Your Purpose and Promise; It’s All God
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
In the midst of whatever you are going through, one thing that you must always remember to do is keep your eyes on the prize. By doing so, you are able to avoid any unnecessary distractions. Outside noise and distractions can be dream destroyers. Something else that we must be mindful of is understanding the purpose of our fight. Are you fighting for a prize, or are you fighting just by fighting? The funny thing is that God gives us all a warrior spirit, yet knowing when and how to brawl is key.
A Letter from the Editor
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?
For me, I hope that when it is all said and done, God sees things the way that I do. That is meant to be funny, but honestly, I am truly grateful for the life He has blessed me with. While everything hasn’t happened as I thought that it would, it’s only by God’s grace that I am here. I would believe this is the testament shared by many, as God shines his love on all of us, without prejudice.
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.
I also appreciate the times He saved me, even in the midst of wars and battles that I initiated. I realize now that I was actually misusing the benefits of that warrior spirit and following my own direction instead of allowing God to lead me to where the fight would be appropriate and beneficial to His plan. Championship fighters all have something in common: they have someone in their corner to coach and direct them throughout their fights. When I was fighting my own fight and not listening to what God wanted me to do, I really didn’t give myself a fighting chance to win, and I didn’t.
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.
Our primary goal in life should always be to please God and do what He expects us to do in all situations. It’s ok to be firm and resilient. However, we must always incorporate wisdom into our decision-making. Even when we believe no one is looking, God is always there, in our corner, offering direction and encouragement. Yet, if we can’t hear Him, or if He is tuned out by the things that we allow to distract us, we’re actually denying ourselves access to His promises of triumph.
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
Atlanta, GA
National Science Foundation Awards $2M
Clark Atlanta University
DeKalb County, GA
Decide DeKalb Curates Black Business Guide
Decide DeKalb
Gwinett County, GA
The National Council of Negro Women
Gwinett Section
Professor T. Lang of Spelman College receives Top Industry Award.
Atlanta, GA
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. Her name is Aubree Henry.
Chairwoman for Cobb County Lisa Cupid
Walker Skin Care & Aesthetics Tenisha Walker
To Excel Sheryl L. Smith
The Peach Cobbler Factory Wendy Ladd
The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded $2 million to Clark Atlanta University (CAU) to lead a collaborative effort with the HBCU CHIPS Network. The HBCU CHIPS Network is a partnership between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), government agencies, academia, and industry, which will serve as a national resource for semiconductor research and education.
“Clark Atlanta University is honored to receive this $2 million award from the National Science Foundation for the HBCU CHIPS network,” states Dr. Charlene D. Gilbert, senior vice president and provost at Clark Atlanta University. “This initiative highlights our research strengths and talents and positions us to significantly contribute to national priorities in semiconductor research, production and education. We are excited to be part of the national effort to mobilize the research capacity of our HBCUs, fostering innovation and excellence in our communities.”
As the principal investigator and lead institution, CAU will administer and manage this two-year project to establish the administrative infrastructure and protocols needed to integrate the Network’s institutions into the national semiconductor R&D and workforce development activities. This includes developing shared facility protocols to leverage the collective capabilities of the member institutions.
“The HBCU CHIPS Network will allow researchers to advance the microelectronics field by leveraging collective research expertise, facilities, and educational resources at HBCUs,” said Dr. Frances Williams, Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs at CAU and principal investigator. “The CHIPS Network will support investigators in providing innovative solutions to the design and fabrication of microchips in collaboration with industry partners.”
The project will also facilitate virtual and in-person meetings, seminars, and an electronic database to connect students with internship and experiential learning opportunities in the semiconductor field. Additionally, the Network will conduct a multi-institutional research effort to design and fabricate an integrated microelectronic system, addressing packaging and reliability challenges.
National Science Foundation Awards $2M to Clark Atlanta University
Key partner institutions in this research include:
Alabama A&M University will develop thermoelectric materials and integrated power/cooling devices.
Delaware State University will optimize 2D-3D material integration.
Georgia Institute of Technology will optimize chip-to-system packaging.
Jackson State University and North Carolina A&T State University will develop 2D semiconductor devices and optoelectronics.
Norfolk State University will develop semiconductor packaging using polymer and boron nitride composites.
North Carolina A&T State University will work on heterogeneous packaging integration.
The HBCU CHIPS Network aims to cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce to support the national semiconductor industry. The student research, internships, and specialized curriculum development in semiconductor design, fabrication, and related fields will expand the microelectronics workforce.
For more information about the HBCU CHIPS Network and its activities, please contact Dr. Frances Williams at (404) 880-6990 or email fwilliams@cau.edu.
