Huami Magazine California Jan./Feb. 2022 by Terry Watson

CALIFORNIA

Jan./Feb. 2022 Vol. 1 Issue 6

I Am The MAD Diva California - Jan./Feb. 2022

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Get The Latest Music by Anjelah Evans

My Expectations and The Truth A Letter From The Editor

I would have to say that I grew up poor by world standards. There Are No If,myAnds, Or Butspoured About It! I never felt like it because mother constantly unconditional love into my other siblings and me. Her love wouldn’t allow me to focus on what I didn’t have or anything A Letter the Editor I could befrom missing. However, as life happened, I realized that when compared to others, my experiences were more complex. Even still, I had the opportunity to overcome them. What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have athings streetIto park on. What One of the most important learned from myif everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never upbringing is that the truth will always override my happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy expectations. The very first car that I owned, I purchased day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making for myself. It wasn’t a new vehicle, but it was mine. It had a promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired few dents, and the tires didn’t match either. The heat or air today? What would you do? conditioning didn’t work, and the exhaust pipe would shake like a I’ve leaf been whentold I started car, probably because it was that I the often seem like I do too much. being held inI place byI the of aenough close hanger. Honestly, feel like am wiring not doing and I’mWith a firmall of its believer imperfections, my car was a beauty in my sight, and was in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything onI me very appreciative to own Iit. that I couldn’t handle. sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I Though it seemed I drove thatIn car for all eternity, it only have found that to like be very boring. my opinion, opportunity survived one year I didn’t gas in Athe fuel tank, is a blessing thatwith isn’tme. afforded to keep everyone. challenge andtoI me never changed the oil either. I drove it fast, and on cold is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? mornings I didn’t Iallow it toif warm up. Rarely did I bathe If I do nothing, fail, and I try I don’t, but instead learnit or even provide new it with routine or preventative maintenance, something about myself. Relinquish your pride and inand before I knew it, life. my first and only method of transportation return acquire slowed down and shut off in the middle of the road. The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to makemy mycar tomorrow happen today. doing See, I expected to run forever, but the In truth is so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that I never did anything to ensure that it would. I expectedonly provided. alsoitlearned difference between myhope car to go whenI Ihave needed to but the never considered my what God blesses me with and what life can burden me withto thoughtless and erratic treatment’s impact on it. I expected asforever, well. I compare it to knowing to beinconfident ride but the truth is I neverwhen invested my cars’ and future. when to be quiet, because someone confused I’m saying thatmay weget willitonly get with being arrogant. out of life what we put into it. How will we ever expect to know God Make you time tomorrow if we never spend with Him? happen today, but most My goal in life is to win. For this importantly make it count. to happen, I must be willing to do Life is but a whisper and what is necessary to win and align we must put ourselves in a myself with what is true, which is position to hear what it is God’s expectations. telling us.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Arielle Kilgore Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Ellen Richardson Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers

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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NC may be submitted to the editor by 2022 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

CONTENTS

JAN./FEB. 2022

CALIFORNIA

There Is Magic In Her Pen

Monica Montgomery

On The Cover

The Mad Diva Concierge Lynique Browning

Her Life Has Purpose

Timika Thompson

Carter’s BBQ

Theresa and Darren

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby

Railyn Kate

Also Featured

Dr. Tiffany M. Gethers Her heart is to serve her commuity. Learn more about The 2Gethers Foundation. Dallas, TX

Alonzo Stallworth Learn how he is rebuilding the community that helped to raise him. Th3 Block Development Philadelphia, PA

Sade and Stefanie Learn more about the faces behind Ideas Unlimited Events LLC. New Jersey

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I Am The MAD Diva By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Lynique Browning

Lynique Browning is known as the Mad Diva. This multi-talented entrepreneur represents her home of Los Angeles, CA, fashionably. She is a licensed esthetician, certified makeup artist, certified bartender, and event coordinator. Her brands are the MAD Diva Concierge, MAD Diva Travels & Vacations, MAD Diva Media, MAD Diva Mixology, MAD Diva Makeup & Esthetics, and MAD Diva Meals. Originally from Ladera Heights, Lynique comes from a very large family; she has one sister and one brother, but she is the youngest of them all. She has always been a social butterfly also. “I know a lot of people, and because of that, I am making a lot of moves.” She has worked in the hospitality industry and entertainment finance, fashion, and more. These skills continue to play a huge role in her life and career. The Mad Diva brand has been built on hard work and opportunity. Lynique launched her business in 2010 initially as a makeup artist and esthetician. Before attending school for those skills mentioned, she worked as a bartender for celebrity events and private parties. “I’ve always known how to cook. I learned from watching my mom in the kitchen,” she says. Lynique’s media brand fell into place naturally as she gained experience by covering photography for the events that she booked.

