Rhonda
Sister
Friday, Sept. 20
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DOUBLETREE HOTEL BY HILTON 424 W MARKHAM ST LITTLE ROCK, AR
*MEET & GREET MIXER & EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2024
FRIDAY NIGHT @ 6 PM Dr. Jerry Jewell
Always Remember That Timing Is Everything
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
While listening to a recent message shared during church, I was reminded of how unpredictable life can be. The message also reminded me of why it is critically important to stay connected to God in all matters of our lives. God gives us life, Him and Him alone. So, knowing this, how can we expect to live a successful and abundant life without allowing God to have input on what happens in our lives? The answer is that we can’t.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
As life continues to happen for me, meaning that new milestones are being reached, I often find myself resting in awe of where God has brought me. As I reflect on many of the burdens I have carried, the battles that I fought, and many moments of triumph and victory, the memories of things that I have lost along my journey are not too far away. Again, life has been so unpredictable. What I thought would happen didn’t happen, and where I thought I would be, guess what? I am not there. I am actually at the place in life that is destined for me to be, and I have found peace in reminding myself that what God has for me is only for me.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
The message I heard said that when we lose something, we also gain something. I have learned that my purpose will cost me something, and I can’t step out on faith and insist for things to go my way. That isn’t faith but more like control. The message also reminded me to check the temperature of the climate in which I am operating. God doesn’t operate in chaos and confusion. If I am moving in my purpose and operating in my anointing, and if things are chaotic and confusing, God isn’t there. That should be my signal to move.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
When things in life get out of control, God expects for us to slow down. He desires for us to stop, rewind, regroup, let loose of the baggage we have picked up while off course, and return to Him. God is aware of the things we desire, yet He is only concerned with providing us with what we need, and He promises that it will happen according to His timing and no one else.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
L. Watson
Sister Friends United Inc.
Rhonda Aaron
Pine Bluff, AR
Top Elementary School in Arkansas
Friendship Aspire Academy-Pine Bluff
Little Rock, AR
Watershed Project Updates Shared Arkansas Black Mayors Association
Greensboro, NC
Becoming A Caregiver
Terry L. Watson
25 24 28
Learn more about where Coach Reggie Swinton plans to take the Forrest City Mustangs Football Program.
Little Rock, AR
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Celeste LunaMarie Gilliam.
New Chancellor
Andrea Stewart
L-Evate Learning Wynesia Dotson
with Vitiligo Tiffany Stancil &
United Church Bishop Steven Arnold
Wynesia Dotson and L-Evate Learning
Information and Photos Provided by Wynesia Dotson
Wynesia Dotson of Little Rock, AR, is the owner of L-Evate Learning. Her company supports strategic paths for employee and organizational success through leadership development and transformational organizational development strategies.
Within L-Evate, there are four pillars Wynesia focuses on: Empowerment, Authenticity, Competency, and Integrity. “With Empowerment, we aim to lead others to make a positive difference. Our authenticity is inclusive of trusting, accepting, collaborative, and respectful relationships regarding Competency. With Competency, we build knowledge and skills and produce high-quality resources to support transformational change. With the fourth pillar, Integrity, we are led by integrity to make decisions that align with our values and uphold our social responsibility,” she says.
In addition to managing L-Evate Learning, Wynesia is currently a product marketing manager for First Orion, specializing in product education and the development of product marketing resources. Wynesia has over 18 years of collective experience in developing employees of all levels and leading large-scale initiatives. This experience fueled her passion for helping individuals navigate workplace challenges, supporting organizations with employee retention with initiatives that engage employees at various stages of the employee lifecycle, and developing strategic leadership skills that enhance the employee’s experience.
Wynesia previously served as an advisor for diversity, equity, and inclusion for First Orion and launched First Orion’s first DEI program, which was awarded by Arkansas’ Best Places to Work in 2022. In 2023, she launched L-EVATE consulting and l-evatelearning. com, which specializes in leadership and organizational development and offers one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and customized training on topics to support organizational opportunities.
During the early stages of her career, she gained valuable expertise in telecom, operations, and leadership through Verizon. Wynesia has received multiple awards, including Verizon Coins of Excellence, for her work as a consultant, developing strategies for onboarding, and employee and leadership coaching.
