THIS ISSUE As we transition through mid-summer, we take time to wipe sweat-brimmed brows and lips tainted with summer flavors. The phrase “basking in the sun” takes on new meaning as we highlight people, places, and businesses that are doing positive things throughout Mississippi.
FIGHT FOR A CURE - Dynamic couple and founders of the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation share their passion to minister through service and highlight their accomplishments towards fostering greater knowledge that will lead to a cure.
In this issue of Love, Marriage & Partnership – The Review, be inspired to check out all the good things in Mississippi, and get a new outlook on summertime celebrations. Here’s a list of features to be highlighted for July, and set the expectation of things to come.
COUPONING LIKE A QUEEN - Get tips on how to keep your coins as an enthusiastic mom shares how she turned a need into a hobby by couponing. Even if couponing isn’t your thing, her fun personality and desire to help will surely have you tuned in.
COUPLES IN PARTNERSHIP- This feature is the heart of the publication, so become acquainted with phenomenal couples from all over that are building businesses and serving their communities through a loving partnership. A VISIT HOME – Join us as we take a trip to the Mississippi Delta to experience the people, the music, and of course the food. DATE NIGHT IDEAS – Do more than flirt with the idea of Date Nights, make a commitment. These sweet notions will spark dedication for that much desired QT whether you’re single, just having fun, or in a committed relationship. THE WEDDING PLANNER – If you or someone you know has a big day approaching, check out these tips from one of Mississippi’s best certified wedding and event coordinators. Doing so just may be the thing to make that special day better than your favorite romantic comedy. LET THE MUSIC MOVE YOU – Find inspiration in two success stories of how a desire to see others do great things has been channeled through music and other forms of artistry and ministry. One ministry leader, song writer and author shares her story and hope for others as another music enthusiast gives insight to the bandhead that developed the presence that many have come to know as The Marching Sport POSITIVE MISSISSIPPI – If you’ve never heard of Patricia Neely-Dorsey, consider this feature a treat. Delight yourself in getting acquainted with Mississippi’s Ambassador for Positive Change. Hear this author’s story as she shares her lifetime dedication to promoting a positive Magnolia State.
TEACHER & BUSINESS OWNER – Join educator, Tracy Horman as she divvies what inspired her to tackle entrepreneurship through her home-based business.
JULY
2016 Love, Marriage & Partnership - The Review is a monthly publication sponsored by M & M R Marketing, LLC that focuses on married couples that are in partnership with each other through service and/or business to their communities and abroad. The goal of the Love, Marriage & Partnership – the Review is to inspire readers to look at the essence of partnership in marriage as shared by exemplary couples, ultimately moving readers to actively define, develop, and devote to their purpose as a couple.
NOW AVAILABLE
I am a 32 year old ordained Minister at East Fernwood MB Church in McComb, Ms. My Pastor Jimmy Wilson prophesied to me twice that I would write a book and sale it on Amazon. I wrote this book in 9 days and was completed with the full process in a month.
DATING IDEAS By: Mr & MRS ROACH Dismiss every misconception that you have about Dating, be open-minded, and expect to have fun! Who says that Dating has to be anything other than what you want it to be? No one- it’s up to you how creative you want your predetermined moment of eminence to be! It is also important to note that Dating is for anyone: married, engaged, and yes, SINGLE.
DON’TS
DO’S
IDEAS of the MONTH • • • • • •
Agree to set this time aside together. Determine frequency and be consis tent (once a month or every week). Decide who gets to choose the date (deciding together is best). Anticipate it. Be THERE while you’re on the date. Have FUN.
• •
Avoid making independent plans and expect the other to be as excited as you are. Steer clear of allowing your Date Night to take the back seat of things that appear to be more pressing.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART 201 East Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS 39201Among the many works of art from its permanent collections, collected from all over the world, the highlights of the Mississippi Museum of Art are the impressions of Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt and Marc Chagall. MISSISSIPPI RIVER TOURS 1208 Levee Street, Vicksburg, MS – Operating from a steam-driven paddle cruiser, Mississippi River Tours offers river tours with narration by expert and experienced guides. The company welcomes school and church groups as well as smaller parties. BLUFF PARK | Natchez, MS - Notable for its sunset views of the Mississippi River, Bluff Park has ironfenced sidewalks that make walking along the bluffs comfortable for visitors. GULFPORT BEACH | Gulfport, MS – With miles of shoreline, Gulfport Beach offers a white, sandy beach for lounging in the sun. There are shops near the beach that rent out jet skis and other water sports equipment for use on the ocean.
