Huami Magazine Chicago Sept./Oct. 2023

Chef Jelian Steward

Align Your Assignment With God

Your assignment is not the assignment of everyone else. Once I learned what those nine words truly meant, my focus on life changed. Of course, I have been told that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors, but that memo didn’t include details of when the battles would end. Instead of sticking my chest out during my victories and hanging my head during the moments of defeat, I’ve decided to learn from each circumstance, and by doing so, I am prepared for the next battle with each new day.

The best advice I have ever given myself is to be satisfied in my attempts to be better. When I first launched Huami Magazine, I was presented with a situation that adversely impacted the quality of my relatively new publication. I was frustrated, but I also knew what had occurred and why it happened. The idea of quitting never came into my mind, even while I sat motionless, staring at the balled-up copy in reference. I didn’t know then, but God was preparing me for something greater.

In November of this year, we will begin our seventeenthanniversary celebration of the birth of Huami Magazine. When I think about all of the layouts, the photo shoots, the interviews, and the distributions that have taken place, all I can say is God has been faithful and continues to keep His promise.

Had I given up in the beginning, the stories and testimonies of countless individuals may have never been published. Had I given in to the pressure of operating in the unknown, my mother would have never been able to mail magazines to her friends. Had I not decided to pour everything I have in me into producing something my community would celebrate, the hope that others have in God doing a great work for them may not exist.

All of my assignments have come with a lot of responsibility. What is more interesting is that the same set of instructions has accompanied them all: to seek God first and operate according to His plans. My assignment is not everyone else’s, and I know everything I desire is connected to how it aligns with God’s plan. Learn your assignment and align it with God. He will handle the rest for you.

Terry L. Watson

Craig Littles

After serving his country, and serving the Memphis Police Department, he has chosen to spend the rest of his life serving youth. Learn more his journey and career. Memphis, TN

Verlancia Tucker

She continues to offer assistance for those dealing with mental health issues with BOHEMIA Cares. Learm more about her journey. Little Rock, AR

Ellery Lundy

Men are faced with many challenges and obstacles in life. The Broken Men Foundation is here to help them cope with them.

Richmond, VA

Signature Taste by Jelian

Chef Jelian Steward

Business and Ministry Kaye Lattimer-Ellerbe

Hart Doula & Nanny LLC Victoria Hart

Afredanz Dance Studio Nijalon Jackson-Causey

Huami Magazine Cutest Baby Ashton Hairston

Chef Jelian Steward

By Terry L. Watson

Jelian Steward of Chicago, IL, owns Signature Taste by Jelian - Chef Jelian Steward. Her company prides itself on providing excellent personal chef services. Additional services Jelian offers include catering, event and meal planning, private dining experiences, cooking classes, speaking engagements, and live cooking demonstrations. As if her plate wasn’t full, Jelian has found time to author and publish her first book, “A Good Conversation About Life & Food”, released in 2022.

Jelian’s shares she has always cooked since she was young. She had cooked for lounges, parties, company parties, and friends and family but never really thought about making it a career. Yet, life would have other plans. Her journey in business began in 2016 after she was asked to cater a nonprofit cancer awareness event for 150 people. “It was that defining moment I knew I could connect to people with my food. It was at that moment when Signature Taste by Jelian was officially born,” she says.

The products offered by Jelian are very diverse and designed to meet her customers’ needs. They include vegetarian, gluten-free, comfort food, small bites, and more. “I was extremely adamant about not being put into a “cultural box” with my food. I can cook anything, and I love all food, so I love to be challenged with foods from different cultures. And because I am a nurse by trade, I am conscious about what and how I cook. It is not enough for me to only cook; the setup and service of the food are just as important as the taste,” she says.

Photos Provided by Chef Jelian Steward

Born on the south side of Chicago, Jelian is the only child to her mother and baby girl to her father. She grew up in the Chatham neighborhood, attended Kenwood Academy High School, and graduated in 1998. After high school, she enrolled in Canella Hair College of Design and shared that doing hair was something she’d enjoyed doing since the age of 14. She became pregnant while enrolled in hair school and realized she needed to do more to provide for her unborn son. “I worked and went to school, and after I had my first son, I transitioned into healthcare. I started as a Patient Care Technician at Northwestern Hospital, and soon after giving birth to my second son in June 2002, I became an EMT and began working in the emergency department at Saint Anthony Hospital. I then married my children’s father and, as life would have it, became pregnant with my third son.”