Wynesia holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) from the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC) and Birkman-certified coach. She credits much of her success to her passion for helping others. She posts weekly on social media hoping the content encourages others and impacts their personal growth. Whether you are a small business owner, community advocate or leader, or seeking a platform to share your message and interest...... Huami Magazine is here to help.
Dr. Andrea Stewart Installed As Interim Chancellor at UAPB
Information obtained from Online Press Release
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has installed Dr. Andrea Stewart as its interim chancellor. Her appointment became effective July 1st.
On Monday, June 17, University of Arkansas System President Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt appointed Dr. Andrea Stewart as interim chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), effective July 1. Dr. Stewart, currently serving as provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs, will assume this role until a new permanent chancellor is named. After eleven years of service, Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander will leave UAPB at the end of the month to become chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint.
“I am pleased that Dr. Stewart has accepted this appointment as we embark upon the comprehensive search for the next chancellor,” Dr. Bobbitt said. “While I hope we can complete the search expeditiously, I feel it is much more important that we work carefully to find the right person for this critical position. Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Stewart, we have the opportunity to be deliberative and strategic in our work.”
Stewart was named provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs in 2023, following a year-long interim tenure. Prior to her interim position, she served as the dean of the School of Arts & Sciences from 2013 to 2022. Dr. Stewart received a doctorate in social work from Howard University and both a master’s degree in social work and a bachelor’s in sociology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the interim chancellor of UAPB and thank Dr. Bobbitt for this tremendous opportunity,” Dr. Stewart said. “This institution holds a rich legacy of academic excellence and community impact, and I am committed to advancing its mission during this transitional period.”
President Bobbitt will soon establish the Chancellor’s Search Committee to advise him and the University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees on identifying and vetting candidates, interviewing semi-finalists, and scheduling visits to Arkansas for finalists, ensuring the entire campus community is engaged in the process.
“Their insights will be invaluable as we identify, evaluate, and ultimately appoint the next chancellor who will guide UAPB into its next chapter of growth and success.” h
Sister Friends United, Inc
Her peers and community leaders widely recognize Rhonda Aaron as a true game-changer and trailblazer. For nearly twenty years, she has committed to supporting her community and establishing environments where minority women can flourish.
Rhonda Aaron is the Founder of Sister Friends United Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering minority women to serve the community better. Established and incorporated in Arkansas in October 2007, the organization has left an indelible mark on the community. The organization has provided over $40,000 in college scholarships through grassroots fundraising efforts to support the future educational goals of minority female students desiring a college education. The organization recently received a handwritten note from one of last year’s 2023 Faith Scholarship recipients that said, “With this generous scholarship I was able to focus on my academics, completing my first year of college debt-free and with a 4.0 GPA.”
In 2023, Sister Friends United Inc. received the prestigious Annie Abrams community service award from the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus during their annual King Kennedy Dinner, a testament to the organization’s impactful work. The organization also partnered with the Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus to provide voter registration during their HBCU drive that provided college students with essential items, mental health resources, school supplies and lunch.
In 2018, Rhonda was recognized by Just Communities of Arkansas and received their prestigious Humanitarian Award, an honor previously bestowed upon former President Bill Clinton and legendary Civil Rights activist Daisy Bates. As a testament to her community service work, May 12th was declared as Rhonda Aaron Day in both her hometown of Dumas, AR and her current city, North Little Rock, AR.
Sister Friends United Inc. has created platforms to recognize the work of minority women through their annual Women of Excellence awards since 2010. The organization also provides support and awareness to other nonprofit minority organizations through their annual Hat Luncheon, with the 2023 recognition spotlight being “The Arkansas birthing project” to support awareness about the mortality birth rates in African American women that could be prevented.
www.sisterfriendsunited.com
The organization expanded its reach in 2021 and launched “The Girlfriends Conference” a conference that pairs together a girl’s trip with some amazing empowerment sessions and entertainment. The conference theme is F.U.S.E which stands for fun, uplift, sisterhood and empowerment. The inaugural conference was held in Orlando, FL with a video greeting from Mayor Jerry Demings, the first Democrat and African American to hold that office welcoming the conference to the city and also a Cameo greeting by artist, Tamar Braxton. The weekend concluded with a live music performance by Grammy nominated artist, Raheem DeVaughn. The organization and attendees collectively contributed over 1,000 toiletry items to benefit the Orlando Coalition for the Homeless.