MR AND MRS
ROOSEVELT&SHAY
GREENWOOD
WHO ARE YOU AS A COUPLE? Roosevelt: We love each other…that pretty much sums it up. That love is shown through our actions toward each other on a daily basis. I have learned to make coffee for Shay. She tells me she likes the way I make it. So I do that for her because I know it speaks her language. And, she does things for me that I like. We are blessed with 5 children that have taught us a lot and we learn something new every day. We get to spend a lot of time together. Shay: We are each other’s #1 encouragers. Anyone can love their spouse, but we genuinely like each other. After our relationship with the Lord, we are #1 in each other’s life. He has my back and I have his. I know that he is going to support me in whatever it is I feel like the Lord is leading me to do. We would never say our marriage is perfect, but we have a relationship with God as our foundation. As a couple, we appreciate and support each other and again really, really like each other. Our bond is tight. We are at peace with our relationship and there is no drama.
Roosevelt and Shay Greenwood have been married for 21 years. Although Roosevelt is from Canton, Mississippi and Shay is from Omaha, Nebraska, they met at the baggage claim in Washington DC while on a business trip. They attended the same conference and took a cab ride together. That began an admiration for each other where they new immediately that they liked each other. Roosevelt asked her to marry him two months later. They married 12 months later. They live in Madison, MS with their 5 children: Bria (20), Chandler (18), Noah (16), Jacob (14), and Adam (4).
WHAT THINGS DO YOU ADMIRE ABOUT YOUR SPOUSE? Roosevelt: The thing I admire most about my lovely wife is her love and dedication to God and to her family. She is truly the one that keeps the family grounded. I admire her beauty also. She is the woman I dreamed about when I was 12 years old. I knew I had to marry her when I saw her. Shay: Because I didn’t grow up with my father, I admire him most for the way he loves his family. He interacts with his family. He loves being with us more than anything. He genuinely loves and goes out of his way to take care of us. He is an incredible encourager and loves watching the growth and development of me and our children. For years, I would ask him, what do you want to be? Because he was an administrator of a school, the natural answer should be, I want to be a Superintendent of a school or the like. But, his answer is always, I want to be the best husband I can be to you and the best father I can be to our children. Every time I’ve heard him answer that question it has blessed me beyond comprehension. That’s not a typical answer of most men in today’s world. Roosevelt is definitely a great example of how God loves us unconditionally. He always sees the best in us.
The REVIEW
HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOURSELF TO FUNCTION AS YOUR BEST SELF IN YOUR ROLE AS A SPOUSE? Roosevelt: I do this by listening to my wife’s needs… and wants to. After 21 years of marriage, I have learned that I don’t always have to fix her problems, but just listen. I also know what her love language is…”Don’t touch me, don’t kiss me…just do something for me.” Her love language is “What have you done for me lately?” J I do my best to show her I love her by doing something she needs for me to do. She has learned that I can’t read her mind though. She needs to tell me. It’s just the difference between men and women. Shay: I’m always reading something new…doing a bible study, memorizing scripture, reading about raising children, building a business, and/or about marriage. Right now, I’m reading Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. Reading helps me stay fresh and keep a renewed perspective about marriage. After 21 years, I can still learn something new. I don’t want to remain stagnant in anything I do, but especially in my marriage. One of my favorite things to say is “I don’t want to be the same, this time next year.” HOW DO YOU UTILIZE YOUR DIFFERENCES INDIVIDUALLY AS ASSETS TO YOU AS A COUPLE? Roosevelt: I’m usually the calm one in our relationship. I’m steady and predictable. I think that has really helped our relationship when we have faced difficult situations and, in 21 years, we have had many. Shay: Roosevelt and I are totally opposite in a lot of ways. But, our values are the same, so this is hard to answer. We compliment each other. I think that I can get a lot of things done in a short period of time that have helped our family operate effectively. I am like an energizer bunny and I will keep going and going. Over the years though, Roosevelt has helped me to learn how to relax and be better about taking time to just chill. And, the Lord has helped me to be better about balancing my time so I don’t get burned out. I’m the first born in my family…and he is the baby…so our partnership works great because I tell him what to do, and he generally says “tell me what you want me to do?” It works perfectly and probably why we get along so well. I’ve had to learn though to be respectful in the way I talk. I can be kind of bossy. That definitely doesn’t work.
