The
July Issue 2022
C O V E R Melissa Pettignano "Destined for a higher calling”
Award Winning Recording Artist Songwriter Author and Inspirational Speaker
"THE LOOK YOU LOVE TO FLAUNT" Lawanda: Beauty MUA Contributor for The Cover magazine
Photographer: Quincy Hargrove
http://www.lalafaces.com www.//facebook/lalafaces Twitter://makeupbylala Instagram://lalafacesmua (919) 616-644
The Cover Magazine
Celebrating it's 3rd Anniversary "Uncovering and Revealing the Life Stories of Others"
Thank you!
Let's Celebrate! www.ajedreamland.co/the-cover-magazine
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
“I embarked upon this journey with a destination”
The Cover magazine celebrating three years of success! I thank you for not just making this happen; but making the journey a rewarding and positive experience. It’s gratifying and rewarding for me to be able to do what I love, and seeing The Cover magazine go into homes all over the world. Knowing I have your support and dedication makes me a better, happier person. I’m looking forward to another great year; with continued growth, creativity and success. Huge thanks to the dream team, contributors, fans, subscribers, advertisers, sponsors and supporters; for everything you’ve done for this company. We could not have accomplished it without your support! I Thank you for helping me make each issue something we can all be proud of, in spite of the challenges and struggles we faced. It is our sincere hope that you are inspired and motivated to become one of our advertisers, subscribers, fans, supporters or contributors, who enjoy reading and dreaming, because your dream can be made a reality. For more information about advertising and subscribing to “The Cover” magazine or the Publisher and Producer, Anner J. Echols visit us at https://www.ajedreamland.co/the-cover-magazine or call (901) 650-4955.
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Advertisers, Sponsors and Supporters. ..We Thank You!
HEALTHY LIFE STYLES
enjoy
Go GREEN with Steph Lynn this summer! Eat Healthy, Exercise and Be Happy
How to take these ingredients and make some beautiful dishes is a wonderful challenge. I love to use lean protein, eggs, other vegetables and fruits, and even unsweetened chocolate to make GREEN eating delicious and fun! Below are some of my GREEN recipe favorites that take under 20 minutes to create. You can download the recipes at my website www.amplifiedqueenfitness.com or register for a Cook & Chat session with me in Zoom where we will cook together. I love meeting people and sharing the love for healthy fun eating with others. GREEN vegetables and fruits are tasty, low in calories, and extremely healthy for our bodies. I look forward to cooking and eating GREEN with you! You can post your GREEN creations directly on my Facebook page Steph Lynn or use hashtag #gogreenwithstephlynn. For more information about Going GREEN with Steph Lynn Health and Fitness Contributor Facebook: Steph Lynn IG: amplified queen Website: amplifiedqueenfitness.com YouTube Interview: Steph Lynn Amplified Queen
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATES!!!
Brian Deberry Benjamin Russell High- Alexander City, AL Career Plans: Jacksonville State University Major: Applied Engineering (Robotics)
Mariyana Martin, Masters Degree University of TN Knoxville Major: Social Work
Patrick Grady Pebblebrook High, Mableton, GA Career Plans: Kennesaw state university Major: Animation Artist
Jonathan Paul Phillips Houston High, Germantown, TN Career Plans: College of applied Technology Major: Aircraft Informatics
Donovan R. Johnson Pensacola High, Pensacola, FL International Baccalaureate Program Career Plans: Florida State University Major: Biomedical Engineering before attending Medical School
India Stout
Harding Academy of Memphis, TN Career Plans: Tennessee State Major: Nursing
Christian Howard Southwind High, Memphis, TN Career Plans: Tennessee Technology Major: Information Technology
BEST DRESSED PROM COUPLE 2022 Zinnia Owens & Quinton Bass
Desoto Central High School School Prom Fashions: Styled by, Calmesha Mcglown-Berry Makeup: Misha's beauty room at Major Peice's Boutique Hair: Keisha Warren-Howard Decor: Lois Mcglown and Stephanie Lee Photographer: Cadarrius Mcglown
A True Queen of The South
"Coming from the Bottom of The Map" Meet Sally Sweets
Florida's finest takes a big stride transitioning herself from magazine and commercial modeling to switching lanes into the music industry! With less than two years in the game Sally Sweets is making moves from coast to coast! Starting with local performances around town and creating her own platform called "The Mobile Music Movement" right in the beginning of the pandemic! She refused to slow down as she paved her own way! Linking up with many promoters and music management was the right move for this Spitfire Florida rapper! Instantly traveling and doing shows up the East Coast all the way to California. Signing a contract as a vocalist with Faces of Rap Mothers was her next best move, as she wanted to rise as a queen who empowers other women, little did she know they would take off and she'd be signed with Capitol Records as a vocalist in the group.