With life moving at full speed for Jelian, her next venture involved enrolling at Wilbur Wright College to obtain a nursing degree. In 2012, she accomplished her goal.

When asked what she loves most about her food, Jelian says she loves the preparation. “Cooking gives me relief; it’s like my way of communicating through my food. I feel like you get to know a little bit of me through my food. The setup is critical but exciting to plan and execute, and my client’s face at the end is everything. As I go down the list, I can say it is how my sons, husband, and team look after completing an event. The satisfaction of being a part of and creating gives them joy. Having my family proud of me is very important to me.”

Jelians shares that her grandmother is who she credits with having the biggest impact on her life. She says, “I learned so much from her. She included life lessons and stories while teaching me how to cook; it was a great way for us to connect. Though she passed in 2010, I continue to use my passion for cooking to connect with her. Comfort food is what we loved to eat together. I cook when I feel sad, need to tell her something, or want to feel her spirit. Often, it is something that she used to cook for me, like fried okra and tomatoes, greens, and hot water cornbread, but when I’m really missing her, I try to show out with some of my recipes like cabbage and collard greens or my braised oxtails.”

A woman of character and integrity, staying true to her values and beliefs is very important to Jelian, and it’s how she runs her business. “I have learned that sometimes people project their fears onto you, especially when you decide to start a business. When they try to talk you into situations where only their benefit is guaranteed, yours is contingent on their word of mouth, followers, or connections. I have to look at why I decided to start Signature Taste by Jelian in the first place. My company is my baby, and I have been able to birth many passions from my gift. I mentor, give back, teach, and connect people through my food and book.”

Jelian believes that everything in life happens for a reason. She also believes that she has more learning and growing to do. “I have learned my worth and what I am capable of. I have catered corporate events and weddings for 200 people, which is the bulk of my business, with a staff of three people. Everything happened without a hitch, yet everything you can think of went wrong behind the scenes. Undeterred, I can return to what is essential and get to work. Food does that for me. Feeding people and communicating with people through my food does that for me,” she says.

For others on a journey similar to that of Jelian’s, she offers some advice that will help them understand what to expect. She says, “Stay true to your vision and your beliefs. Don’t allow people to put a cap on your creativity and your vision. God gives vision to those who seek it, and if God gave you the vision, He will also provide the blueprint. Stay faithful, stay grounded, and stay true to your vision.”

Moving forward, Chef Jelian plans to continue promoting her book, catering, and filming her show. I miss filming my cooking show. I have episodes on my YouTube Channel, and I am ready to resume filming. I have also started on my second book, which will be the second part of this series. Additionally, I am making self-care a priority and prioritizing my needs and my loved ones.” To learn more about Chef Jelian, please visit her website.

www.signaturetastebyjelian.com

Cooking gives me relief; it’s like my way of communicating through my food. I feel like you get to know a little bit of me through my food.”

NijalonAfredanz Dance Center

By Terry L. Watson

Since she was twelve years old, owning and operating her own dance studio has always been her goal and dream. Today, Nijalon Jackson-Causey is living her dream out loud. She is the owner of Afredanz Dance Center.

Based in Pascagoula, MS, Afredanz Dance Center offers diverse dance classes in many dance genres, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, African/Afro-Caribbean, and more. Their classes are open to children ages 3-18 and offer some adult dance classes as well. Additionally, they provide rented studio space for community members for private and community events. Nijalon says, “Our mission is to offer an exhilarating and diverse dance experience as we strive to make dancing feel liberating. Whether therapeutic, technique training, or entertainment, Afredanz Dance Center is about culture, diversity, and authenticity. We want everyone to experience dance in many different facets and dimensions. Most importantly, we demonstrate that dance is not about being anyone else but yourself.”

A native of Moss Point, MS, Nijalon describes herself as a creative, vibrant, and courageous being. She is a wife and a mother to two amazing children who keep her on my toes. “I love to dance, teach dance, educate and inspire people through dance. However, my experience with dance was not traditional. I came from a single-parent household in which we were in poverty. I did not have the resources that many successful dancers have. Despite the obstacles, I was eager and determined to learn and grow, so I did whatever I could to ensure that I would get closer and closer to my dreams,” she says.