WHAT DOES PARTNERSHIP IN MARRIAGE MEAN TO YOU? Roosevelt: Partnership in marriage means give and take to me. You have to give 100% of yourself to make it work effectively. It’s definitely not 50/50 like the world tells you. Shay: It means that you have someone who loves you unconditionally and you know that you can trust them to operate on one accord for the family. They are both moving in the same direction and want the same things. Each person is different in terms of who they are, but they come together using their God given talents to meet the goals of the family. AS PARTNERS IN MARRIAGE, WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL? WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFICE TO OBTAIN IT? Roosevelt: My ultimate goal is to live a happy life, which means that you have to have a happy wife, right? It’s also important to me to raise God fearing children that would be assets to our community. Six years ago when I was laid off from my job as an Administrator in a school district, I took that opportunity and sacrificed a lot by making a decision to become a full-time entrepreneur so I could have a more flexible schedule for my family at the ages where I felt like they needed me the most. It has been difficult, but we see the longlasting fruit from this decision in the success of our children and our relationship with them. We wouldn’t trade the quality time we have with each one of them and also with each other as a couple. Shay: When we got married and started having children, I knew God was telling me that His goal for us was to raise children who love God. As I homeschooled, I came across Deuteronomy 6 starting in verse 5 and began using it as the foundation of how we wanted life to be for our family. We were definitely stepping out in faith believing God’s word for the success of our children. Basically the scripture says: Love God, teach your children to love God, and then God would provide the results. Because our children are now 20, 18, 16, 14 and a 4 year old (the verdict is still out on himJ), we know that scripture has proven to be true for our family’s success. We aren’t perfect by any means. God is still working on us, but we are grateful that God is faithful even though there are times when we are faithless.
...continued on page 11
AYANNAH WILLIAMS ~
M I N I S T R I E S
Ayannah Williams, a native of McComb, Ms, is an ordained minister of the Gospel, an inspirational speaker, gospel song writer and an aspiring book writer. Her ministry began in 2011 after she preached her 1st sermon in a small church in Greensburg, La. ‘Ayannah Williams Ministries’ focuses on the power of GOD to heal, deliver and set free through the preached Word of GOD and prayer. In March of 2016, after receiving two profound prophetic words from her Pastor concerning writing a book, Ayannah penned her 1st book entitled “One Day at a Time”. “One Day at a Time” is a Godinspired 30-Day Christian Devotional infused with biblical scripture references, prophetic declarations and personal prayers. This book offers biblical wisdom to help individuals triumph over the enemy by using the Word of God and trusting in the power of God. While her love for God is expressed in many forms, Ayannah has found great enjoyment in writing gospel songs from her heart unto God. 10 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
~
In 2011, she wrote “Use Me” for gospel recording artists “The Williams Brothers” which featured gospel greats such as Lisa Knowles and Pastor Tim Rogers. “Use Me” appeared on BET and was played on radio stations across the world. Her latest music endeavor entitled “Always There” is a single featured on Doug Williams’ latest CD titled “Crossover”. “Always There” is a testament of God’s unfailing ability to remain faithful and true to His Word by never leaving nor forsaking His people. It is Ayannah’s desire that people are encouraged, motivated and compelled to receive Christ into their hearts as their personal Savior. CONTACT INFO: - ayannahwilliamsministries@yahoo.com (E-mail) - www.ayannahwilliamsministries.com (Website) - ayannah.williams.1 (Facebook) - @MinisterAyannah (Twitter)
WHO IS THE MR AND MRS THAT PEOPLE DON’T GET TO SEE? Roosevelt: Generally, people don’t get to see our family hanging out with each other at home. We laugh a lot. There is constant talking and constant late nights. Because Shay and I love each other so, we see that love and care trickling down to our children. They get along with each other, because they see that their parents get along. We genuinely enjoy spending time together. Shay: We have a funny family. If you spend any time with all of us at the same time, we are going to have a great time talking about everything under the sun from politics, to race, to relationships, to what’s going on in the kids’ worlds, with laughing being the central focus. Laughing is a big part of our life. There is constant chatter; it’s never quiet. (You didn’t ask me this, but did I tell you I like it quiet? It’s a non-existent thing in the Greenwood household. Just