Just this year alone she has made the FM radio station in four different states with three different songs and does not plan on slowing down anytime soon. She may come from a dark place where most people remain, however; she refuses to let anything get in her way. Sally plans to stand strong, loud and proud through embracing other people to hear their voice and channel it in the right direction.
Sally is currently working on her third album, she represents domestic violence, abuse, poverty, insecurity, anxiety and letting nothing get in her way. Sally is a true Queen of the South and she's just begun. Contact Sally via Face Book:|Sally Sweets Sally Sweets - YouTube/ IG: Imsallysweets
L-R: Sybil Presley aka The Elvis Lady Center Photo: Fan, Myron Mays (R) The Elvis Lady
In this book Sybil Presley aka "The Elvis Lady" includes poems, quotes from celebrities and fans of Elvis. You will be inspired and encouraged and see a side of Elvis Presley that you have not seen.
Available on Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Elvis-Fan-Sybil-Presley/dp/B09V6QSDQJ or contact the Author, Sybil Marie Presley AKA "The Elvis Lady" at (901) 643-1982 or via email:ybilpresley@bellsouth.net Photo Credit: Sybil Marie Presley
Sandra J. Bailey, LACP, RFC® Registered Financial Consultant
It was 2012 when I was first asked to host a financial workshop for a group of women executives. I was then asked to speak at a Women’s Conference held at a woman pastored church. I found speaking engagements were a great way of educating women. Later that year a woman client said to me, Sandra, “The only reason I had not done anything was because no one explained it to me like you did.” I knew then, this was my calling. In 2013 Women Financial Power was established. As James Brown clearly said, “This is a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl.” Women have come a long way, but we are clearly, not equal.
·Women are the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of their households.
57% of women are earning more while 60% said they are the primary breadwinner. 49% are the primary decision-makers and 59% teach their children about money.
·The modern family Most households have at least one nontraditional element, single mother, same-sex couple, parent, or adult children in the home. 42% of divorcees never remarried. 63% of mothers work outside the home. 65% of women worry about “who will take care of me in old age?”
·Women are thirsty for knowledge about retirement planning 85% want to learn how to have their preferred lifestyle in retirement but 12% have not even started to save.
·The “Bag Lady” fears are among even the most successful women Fear of losing money and becoming homeless. 57% said the thought of running out of money keeps them up at night.
·Women are being under-served by the financial industry 62% don’t have a financial professional. Women want simplicity & easy to understand language. They don’t want to be talked over.
Because of these studies from 2012, I decided to focus on women. Thank God and thank you for asking WFP to speak at your event. It’s been a blast and we’re looking forward to the future! * If you would like a copy of the “Women, Money, and Power® Study” or “Women & Retirement”, please contact us at info@WomenFinancialPower.com we will email them to you. Studies conducted by Allianz and North American
Women Financial Power 901-617-1139 info@womenfinancialpower.com www.womenfinancialpower.com
Girl Entrepreneur Kierra Perkins is a Sophomore at Wilson Central High School. Like most teens, she enjoys friends, family and having fun, and she’s had no problem being a successful entrepreneur. What most of her classmates and teachers don’t know is that she’s been the CEO of her own business, Kandles by Kierra, since she was 11 years old. She wanted to do something different for her dad for Father’s Day.