The organization received such powerful feedback from the positive impact the conference had on the attendees lives and how it inspired them to want to grow personally that Sister Friends United Inc decided to charge forward through the growing pains to host the next one. The organization hosted the 2nd conference in 2022 in New Orleans, LA with a special music performance by the Prince of Southern Soul, Mr. Calvin Richardson and a host of great speakers with topics that ranged from Self love to Finances. Dj Emcee from Orlando, FL, provided music and audio for both conferences, and everyone enjoyed all the activities from dancing, comedy, and the All White Affair brunch.
The organization decided to make the conference a biennial event, and in 2024, they took the next conference to Las Vegas, NV. The 3rd Annual Sister Friends United Inc. event happened in the latter days of June, with the premier sponsor being DIVAS in Power Inc., a West Coast-based women’s organization led by Patrice Vance Ables. Since its conception, the conference has brought out many celebrities and speakers to create lifechanging moments for our attendees.
Under Rhonda’s leadership, The Girlfriends Conference is steadily gaining momentum, with each year’s attendees eagerly recommending it based on their impactful experiences. This conference offers opportunities to explore new destinations, form new connections, and leave feeling rejuvenated – all of which are assured benefits of the Girlfriends Conference.
Rhonda is truly dedicated to creating spaces where women can thrive and have their voices heard, and this was one of the reasons she created the conference. The organization motto is “United We Stand, United We Make A Difference” and will continue the work to make a difference in our community.
Rhonda currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer for Mid State Counseling and Recovery Service, a mental health agency located in North Little Rock, AR. She has held this position since 2017. Additionally, Rhonda is the owner of BL Brand PR Agency, which was birthed in 2022. She is a 2024 business mentor for Women Achieve and holds the position of 2024 Board President for the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Alumni Association and is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. h
Bishop Grace United Church
By Terry L. Watson
In 2022, two churches – Grace Church (a primarily Caucasian church) and Grace Temple (a primarily African American Church) – came together to form a new church – appropriately named “Grace United.”
Serving in a capacity that he describes as a “Visionary Pastor”, Bishop Steven Arnold joined arms with Pastor Josh Hurlburt to bring a uniting foundation to their community. “Pastor Hurlburt is a “Directional Pastor. While I provide a vision of where we are going as a church, it is Pastor Hurlburt’s role to provide direction on how to get there,” he says.
There is nothing small about the assignment that has been assigned to the life of Bishop Steve Arnold. Born and raised in North Little Rock, AR, Bishop Arnold has served in ministry for 42 years. He first began at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in Bald Knob, AR, before moving on to St. Mark Baptist Church in Arkansas. After serving at St. Mark, he arrived at Grace United. He shares that his service has been a journey of faith. “Ministry is not what I thought my life would be. I was an All-American Football player. I was about to sign to play football with the University of Baylor. However, God had other plans, as I got the call to go into ministry. I have no regrets, and I will forever be grateful for this journey. While there have been a few ups and downs, through it all, God’s will continues to be manifest in my life,” he says.
Mark 16:14-16 NIV
Bishop Arnold shares that when he was called into the ministry at the age of 17, he always had the overwhelming desire to reach people where they are and bring them into the kingdom of God. “It’s about reaching and connecting people with their kingdom assignment. God has given us a mandate to reach people. I want to reach people, literally. We come to church to get our assignment, and we leave the church to fulfill our assignment, and that is to reach people. Most people fall by the wayside due to a lack of connection.”
Photos Provided by Bishop Steven Arnold
Bishop is a graduate of Philander Smith University in Little Rock, AR, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master’s Degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. He shares his life with his wife, Shanta, and together they have nine children and eight grandchildren.
Pastor Hurlburt has called Little Rock home since 2007 and served in multiple roles at Grace Church, including youth pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor of Grace Church, before forming Grace United. He is a graduate of Crichton College and Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Julie have four children. Pastor Hurlburt celebrates and embraces the diversity of God’s people to serve the church.