thought I would add that in.) WHAT IS A SCRIPTURE THAT YOU BOTH USE AS YOU FUNCTION IN A PARTNERSHIP? Roosevelt: There have been many. But, the ones that stand out to me are Matthew 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. We held onto this scripture when we had a job loss. And, then, Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. These are favorites. The kids have them memorized too. Shay: Each year for the past several years, we have come up with a scripture that means something to our family. It is normally something God is teaching us in that season and is laid on our hearts. Matthew 6: 33 and Ephesians 3:20 are definitely ones that our family has memorized as a family. But, Nehemiah 6:3b …I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you? has been my favorite verse. God gave it to us at an especially difficult time financially, when we knew without a shadow of a doubt that God called us to this entrepreneurial life so we could have a more flexible schedule for our family’s needs. Nehemiah was building a wall and the enemy was distracting him and that’s why he said that. We had a goal…God had a goal for our lives…and we would have to repeat… We are doing a great work and we can’t come down!... when faced with naysayers or difficult circumstances to get us off track. Every family needs to have a quote or a scripture to keep the right perspective as they face life’s circumstances that are outside of their control.
11 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
Wedding PLANNER
THE
By: Melissa Banks
WEDDING PLANNER Think of your Wedding Planner as a gift from God. Her only job is to help you bring your dream wedding into reality. Or if you never dreamed to help you create one. When do you hire your wedding planner? Shortly after you become engaged! This is when you get to pull out all the pictures you’ve screen shot on your phone, the Pinterest page with all your favorite wedding looks, remember all the pictures you liked on Facebook and Instagram and of course all your ideas. The wedding planner will help you pick out everything, the venue, florist, decorator, caterer, invitations, entertainment, the best vendors, create a timeline, budget and manage your event day. If your life is already so busy there’s not enough hours in the day, then planning a wedding, as excited as you are, can be overwhelming. Hire a wedding planner to do as much or as little as you would like for them to do. The wedding planner can be just what you need to bring your vision to life.
Happy
Planning!
12 | LOVE MARRAIGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
DAY OF COORDINATOR You have the time to plan your own wedding, however you need help with the wedding day. This is the person who makes sure everything goes smoothly on the wedding day. You usually meet with this person a month to two weeks prior to your wedding. She doesn’t help you select vendors, venue, flowers, photographer, etc. you’ve already done that. Her job is to ensure all your hard work of planning turns out exactly like you want it to be. She makes sure everyone is seated, everything is delivered and decorations look exactly like you expect and most importantly, she ensures the ceremony starts on time. TIP Even if your venue has a coordinator remember the venue coordinator works for the venue and will always have the venues best interest first.
At DMD Event Planning & Design, we have been designing and planning wedding and events for over 18 years. My name is Melissa Banks founder. I have received training in Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, Mississippi and the Caribbean. At DMD we are here to consult when you have questions, locate the best vendors and implement your decisions. We specialize in Weddings, Social Events and Corporate Events. In the first meeting we listen to our client and help them identify a clear vision and then create a master plan to help them bring their vision to reality. We have a Team of experienced, professional and dependable event planners who are knowledgeable about wedding and event planning and our team of expert designers will make sure we exceed your expectations. We have partnerships with vendors who are the best in their field. We are committed to utilizing our professional experience and resources, delivering a product that will always exceed expectations. Our team currently Plan, Design and Decorate for Weddings, Vow Renewals, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Banquets, and Conferences all over the State of Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and beyond. Our services include; Wedding and Event Planning, Month of Coordination, Floral Design and DĂŠcor, Draping, lighting and so much more. At DMD we are committed to undivided attention to every detail, working together as a team to create an event that will leave a lasting expression. Dare to Dream! Leave the details to us and you enjoy the experience. WWW.DMDEVENTPLANNINGANDDESIGN.CO
FACEBOOK @dmdeventplanning2014 INSTAGRAM @dmdeventplanninganddesign
WE LOVE
DO YOU?