She researched candle making videos and made him the Chocolate Chip Cookie and Milk kandle. Her mother took a picture and posted it on social media. The response was overwhelming. People were excited with how the kandle looked and wanted one of their own. At that moment; Kierra decided she wanted to start her own business. She recently released three new Kandles, Banana Cream Pie, Watermelon, and Blueberry Cobbler.
www.kandlesbykierra.com
She was recently re-certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council, giving her access to larger corporations that she wasn’t privy to before. These larger retail entities have been trending toward putting local businesses on their shelves. Kierra was introduced to the nation with an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show ahead of the Father’s Day weekend. She was also featured in the New York Times, the teen and her candles positioned against a backdrop that was as vibrant as their subjects.
The young entrepreneur may be shy, but she has big goals, and the motivation to move mountains. Kierra's plan is to graduate from college with a degree in business and finance. Presently her high school studies include a path to business, with the hope of opening her own brick-and-mortar store. Kierra has a mantra she offers to anyone looking to make their own creative footprint: “A young creative mind can grow a business and you do not have to wait until you’re an adult to achieve your goals.”
“You must love what you do,” she advises emerging entrepreneurs. “Believe in yourself and your own ideas. Don’t just do it for the money.”
Melissa Pettinano Melissa Ann Maria Pettinano, was born on January 3rd 1988, on one of the coldest days of the year. Melissa started showing signs of musical talent at the age of two, singing along and dancing to songs like, Connie Francis, The Supremes, and many others. Her family, as much as herself, has a fond love and respect for the Doo Wops, as well as many other artists in the musical world of entertainment.
Her father and her aunt are the Doo Wop group/duo named Rickie and Vickie. Rickie and Vickie came out with "Joanie Why Are You So In Love" in the early 1960’s. They were with Angletone Records. For Melissa it wasn’t just Doo Wop, she was fond of. Melissa sang and danced along to many other great artists of different decades.
At the age of seven, Melissa started performing. She would perform in school and at other schools, contests, talent shows, family functions/events and of course her number one place, The Church of the Lord singing Gospel music.
Pursuing a Dream After completing her tenth grade year of high school, she knew it was time to pursue her careers all the way. After discussing with her family, she was home-schooled for the last two years of her high school education. In that time she was signed to IMTS – Industry Model And Talent Studio’s, at the bold age of eighteen. IMTS is where she started with modeling, she was also an extra in Spider Man 3 the movie. During this time, she was finishing up her manuscript for her children’s book and of course; like always writing her music. Her book went live July 13, 2007 and from that point she has been promoted in newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, etc.
Award Winning Recording Artist, Songwriter, Author and Inspirational Speaker
Destined for a higher calling Melissa’s parents knew she was a true artist in her own right for all the many gifts and blessings she was given by the Grace of God. Melissa from a very young age knew she was destined for something more, something bigger beyond herself, thanks to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She also knew that she was destined to be a performer, as well as the other talents she possessed.
Melissa Pettignano released a recreated version of the song 'Dear Lord Jesus' last year, hitting #1 on the Christian Radio Charts. Louder Than The Music contacted Melissa to find out more about her music, her inspiration, and the message she tries to convey to her listeners.
Hitting The Charts/Billboards In 2009, Melissa and her father Raymond Pettignano Sr, wrote a song entitled: "Gave you One More Chance," the song began to get radio airplay. In 2015, Melissa along with her father Raymond, worked with the legendary Grammy-nominated multi-platinum producer Steve “Mr.Mig” Migliore on developing “Gave You One More Chance” into a remixed radio version and remixed extended version, as well as working on a single titled “Dear Lord Jesus,” also written by Melissa and her father. “Gave You One More Chance (Mr. Mig Radio Remix)” and “Gave You One More Chance (Mr. Mig Extended Remix)” both released on March 1, 2016 worldwide and both hit # 1 on Dec 11th, 2015 and Billboard King of Spins Top 20. It hit all the major charts coming in the top 30 in the first week. As it worked its way up the charts, the Daily Voice along with other major news media announced them with press releases as nominees for the 2016 Awards. "Look At You" Hit # 2 on the Christian Radio Charts worldwide and hit Top 20 Ignition Country Radio Chart and Top 14 on the ECAM Charts, and climbing.