Photos Provided by Afredanz Dance Center

“Our mission is to offer an exhilarating and diverse dance experience as we strive to make dancing feel liberating. Whether therapeutic, technique training, or entertainment, Afredanz Dance Center is about culture, diversity, and authenticity.”

Nijalon was introduced to dance while in elementary school. To step out of her comfort zone, she joined her school’s dance team. “At eleven years old, I was painfully shy and awkward, so you can imagine how I was terrified but oddly still interested in dancing in front of people,” she says. Over time, Nijalon grew to love dance, and the rest was history.

For over 20 years, Nijalon’s world has centered around dance. She has taught dance competition teams and dance education in Moss Point’s school district for three years. She is also a performer and choreographer and has produced dance productions. Nijalon is currently producing a holiday dance production called The Dreamcatcher. This is Nijalon’s second year producing The Dreamcatcher, and it continues to be free for the children in her community to participate, with no previous dance training required.

Every experience and goal she has embarked on has aligned Nijalon with her dreams. She created a business plan in 2014, but I did not form her business until 2021. She opened the doors to her studio in February 2023. “As a dance educator and advocate, I strive to provide a very enlightening and enjoyable experience to make any person’s experience worthwhile,” Nijalon says. “I am the product of my environment, and I believe in giving back to my community and creating opportunities. Also, I believe in the benefits and freedoms experienced through dance, which often becomes inspirational and life-changing.”

Nijalon obtained a Dance Education, a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an Associate’s Degree in Business Marketing Management from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. She is the first cohort of the Invest in Progress Grant from the BOSS Network and Sage Invests, in which recipients receive a $10,000 grant and a year of monthly mentorship through the BOSS Business University. This online program helps Black women successfully start and grow their businesses. Even more, Nijalon is the third cohort for ELEVATE Mississippi, a program that supports Mississippi residents and business owners in need of technical assistance to enhance their business operations.

I want my children to know they can do anything they have in their hearts and minds, and I strive to show them that no matter how big the obstacle, they can overcome it.”

Nijalon says she loves the chances she gets to meet through dance. “The dance world is small, and you will quickly realize how everyone is connected. I also enjoy transforming non-dancers into dancers,” she says. Nijalon admits she is forever grateful for the individuals who have paved the way for her success, and because of them and God, she would not be where she is today. “My life is a testament to what perseverance looks like. I want my children to know they can do anything they have in their hearts and minds, and I strive to show them that no matter how big the obstacle, they can overcome it.”

The way Nijalon studio offers dance and the structure of her classes and dance environment are much different than other dance studios in her area. Her flavor of different also comes with a few challenges. Nijalon says, “I notice that some people are not open to change or feel comfortable experiencing something different. Therefore, I often advocate and push for people to experience my services. It is challenging me to be courageous and put myself out there, and on the flip side, my creativity has grown and evolved during the process. Debbie Allen once said, “But out of limitations come creativity”. In this very moment is where my creativity is flourishing and growing.”

As Nijalon looks to the future, her plans include starting a dance company for teens to dance, create dances, and showcase their art. “Once my studio reaches my enrollment goal, I will embark on that journey,” she says. “I see my dance studio being the go-to company for future dance professionals or children who desire a dance career post-high school. I made it this far; therefore, I know I can make it even further and continue to achieve my dreams and goals.”

One Accord Ministries, INC

By Terry L. Watson

S. Kaye Latimer-Ellerbe’s mission is to inspire and empower others through practical and spiritual guidance. Her favorite life scripture is 3 John 1:2 (Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers), which is always at the forefront of her mind as she challenges God’s people to live up to their full potential.

Born in South Carolina but now residing in Philadelphia, PA, Kaye is married to Reverend James B. Ellerbe, and together they have four daughters. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Currently, Kaye is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology.

Professionally, Kaye owns and manages One Accord Ministries, INC, and On Point Events LLC. One Accord Ministries Inc., a nonprofit organization, is committed to serving the Lord and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truths of God’s word. Their work is done through live drama presentations that consists of dramatization, dance, and spoken word. “Our services are designed to reach the hearts of the lost and encourage Christians toward a closer relationship with Jesus Christ,” Kaye says. “Combining the Gospel with drama helps the audience see, hear, feel, and understand the message like never before, as the word of God comes alive on stage. Our vision is to take these productions to many different churches, conferences, and theaters, and break down religious barriers and speak to the believer’s heart so that people can be healed, delivered, and set free of bondage.”