About Clark Atlanta University
Clark Atlanta University was formed with the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College. Atlanta University, established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans. Clark College, established four years later in 1869, was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with nearly 4,000 students, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. It is also the largest of the 37-member UNCF institutions. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit www.cau.edu. h
Spelman’s T. Lang Receives Top Industry Award
On September 5, 2024, T. Lang, MFA, associate professor of dance and the inaugural chair of the dance performance and choreography department at Spelman College, will be awarded the 2024 National Dance Educators Organization’s (NDEO) Outstanding Dance Educator in Higher Education in the “Established” category. The NDEO award, which acknowledges stellar, established (six years or more experience) dance educators who teach in higher education and inspire and motivate their students to have a significant impact in their school community, is dance education/research’s equivalent to theater’s TONY award and the Oscars award in film.
Professor Lang, who holds a bachelor’s degree in performance and choreography from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a master’s degree in performance and choreography from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, teaches dance and performance, intermediate modern dance technique, dance improvisation and choreography II.
A Creative Genius Sparks New Life
T. Lang also creates, writes and teaches poetic expressions of dance, which illustrates deep, arousing investigations relevant to issues of identity, history and community. Through the vehicle of contemporary modern dance with emphasis on the interdisciplinarity, Lang’s work communicates perspectives with depth and a movement style that captures the attention of the viewer with its evocative physicality, technical range and emotional viability. Her work is inspired by the desire to invite audiences into personal and subjective experiences of inspiration, family stories, shared history; a fascination with the connections in between; and the desire to investigate them together on the dance floor.
After years of choreography, academia and performance, Lang continues to explore new mediums, such as AR and VR technology, and various modes of collaboration, to immerse audiences in what she hopes are powerful, transformative experiences. Lang connects dance, space, technology, and creative collaborators to move audiences into a greater understanding of our past, present and future.
With commissions from the High Museum of Art, Goat Farm Arts Center, Flux Projects and more Lang stays engaged with the next generation of movement artists through her summer dance intensive SWEATSHOP and Founding Director and owner of The Movement Lab ATL, an interdisciplinary incubator for creativity. She is also the 2022 Emory University
Arts and Social Justice Fellow, and the 2023 recipient of Princeton University’s Collaboration and Research Grant award. Visit T. Lang Dance.
Dance Performance and Choreography @ Spelman College Formed in 2017, with over sixty student majors and minors, the Department of Dance Performance and Choreography is a critical and creative thinking laboratory that nurtures women of the African Diaspora. Students investigate intersections of experimental creative practices, cultural discourse, and technology.
The curriculum centers on the choreographic process through the lens of Black feminist theories, contemporary dance techniques, and interdisciplinary collaborative practice. Students engage with an exciting roster of visiting artists who explore and push boundaries through the departments signature programs like Spelman Dance Theatre and Inside the Dancers’ Studio. Faculty includes globally recognized working artists who mentor and guide students through scholarship, artistic production, and entrepreneurial strategies. h
Professor T. Lang
Tuwanya Smith
Rockdale County Commissioner Elect
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Out The Lab Photography
Tuwanya Smith of Conyers, GA, is a dedicated wife to her husband, Tony. She is also a dedicated mother, grandmother, local business owner, and a devoted member of the Rockdale Community. With a background in philanthropy and a deep passion for giving back, Tuwanya’s commitment to helping others knows no bounds. She’s an active member of the Rockdale County Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Rockdale, a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aider, and a mentor in the Rockdale County School System. Her subtle yet impactful approach leaves a lasting mark on the world and makes it a better place for all.
Born and raised in Decatur, GA, Tuwanya describes herself as an original Georgia Peach! The youngest of four children and a proud product of Dekalb County School System, she began working at McDonald’s at the early age of fifteen and has been working ever since. She attended Lakeside High School, Fort Valley State University, Georgia State University, and Ashford University (University of Arizona Global Campus). Tuwanya has a General Studies degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management.
As a small business owner, I know the challenges of keeping the doors open and employee retention. All of our businesses survived Covid-19 and are still viable.
Photos
Tuwanya says that as a child, she was taught to be honest, reliable, and resilient. “I watched my parents and siblings work hard in their rewarding careers. It was through them that I saw examples of what persistence looks like. During my 20-year career in dentistry, I had the pleasure of problemsolving. My patients came in with issues and left with solutions. I had the responsibility of making sure they understood what the problem was and how we would solve it together. I enjoyed helping create beautiful, healthy smiles and changing lives daily. Once married, I was put in the position to become a public servant, and I eventually became a pastor’s wife. I took on the cares of others, something that I hold true and dear to my heart,” she says. Additionally, Tuwayna shares that she is a walking resource for people. “If I can’t solve the problem, I will work to find someone who can.”
As a multiple business owner, Tuwanya works hard to maintain the reputation of being fair and honest and being a provider of awesome customer service. That is something that she instills in her children and grandchildren. “We give back to the community schools and organizations through sponsorship and monetary donations. As a small business owner, I know the challenges of keeping the doors open and employee retention. All of our businesses survived Covid-19 and are still viable. There are many businesses in Rockdale County that come and go so quickly. As a County Commissioner, I want to find out why and address the needs so that small businesses can survive and thrive here in Rockdale County. I know about using your funds to keep the doors open. I can relate to the everyday challenges business owners face. I would like to be a resource and liaison between business owners and the county. I know that some of this may sound cliché, but it is really who I am. I really care about the welfare of people and want to help make the lives of others a little better,” she says.