Getting To Know Melissa Pettignano Her goals, dreams, challenges, passion for giving and more… The Cover: Tell us about your love for singing and playing instruments. I've loved singing, since I was a little girl. I started at age 2 -1/2 singing and dancing right on beat. I started singing in church. Playing instruments, I started singing more as I got older. I am also learning to play the bass guitar and piano. The Cover: What has been most rewarding for you as it relates to the industry? Most rewarding to me is seeing all the people I have helped. Whether it’s helping someone come to our Lord Jesus or helping them overcome an obstacle they face. All the awards are a blessing, but what's most important to me, is seeing my brothers and sisters around the world happy and living the life they were meant to live, according to how our Lord Jesus created them. The Cover: To what or whom do you contribute your success? I contribute my success to our Lord Jesus, with humility, hard work, my family and true friends for being there for me, and all the excellent individuals I work with that I do not just consider colleagues, but family, and all the fans. The Cover: Looking back, what if anything would you have done differently. No, I wouldn't have done anything different, because it helped me to become the woman I am today. I am stronger and wiser through our Lord Jesus.
The Cover: What advice would you give others who are struggling/facing challenges in the industry? I would encourage them to not ever give up. Do not listen to the negative comments. Do not hate or listen to the haters. Do what you love, learn it and grow in who you are. When the time is right it will happen. Not on our time, but our Lord Jesus’ time. Everything is done to help us become the best person we are meant to be, not just for ourselves humbly, but for the people around us, the people we love and the people we meet. It’s a true blessing. The Cover: Who is your favorite artist? I have so many artists I can’t pick just one. For example: Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and the list goes on. The Cover: What are some challenges you have faced during your career as an entertainer? Some of the challenges I have faced during my career on stage as an entertainer have been interesting, but one example which changed my life forever is in April 2018 I got very sick and for 7 months I didn’t know what I had. I lost the ability to walk, move my arms, they became frozen and capsulized, couldn't eat without help or use the restroom. I had spasms, and in the beginning, I lost my vision. During this time, I couldn't perform. I had to cancel going to the Grammy’s because I wasn't feeling well. No doctor knew what I had or could help, as much as they tried. It wasn’t until I rededicated my Life to our Lord Jesus and after saying a prayer and speaking from my heart to HIM, that I began to feel my legs move. All I wanted for Christmas was to be healed and know what my illness was. One week before Christmas I was told I had parsonage turner syndrome, a rare disease that effects 1 out of 1,000 individuals worldwide. The Cover: What's next for Melissa Pettignano? I’m working on my new book for the Suzanne Lantana Series or a new novel, working on my music and gearing up for going to the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards and the 8th Josie Music Awards where I am already a 2019 Vocalist of the Year for Gospel/Christian/Inspirational category for my single "Dear Lord Jesus" winner and nominated for Vocalist of the Year for Gospel / Christian /Inspirational category for my single" Look At You" and Single of the Year for Gospel / Christian / Inspirational category for my single Look At You.
Awards and Achievements Award winning in both the Literary and Entertainment Industry Melissa has won countless awards for singing, she's also an author and won awards in the literary field. She won the Josie Music Award for Gospel / Christian / Inspirational for Vocalist of the Year on September 21st, 2019 in Dollywood. Raymond Pettignano, Sr and Melissa both won the World Songwriting Award for their recreated #1 hit single "Dear Lord Jesus" in the fall of 2020. In 2003, Melissa won Outstanding Soloist at the Six Flags Grade Adventure Competition.
Proud Member of the N.A.M.A, the Gospel Music Association,The Recording Academy Melissa is active in all aspects of her life; she spreads the Great News of Our Lord Jesus, Recording Artist, Songwriter, Author, Inspirational Speaker and Humanitarian.
“Dear Lord Jesus” was nominated for a Native American Music Award in the Best Gospel/Christian/Native American Church recording.