Lynique says she loves being able to network and meet people. She is also thankful for her opportunity to build an international brand while she travels across the globe. She says she is inspired mostly by her mother. She credits her mother for being consistent and laying a path for her to succeed. She is also motivated by her sister who has similar aspirations as Lynique does. Like most entrepreneurs, Lynique has faced some challenges. One of them has been loyalty. “I have sought the assistance of friends to help grow my brand, only to see them attempt to duplicate my business idea and turn their backs on me,” she says. Another challenge she has faced is constantly promoting and marketing her brand in business, something she says is costly and time-consuming. Lynique is well on her way to achieving every goal she has set for her life. While there isn’t much she would change about her journey; she wishes she had started earlier. By the looks of it, that shouldn’t hold her back from her purpose. She would offer advice to someone who may follow in her footsteps to stay around positive, motivated individuals and entrepreneurs. She says these individuals are always looking to grow and reach their best potential. Her plans moving forward are to eventually partner with a marketing company that can better promote her brand. She also plans to make the Mad Diva concept a household name. Please contact her directly or visit her website to learn more about Lynique Browning and The Mad Diva products and services.

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One Block At A Time 10

By Arielle Kilgore Photos Provided by Alonzo Stallworth In life, people often chase the one thing they want the most. That is purpose. For Detroit, MI, native Alonzo Stallworth realized his purpose from years of strife and struggle and ultimately found his way to better ground. King Yadee is the name given to him by his community. Alonzo also describes himself as a builder, activist, creator, mentor, and child of God. Before he was anything, Alonzo was a lover and creator of music. Music moved and guided him and was a platform for expressing himself and his thoughts. Whatever was happening around Alonzo, music appeared to enhance it. While his passion for music grew, he would begin to see that his musical talents were not part of the plan that God had for him over time. God’s plan was for him to be a father, mentor, and advocate in his community. Today, Alonzo has found a way to give back to the District 2 Detroit community by way of Th3 Block Develop LLC. His company specializes in home improvement and renovation and educating new homeowners about the homebuying process. Their projects include commercial and residential properites, and mulit unit dwelling. To date, Th3 Block Development has renovated alot of homes, and obtain ownership of a few as well. They also educate anyone interested in learning about home construction and renovation. Some of the other services they offer are construction management, construction, training, and construction planning. Alonzo shares his company strives to deliver excellent workmanship every day. Their competitive fees and ability to provide outstanding results make their company stand out from others. “Since our founding, we’ve worked hard toward building and maintaining a stellar reputation,” he says. “We provide clients with a wide range of services to cover all their needs. No matter what the project might be, our team of professionals is ready to bring it to life.”

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Th3 Block Development is rooted in the heart of the Detroit community. Many of its projects have taken place in Alonzo’s old neighborhood, which is directly tied to Alonzo’s purpose. “When I was a child, it was hard to find a good influence. After losing my parents when I was only five years old, and on my birthday, I became an orphan. I was unintentionally handed to the streets of Detroit. I witnessed homicides and suicides, and after losing my parents, it was hard for me to take the traditional in life. Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great,” he shares. He credits his uncle, who raised him since he was 12 years old with having a huge impact on his life. His uncle was an entrpernuer and go getter, and made sure that everyone in his family was taken care of. His uncle was also the first person who introduced him to contracting. Around the time of his birthday in 2018, Stallworth had been receiving signs and messages from God about what he should be doing. This was around the same time the city was taking a turn due to the events that took place in 2008, which caused a lot of families to lose their homes. “We were on a downward spiral. Some blocks became vacant. The deaths and all the killings were adding up. I wanted to do my part to help. I was able to with entrepreneurship and following God’s word. I soon discovered I had the tools to save my city,” Enrolling in school to obtain his builder’s license was Alonzo’s next move.

