. McCreary. Anthony is motivated by his family, his children, and the fourth and fifth grade black children that he mentors. He is a true role model. “Representation matters,” said Mr. McCreary. He wants to teach these young black boys to grow up to

be young Kings and for them to be a great example for the next generation to come.

Mr. McCreary has changed the narrative on car salesmen. “There are good people in this industry that do it the right way every single time,” said Anthony McCreary.

You can reach Anthony McCreary on Instagram and Facebook @TheMcCrearyexperience. Mr. McCreary also has a podcast talking about the auto industry which is called Behind the Experience. You can find it on any podcast platform.

OLIVER “BUDDY” POUGH Head Football Coach South Carolina State University

Oliver “Buddy” Pough is entering in his 22nd season as head football coach at South Carolina State, his alma mater. During a 21-year tenure at the school where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s, as well as All-MEAC honors as an offensive lineman, he has become the winningest football coach in SC State history and ranks among the top coaches in the 51year history of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, as well as in the HBCU ranks

Pough, the 14th head football coach at SC State, has compiled an overall record of 146-88, a 109-41 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference worksheet, and is

His teams have also captured three MEAC titles (2008, 2009 & 2021) outright, shared five others (2004, 2010, 2013 ,2014 and 2019), and made four trips to the prestigious FCS playoffs (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013). His 2021 MEAC Championship team went on to defeat Jackson State and Coach Deion “Prime” Sanders in the prestigious Celebration Bowl, earning his team the Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Championship, the second of his college coaching career,

a three-time winner of the MEAC Coach of the Year honor.

His 2009 team, which finished 10-3 overall and 8-0 in the MEAC, was also named National Black Champion by the Sheridan Broadcasting Network, the 100 Percent Wrong Club of Atlanta, the Washington (DC) Pigskin Club and the Box-to-Row /BASN. In addition, the Bulldogs finished number seven in all three major FCS polls – The Sports Network, the FCS Coaches Poll and Any Given Saturday.

one of the top offensive teams in the Southeastern Conference. USC made back-to-back appearances in the Outback Bowl in 2000 and 2001.

Pough has coached a number of players who have gone on to play in the National Football League (NFL), including two who are currently among the highest-paid at their position – LB Shaquille Darius Leonard (Indianapolis Colts) and NT Javon Hargrave (Philadelphia Eagles).

Prior to taking the reins at South Carolina State in 2002, Pough spent five seasons as an assistant at the University Of South Carolina (USC), the last three as a running backs coach under Lou Holtz. During his stint at USC, he helped build the Gamecocks into

Before going to USC, Pough was one of the top high school coaches in the Palmetto State, leading Fairfield-Central to a perfect 15-0 record in 1996 and claiming the Class AAA state title. He earned South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Coach-of-theYear honors for his efforts, the first of such three honors. Pough also had coaching stints at Keenan High in Columbia, where he built the Raiders into one of the top Class AAA teams in the state.

Pough and his wife, Josie are the parents of two sons-Oliver “Bud” IV and Lee Judson and a daughterin-law, Dr. Natalie Odom Pough. He also has two granddaughters, Taylor Michelle and Olivia Grace.

Videographer

Frida Forssblad

Frida is born and raised Swedish and moved to NYC to pursue a career in filmmaking after getting her bachelors in anthropology. After moving back to Sweden 2020 she’s worked as a cinematographer and photographer for one of the biggest Swedish newspapers, the Gothenburg post, and has become a sports videographer for some of the biggest soccer matches in Sweden. She recently had a short film premiere at a film festival and it has been accepted to multiple festivals in Sweden. Her next step is to go into editing and storytelling as she has plans to produce and direct a documentary in the coming years.

FAYSEEN LARSON

Fisen ( Fayseen)Larson was born in Tanzania East Africa. She is mother to daughters Daisy 18yrs and Yasmin aka Yazzydazzle 11yrs. She developed a passion for photography when her daughter Yasmin decided to take on acting and modeling in 2020. She has been momager for Yasmin helping her book 3 films, several commercials, and cover model on more than 5 magazines. As a momager Fayseen has also learned to record self tapes , monologues, slates and take headshots. Fayseen started a kid and adult couture dress collection for fine art photography for her photography business “Reflections by Fayseen Photography” in Minnesota.

Fayseen also helps in contributing her services to NFP runway shows that help donate their profits to people in need.

Keisha Griffith

Keisha Griffith is a member of the Benthams Wesleyan Holiness Church, where she is a worship leader. She has been ministering in song from the age of 7.

Keisha, an Internal Auditor by profession, is a past participant in the Parish Talent Showcase and has since ministered at several parish events.

In 2022, she hosted a concert to release her first self-pinned single ‘Can’t Go Back’. Shortly after, her second single, ‘In the Fullness of Time’ was released and it has been nominated for a 2023 Barbados

Flame Gospel Award. This year she was selected to minister her 2 singles at the gospelfest Joseph Niles Legacy Concert.

Keisha is a member of the band New Connection and has sung with numerous choirs at various national events, including the Gospelfest Mass Choir and the Republic Choir.

Keisha is also in the process of writing a book entitled ‘Nuggets of Wisdom: A Devotional’ to be published in 2024.