Bishop Arnold says, “What makes Grace United Church is that we have two cultures coming together as one. That speaks volumes in this day and time, especially in Little Rock, in the Bible Belt, the south, the home of the Little Rock Nine at Central High, in light of all the racism that has happened here, to see a black church and a white church to merge has been a great impact for the growth of the church.”
Outside of Sunday morning, Grace United is very active in its community and around the globe. Its footprint can be found in six countries, and it is in the process of growing its core group of young adults. Where the church is located, it is a predominantly white and prestigious location in Little Rock. Grace United has a membership that is very diverse, with African Americans making up about 60% and Caucasians making up about 40%. This makeup is very encouraging, specifically in regard to racial cohesiveness. Their total membership consists of about 700, and young adults between the ages of 20 and 35 make up about 40% of its membership, with the remaining percentage comprising members between the ages of 50 and 65. They have programs that are designed to enhance the lives of their senior members. “I feel our seniors should always be valued, celebrated, and honored. A few years ago, we formed a Mothers Board. Recently, we took our church mothers out to dinner and honored them.” They also have programs for teens, students, and young adults. “We have a holistic approach to ministry. Because we have a young adult population, we also have a lot of children.”
Bishop Arnold emphasizes that Grace United is really targeting the young population for several reasons. “Their story is different from my generation. The black kids had white friends at school, and the white kids had black kids at school, and they hung out together after school. My experience was different. I had white friends at school, but after school, we didn’t deal with each other. The generation between the age bracket between 20 and 30, is not their story. They are more open and committed to worshiping with those they have relations with,” Bishop says. Grace United also focuses on embracing mixed marriages and white and black couples. At Grace United, mixed couples are accepted and not frowned upon.
Life isn’t perfect for anyone. Bishop Arnold shares that he has made some mistakes, and he has faced his mistakes and allowed them to make him better. His mistakes are his testimony and something that he uses as a reminder of where God has brought him from. While pastoring at St. Mark Baptist Church, Bishop saw his congregation grow from 300 members to 7500. I look at where I am now, and I know there are others who have gone through some things. I have people in leadership who have made mistakes, and I have loved them right where they are. I find joy in seeing their lives transformed. I don’t believe that we should throw people away. We throw trash away; we don’t throw people away. Everyone has redemptive possibilities,” he says.
Bishop Arnold comes from the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) lineage. He credits his spiritual father, Bishop DL Lindsay, who he refers to as his dad, with having the biggest impact on his life. Bishop Lindsay also turned 100 in April of this year. Bishop Lindsay impressed a trailblazing anointing upon Bishop Arnold. “He was always on the cutting edge. I look at my new assignment with the merging of the two churches and believe it is setting a platform for the future. I am excited about bringing different races together under one roof,” Bishop Arnold explains.
Looking ahead, Bishop Arnold is working towards securing a legacy for the generations to enjoy. One of the ultimate visions is to plant other churches out of Grace United with the same DNA as Grace United. He adds, “I appreciate all that has happened in my life, and I believe the best is yet to come. My latter will be better than my before.” h
“I don’t believe that we should throw people away. We throw trash away; we don’t throw people away. Everyone has redemptive possibilities.”
Webster University Online
For more than 100 years, Webster has provided our students with the tools, resources and skills necessary to become experts in their chosen career fields. In 1999, we launched our first online program, in direct response to student needs.
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Dr. FranSha’ Anderson CEO/Executive Director
Leigh Garvin Chairperson of the Board
Alice Buchanan Admin/Outreach Coordinator
Franchez Riley Project Manager
Dr. FranSha Anderson CEO/Executive Director
Arkansas Black Mayors Association Shares Watershed Improvement Plans
Early in July, The Arkansas Black Mayors Association shared their proposed plans to mitigate flooding in the area. “We are pleased with the progress the watershed project is making,” Frank Bateman, ABMA executive director, said. “This initiative emphasizes our member mayors’ and the federal government’s commitment to equitable access to resources for those impacted by flooding as well as creating more sustainable communities.
Information obtained by Online Press Release h
We strongly encourage the public to participate at these upcoming meetings to hear firsthand about the possible solutions to flooding.”