“Fortunately, I learned that being in the streets doesn’t mean you have to adopt a life of the streets. I didn’t get involved with drugs, gangs, or any other criminal activity, but instead, I enveloped myself with good people who say my worth and pushed me to be great.” Alonzo Stallworth Founder Th3 Block Development 12

After three months of an extraneous process, Alonzo was licensed and ready to work. He came back to his community and gathered some people to help rebuild homes. He targeted his family home first, which was torn down many years before. After rebuilding that home, he opened a house for people to change their lives and learn construction in 2019. Th3 Block Development, which started with just wanting to help the community, was beginning to make a difference. “When we first arrived, it was three abandoned houses on the corner. Today, all three houses are fixed up with families living inside them. If I could grab one house and rebuild it, I think I can make a change,” he said. Well, change has happened as Alonzo’s company has fixed and repaired most of the houses on his block and placed families in them.

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Another part of his company is Th3 Stash House. This branch teaches troubled youth how to design clothes and produce music. He has also found time to mentor the next generation of builders. Alonzo says he loves seeing things completed. “Now the kids can come outside and play basketball on the corner. The corners are clean, and there is no more trash on them. It inspires me to show people the light in a dark place. I work hard to provide a future for my kids and other kids in my community so that can the opportunity of a new beginning. Alonzo also wants Th3 Block Development to be recognized as one that provides and cares for the wellbeing of its community. The opinions that others who may not live in Detroit varies Alonzo is aware that not all of them are good. He wants to change the narrative. Detroit gave him the grit, and now he can change it for the better since. “I am a diamond in the rough and Th3 Block Development is a company for the community. I am a product of the streets that became a gift to the world. I am Detroit,” he said. As life continues to happen for Alonzo and Th3 Block Development, he plans to continue to rebuild his community and plant seeds of hope into the lives of others. “I pray to God that I never do anything to stop the growth of this good energy and purpose, God-driven journey that I’m on,” he says. To learn more or volunteer with Th3 Block Development LLC, please visit their website. h

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Ideas Unlimited Events LLC By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided By Ideas Unlimited Events LLC

If you require event planning services, Ideas Unlimited Events LLC is here to help. Owned and operated by Stefanie Crawford and Sade Adkins of New Jersey, this versatile design company prides itself on exceeding clients’ expectations with one-of-a-kind party setups. They provide customized productions such as backdrops, floor wraps, centerpieces, and more and can take any event, big or small, to the next level. Stefanie and Sade combined their skill sets to form Ideas Unlimited Events LLC in 2016. In the beginning, their focus was making custom cakes and treats. “Our cake business quickly grew, and eventually, we began decorating our own children’s parties. After we posted our work on social media, people started calling and asking us to decorate for them. Soon we were producing small-scale events and eventually grew into larger ones,” they said. Things have changed a little since the beginning. Their focus is exclusively on decorating parties and digital creations, which can be ordered directly from our website. Some of the other products and services offered by Ideas Unlimited Events LLC are custom party favors, backdrops, banners, yard signs, name and number tables, themed tables, balloon décor, complete party decorations, throne chair rentals, 360 Booth rentals, and more. What separates Stefanie’s and Sade’s business model from other companies? Their approach and commitment to providing their clients with the best experience possible. Many event planners do amazing work in their area, but they aren’t deterred. Instead, they are determined to succeed. “We have to make sure we have fresh and new ideas so we can stay relevant.”We get to know our client’s wants and needs and aim to go above and beyond to bring their vision to life. We feel like artists changing a blank canvas into a beautiful, decorated room. We go above and beyond to customize our client’s event to ensure it’s not like anything anyone has already done. Furthermore, our event decorations can’t be purchased at a local party store,” they share. This year, they are planning to launch the Ideas Unlimited Design Academy. The new addition will allow them to teach techniques to up-and-coming event decorators or parents wanting to learn how to spice up their own child’s party or event.