For the most part, Kaye has always been drawn to the arts. She studied Liturgical Dance under Pastor Kristopher Halsey, founder of the Look & Live Creative Arts Team of Unity Temple Worship Center, Philadelphia, PA, and Minister Carolyn Johnson, founder of Breaking the Barriers Arts Academy, in Pennsauken, NJ. Additionally, she has shared her gift of ministry in dance throughout the United States, Bermuda, and Uganda, Africa, and held many church leadership positions, being ordained to the office of Elder in 2010. At the close of Unity Temple Worship Center, she founded One Accord Ministries Inc.

Photos Provided by S. Kaye Lattimer-Ellerbe

“Our vision is to take these productions to many different churches, conferences, and theaters, and break down religious barriers and speak to the believer’s heart so that people can be healed, delivered, and set free of bondage.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kaye decided to follow her passion for decorating and design and started an event design business called On Point Events, LLC. On Point Events was created because of Kaye’s desire never to have anyone look back on their special day and be disappointed by what they see in the pictures. “A picture is worth millions to some and worth nothing to others. Once the moment has been captured in a picture, it can never be changed,” she says. On Point Events’ goal is to take their client’s dreams and make them a reality using decor designs from chairs and table linens, sashes, table runners, and centerpieces. “Our services are for anyone who has a vision for a special event and wants to see it come to life.”

As a Playwright and Director, Kaye says what she loves most is the opportunity to express her artistic vision and ideas through the medium of theater. “My job is to create unique stories, develop compelling characters, and explore diverse themes and emotions that keep the audience engaged and invested in the story,” she said. As an Event Designer and Coordinator, she mostly enjoys creating memorable experiences that reflect her client’s vision and love story. “I want to make sure that every time they think of the day or look at their photos, they experience the same euphoric feeling as they experienced on the actual day.”

Kaye shares that her daughter, Abria Nicole, inspires her to be the best she can be. She says, “Once I found out I was pregnant, I set out to ensure a better life for my daughter. Abria is the reason I have made many choices, stepped outside of my comfort zone, and allowed myself to be stretched in ways I couldn’t even imagine. I’ve done all of this to be the example she could follow as she grows in life. My daughter is a natural-born leader and a go-getter and is making waves in this world.”

Amazingly, Kaye has been able to build her business while working full-time. While doing so, it has been a challenge for her, but still, she has persevered. Kaye is determined, and most of all, she loves serving others in ministry and in business. Looking ahead, Kaye shares her plans for a rebroadcast of the 2023 Production “Already Defeated” which will be held in Philadelphia PA. Her team is also looking for opportunities to bring it to churches in and out of state. Additionally, she has launched a movement called “I’m SICKA Church” which depicts the issue of “church hurt” from all perspectives. There will also be a podcast series launching in the fall prior to the stage production in 2024.

Kaye is also seeking individuals to become a One Accord Ministries Inc. Partner. She says that by doing so, it helps them in so many ways. “It will allow us to cover production expenses and continue traveling the U.S. to preach the gospel. A partnership helps to increase the artistry of drama, helps to create professional scale life-changing videos, and reach people all over the U.S. and abroad,” she says.

Kaye shares her love of God with her husband, Reverend James B. Ellerbe

For more information, please email Kaye at admin@oneaccordministriesinc.com

For On Point Events LLC, please email her at info@onpointeventsllc.com

For all things Kaye on social media and to join her mailing list, please visit https://linktr.ee/kayelellerbe

Broken Men Foundation

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Ellery Lundy

Ellery Lundy is the President and Founder of The Broken Men Foundation. His nonprofit organization is designed to help men deal with trauma from various life situations, whether it be divorce, separation, drug abuse, gun safety, gun prevention, and more.

A native of Richmond, VA, Ellery says that just because someone is broken, it doesn’t mean they should stay broken. “We want to teach men through our program how to take back the community and lead in a positive way. We also want to extend our hands to the youth and raise boys to become men,” Ellery says. “Men have a tendency not to communicate. We act out in different fashions, sometimes resulting in domestic violence, becoming abusive parents, or worse. Men must understand they aren’t alone in this journey, and it is okay to talk about the past and move forward.”