The Arkansas Black Mayors Association (ABMA) is a coalition of forward-thinking leaders dedicated to advancing the concerns of black mayors and communities across Arkansas. Our goal is to foster economic growth, revitalize neighborhoods, and engage in political advocacy to improve the well-being of residents in black-majority municipalities.
ABMA was founded in 1972 and is made up of black mayors from towns and cities throughout the state of Arkansas. Our association works to provide a platform for our members to share ideas, collaborate on common issues, and advocate for policies that benefit Arkansas communities. We also serve as a resource for the development of municipal leaders and the growth of black municipalities throughout the state.
For more information about each of the watershed projects visit abmawatershedproject.com/projects
Friendship - Pine Bluff Academy Recognized As Arkansas Top Charter Elementary
Information obtained by Online Press Release
3911 S. Hazel Street Pine Bluff, AR www.friendshipaspire.org
Nesia Dot
Leadership & O
501-831-09
support@l-e www l-evate
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In December of last year, Friendship Aspire Academy Pine Bluff on South Hazel Street was ranked the No. 1 charter elementary school and No. 28 elementary school in Arkansas, by US News. Niche.com awarded Friendship an overall niche grade of A. as well. U.S. News released data on 103,099 elementary schools and offered its annual rankings for each on its website.
Principal Jherrithan Dukes was very excited about the ranking and said it reflects the possibilities that lie within their community. “It feels great to be amongst the elite.”
U.S. News stated that 50% of its score was based on mathematics and reading proficiency. Those measure students’ abilities, which equals the percentage of each school’s test-takers who were proficient in both areas. The other 50% focused on mathematics and reading performance.
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The SWAC Digital Network Revealed During SWAC Media Day
Information Obtained from Online Press Release - HBCU Gameday
In a recent conversation between SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland and HBCU Gameday Founder Steven J. Gaither, several key points emerged that highlight the growth and future direction of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The conversation, available in full on YouTube, delved into the significance of SWAC Media Day, the impact of recent football victories, and the expansion of media coverage for SWAC sports. Dr. McClelland began by emphasizing the importance of SWAC Media Day, noting the attendance of 252 media outlets, the largest in the conference’s history. He attributed this record turnout to the dedicated fan base and the heightened interest in SWAC football, stating, “It’s a testament to our fan base, the interest in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and our football teams, our student-athletes, coaches, and administration.”
The conversation then turned to the recent successes in football, with SWAC teams triumphing over MEAC counterparts in high-profile games. McClelland expressed the significance of these victories, especially in the Celebration Bowl, saying, “Winning is always important. To be able to win that game, I honestly have to say it was my first win… It just feels good to be able to have gone through all of that and come out on the end being victorious.”
A major highlight of the discussion was the expansion of the conference’s media presence. Dr. McClelland discussed the addition of HBCU Go and the SWAC Digital Network, which will ensure that all SWAC games are broadcasted. He remarked, “We want to make sure that we bring it in a fashion to where it’s going to be something that our industry entities can be proud of.” Looking ahead, McClelland touched on the challenges posed by the expanding College Football Playoff and the adjustments required for SWAC teams. He also celebrated his recent contract extension, reflecting on the confidence and support from the conference’s presidents and chancellors.
Dr. McClelland concluded with insights into the upcoming basketball tournament in Atlanta, aiming to create a more engaging experience for fans, and shared his vision for the future growth of SWAC basketball, aspiring to move beyond the First Four in the NCAA Tournament. h
Coach Reggie Swinton Leads The Forrest City Mustangs
By Terry L. Watson - Photos provided by Reggie Swinton
www.fchs.fcmustangs.net
Reggie Swinton describes himself as a very determined, persistent, and driven person who doesn’t know how to fail. A native of Little Rock, AR, he has enjoyed a life full of success that has often involved the game of football. As the upcoming high school football season approaches, Coach Reggie is preparing to take the helm as the new high school head coach of the Forrest City Mustangs, located in Forrest City, AR.