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Stefanie’s and Sade’s love for helping and serving others has proven to be vital for the success of their business. They both have always been creative, so this business only enhances that it gives them a platform to showcase their talents. Stefanie is a mother of four beautiful children and has three sons and one daughter. Stefanie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Writing Arts and Education and has been teaching for 11 years. She is currently grooming second graders in the Salem City School District. “I enjoy teaching, but my true love is event design and digital designing, and being my own boss,” Stefanie says. Like Stefanie, Sade has a genuine nurturing spirit and a love for family. She is a mother to seven beautiful children, three of her own and four stepchildren. She is currently a full-time student majoring in education and still finds time to work on their business to ensure the needs of its clients are met. “I have always been creative and can make almost anything I put my mind to,” Sade says. They both share how their children inspire them. “We didn’t have the best foundation growing up. We didn’t have a support team and pretty much raised ourselves and our younger siblings. We both had a child before we graduated high school, but we weren’t going to let that stop us. We used our struggle to motivate ourselves because we wanted more for our children and ourselves. We love watching our children witness our lives as bosses. Yet, they are also hands-on in the business and help when they have free time.” Stefanie and Sade have recently started a business for their children called Poppin Playsets where they set up bounce houses and toddler soft play areas at events.

For others who may follow in their footsteps, Stefanie and Sade offer some advice that may help along the journey. “Invest in yourself, and don’t be afraid to take constructive criticism. We have grown so much in the last few years because we are not afraid to learn something new and take advice from others in this business that we aspire to be like.” Moving forward, in addition to their plans of Launch Ideas Unlimited Design Academy, they also hope to continue to decorate and transform rooms and open a venue of their very own one day. To learn more about Ideas Unlimited Events LLC, please contact them directly or visit their website. h

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The 2Gethers Foundation “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to start a nonprofit organization.... While I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to help those in need.” By Ellen Richardson Photos by Micheal Duncan

While some people may dedicate their lives and careers to fame or riches, there are those who follow a path towards using their God-given talents and passions to help others succeed. This is the truest story of Dr. Tiffany Gethers. She is the president and co-founder of The 2Gethers Foundation. a dual state nonprofit organization serving the Dallas Fort Worth and Chicagoland areas, that is dedicated to empowering first-generation students in the attainment of a college degree and the achievement of academic and life excellence. She shares how she found her path towards helping others at an early age. “Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to start a nonprofit organization,” said Dr. Gethers. “While I didn’t really understand what that meant when I was younger, I just knew that I wanted to help those in need. As this passion grew, another interest also developed – a love for education. I often tell people that if there were something higher than a doctorate degree, my crazy self would have probably pursued it.” As this lover of learning continued to pursue higher education, she would find out why God had given her such a fervent love for knowledge. “During my time as a doctoral student, I did a research study on the persistence and retention of firstyear, first-generation college students at Governors State University,” said Dr. Gethers. “As a first-generation college student, I was very interested in finding out what the retention rate was for college freshmen to continue to their sophomore or junior year.” After finding a considerable number of students were leaving college before obtaining a degree, Dr. Gethers decided to find a way to help improve these retention rates, particularly among at-risk student populations.

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“I wanted to help because I saw myself in these students,” said Dr. Gethers. “As someone who had overcome many of the same barriers as many of these students do, I could relate to the challenges they were facing as well. I realized the dream that I had as a little girl would involve assuring at-risk first-generation students would have access to higher education and the resources to stay the course to obtain a college degree. In my first year of college, I found out that I was pregnant. I was 18 years old; in my first semester of college, I found out that I would be a mom. While I wanted to have children someday, I was just sure that this would crush my dreams. I always wanted to go to college, was finally here and now I have to decide if I am going to leave my dream behind.” Although Dr. Gethers would walk away from a four-year university to become a young mother, this would not stop this lover of learning from pursuing higher education. “While I was living at home and was preparing to become a first-time mother, I still felt like I should be doing something to keep my dream alive,” she said. After enrolling in a local community college, the next challenge would come. “A few months into the first semester, my doctor put me on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy, so I would once again have to drop out of school.” Despite these hurdles, following the birth of her daughter, Dr. Gethers would find herself back on track. “I had an angel in the form of my mother who quit her job so that I could go back to school,” she said. Although it would take six years and a few additional hurdles, Dr. Gethers would go on to achieve her dream of obtaining a college degree. “I couldn’t have done this without my mother, who decided that allowing me to pursue my dreams was more important than her pursuing her own.” Along with support from her mother and other family members, Dr. Gethers also had help from other college professors who ensured that she had the necessary resources to finish and obtain her degree. “It was so wonderful to have this support, which is exactly what other students need.” Dr. Gethers had a desire to pay it forward. She was well equipped with adequate education, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Roosevelt University and a Doctor of Education from Governors State University. She set her sights on achieving the dream that began when she was a young girl, and founded The 2Gethers Foundation in 2018 along with her husband, David.