jamesroach.myorganogold.com
15 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
A Visit
HOME by: NATASHA M ROACH
INDIANOLA
16 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
As I walked down the hallway, the soft steady sound of the AC unit hummed away as I stepped onto the soft dark green carpet in the guestroom. The floral wallpaper, lace curtains, ruffled bedskirt and old pictures resting on the cherry wood dresser put a smile on my face as I reflected back to being a little girl, watching my grandmother pull her best dress suits out of the closet. I peeked into the next room to glance over the same four wood-paneled walls that once held what seemed like twenty of us as we played and slept during the summer and holidays. Bypassing the third bedroom, I walked into my grandmother’s room and it was still the same. Corsages from various church events, Granddaddy’s picture, a variety of perfume bottles, antique dolls, a well-made bed, and clothes hung neatly from the closet door. As I stood there, I remembered the summer I stayed with her after her surgery. She had a chair that sat in the corner where I would go to sleep or read my Bible. That was the summer she taught me how to make buttermilk cornbread in a cast iron skillet. Just as I was about to fix my eyes on something else, I heard her call out to me, “Baby, Momma didn’t fix anything. I know you all are going down to the restaurant so you can get you something to eat.” Assuring her that she didn’t have to worry herself, I walked back down the hallway and into the den to see my husband and son talking and playing in the room that was home for me and so many fond memories. Though I was born in Greenville, Indianola is what I consider home since a good bit of our family is there. The hills of Starkville are considered home too, just not for mention in this issue. When I talk to other people about the Mississippi Delta, Indianola in particular, it’s usually about the people. They are some of the most genuine, down-toearth, tell it like it is, best dressed southerners that I know. Not that it is necessary, but I will say that the food is second to none. Delictable cuisines that are now enjoyed all over the world stemmed from good old-fashioned cooking from places just like Indianola, Mississippi. The people and the food are just small portions of a place brewing with culture. Known for its rich Blues history, the area has become an international attraction, featuring the B.B. King Museum and Interpretive Center, a state of the art institution with so many wonderful artifacts. Typically, our trips home consist of visiting with family and an occasional run to Wal-Mart. This visit, we set our intentions on being tourists. Passing Gentry High School, home to some of the best ladies basketball games and scholars, we took in sights of a quaint downtown area, beautiful homes, cotton gin, and breath taking cypress trees that lined the Indian Bayou. Our first official stop was the Delta’s Corner, a laid back family restaurant that serves everything from traditional soul food to All-American comfort foods like wings, burgers, and fries. I passed up the famous “chicken and rice” for Honey Gold wings that were amazing. My husband enjoyed the best looking club sandwich I’ve ever seen, and it didn’t even have meat on it! The staff was friendly, full of smiles, and an occasional “Y’all doin alright?” Local patrons seemed to all know each other as they spoke and held conversations with each other. The Delta’s Corner has become a town favorite. Restaurant owner and caterer, Karen Farrow, has been serving the delta area since 2004 from large conferences and events to small private functions. To say that we’ll be going back for the soul food buffet is an understatement. We also made stops at the B.B. King Museum, the original Indianola Pecan House, and Double Quick gas station for the best sweet tea by the gallon. As we wrapped up our trip, we made note to visit the Henry M. Seymour Library on our next visit, as it houses a great collection of Mississippi artwork.