Future Goals Melissa hopes to open a foundation that helps animals and their families, especially families who have difficulty with paying for medical treatment, a foundation for education and arts for music, dancing, acting, writing and helping the homeless. In the next five (5) years she plans to write more books, produce her music release single’s, EP’s, albums and perform around the world. Photo Credits: Photographer, Alena "The Cover" Photo: The white jacket with pants and multi color top and the photo of Melissa holding sunflowers Additional photos: Complimentary of Evelyn and Melissa Pettignano
Contact: melissapettignano@yahoo.com melissa@melissapettignano.com www.melissapettignano.com
Leo Preston, Jr. CEO/Producer and Entertainer Presents Music, Art and Entertainment at the Africa in April Festival 2022
Marvin Davis, Musician
Leo Preston Jr. is the Producer/CEO and Entertainer of The Artist Lounge. The Artist Lounge is a production company that produces TV shows, promotes and support music, publishing, modeling, dancing, spoken word, celebrities, community activist and painting. It serves as a platform for the industry, it is a strong advocate for art; not only do they recognize art, it brings it to life. The Artist Lounge also brings positive communication and value to the community.
The Artist Lounge TV Show of Little Rock. AR preparing for Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival (L-R) Charmaine Cook-Johnson, Leo Preston, Jr. and Flexo Model
The Artist Lounge, Little Rock, AR TV show is produced and connected with Platform 901 in Memphis, TN and K3 Studio Café. K3 Studio is a live music venue in Memphis, owned by Mr. Derrick Dean. K3 Studio Cafe’ is the official home of the Artist Lounge. The Cafe’ is filled with great music and entertainment. Chef Korri Whitaker is always making sure your taste buds are satisfied with her delicious dishes, each time you visit K3 Studio Cafe'.
Derrick Dean, K3 Studio Cafe' Photo Credit: GSW Enterprise and Video by Memphis Marcus
Contact: (501) 408-0889 leoprestonjr05@gmail.com
Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival Fashions by Cassie's Corner and FexoGamous.
Center: Cassandra Wade, Owner of Cassie's Corner & Fashion Models w/ Entertainer, Leo Preston; Photo Credit: GSW Enterprise and Video by Memphis Marcus
Shop Cassie's Corner, LLC "A Unique Style of Elegance, Little Rock ARK (501) 541-1348 www.cassiecorneroline.com
ATL - CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT NEWS
xoNecole teamed up with Toyota USA for our Made For Me: ATL event. The two-day event took place on March 19th and 20th in honor of Women’s History Month. Attendees participated in workshops and wellness experiences that focused on the mind, body, and spirit. Special guests included astrologist Dani Simone, Christian psychologist Dr. Alduan Tartt, financial consultant, and yoga teacher Dr. Nicole Garner Scott, entertainment host Gia Peppers, and Meagan Good was the keynote speaker. Meagan is a veteran actress who is often admired for her beauty, style, and down-to-earth personality. But what stands out about the Harlem star is her spirituality and her connection with God. Isabelle Doll Media Group/ International Media Correspondent: On the scene reporting live for The Cover Magazine Photo Credit: Isabelle Doll Media Group
LA LIVE CHRIS...YACHT PARTIES
Celebration parties on a Yacht for a day with LA Live Chris. Cool Vibes, great conversation and ocean views. Contact Chris at 310-754-5707 and Book Yours Today!
B L A C K
M U S I C
H O N O R S
The 7th annual Black Music Honors 2022 returned to Atlanta for a live taping on May 19th at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center with co- hosts, 2-x Grammy Winner, LeToya Luckett, and Comedian DeRay Davis.
The annual star-studded two-hour event honored and acknowledged the legendary African American artists who have influenced and made significant musical contributions to African culture and American music worldwide. The 2022 Honorees included a dynamic list of phenomenal artists: The Whispers was honored with the Legends Award and Tevin Campbell received the R&B Icon Award.. Dru Hill who also gave a stunning performance accepted the Urban Music Icon Award. The gospel duo Mary Mary was honored with the Gospel Music Icon Award. Super woman Karyn White finally got her props. She received the Soul Music Award; and song bird Keri Hillson was awarded the Music and Songwriter Award.
The Black Music honors was broadcast in syndication on June 4, July 3, 2022, and Bounce TV on June 25th in recognition of Black Music Month.
The show also featured spectacular performances from some of the most magnanimous musical artists such as Eric Roberson, Raheem DeVaughn, Kevin Ross, PJ Morton, Carl Thomas, 112, Amber Riley, Tasha Page Lockhart, Jade Novah, and many more. With a special performance by Kid’ NPlay to commemorate their 40-plus years in the industry.