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David A. Gethers

Co-Founder and Vice President of Community Partnerships David Gethers develops strategic community partnerships and networks that increases the reach and impact of The 2Gethers Foundation’s mission to empower first-generation students to attain a college degree. Additionally, he is a sought after mentor of youth and future leaders. Driven by his authentic love for people and passion for service, he is dedicated to providing guidance on decision-making, life preparation, and sharing his personal story of life transformation to develop and inspire others. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. and actively assists fellow veterans with overcoming specific barriers to ease their transition. This passion drives him to also direct The 2Gethers Foundation’s student veteran programs. A native of Chicago, David earned a Bachelor’s of Arts from Governors State University in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Masters in Ministry Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. “Both my husband and I were first-generation college students. We both have a desire to see others like us pursue their dreams. Research shows that these students do not receive a lot of the support needed to go to college and ultimately stay there and obtain a degree. About 90 percent of low income first-generation college students do not graduate within the first six years of college, and many of these students do not even make it to the second year due to a lack of support and finances to finish. This is why we started this community rallying organization to surround these students with the support and to help develop our next generation of leaders,” Dr. Gethers states.

The 2Gethers Foundation provides several programs and services to enhance first-generation students’ academic, social, and career development such as scholarships for high school seniors, who will be the first in their families to attend college. To date they have awarded a total of $37,000 in scholarships. There is a mentorship program, free workshops and seminars on various topics for students and parents, as well as a mobile food pantries on college campuses. “We also go as far as sending care packages to several of our students as food insecurity on college campuses is a huge problem,” said Dr. Gethers. “Last year, we also launched a mentorship and leadership development program called Defy The Odds, where high school and college students were paired with leaders across various industries to help them set and achieve their immediate goals as well as navigate through any challenges they were faced with. This gave students a look at a successful future and the opportunity to see why it is so important to give back to their community.” Because of Dr. Gethers desire to help and serve others, many students who may have never had the opportunity to attend college will be able to. She is an excellent example of what hard work and determination look like. h

Dr. Tiffany Gethers The 2Gethers Foundation 26

www.2gethersfoundation.org 708-966-9491

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Monica Montgomery

The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Monica Montgomery

For Monica Montgomery, her life has happened by way of the right opportunities. Writing is something that Monica realized a love for early in life. The East Saint Louis, MO native was raised by a single mother and is the youngest in the family of four. She grew up and still resides in East St. Louis and shares she was blessed to be exposed to the greatness that East St. Louis is known for. “I come from a creative family, so writing was a natural path for me. I love reading stories about mysterious people and magical places. However, it wasn’t until I wrote my first short story for the Young Author’s contest in the 5th grade that I believed I could create those people and places. The entire class was asked to write a story for the contest. I complained to my sister that I didn’t know what to write about. Annoyed, she said the most random thing she could think of. “Write about The Backwards City of Page.” She rattled it off as if it was a real place, and I should have known where and what it was. Then she said, “It’s where everything is backward!” With her help, I wrote my first piece of fiction. I was hooked from that day on,” Monica says. Monica is the owner of The Happy Pen Creative Writing Services. Her company offers writing seminars, coaching sessions, and commercial writing for websites and personal projects. Monica received a scholarship to Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, and music minor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, and received her MFA, Fiction Writing from Lindenwood University, St. Charles. In 2020 she was selected to participate in the East St. Louis Urban Education Teaching Residency Program. The program was an intense ten-month accelerated Master’s degree program and helped Monica earn a Master’s in Elementary Education from National Louis University. Today, Monica works as a first-grade teacher at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence in East St. Louis. Professionally, she has written, directed, and produced several Christian plays and skits for her church’s youth group and spent the last fifteen years volunteering and mentoring youth in dramatic arts.