Coach
GIGI GATES AUTHOR, TRANSFORMATION COACH, ENTREPRENEUR
TO THE
ISLAND
OF
SUCCESS W W W. C O A C H G I G I . C O M
601-274-3429
GIGIAGATES@GMAIL.COM
Tracey WELLS-HARMON
TEACHER &
BUSINESS OWNER
Tracey Wells-HARMON is an educator that decided that she wanted to try her hand in the entrepreneurial game. Tracey is an independent distributor with IT WORKS global. She has taken her skill for teaching and has directed it toward educating others about the benefits of healthy living. According to Tracey, changing lives is WINNING. When others learn that they have to take control of what goes into their bodies, they can learn to love themselves from the inside out. Being able to change her own life has brought Tracey full circle in her growth as a woman of the 21st century. Tracey says that you have to be willing to change the game in order to be a game changer. Tracey is waiting to help you change the game on your journey toward healthy living. Feel free to contact her today. www. TraceyWellsHarmon.com Native of Canton, MS, Tracey has spent the last twenty years as an educator. She is the happy wife to Dr. George Harmon, Sr. and the proud mother to two loving children, BrandiTyler and George, Jr.
Bender MART B Y
A N I T R A
20 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
B E N D E R
TIPS FOR COUPONERS My name is Anitra Bender and I supervise a Call Center during the day, however, after 5:00, I am an addicted “couponer”. I picked up on this addiction in October 2013 while my dad was visiting. He asked to wash his clothing before traveling back home and I had a “corner” of laundry detergent available for use. Very ashamed, I vowed to never get low on it, ever again. At that time, couponers, as we call ourselves, were beginning to soar within social media. Everyone would gather their items, set up a display and post it to Facebook. Seeing these photos would make anyone want to get involved, not only to save money, but, also have a “stockpile”. A stockpile is an accumulation of all items obtained through couponing. So, I reached out to a person that I would always see getting household items, Stephanie. She gave me my first coupons and tips on “how” to coupon, while maximizing my savings. That was all I needed, and from that point to this, I have been changing lives of many that I know and come in contact with. Many benefit from my addiction, especially, my family and close friends. I share items and coupons with them and even, at times, teach coupon classes. My first coupon class was held in January, 2014. It was held at a facility that could accommodate at least 300 individuals. It completely SOLD OUT! This event was so big that news reporters visited to cover the event! My best friend, Renetta, named my pile “Bender Mart”!! This is by far the best addiction I have ever heard of! I think it is simply amazing, therefore, just like Stephanie gave me those tips, I give them, here and there because we all love saving our coins!
Subscribe to the Sunday’s paper Utilize a coupon clipping service to purchase coupons, online) Always apply a sale with your coupon (look for items already on sale) Never throw away coupons, even after expiration (some stores take expired coupons) Familiarize yourself with store coupon policies Join store loyalty programs Know what’s a good deal and what’s not Make multiple transactions Use overage to get FREE ITEMS! Look for unadvertised deals ALWAYS take coupons with you, even when traveling Price-Match, if applicable Pay attention at the register, especially when using multiple coupons Request a raincheck for out of stock items Review your strategy Stick to your same cashiers Leave your kids at home Keep your coupons organized Utilize social media to see deals and RUN Practice makes perfect
THE MARCHING SPORT BANDHEAD.ORG
22 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
|
HBCUBANDS.COM
Gerard Howard has spent nearly two decades documenting the world of black college bands. Having started The Internet’s First Site for Black College Bands (blackcollegebands.com) in 1998, Howard spends weekends every fall traveling from city to city showcasing the legacy of HBCU Bands. “Before I begin covering bands, most media outlets on the field were only covering sports, my focus was strictly the bands” said Howard, “As a kid I used to watch HBCU Football BET every Saturday Night just to see the bands. Where BET ended is where I began. Growing up in New Orleans, besides for Southern and Grambling we didn’t know what other bands sounded like, we would only hear rumors of them. My job was to show others what they looked like and sounded like”. Since that time Howard has photographed Hundreds of Games and has expanded to documenting via film. He’s also interviewed legendary band greats such as William P. Foster of Florida A&M University, Isaac Greggs of Southern University as well as Jackson State University’s Lewis Liddell. Self-trained, Howard is known for an “In the trenches style of photography”. A gritty approach that shows the intensity and aggression of sport that he calls The Marchingsport. With a new found interest in art, Howard’s subjects expanded to fine art photography, having participated in solo and group shows in Jackson and New Orleans. He has also had work featured in Vibe magazine and also frequently