I want to balance development within the community and preserve our character as well. I want to be transparent and keep members of our community informed about what is happening with our county government.
Tuwanya’s term as Commissioner for Post 1 in Rockdale County will begin in January 2025. In her role, she plans to be a voice for all citizens of Rockdale County. “I want to make sure everyone has what they need, not just the children but even our senior citizens. I plan to work with the school board and public safety officials to make our community better,” she says.
After being active in her community and seeing firsthand what was happening, Tuwanya decided to take her efforts to another level and be more impactful. “I saw there was a need for the people, and their voices were not being heard. I felt that a void existed between the government and the people. I thought that our people needed a representative to work for them, and that is why I decided to run.”
Tuwanya’s husband, Tony, has impacted her life and career the most. Tony is a pastor of a local synagogue, and for twenty-two of the years that he has served, Tuwanya has witnessed the difference that he has made in the lives of others.
“I saw how important it is to have someone in your corner and on your side during the ups and downs of life. He inspired me to serve and make a difference in the lives of others,” she says.
As Tuwanya moves closer to the start of her new assignment, she is also preparing for the seen and unseen. “I want to balance development within the community and preserve our character as well. I want to be transparent and keep members of our community informed about what is happening with our county government,” she says.
The advice Tuwanya offers to others who are seeking a career in public service is very simple. “Don’t do it for the money. Please make sure that you have a love for people and a genuine desire to bring change. Your community is depending on you and that is why they elect you.”
Sheryl L. Smith
Inspiring Students To Excel in Higher Education
By Terry L. Watson
by Sheryl L. Smith
Sheryl L. Smith is the Director and Founder of Inspiring Students To Excel in Higher Education. Her organization is a scholarship and essay writing mentorship program that works with students ages 13-23.
Sheryl is a native of Toledo, OH, and a graduate of Clark Atlanta University. At CAU, she acquired a B.A. Degree Mass Media Arts Writing for Radio, TV and Film. Sheryl is also a certified Public Speaker and the proud Godmother of five wonderful children.
Her professional experience includes over 15 years of experience in business banking as a Financial Business Consultant to small business owners. Her clientele base consisted of more than 1,000 customers nationwide. She has over 20 years of experience in research, writing and mentorship. She is also a corporate volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta, GA. Previously, Sheryl served as a Big Sister Mentor for eight years to a young lady who would graduate from West Georgia University.
Sheryl coordinates many volunteer programs for teens and senior citizens. She has also served as a writing mentor for high school seniors with the Boys & Girls Club of America, and served as a judge for several youth talent competitions. Sheryl enjoys speaking to teens through college students to encourage them to apply for scholarships to help pay for college.
During high school, Sheryl worked for the Downtown Toledo Public Library as a Library Assistant in the Social Science Department. She has always had a passion for reading, writing, and mentoring youth. She credits her Alma Mater, St. Ursula Academy, with helping to develop within her the passion and drive to help others succeed.
I love starting with the youth and seeing them transition into college. I enjoy hearing their success stories and seeing them get involved in community service that is career-based.
Photos
So, where did Sheryl get the vision to launch Inspiring Students To Excel in Higher Education? She says, “I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur. It was in 2011 that I was attending an event at my church, Word of Faith. I heard a speaker there and he spoke about using your gifts to connect to your vision and the importance of using your gift to impact others. That is why I started the scholarship program. I was able to use what I learned as a teen and develop a company.”
For the most part, Sheryl wanted to help students all over the United States learn how to write their way to a debt-free college education. She partnered with her close friend Yolanda Durden to start the business where they served students nationwide for many years together. In 2020, Yolanda took on a new position and now serves as an Advisor to the organization. Sheryl started The Real Grant Writing Tour, which is a sister company to Inspiring Students To Excel in Higher Education. This segment helps nonprofits and for-profit businesses. Some of Sheryl’s additional partnerships include schools, churches, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), sororities, and others.
What Sheryl loves most about her job is helping students transform academic writing into learning how to compete and write for funding. “I also enjoy seeing students speak about their why. I love starting with the youth and seeing them transition into college. I enjoy hearing their success stories and seeing them get involved in community service that is career-based. I love seeing them graduate, get jobs, and go off to medical and law school etc. This makes it all worth it,” she says.
In addition to benefiting from Yolanda Durden’s support and assistance, Sheryl credits friends and Parent Liaison Brigitte Mabry and Felicia Snead for connecting her with various schools and community partners to reach more students and parents in this much needed program. Felicia has also referred many businesses and has been a great mentor for Sheryl. Finally, Sheryl says that Danielle Cleveland has also been a phenomenal friend who has been very dedicated and committed to helping out with our program over the past 13 years. “I appreciate Danielle’s willingness to support us,” she says.