Coach Reggie is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School. Next, he attended Murray State University and walked onto the football team as a Wide Receiver.. After just one semester of playing, he earned a full athletic scholarship, which was his true-freshman year. “Before the Christmas break, the coach called me in and gave me a full scholarship,” he says. At Murray State, Coach Reggie also ran track and played baseball. Unfortunately, he was forced to quit the baseball team because he didn’t have enough time to do anything else. He was a much better baseball player than a football player and was positioned to be drafted into baseball after high school, but his life would take another route.
After graduating from Murray State University, he aspired to play at the next level but was not drafted in the upcoming NFL draft. Coach Reggie went on to attend the Jacksonville Jaguars, a National Football League team. The Jaguars later cut him during training camp, and he returned back to Arkansas, with his hopes of playing professionally delayed but not denied. In 1999, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts, a team that the Canadian Football League sanctions.
“I signed with the Argonauts but soon learned while reading the newspaper that I was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers,” he says. Coach Reggie was soon cut by Winnipeg and was picked up by the Edmonton Eskimos. He didn’t like Edmonton, mainly due to the climate, and having a new son at home in Arkansas, he made his way there. Back in the United States, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks, was soon cut, and made his way to the XFL, where the Las Vegas Outlaws picked him up. He had a great camp with them but was cut and returned back home, a little frustrated.
Back in Little Rock, there was an Arena Football team in place. Coach Reggie signed with them but was eventually cut. He was eventually called back to play, and his performance that season was impressive, with 85 catches for 1500 yards and 37 touchdowns. Coach Reggie’s talent caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. He played for the Cowboys for a stint and was a pro bow alternate during his first year. He was also an all-pro in kick and punt returns. After three years in Dallas, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers. That was in 2003. Coach Reggie’s stint in Green Bay lasted for ten days before he was cut and later picked up by the Detroit Lions. In Detroit, his stint was off and on for the 2003 and 2004 seasons before becoming a free agent and eventually signing with the Houston Texans. He was number one in the preseason in kick and punt returns. Coach Reggie would later sign with the Arizona Cardinals and suffered an injury during the second week of the season. Things were not the same, and Coach Reggie eventually retired from professional football in 2006.
In 2008, Coach Reggie was inducted into the Multi-Ethnic Hall of Fame of Little Rock. In June 2022, Coach Reggie was inducted into the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame. In November 2022, he was inducted into the Murray State Hall of Fame.
While sports have encompassed Coach Reggie’s life, coaching would be an easy transition for him. His first coaching job happened in 2007 at Arkansas Baptist College as a receivers and special teams coach at the Junior College located in Little Rock. In 2008, his son, who was eight years old, was playing on a local football team in Little Rock. “I just wanted to be a parent and watch my son play, yet the head coach wouldn’t let me be,” he says. It was also in 2008 that he began coaching his son’s team and went on to coach middle school for a few years before starting his own AAU Football League, The Arkansas Football League. His team was called the Arkansas Lions, and he coached them until recently before putting them into a different league. “I didn’t know it then, but God was setting me up to be the high school coach at Forrest City,” he says.
A couple of years ago, Coach Reggie applied for a coaching job at Central High School, but he didn’t get it. He later applied for a coaching job at Southwest High School but didn’t get that one either. In May of 2024, Forrest City reached out to Coach Reggie, and he interviewed well and was hired.
Coach Reggie says his whole life has been about proving folks wrong. Not being hired by the other schools that he applied for, he wants to prove to them that they let a good coach go. “At Forrest City, I have a team that is made up of 99% black kids. Being able to mentor and coach them is the number one priority. Also, being able to teach the importance of obtaining an education while they are young and about character and respect is just as important. That is something that must be instilled, just like the game of football. I have one rule that I tell them: do what is right while no one is looking. Make the right decisions while no one is looking. The kids are buying into what we are selling. I credit that to the great staff that we have. Kids do not care how much you know until you show them how much you care. We tell them and show our kids how much we love them every day,” Coach Reggie says.
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER FOUR: Mama Got A Potty Mouth
It’s amazing how the little things that we often take for granted can ultimately become the great things that we may miss the most after having a loved one experience a life-altering episode such as an Ischemic Stroke.