In 2014, the Academy began with only three participants. Since then, its focus has specialized on mentoring young men between the ages of 12-18 and offering a 16-week curriculum covering a variety of topics aimed at better understanding adolescent behavior to allow our mentors to teach problem-solving skills.

Ellery shares his organization is deeply rooted in academic achievement, the establishment of social skills, self-esteem and responsibility, citizenship, and community involvement. “Our ultimate goal is to make young men accountable for their actions, thus enabling them to become productive members of our community.” As of 2023, they have graduated over 500 men.

Ellery has been certified in the Fatherhood Initiative program for fragile families through the Virginia Department of State Social Services and Certified in Crisis Intervention. He has coached various sports in the community, from girl’s basketball to little league football, and has also officiated numerous games from little league, high school, and even semi-pro.

The Broken Men Foundation gives back to its community with its outreach program. In September, they conducted a back-to-school supply event. In October, they will conduct a breast cancer walk to raise cancer awareness, and in November, they will conduct a Thanksgiving food drive and give food to families in need. Additionally, they will partner with other organizations in December to give away toys to families.

Ellery shares that what he loves most about his foundation is dealing with the unknown. “When we have young men into our program, we may not always know what they are dealing with. We began by letting our mentees know that we love them. We want them to know that none of us are perfect, and we are all in this thing together,” he says.

Ellery acknowledges his mother, Lydia Lundy, for instilling sound values into him and his siblings. “She always told me as a young man that I was no less than any other man. My mother told me whenever I needed to tell a man something, to look into his eyes and tell it. She taught us to be respectful and confident,” he says.

Of course, Ellery couldn’t do all that he does alone. A stellar group of individuals, such as Steve Clarke, the Executive Director and Vice President of the organization, surrounds him. There is also James Fobbs, Keith Adams, Pastor Calvin Harris, Shawn Hobbs, Troy Mithcell, James Jones, Charles Johnson, Chris McNeil, Ray Smith, Rickey Brown, William Simmons, and Leroy Terry Cain, Jr. Some additional assistance comes by way of Doreen Lundy, Joe Lajoie, and Rachel Fenton.

When asked if he would change anything about his journey with the organization, Ellery says he wishes he would leave his job sooner. “Other than that, there is nothing I would change. I believe we are where we are supposed to be in life. I appreciate every part of the journey,” he says.

Looking ahead, Ellery hopes to take his organization to higher heights. “I want to make our organization bigger than organizations like ours. I want to secure more grants and help our organization to be bigger than the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA. Those are both great organizations, and we have the opportunity to reach even more young men. I want to secure a building and buses to transport our group to events outside Richmond. I want to ensure they are exposed to the things that will help them continue to succeed.

To learn more about the Broken Men Foundation, please visit their website.

Our ultimate goal is to make young men accountable for their actions, thus enabling them to become productive members of our community.”

Taking BOHEMIA Cares To New Heights

By Monica Montgomery - Photos

Lee

As the world moves towards a more trauma-informed society, our eyes are being opened to the hidden wounds we unconsciously carry. Verlancia Tucker is the founder of BOHEMIA Cares, a mental health advocacy nonprofit organization in Pulaski County, Arkansas, that focuses on empowering, rebuilding, reconnecting, and strengthening the entire family. With all of the mental health and wellness gurus that have emerged since the COVID shutdown, it’s hard to know who to trust. What makes BOHEMIA Cares different is that the wisdom and knowledge Verlancia shares come from hard-won personal experience.

“What sets BOHEMIA Cares apart is how the services are presented to the black community,” Verlancia explained. “We know that there is a stigma associated with mental illness in our community. It casts a dark shadow and causes our people not to want to seek help when it’s needed.”

BOHEMIA Cares is a healing ministry that promotes self-love and spreads mental health awareness. Its mission is to inspire individuals to build strong self-esteem, become leaders, and discover untapped talents leading to a prosperous life.