used as a reference by national publications when they cover bands. Most recently his work was featured as part of a HBCU exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History. His videos of bands are often picked up and shared by celebrities via social media and major online publications. Howard’s current sites include bandhead.org a social networking site for bands and HBCUBANDS.COM which features his current video work of HBCU Bands. A member of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Howard currently lives in Jackson, MS where he works as a Webmaster. He can also be heard on air Mon-Fri on WJSU as an on air Jazz Host at the station. His show Jazz Reflections was also recently put into syndication on SiriusXM (Channel 142). He also performs as a musician as a part of The Southern Komfort Brass Band. 23 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
DEDICATED TO PROMOTING AWARENESS & RESEARCH FOR A CURE. FIGHTING SICKLE CELL & HELPING FAMILIES. Mrs. Demetrica “Dee” Bookert-Nixon and Dr. Larry James Nixon are the Founders of the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation. Their interest in sickle cell disease arose from their son’s diagnosis soon after birth. They are passionate about fostering greater knowledge that will lead toward a cure. Their non-profit organization serves as a vessel for the citizens of the state of Mississippi. Dee is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Medical University of South Carolina. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation. Her community outreach includes volunteering with Blair E. Batson’s Children’s Hospital in the Cancer & Sickle Cell Clinic. She has also co-chaired the Junior League of Jackson REACH Day project. She is an active member of New Jerusalem Church in Jackson, MS; there she is a Congregational Health Nurse & CoDirector of the Health Ministry. She is also a member of the Jackson Chapter of Jack & Jill of America where she is currently a member of the executive board and the Chapter Editor. She has been on the executive board for several years and has lead chapter committees. In 2014, Dee was graduated from the Leadership Institute of the Junior League of Jackson. In 2010, she was the recipient of the Vanessa Rogers Long Humanitarian Award for the South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Since relocating to Mississippi she has served Beta Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in several capacities including acting as a member of the executive committee. Dr. Larry Nixon was born in Clarksdale, Tennessee and grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina & Columbia, South Carolina. He received his Medical Doctorate from Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Nixon is a practicing Anesthesiologist and partner with Surgical Anesthesia Associates located in Jackson, MS. On May 14, 2014 Dr. Larry was awarded Physician of the Year by the Mississippi Medical & Surgical Association for his outstanding commitment & service. Since 2005, he has been awarded “Physician of the Quarter” numerous times from Central Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Nixon is currently Chief of Anesthesia at Merit Health (formerly Central Mississippi Medical Center) & NorthStar Anesthesia. An avid chef, he has been featured offering quick healthy meals on “Your Health Note”; a segment that promotes Mississippians toward healthier living. Dr. Nixon can be found doing healthy cooking demonstrations at any given time at a health fair or community event. The Nixon’s are the proud and eternally grateful parents of Jaden, a fourteen year-old son and Makaila Faith their 5 year old sweet baby girl. They are the Co-Directors of the Health Ministry, and serve on the Board of Deacon & Deacon’s Wives, Couple’s & Fitness Ministry at New Jerusalem Church. They are committed toward spiritual teaching and living. They have also served as Couple’s Sunday School Teachers. Just recently Dr. Larry & Dee were honored by New Horizon Church International (NHCI) as Class of 2013 Community Servants. They have been featured in several articles including the Jackson Free Press’ Jacksonians. The Nixon’s are music connoisseurs that enjoy traveling, reading, fine dining and spending time with family and friends. Both recognize that GOD has led them to Mississippi to minister through service. W W W . C U R E S I C K L E C E L L . O R G 24 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
MEETt he
NIXONS
26 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
GOODWILL
AMBASSADOR