While Sheryl has enjoyed how things have happened with her company, she does wish she had established more corporate partnerships in the beginning. “I wish I had formed more partnerships with local schools. Having more kids involved in our programs gives them more opportunities to excel. I would have also sought out more grants that would cater to the specific school setting that we create,” she says.
Lastly, Sheryl is excited to share a new addition to her empire, a travel business, SLS Inspires Travel. This new program helps students, and Grant clients on how to build wealth in travel to experience Financial Freedom. Sheryl L. Smith is truly one who believes in using her gifts to impact the lives of others. For those who are interested in learning more about Inspiring Students To Excel in Higher Education, please visit their website.
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Mayor
Town of Walls - Desoto County
By Terry L. Watson
Keidron Henderson has a strong affinity for the Town of Walls, MS, one of the main reasons why he became Mayor. “I just wanted to serve,” he says.
Upon being elected, Keidron Henderson rewrote the history books. He is not only the first African American Mayor in the town of Walls but also the first African American Mayor of any municipality in DeSoto County’s history. In the mid-90s, Desoto County became the third fastest-growing county in the United States, and even today, it remains the fastest-growing county in the state of Mississippi. With a population of nearly 1,300, Walls is the slowest-growing part of Desoto County, and Mayor Keidron has made a commitment to serve and do what is needed to move his county forward.
That commitment was made in 2020 when he was elected Mayor, and in five years, things have happened. Before being elected, Walls did not have a new subdivision to break ground in over a decade. Under his leadership, they have broken ground on four new subdivisions, they have the largest Solar Farm in Mississippi, and the town’s Fire Station is vamping up its training to accommodate its staff in-house. They have also added more officers to the Police Department and additional MTE’s to the Municipal Office. Even today, they do not have a bank or grocery store, but Mayor Henderson remains optimistic. In all of their growth and changes, Keidron has kept his focus on maintaining his town’s quality of life.
Photos by Mayor Keidron Henderson
Keidron Henderson is a native of Walls, Mississippi. He attended Horn Lake High School and later went on to attend The University of Mississippi. His ultimate goal was to play professional football in the National Football League, though his dream was sidelined due to injuries he suffered in high school and college. He is a husband, a father of four, and has two grandchildren.
Mayor Henderson is a “casino guy.” He has worked in the casino business for over 20 years, which was his first job after graduating college. While the compensation for being Mayor doesn’t cover all of his family’s needs, Mayor Henderson continues to work in the casino industry today.
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Mayor Henderson says it’s the service part of it. “We have spearheaded some great events. The senior population is often left out of the equation when communities plan grandiose events. We have made it a priority not to exclude this portion of our population and create activities and opportunities just for them. Our youth are very important as well. Recently, we gave away free backpacks and free haircuts, as well as lunch during an event. We were also able to partner with the YMCA and their Delivering Smiles program. Parents were able to get free meals for their kids. Being a part of programs such as these and bringing stakeholders together makes it all worth it,” he shares.
Recently, Mayor Henderson lost his mother, Betty J. Henderson. That loss is something that he continues to deal with, and he says she had the most significant impact on his life. “When you are seventeen years old, and you see your dreams dissipate from your eyes, your mother will say some encouraging things to you. She told me that God didn’t probably have the NFL in my plan, but He had great things in my plan. My mother spent thirty-three days in the hospital, and we talked about some great things in her final days. She reminded me of the conversation we had about me doing great things. Being Mayor is an example of having the opportunity to do great things in terms of service. She taught me to love people and always to be humble. She taught me that no matter what type of success I was able to be blessed with, always to be humble and love people. That skill has served me well, not only in being Mayor but also in my professional career. It’s not easy, but it is a learnable skill that my mama taught me,” he shares.
Mayor Henderson also credits Gary Anderson with having a significant impact on his life. Gary was the Vice President of Start Operations at Horse Shoe Casino. He moved to Mississippi to open a new market in the early 90s. “He took me under his wing and became my personal mentor. He taught me how to protect margins, financial attributes, casino design, budgeting, forecasting; Literally everything that I know about the Casino industry, he taught me,” Mayor Henderson shares.
It is apparent that Mayor Henderson’s journey has been full of twists and turns, and he professes there isn’t much that he would change about the way things have happened. “You learn something from every fork in the road that you take. God has given me this journey, and it is designed to fulfill His purpose in my life. Every challenge and every setback is already written. If I had the power to change anything, it would be for my mother to be healthy. I wouldn’t have wanted for her to develop her sickness, and she would be here to see the things that I am doing. This is my journey, and I just want to make sure that when God comes for me, I don’t have any music left in my music box,” he says.