Her first short story was published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul,” in 2006. She has written her first novel series, “An Everlasting Love”. The first two books, An Everlasting Love: Concrete Soul and The Summer of Carlos, are available for purchase on Amazon. com, and the third book of the series will be released in June 2022. Additionally, she writes for I Am East St. Louis the Magazine and serves as V.P. at Top Dog Studios, a St. Louis-based independent film group. Monica says what she enjoys most about writing is the ability to create a place of learning and escape simultaneously. “I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow. A place where one doesn’t exist without the other. The highest praise is when the reader or audience refers to a character as independent, free-thinking. I’ve had people walk up to me and say they have a love-hate relationship with one of my characters. The word that stuck out to me was relationship. As an educator, I love when a student gets it. Whether it be a first-grader learning to count by ten or someone taking up the challenge of writing, the light in their eyes is the same. It’s like a door they weren’t aware of opens, and they are breathing for the first time. It’s amazing to watch,” she says. Like anyone else, Monica says she could spend hours talking about her wounds, woes, and regrets, but it wouldn’t change anything. Ultimately, it has been her trust in God that has carried her throughout her life. She shares, “In my late twenties, I was diagnosed with cancer. I have been in remission for fourteen years now, but it was a wake-up call. I could no longer wait for the life I wanted. I had to go out and get it. I never imagined myself as an author and a teacher. When I entered the Young Author’s contest in 5th grade, my teacher said she believed she had heard the story before and accused me of cheating. I knew I hadn’t, but it didn’t matter. I won second place in the district. The first prize went to a 6th grader. My teacher never apologized. and the damage was done. I have no children of my own, but I realized that my words and what I create with them are just as important to me as a child would be. Being honest meant exposing my “baby” to the world and subjecting it to public scrutiny and rejection. Any parent can tell you that hearing that your child isn’t good enough is painful, to say the least. To my surprise and excitement, readers are my writings, and I continue to trust God.”

“I love reading because I get to travel to far-off places and meet people from every walk of life and beyond. When I write, I don’t just want to tell a story; I want to create a space where the author, reader, and character meet in a harmonious ebb and flow.”

Monica says the one thing she would have changed about her journey in life would be publishing an essay back in high school. “I believe it would have gotten me into professional writing much sooner. Then again, would I have gained the experience that I think contributed to the person I am today? Destinations are great, but life is in the journey,” she says. h

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Cutest Baby 30

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Railyn Kate The daughter of Raisha Mercer and Dexter Bozeman

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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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The Faces Behind a Purpose for You HuamiMagazine.com

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By Ellen Richardson Photos Provided by Timika Cousins Thompson

Domestic violence has been an ongoing problem in states throughout the United States for many years, including Virginia. In fact, the Virginia Department of Health has reported that over one-third of homicides occurring in the state in the last few years are related to domestic violence. While many of these victims become just another faceless statistic, some are doing their part to help bring a face to the warriors who refuse to give up and give in. One such hero is Timika Cousins-Thompson, the founder of The Faces Behind A Purpose For You. A woman who overcame years of abuse is now turning this negative experience into a positive one by providing support and encouragement to others who have or are trying to escape domestic violence. “Although I was a victim of domestic violence, I started this organization after losing a family member to this form of abuse,” said Timika. “This loss opened my eyes to what I was going through, and while that was hard enough, it also brought about something positive – it pushed me towards my purpose.”

Before the pandemic, we were invited into Richmond Public Schools to speak and educate youth on healthy relationships, no matter their gender or sexuality, and we got a great response. Working with our local school systems is something that we want to continue.” Timika’s organization also raised enough funds to hold a toy and food drive for needy families in the Richmond area during the holiday season. “It is interesting because we were able to share information about what we do and were surprised to have a few women ask for help during this time. I have always enjoyed helping my community and now doing so with a real purpose in mind feels very rewarding,” she says. Timika says that domestic violence isn’t acceptable for anyone. If you are involved in an unhealthy relationship, please let someone know and speak up. To learn more about The Faces Behind A Purpose For You organization and to find out more information about the upcoming plays written by Michelle Lee about Domestic Violence scheduled for April and May 2022, please visit their website. h

The purpose she speaks of involves giving birth to an advocacy organization that gives individuals who have experienced domestic violence. It also provides individuals with an opportunity to learn from their circumstances and understand they can continue to progress in positive ways and settings, despite past experiences. Focusing on the motto “it is not about us, it is about the lives that we can save” Timika offers life skills, individual development, enrichment activities, family support strategies, and activism to improve family relations and safe environments. “While I also had to overcome an emotionally abusive relationship, including the loss of one of my closest relatives to domestic violence, I make it a point to help others overcome. I strive to help others understand they are worth more and don’t have to endure emotional, verbal and/or physical abuse,” said Timika. Timika and her partner, Washington D.C. native play writer, Michelle Lee have continued to follow their Godgiven purpose to do whatever is necessary to help those who are displaced by domestic violence. “While we don’t yet have a shelter, we offer support services such as court stewardship, legal assistance, life and job training, as well as any other services that are needed outside of housing,” said Timika. “We recently started a mentorship program for teenagers and work with schools to develop a dialogue about unhealthy relationships. Growing from pre-teen to a teen and teen to an adult has its challenges, so we decided to be that haven for them to turn to when they find themselves in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation.