for Mississippi PATRICIA NEELY-DORSEY Have you ever had one of those phone conversations with a good friend as you drive around in late afternoon traffic? Thankfully your vehicle seems to be on autopilot because you’re so engaged in the conversation – telling stories, laughing, and sharing visions with each other. Our first formal conversation with this Mississippi Magnolia was just that. In a search for anything related to “positive Mississippi,” PATRICIA NEELY-DORSEY’S name seemed to come up quite often. When we reached out to her, she was more than excited about having an opportunity to promote a positive perspective for this southern jewel of a state. Dorsey is a 1982 graduate of Tupelo High School in Tupelo, Mississippi... located in the beautiful red clay "Hills" of Mississippi..and yes, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts. After living for almost 20 years in Memphis, Tennessee, working in the mental health field, she returned to her hometown in August 2007. Dorsey’s first book of poetry, Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia- A Life In Poems was published in February, 2008 (Grant House Publishers). Her second book , My Magnolia Memories and Musings -In Poems was published in February 2012. Always considering herself as a "Goodwill Ambassador" for Mississippi and the south, Dorsey was given the nicknames Tupelo and Mississippi while in college. Whenever her friends saw her coming, they knew that there would be some type of discourse about Mississippi and the south soon to follow...with hopes to clear up their many misconceptions and preconceived notions. With laughter Dorsey exclaims, “Yes, we DO have shoes in Mississippi. We might not wear them all of the time...but we do have them!” Perhaps one of her most profound statements was expressing that she believes that we can bridge many gaps of misunderstanding across regional, racial, cutural, generational and economic lines by simply telling/sharing our stories. Dorsey quotes Miguel Algarin in saying, "When I see what you see, the distance between us disappears." In February 2015 the governor signed a proclamation naming her as an official Goodwill Ambassador for the state. Dorsey travels all around the state speaking at schools, churches, libraries and various civic organizations, delivering the message of a positive Mississippi and a positive southern experience....According to her, one of the best places to live in ALL of the world is POSITIVELY MISSISSIPPI !!! Smile Yall.
THE ESSENCE OF FREEDOM Baby, what is freedom to you? This question was posed at the onset of a day-long conversation as we got dressed the morning of July Fourth. Our responses were presented based on our beliefs gathered from previous experiences, both personal and observed. Looking back, our responses were actually based on our desires and future hope. As we both shared our thoughts, we realized how similar our comments were: to be able to do what we want, when we wanted with complete peace, and to function independent of everything other than God’s will. The conversation flowed with references to scripture, other books we’ve read, influential people we’ve had the opportunity to observe, and even songs. We seemed to have a comprehensive understanding of freedom as we talked about what it is, what it allows us to do, and the responsibility of it. As believers in Christ, we’ve accepted a life and grace that gives us the assurance that we are free indeed. This undeniable truth is far greater than any law, practice, or belief imposed by man, including ourselves. Myles Monroe once stated that those that ask for freedom from systems, institutions, or people are not free. Asking for such freedom gives power to the person or entity you seek liberty from. That type of power can only come from God. True freedom is operating in a security that allows you to exercise your power, love, and self-discipline without limits. Our ambition drives us to pursue tangible freedoms; however, the peace that we have in knowing that we are forever working in God’s will and unto Him sets us free from allowing the negative impulses of others to stop us. We are not ignorant of the affliction experienced by so many- burdens beyond personal strengths. It’s in our weakest moments that we look to God for strength, allowing us to find joy even in our afflictions. The responsibility then is to live as people who are free. Only we are not to use our freedom as an excuse to do whatever we want to and destroy our liberty, but through love, we are to serve one another. Serving through love is what cultivates true freedom. If we are called to love others as we love ourselves, perhaps the greater battle for independence has yet to be won- the battle that lies within each of us to deny our own self-interest in order that His spirit may abide in us. When we live our lives in this way, we are bestowed with gifts of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these things, there is no law. “So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free.” John 8:36 Amplified Bible (AMP)
31 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
Y O U R E D U C AT I O N
ALTERNATIVE!! Teach the Children Academy is a not-for-profit organization created to provide homeschooling to students who have problems in conventional classrooms due to hyperactivity, limited attention spans, and other often medically treated illnesses. These students and their families are provided an opportunity to receive comparable teaching in a smaller and more personable setting offering them a standard quality education at rates affordable to their own personal budgets. The purposes for which the organization is established are educational, spiritual, and charitable within the meaning of Section 501Š3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Please call for more information! VIRGINIA JAMISON, DIRECTOR
601-750-5452
WWW.TEACHTHECHILDRENACADEMY.COM
1104 E. Northside Drive Ste. D Clinton, MS 39056
34 | LOVE MARRIAGE & PARTNERSHIP | THE REVIEW
BOOK NOW AVAILABLE