Looking ahead, Mayor Henderson says that he is looking forward to making the Town of Walls, MS, better for all citizens. Due to its geographical location and close relationship to Memphis, TN, Walls has a lot of potential on various fronts. “My focus as Mayor is to move our town forward. I want to do more of what we have already been doing. I want to provide access to all citizens. For any stakeholders in our community who want to be a part of furthering our town forward, the door is wide open for them. The door is wide open for everyone, and no one has to look in the peephole.” h
essica Currie A ChangeMaker
By Terry L. Watson
The journey for Milwaukee, WI, resident Jessica Currie has been marked by faith and determination. At one point in her life, she was a homeless teen mom and high school dropout, but through perseverance, God has transformed her into a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Today, Jessica serves as the executive director of Missionary Currie for Women and Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women fleeing domestic violence and providing emergency services to families. “We are here to share God’s love and care by strengthening the community by providing emergency shelter and supportive services to women and children who are homeless, fleeing domestic/sexual violence, or in need of emergency shelter. Clients receive essential hygiene products, baby items, and emergency clothing. All services are free of charge,” Jessica says.
In addition to providing free supportive services to moms, the organization also offers its clients a wide variety of programs and necessary tools to help them overcome the causes of homelessness. They offer classes in parenting, life skills, anger management, proper nutrition and food preparation, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and spiritual development. These services are offered on a regular basis, and volunteers are available to provide one-onone mommy mentor support.
We are here to share God’s love and care by strengthening the community by providing emergency shelter and supportive services to women and children who are homeless, fleeing domestic/sexual violence, or in need of emergency shelter.
Photos Provided by Jessica Currie
Jessica’s testimony is one of overcoming adversity through faith and determination. Being a homeless teen mom was incredibly challenging, but she refused to let her circumstances define her future. With the support of her family and community, Jessica was able to rebuild her life and dedicate it to helping others. “My journey has taught me that with resilience and support, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges,” she says.
Jessica attended UW-Parkside and studied Nonprofit Management. She also graduated from MATC with her high school diploma and pursued Community Health Services at UW-Madison. “My personal experiences have fueled my passion for helping others and advocating for families,” she adds.
Missionary Currie for Women and Children began in 2018. The vision stemmed from Jessica’s own experiences as a homeless teen mom. She says, “I understood firsthand the struggles that women and children face in crisis situations. This motivated me to create an organization that provides not only immediate support but also longterm solutions for those in need. My goal was to offer a safe haven and a pathway to stability for women and children in distress.”
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Jessica response is seeing the transformation in the lives of the women and children her programs serve. Additionally, she says witnessing their journey from crisis to stability and empowerment is incredibly rewarding. “Every success story reinforces my commitment to our mission and drives me to continue advocating for those in need.”
She is inspired by her family, specifically her grandmother, whom she says taught her to put others before myself. She also credits her husband and children for being a source of inspiration and says that when all odds are against her, they are there with her. “I also draw inspiration from community leaders and families who tirelessly work towards a better tomorrow,” she says.
One of the biggest challenges Jessica’s program has faced is securing sustainable funding. She says, “We developed strong relationships with donors and community partners.” Another challenge has been addressing the diverse and complex needs of the families they serve. “We tackle this by continuously adapting our services and collaborating with other organizations to provide comprehensive support.” It is very clear that there is no quit in Jessica, and the members of her community are direct beneficiaries of her resilience.
Moving forward, Jessica plans to expand the services offered by Missionary Currie for Women and Children. She also plans to reach more families in need. “We aim to establish additional shelters and create more educational and job training programs and supportive services. Our goal is to continue advocating for policy changes that protect and empower women and children. We are committed to building a future where every woman and child can live free from violence and achieve their full potential.”
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER FIVE: Adapting To New Difficulties
Throughout the caregiving experience for my Mother, one thing has always been consistent: one day is never the same as the day before.
Adapting to the constant change has also helped me to learn a lot of new things about myself. I have been known to be a little anxious and impatient; however, while caring for my Mother, that responsibility has always required a new level of patience. Furthermore, while watching others care for her, some professionally trained, some serving from the depths of their hearts, I have always measured their efforts by how they respond during difficult moments. Being a caregiver requires that the person administering the care possesses one important gift: the ability to care for someone just as much or even more than they would care for themselves.
When I decided to bring my Mother into my home to live, I admit that I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into. (For details about my thoughts at the time, please read Chapter One of this series.) It’s Mom, and I am here for whatever she needs, yet caring for her needs has been so much more than that.
To know my Mom, I mean to truly understand her; you also understand the significance and importance of her visits to the hair salon. Within the first month of arriving at my home, I was seeking ways to help make her feel more like her old self. Her physicians had informed our family that Mom would never be the old version of herself, and due to the damage of the brain injury she endured, she would have little or no memory of what life used to be for her. Still, getting her to the salon, I thought, would provide a place to connect, socialize, and embrace her womanness among other women. For the most part, my Mother spent a lot of time with me, her grown son, and by God’s grace, she didn’t lose her genuine self. Getting her to a former place where she blossomed into her full beauty, I believed, would be good for her.
The day arrived for Mom to visit her stylist, and when presence was made inside the building, her emotions began to rise from within. There were some tears, but I processed those to be representatives of some emotions that had been silenced for nearly four months. Her stylist was happy to see her, and my Mom was even happier to see her, but I was more astonished by the first thing that my Mother said to her stylist. “Look what happened to me?” I knew then it was my time to sit in the waiting room as she had arrived in her element, and she was about to receive some much-needed healing and therapy from her personal hairstylist.