I can still taste the food like it was only yesterday. As I did on most Sundays after church, I stopped by my Mama’s to get something to eat. It was sort of a ritual; Mama would cook, and all of her kids would stop by to get something to eat. On this day, the meal prepared was meatloaf, cabbage, and field peas and snaps. It was very delicious, and I even went for seconds. Mama wasn’t there when I stopped by, as she had gone to church that morning and hadn’t returned home. After eating, I went home and rested for the day. That would be the last time I would be able to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by her, as she would suffer her stroke the very next morning; but I can still taste my Mama’s food.
As the months passed, a routine revealed itself, which I and my family began to follow for my mother’s care. I looked forward to having every other weekend away from my home, as that was when my siblings would step in and take over the responsibilities of caring for Mama. While it was often a three to four-day get-away, I looked forward to the time away, as it freed my mind from all of the things that I carried on a daily basis. Believe it or not, while caring for Mama, I never stepped away from that which God had purposed for me, and my purpose continues to be a whole lot. When my short vacation ended, I easily jumped back into the role that mattered the most. I would describe myself as an early riser, and I have probably acquired this trait from my Mama, as she is known to rise at the break of dawn, even to this day. As the sun rose, it also signaled a variety of tasks that needed to be addressed. I could not afford to ignore any of them as my Mama’s survival depended upon them. She needed her medicine, breakfast, cleaning, and more than anything, my Mama needed comfort and attention from a trustworthy source, and who better to administer all of these than me?
One memory that I have of my mother is of her reluctance to go to her doctor on a regular basis, as well as her comfort in taking a pill for any known ailment. If she had a headache, she would take a pain pill. If her legs hurt, she would take a pill. Regardless of what may have bothered her, it appeared that my Mama believed the answer was by taking a pill or some form of medication. As a child and even as a young man, I never questioned her methods for selfcare, and why should I? She has lived a lot longer than I, and during the times when I was sick or hurting as a child, my Mama had the answers. Regardless of how bad it hurt, her kisses made it all better.
The time would arrive when Mama would have to visit her new array of physicians. Because she was diagnosed with suffering a brain injury, Mama would be under the care of a Neurologist. This would be in addition to making regularly scheduled visits to her Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, and PCP. To my surprise, being her primary caregiver meant that I would have to manage all of her visits. For me, this was such an unexpected welcoming into the world of caregiving.
On one visit to her Neurologist, things didn’t go so well. Due to the damage and affected areas of my mother’s body the stroke caused, her Neurologist recommended that she get regularly scheduled Botox injections into her arm, which was seized with paralysis. Injections meant needles, and my Mama is no fan of needles. When it was time for her injections, my Mama had no clue as to what was about to happen. The syringes were about nine inches in length and would have to be administered several times within a short period of time. Mama looked at those needles and then looked at the physician, and without taking a breath, my Mama blurted out two bad words that were directed at the short and seemingly pleasant healthcare representative. I said, “Mama, No,” but my resolve had no impact at this point. Mama was defiant, and she had no desire to be stuck. It was then that I learned that my Mama had a “Potty Mouth”. In the months to follow, and even to this day, those words continue to flow with ease. I love my Mama, Potty Mouth and all. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Read all previous chapters @ www.huamimagazine.com
Vitiligo ThreeStories of Life with
By Terry L. Watson
She has lived with Vitiligo all of her life. Tiffany Stancil of Raleigh, NC, is an easygoing, southern lady. She is married and has two wonderful children, who are 26 and 17 years of age, and she has a couple of granddaughters who bring her immense joy.
Tiffany describes her experience with Vitiligo as a long-going love/hate relationship. She adds, “Growing up, I didn’t really understand or know what I had. In Elementary school, kids would ask me why my fingertips and toes were lighter than the other parts, and I had no answer. I was insecure and didn’t want to draw attention to myself, so I would make sure to dial down the colors I wore on my feet and fingers. As I grew up and became a teenager, I never really had any problems with people commenting on my hands and feet, but I was still self-conscious. By my adulthood, I had come to embrace the spots I had on my feet and hands as well as the other spots that started to show in other areas. By age 30, after my second child was born, I started to get spots on my face, and that thrust me into a light I didn’t want but soon embraced.”