www.TheFacesBehindAPurposeForYou.org

We Are Carter’s BBQ 34

HuamiMagazine.com

California - Jan./Feb. 2022

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Carter’s BBQ

For Darren and Theresa Carter, barbeque has become everything for them. They are the owners of Carter’s BBQ, a BBQ food trailer and catering business based in Cleveland, OH. Some of the products they offer are St. Louis Ribs, Pulled Pork, Smoked Brisket, Grilled Chicken, and more. Darren was born and raised in Cleveland. He graduated from Bedford High School and later attended Cleveland State University. While in college, he became president of the college chapter of the NAACP. Under his leadership, the chapter was awarded and recognized for being the best in the nation. When not running their business, Theresa also works as a software engineer and has many years of experience in application development and training. A Cleveland native also, she has a Bachelor’s degree in IT (Information Technology) and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology. Theresa is a woman of faith and says her passion for education fuels her life. Additionally, she loves spending quality time with her husband and family, which she says is very important. “I adore all my children, whether biological, adoptive, foster, god-children and others,” she says. Theresa and Darren state that working side-by-side can be challenging, as they seek to balance life and work with children and other responsibilities. “Though when you love what you do, it’s all worth it,” they said. Darren’s love for cooking began growing up as a child in Cleveland. He recalls how he watched his father cook on his barrel grill. “I was amazed at how much work he put into cooking, and by the responses people had when they ate the food he cooked. I knew then, even as a child, that when I grew up, I wanted to do the same thing,” Darren shares. Theresa keeps her mother’s recipes alive through her side dishes. She grew up being in the kitchen with her mom and learned first hand the work and love her mother put into cooking.

California - Jan./Feb. 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

As Darren began his cooking journey, he would follow a similar path that his dad created by cooking for his family. He admits that he burned a lot of food. He didn’t become discouraged but stayed the course and eventually became a better cook. He became a student of his craft and learned the processes and nuances of cooking barbeque. He studied other pitmasters to learn their cooking techniques and methods. Darren’s cooking skills improved, and soon he was cooking using his own sauces and rubs. Darren says his family always loved his food, but the real test was to get the public’s approval. Darren’s love for the craft of BBQ began to show as he posted his smoked meats on social media. His followers began to comment on how they would love to taste his food. “I began to sell rib dinners, and the response was great. We sold out of everything,” he says. He would also cater an event, and the response was the same. Those experiences took place in 2019 and Carter’s BBQ was born. While the world was responding to the Covid 19 pandemic, Darren and Theresa took a step back and planned their next move for the business. Looking to take their love of BBQ to the next level, in 2021, they purchased equipment, including a custom smoker and BBQ trailer to enable them to share their BBQ all over the Greater Cleveland area and beyond. Darren says he is inspired by the craft of BBQ and the legacy of those who cooked before him. “These are our enslaved ancestors who tended the pits, which we believe are true pitmasters, to our mothers, fathers, and grandparents who carried those traditions on to us,” he says. Darren’s love for fatherhood and family encouraged him to establish the community groups, Cleveland Dads Group and All Geared Up - A Family Bike Event. Recently he created a Facebook group titled “The Unknowns Black Pitmasters,” which can also be found on Instagram. “I use these social media platforms to share the history of African Americans and BBQ, and to highlight current black BBQ enthusiasts who are carrying on our ancestor’s traditions,” he says. Darren says his passion for the art of BBQ and the gratitude he feels when he can feed people make it all worth it. It also pushes him to become the best at what he does with fire and meat. Theresa and Darren have plans to make Carter’s BBQ a full-time operation in the future, which will provide them with more flexibility and freedom. To learn more about Carter’s BBQ, please visit their website. h

HuamiMagazine.com

California - Jan./Feb. 2022

HuamiMagazine.com

California - Jan./Feb. 2022

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