When my Mother’s session was complete, we got back into my car and headed back home. Of course, I took some photos of her fresh, new style. She was popping, and I was sure to capture this moment for her and my family, who weren’t there. It was refreshing to see her look sort of like her old self but even more beautiful. I felt as if I was looking at a new version of her, free of the toxins that played a role in leading up to her stroke. I also realized that ensuring that each day for the rest of her days is better and more memorable than each day before. I am a son first and then a caregiver. 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!
WendyLadd The Peach Cobbler Factory - CLE
By Terry L. Watson
Wendy Ladd
Wendy Ladd is the franchise owner of two Peach Cobbler Factory locations. One is in Cleveland, OH, and the second is in Clarksville, TN. The Peach Cobbler Factory franchise is the second fastest-growing franchise across the nation. “We are a unique dessert spot. We aim to be the best desert bar in the country. We sell 12 flavors of banana pudding and 12 flavors of cobbler; we sell waffles, bigger and better brownies and cookies, churros, pudding shakes, and cobble shakes. We also make our very own peach tea and cold-brew coffee. Our goal is to make a great experience for the customers who grace our door, she says.
Wendy Ladd describes herself as a follower of Jesus Christ. Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Wendy grew up in a two-parent household with one sibling. Of her immediate family, she is the only living member. “At my core, I am purpose-driven in Christ,” she says.
Wendy graduated from high school tenth in class. Later she attended college, and obtained her bachelors degree in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis. Her next move found her at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she got her Master’s Degree in business. In addition, Wendy spent about 15 and a half years in the United States Military, serving in the US Navy and the Air Force.
In August of this year, Wendy celebrated 28 years of marriage to her husband, Philip. She has two children: one daughter, who is currently in college and working towards her graduate degree in Speech Pathology, and her son, who is a junior in college and studying Communication.
Her path to entrepreneurship has been sort of unconventional. When she got out of the military as a Nurse Corps Officer, she became a Director of Nursing at a small critical care hospital. When that opportunity went away due to downsizing, she found herself at home with nothing to do. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought about opening a same-day surgery practice, amongst other things, and learned about an opportunity on a job posting site that catapulted her into the pharmaceutical industry. I stayed in this industry for twenty years before the dynamics changed and found myself looking for new opportunities,” she says.
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In the past, Wendy had no challenges finding new employment opportunities, yet time passed, and nothing happened. “I asked God for direction. I didn’t know what to do. A good friend told me that maybe God wanted me to do something different,” she says. Wendy would soon learn about the franchise opportunities with The Peach Cobbler Factory from a friend. There was a location opening in Charlotte, NC. She visited the location and brought some desserts home for her husband. They both loved them, and Wendy later told him the good news that she had an interest in them becoming a franchisee with the company. Her husband was on board. Next, they would meet with the company’s CEO, who was also a franchisee at his store location. They had a lot of questions about operations, how to build the business, and more. The CEO shared the origins of how The Peach Cobbler Factory began. “It started from an African American couple from New Orleans that had been disenfranchised from Hurricane Katrina. They moved from New Orleans to Nashville and began selling their desserts out of their car. They later moved to Louisville, KY, and opened their first brick-and-mortar location. Our CEO found out about the location in Louisville. He was sold, and the franchise was born,” Wendy says. Today, more than 100 peach Cobbler Factory locations are open around the country, with many more going through the process to get started.
“I feel like I am on an assignment.” That is Wendy’s response when asked what she loves most about what she does. “I feel like this is a place where people can come in and forget about the things that are happening outside. There is so much going on, and a lot of it is not positive. Inside our businesses, we have music playing, we have smiles on our faces that greet each customer, and, more importantly, we have an outstanding menu. You will not see a menu like ours anywhere else. People have brought me to tears talking about how good our Peach Cobbler is and how it reminds them of the cobbler they used to eat with their grandmother. It brings people back to the memory of when life was a lot easier, and folks were a lot kinder. We put a lot of love into what we do. We actually have a shirt here that says “Love In A Cup, That’s what we are serving here,” Wendy says.
Wendy and her company are committed to supporting the interests of members of her community, and she has formed various partnerships with individuals and organizations in and around Cleveland. One is The Spirit of Excellence, which works with highfunctioning, mentally challenged adults. Wendy is able to offer the organizations’ clients a place to come and help contribute to what they do. “Being able to work with them brings me great joy, and I look forward to working with them each week they come,” she says. Additionally, many of the employees at Wendy’s are high school students. “I am able to speak into them. We assume these young minds are getting this at home, but it’s an assumption, and oftentimes, it’s a wrong assumption. Not only can their teachers speak to them, but they have an employer that can do the same. Many of our young employees are African Americans, and that brings me joy as well. That is why I feel that I am on an assignment by God, and I am trying to fulfill that assignment to the best of my ability.”