Tiffany says her condition has impacted her life in so many ways. In the beginning she saw it as an inconvenience and even wondered why God gave Vitiligo to her. As her condition spread, she had a real conversation with God on how to handle it. “I’ve had all my life to get used to it on my hands and feet but my face was a different story and it took me some years to accept it fully. Everyday can be different, I can’t say living with Vitiligo is easy because it’s not. When you live with a condition that can change at any time, you may have uncertainty,” she explains.
Even navigating through life’s normal day-to-day routines can be difficult for someone who has Vitiligo, and Tiffany’s experience was sometimes just that: difficult. She recalls the times when she went on job interviews and auditions (she is a model, by the way), and in the back of her head, she would be concerned with how she would be received. “Will they freak out when they see me? Will they accept me anyway and look past my spots? Are they hiring/selecting me out of pity? I had to actively get up and show up for my children and let them see their mother overcome something she has no control over, but life goes on, and beauty is what you make it, not what others say it is.”
Tiffany advises others who may be dealing with Vitiligo to find a support group in your area. She adds that it helps to talk about your feelings and encounters with others who know exactly what you are going through. “Always know that you are you, and no matter what, no one can take that from you.”
Photo By Blu Cherry Photography
Tiffany Stancil
By KieChey Photography
About nine years ago, Danielle Cox of Raleigh, NC, says Vitiligo altered her life and changed her outer appearance completely.
It started as a small spot on Danielle’s right hand. She shares, “I knew what it was because my grandmother and Aunt both have Vitiligo.” Still, adjusting to living with the condition has been something Danielle has managed throughout her life.
While it has been nine years since the inception of Vitiligo, at times, Danielle shares it feels like her journey has just begun. “I am blessed to have experienced more positive feedback than negative. When people stare, I imagine myself as a celebrity and just smile and wave. I definitely stand out wherever I go, so I might as well own it!”
Currently, Danielle is an active member of the North Carolina Vitiligo Support Group. While there are a few days along the way, Danielle remains inspired to help others. “The skin that I’m in is only my outer shell that embodies all of the beauty that exists from within me. I now can say, “I love the skin I’m in.”
Danielle is a single mother of two handsome boys and serves as a lead teacher at a child development center. Danielle is a single mother of two handsome boys and serves as a lead teacher at a child development center.
“When people stare, I imagine myself as a celebrity and just smile and wave. I definitely stand out wherever I go, so I might as well own it.”
Danielle Cox
KimyettaMcNeil
Most people call her Kimmie. At 51 years of age, Kimyetta McNeil of Fayetteville, NC, knows a little about overcoming and endurance. She is a mother of two sons, William, who is 31, and Franklin (Von), who passed away at the young age of 25.
For nearly 21 years, Kimmie has been living with Vitiligo and says it hasn’t been an easy thing to do. “Vitiligo can be very debilitating. In the beginning, I experienced depression, isolation, and rejection. I went through light therapy and creams, and documented the progression of my changing skin by taking pictures of myself. I wasn’t very sociable because of the way people stared at me, not to mention the comments. Also, dating wasn’t even a thing. I didn’t like taking pictures because I couldn’t grasp the way I looked or how I felt about Vitiligo or myself. With much research and education, I’ve learned that Vitiligo is hereditary, and a traumatic change in life or stress makes it worse.”
Kimmie says that while going through the changes of her life and living with Vitiligo, it has helped her to look deeper within and gain confidence in who she is. “I’ve never loved me more than I do now. Having a spiritual relationship with Christ and knowing who I am is the best thing ever. My prayer life with seeking God
has kept and helped me through some dark moments, and having that support from the Vitiligo Community, friends, and family has also been a help. I really enjoy taking pictures, and I have been part of several photo shoots and looking forward to many more.”
Living with Vitiligo has been challenging for Kimmie. She shares that working with people was a challenge at first because of the simple fact that others didn’t know what Vitiligo was and were afraid to ask, possibly because they didn’t know how she would respond. Kimmie concludes by sharing some kind and sound advice. “Anyone who’s dealing with Vitiligo or not dealing with it, it doesn’t change who you are. Remember that loving yourself and taking care of your mental health is a priority.”
Kimmie is a graduate of Lumberton Senior High School in Lumberton, NC. She has attended to study as a Medical Office Assistant and CNA I and II. h
By Blu
Photo
Cherry Photography