The show was produced by Chicago-based production company Central City Productions (CCP) the event fulfilled it’s promises to be non-stop fun and fueled with plenty of excitement. Isabelle Doll Media, International Correspondent was on the scene reporting live for The Cover Magazine Photo Credit: Carolyn Grady Rhythmic
Lights, Camera and Action! Michelle is 5'7" and weigh lbs. Michelle Jordan is a certified professional runway, commercial print and promotional model for AJE Dreamland Productions. She works with consumer brands, photographers, videographers, artists and fashion designers to advertise and promote their products. She's had the pleasure of interviewing as a Dreamland TV show host, also an intern for Dreamland Productions studios. She loves modeling, acting, comedy and showcasing her talent in her hometown, Memphis, TN, Atlanta, GA and other southern states. Michelle takes advantage of every opportunity to showcase her talent, while displaying her passion for fashion.
BOOKING & CASTING INQUIRES www.ajedreamlandproductions@gmail.com
www.ajedreamland.co
Lee Newton's Album Release Party Storytellers Museum and Hideaway Farm, Bon Aqua, TN Saturday, April 23, 2022
Congratulations! Lee Newton, we were super excited to celebrate with you at your Album Release UNLEESHED party. A special congrats to all the album collaborators, Dale Houston, Brian and Terri Hatcher-Godwin and all the behind-the-scenes producers, Jay Jackson's (2), Brian and Sally. event host and hostesses, fans and supporters that worked diligently to make Lee’s album release party “UNLEESHED” a success! The Celebration included meeting people in the industry, her fans, friends, food, fun, entertainment, and a tour of Johnny Cash’s Storytellers Hideaway Farm and Museum. (Photos below: Tina and Josie Passantino, Lee and Anner J. Echols, Lee, Brian, AJE and Jay Jackson, Kayme Crowell Gianatasio, Lee and Terri Hatcher-Godwin, Lee, Jennifer Wilcox and Dale Houston, Lee, Gloria Tooley and Dale Houston, Lee and son, Cash)
“UNLEESHED” Available Now/All Musical Platforms https: linktr.ee/Leenewtonmusic
https://leenewtonmusic.com/
Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson "My Life" I am the seventh of seven children born to Lenora Driver (Nelson). My father, Nathan Rushing, was not the father of any of my siblings, but we all had the same mother. I was born in the hallway of our home at 1503 N.22nd Street (pictured) in Milwaukee, WI, as my mother was preparing to go to the county hospital in Wauwatosa, WI, on Thursday, August 31, 1961.
"I'm Committed, Dedicated and Remaining Steadfast" It is said that “Thursday’s Child Has Far to Go…” For Yvonne, this interpretation is one of a positive nature because I have come a long way and thanks to our Lord, Jehovah, I yet have far to go! I was told that I slept in a banana box as an infant. I used to have and still have various sayings one of which is/was “I’m going to be late to my own funeral,” and I think that one came true in 2021, early 2022, when I had a divine intervention somewhere around October 22, 2021, when I passed out from syncope while showering and hit my head on the original tub from my house of the last 29 years. I was gravely ill, helpless but not hopeless. I was told that my weight was 80 lbs., I was admitted to a nursing home. I asked the rehabilitation specialist when, “I would walk again” and her reply was that “You may never walk again." After rehabilitation and not giving up, while trying to walk along with my prayers to God and family support, I am happy to say that I am walking today!
Her Outstanding Career...Beating the Odds
Dr. Nelson attributes her educational drive to her 10th grade and senior high school counselor who told her that she was “not smart enough” to attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Not only did she attend MSOE for two years, she made the Dean’s List before running out of government funding and electing to remove herself from the school’s roster. A certified Paralegal since 1999, Dr. Nelson received recognition as an Outstanding Student and graduated Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Management and Finance from the historically Black LeMoyne-Owen College, in 2003. She attended the American Inter Continental University online between 2003 and 2006 where she obtained Summa Cum Laude dual Master degrees in Management and Marketing, and she attained a doctorate degree from Capella University in 2011 where she matriculated Cum Laude with a degree in Organization and Management with an emphasis in Leadership.
Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson "Serving the Community"
Dr. Yvonne Denise Nelson is a humanitarian community advocate whose philosophy and mission is committed to challenging racial, economic, and environmental injustice; and protecting the basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in our American society. A philanthropist who tirelessly fights for better conditions for all can be evidenced by Dr. Nelson’s commitment to being: The former CEO, Editor, and Publisher of NEWSCENE, the NEW SCENE where NEWS is SEEN, an online monthly news magazine for and about residents of Memphis and Shelby County, TN; President of the Whitehaven Community Development Organization, formerly known as the McCorkle Road Neighborhood Development Association, Inc. of Memphis for the past 25+ years; and the spokesperson for My ZIP, a newly formed nonprofit that addresses community ills.
Dr. Nelson is the author of Youthful Voices: An Exploratory Case Study of Successful Youth Intervention and Development Programs. She is a former adjunct professor who taught adult learners Managerial Marketing and Consumer Behavior at LeMoyne-Owen College and Marketing courses at Strayer University. A self-proclaimed life-long learner, prior to her injury, Dr. Nelson was pursuing a path that would eventually lead to her receiving a Juris Doctorate degree in law. Awards and Accomplishments
A few of Dr. Nelson accomplishments include: Being elected President of Class 44 of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Training Academy; Serving as a Commissioner with the Memphis City Beautiful commission. Being a fall 2008 Grassroots Program graduate of Leadership Memphis and she also graduated from the former Whitehaven Leadership Program in the mid-90s. Receiving an Environmental award at the third annual Harriet Tubman Living Legends Awards in 2020 Dr. Nelson’s accomplishments, skills, educational background, and training reflect a true commitment to her philosophy and mission. Prior to her injury, she was very active in the Memphis community where she occasionally hosted positive events and programs. She helped organize and lead the movement that prevented Pull-A-Part from locating on the outskirts of her neighborhood in the early 2000’s, led the fight to prevent Waste Connections, LLC of TN from expanding in her neighbor’s backyards (2019), fought and won the fight against Elvis Presley's Graceland when they put a $200,000 bid to purchase Graves Elementary School for a factory.
Dr. Nelson served as a Poll Worker at her voting location, 77-01, for approximately a decade. She successfully challenged the Shelby County Election Commission’s decision to move the polling site to Raineshaven, an elementary school that is no longer in existence, when Graves Elementary School closed in 2014. Dr. Nelson is a Certified Nonprofit Consultant who has been featured in print, on local channels 3, 5, 10, 13, and 24/30, and numerous radio talk shows on a number of occasions.
She is still active and occasionally found fighting environmental injustice issues of all types, especially those that are prevalent in inner-city neighborhoods. She is the proud mother of two adult children, Douglas (Alicia) A. Wright Jr. and Iman Zenoria D. (Terrance) Mason. She has one grandchild, Tai Mason.
Blessings: The Past, Mid, Current and Future Years
Dr. Nelson's daughter, Iman wed husband, Terrance
Dedicated to clean up the community
Dr. Nelson's son, Douglas and his bride, Alicia’s beautiful Wedding
Honoring a Whitehaven Clean-Up Legend and Community SHE-RO, Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson (L-R: Dr. Nelson and Paul Young, President/CEO/Housing and Community Development /Center: Supporters/ Dr. Nelson and Jason Sharif, Whitehaven Ambassador
Michael Harris/Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation
The Current Year #2022 "God is Good!"
Remaining Steadfast
DIMANS, INC. Developmental Intervention Model for the Assessment Neighborhood Systems Forming the Minds of the Future… Recruiting raw gems and turning them into shining stones. Dedicated to positively shaping our future generation. Encouraging all individuals to “ask what they can do for their community, instead of what their community can do for them”
DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED !!
DI’MANS, Inc. P. O. Box 9146 Memphis, TN38190-0146 DI'MANS, Inc. - EIN: 26-4009342 My ZIP – EIN: 84-2308180 McCorkle Road Neighborhood Development Association, Inc. of Memphis dba Whitehaven Community Development Association – EIN: 62-1564981 Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Yvonne Denise Nelson, PhD, CNC, training to become a Life Coach
Contact: nelson.yvonne.d@gmail.com Photos: Complimentary of Dr. Y. Nelson
2022 The Cover Magazine