Named by her mother, Wendy says she didn’t like the name as a young girl. “I associated my name with someone who doesn’t look like me,” she says. Her mother is also the person who impacted Wendy’s life the most. Growing up, Wendy’s mother had her involved in many activities, such as figure skating, gymnastics, and swimming. “She was imparting into me at a young age and I didn’t realize what she was doing for me at the time. I would be the only black girl in these programs. I sang in a group called “The Singing Angels” and went all around the world. By the time I was in the sixth grade, I had already traveled to Rome and Germany. She also had my brother involved in hockey. I recall her telling us not to close ourselves off just because of where we live. She foresaw some things in our lives that would help us as adults.”
When asked if there is anything she would change about how things have happened for her in life, Wendy says there are so many things that have happened, but she is unsure about changing anything. “Experience. That is the only way you are going to grow and develop. If I came into this knowing everything, what is the point? I would have never imagined that after 36 years of being a healthcare professional, I would be in the dessert business,” she states.
Looking ahead, Wendy plans to continue building up business for The Peach Cobbler Factory. She hopes to open another location in Cleveland and form additional partnerships with community stakeholders. She also plans to start a podcast that will allow women of color who are in their mature seasons of life to discuss issues that matter to them. If you are in Cleveland, OH, or Clarksville, TN, stop by The Peach Cobbler Factory and enjoy some of their delicious desserts. h
Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic
By Terry L. Watson
Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, Taneka Walker has committed her life to serving and helping others.
Taneka is a dedicated family nurse practitioner. After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and served her country while simultaneously pursuing her passion for nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University. She added to her educational merits and obtained two graduate degrees: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing. Beyond her professional achievements, Taneka is a loving mother of two. She retired from the military in April 2023 after serving for 25 years. “My commitment to both my family and career exemplifies my dedication to helping others and living life to the fullest,” she says.
Today, Taneka is the owner of Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic, based in Houston, TX. The Brand is wellness and aesthetics, and their tagline is “Experience Wellness The Walker Way”. Her company began in 2022 under the parent name of The Scalp Boss. Taneka shares that The Scalp Boss was founded based on the personal challenges she faced in her everyday life, such as alopecia and the pressure and stress of maintaining military weight standards. These experiences fueled her passion to create solutions that help others overcome similar struggles. “Our mission is to provide support and effective treatments for those dealing with hair loss and weight management issues, empowering them to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.”
Now operating under the name Walker Wellness and Aesthetics Clinic, her goal is to provide a range of services tailored for individuals looking to regain their lost confidence, whether due to hair loss, weight gain, aging, or the challenges of everyday life. Their offerings include Hair Restoration, Medical Wigs, Medical Weight Loss programs, Botox and Aesthetic treatments, and DOT examinations.
Our mission is to provide support and effective treatments for those dealing with hair loss and weight management issues, empowering them to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.
Photos by Taneka Walker
As a nurse practitioner and business owner, Taneka admits that she loves restoring confidence in her clients. She also professes to be a firm believer in the power of knowledge and takes great joy in educating her clients and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
Taneka adds that her original focus was on aesthetics and hair loss services, but the services that have garnered the most attention have been weight loss services. “Despite it being my passion, I realized the need and started to provide the services that made a difference for my clients. It forced me to look at the market differently, and due to an agile business response, I was able to re-brand and offer the original service but put more focus on overall wellness. Developing that service line forced me to pivot and adjust to the needs of others. One of my slogans was restoring confidence one strand at a time. Now I’m restoring health one pound at a time. Learning to be agile has been one of the best moves I have made as a small business owner,” she says.
Developing a business from the ground up has been very challenging, Taneka says. “My challenge was developing an entire business model revolving around aesthetics and hair loss. I learned that when you have created a business model around one aspect and another aspect takes off, it creates challenges. Resources were tied into that promotion, but the other services that were not as funded started to take off. As a business owner, I learned to adjust and start to do what the customer requests. I made changes and started to market appropriately out of my own pocket to fund this new line of business. What I learned from this is to adjust and understand what to put the resources on and make changes that keep you afloat. You can be stubborn and close, or you can be agile and adaptable; making the changes and becoming Walker Wellness has been a move that has positioned me for sustainability moving forward.”
Branding and marketing are some other consistent challenges that Taneka has faced. From navigating ever-changing algorithms to keeping up with the latest social media trends. She says, “The digital landscape evolves rapidly, requiring constant adaptation and creativity to stay relevant. It can be overwhelming to manage these demands while also focusing on providing top-notch services to clients. However, these challenges also present opportunities to connect with a broader audience and showcase the unique value our clinic offers. By staying agile and embracing innovative marketing strategies, I aim to build a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with our community.”
Looking ahead, Taneka plans to expand her practice by opening several locations throughout the Houston and Dallas areas. This growth will allow her to serve more clients and bring herr specialized care to a wider community. Additionally, she plans to introduce new services and innovative treatments to stay at the forefront of wellness and aesthetics. “By continually evolving and improving, I aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of even more individuals seeking to regain their confidence and well-being.”
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The National Council of Negro Women Gwinnett Section
Taking the Front Seat to Make an Impact in Gwinnett County
The Gwinnett County Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was officially “approved and duly certified” on June 13, 2019 by Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole, the NCNW National Chair and 7th President. An installation ceremony was held on August 18, 2019 at the historic First Congregational Church in Atlanta, GA. The following ladies were installed as the first officers of NCNW Gwinnett: President, Jennifer Eichelberger; First Vice President, Sharon Hawkins Gay; Second Vice President, Felicia Edwards; Recording Secretary, Detra Terrell; Treasurer, Kimberly Green; Financial Secretary, Beverly Johnson; Corresponding Secretary, Machell Laramore; Historian, Alline Clancy; Parliamentarian, Veronica Cope; and Chaplain, Courtney Jones. A total of 83 members including one male, comprised this esteemed inaugural section of NCNW Gwinnett.
NCNW Gwinnett immediately showed its presence in Gwinnett County, especially through their host of programs. President Eichelberger’s goal was to merge the national NCNW principles of STEAM, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and economic stability with the “Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program (GRIP), women empowerment, and family cohesiveness.” Even though the world shut down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
NCNW Gwinnett continued to give back to the community. Virtual events became the norm such as Purple Table Talk, Pop Up Shop, Candidates Forum, among a host of others.
First Vice President Sharon Hawkins Gay assumed the role of President on July 1, 2021. Under her leadership, the section increased to over 100 members with a new mission and vision. Successful partnerships have been forged with Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office’s Gwinnett Re-entry Intervention Program (GRIP), Gwinnett County Public Schools African American Girls Priority Program which targets Snellville Middle School girls, Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, and Hope Assisted Living & Memory Care. A successful fundraising campaign was held to raise funds to award scholarships to deserving Gwinnett County Public Schools students. NCNW Gwinnett was also one of five sections in GA to receive a grant for the Good WINs Health initiative. The grant funds have been used to provide COVID-19 education resources and PPE supplies to the Gwinnett community. Yes, NCNW Gwinnett is definitely taking the front seat to make an impact in Gwinnett County!
Lisa Cupid
Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioiners
Lisa Cupid is the Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. She has served on the Cobb Board of Commissioners since 2013 and in 2020 was elected as Cobb’s first black and first female Chair. Cupid helps set policy for Georgia’s 3rd most populous county boasting multiple Fortune 500 companies, strong K-12 schools, top higher educational institutions, natural and historic amenities, attractive communities and robust tourist attractions.
Chairwoman Cupid is a woman of faith and a devoted mom whose steps are ordered to serve. She is an attorney and former mediator, policy analyst and manufacturing process engineer. She resides in Smyrna with her two children and husband, who is also an attorney, law partner, and former electrical engineer. Both are graduates of Georgia Tech and Georgia State Law. Cupid and her husband are of Guyanese and Trinidadian heritage, respectively, which Cupid credits for her hard work ethic, humility and humor. When not serving, you may find Chairwoman Cupid reading, running, or rooting for her kids on the side of a court or field.
What is most important to Chairwoman Cupid is Cobb’s 800,000 residents who are highly educated, diverse, and reflect the best that Cobb has to offer. Cupid takes pride in advocating for the interests of all persons across demographic or economic standing. Cupid is committed to being all-in, where the success of Cobb reaches all areas and all people of the County. h
Decide DeKalb Curates DeKalb County Black Business Guide to Spotlight Local Businesses
Decide DeKalb, the leading economic development organization in DeKalb County, is thrilled to announce the creation of the DeKalb County Black Business Guide and is actively accepting entries. This comprehensive guide aims to celebrate and highlight the vibrant spectrum of Black-owned businesses throughout the county.
The DeKalb County Black Business Guide hopes to serve as a testament to the rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit thriving within DeKalb County. As Thursday, August 1 marks the start of Black Business Month in the US, it is befitting to also serve as the official launch of the guide which will be accessible on the Decide DeKalb website for download. An update to the guide will take place mid-2025.
“We are excited to curate the DeKalb County Black Business Guide, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and achievements of black entrepreneurs in our community,” said Terra Washington, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Decide DeKalb. “By increasing visibility of these businesses, we hope it will help expand financial support as well as serve as recognition for their contributions to our local economy.”
The guide’s goal is to feature a diverse array of industries, indicative of DeKalb County itself, by including retail, technology, hospitality, and more. By offering residents and visitors a curated directory of Black-owned establishments to explore and support, this guide is taking the “shop local” theme, dedicated to the holiday season, to a new level. Whether you are looking for a unique dining experience, professional services, or artisanal goods, the DeKalb County Black Business Guide plans to connect consumers with businesses that reflect the dynamic essence of our community.
A Black-owned business based in DeKalb County with a business license, at least one social media channel and/or a website that meets the established criteria set by Decide DeKalb are encouraged to be a part of the guide.