To overcome the barrier of fear and shame that mental illness can impose, Verlancia has chosen to be the face of BOHEMIA Cares. “I share part of my testimony when presenting my programs because I want people to see someone who looks like them who has suffered with mental illness but has come out on the other side,” says Tucker. “The message I want to convey is that you can get your life back and live an abundant life. I am the face of restoration and renewal. God did a work within me, and I am standing as a witness to what is possible.”

As the ninth of ten children, Verlancia’s childhood was typical for a large family living on a family farm. “I’m from Moro, Arkansas, in The Delta,” she said proudly. “Our family farm sat on one hundred acres. We raised livestock and grew vegetables and things like that. My parents also worked in an auto parts factory. They worked hard because it took a lot to care for our family. My parents instilled in us the value of hard work at an early age.”

The struggles we go through as we mature during adolescence are often called growing pains. The importance of knowing the difference between growing pains and trauma is what Verlancia helps her clients understand. “BOHEMIA Cares was born out of pain,” she explained. “It was birthed out of my testimony.”

Provided by Randall

“I want people to see someone who looks like them who has suffered with mental illness but has come out on the other side.”

It’s common for mental illness to go untreated because of misdiagnosis or unidentified trauma. “My symptoms started around age seventeen while I was still in high school. During that time, I didn’t understand what was happening. I just knew that there were some adverse experiences that I had been exposed to,” Verlancia shares. My struggles with mental illness were devastating and at times debilitating.”

Like most of us, Verlancia’s natural coping mechanisms sustained her as she navigated the perils of high school while dealing with undiagnosed conditions. “Not understanding where my anxiety and sadness were coming from, I just pushed through the best way I knew how,” Tucker explained. “I stayed active. I was in the band because I loved music and dancing. I surrounded myself with good friends I have enjoyed calling my “sisters” for over forty-eight years. Looking back, you could say that I unknowingly engaged in self-care by focusing on what made me happy.” Verlancia finished high school in the top ten percent of her class and went on to college. But even after surrounding herself with positive things, Verlancia could only keep the issues that plagued her at bay for so long. “Like most college students, I made my share of mistakes. My parents were in their 40s when I was born, so by the time I got to college, I was pretty much self-guided,” she explains. “While in college, I became a mother. The stress of being a single parent and a full-time student while trying to work became overwhelming, and I wasn’t giving it my all. So, I left the university and went to barber college,” Verlancia said. “I had always wanted to do it and still love it, but my body was breaking down for reasons I didn’t understand. I couldn’t work in a shop because I couldn’t stand for extended periods.”

Because physical illness can trigger or compound underlying mental illness issues, Verlancia struggled as an adult with anxiety, night terrors, and depression. Verlancia believes she was here to help others despite everything she was dealing with, so she became an educator. “I loved working with my students. I was that teacher that all the kids wanted to come to,” she explained. “I loved teaching, but it became overwhelming because I had not addressed the issues that had plagued me since childhood.”

By age thirty-two, Verlancia knew she needed counseling, but still fearing the shame and stigma of mental illness, she was too embarrassed to reach out for help. While in graduate school, Verlancia experienced domestic abuse. “Trying to keep it together, I kept making bad choices. I ended up in a relationship where I was being stalked. I lived in constant fear. I wasn’t sleeping, and I didn’t know what to do. Finally, someone from my department told me to take some time off. I looked like a zombie.”

Verlancia took the advice and went to her doctor, who diagnosed her with PTSD. “I was put on antidepressants. The combination of the time off and the medicine worked… for a while. I took it until I felt better. Then I stopped. That’s where most people go wrong,” she shares.

After getting her Master’s in secondary education, Verlancia worked in a Title 1 school district located in an underserved community. In schools like those, instances of trauma are higher than most. “I loved teaching. I loved my students, and they loved me. I started mentoring young ladies because as someone who needed that outside ear growing up, I understood what those girls were going through,” Verlancia explained. “Remember, my mom was forty-one when she had me. As a result, a communication gap often left me wishing I had someone who understood me and what I was going through.”

“Not understanding where my anxiety and sadness were coming from, I just pushed through the best way I knew how.”

Verlancia excelled at being the additional support some of her students needed. But the weight of their trauma started to take its toll. “I was that teacher all the students came to when they needed to talk. As they came to me with their problems and issues, my untreated trauma was triggered,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I remember a student coming to me one morning before school with a handful of Tylenol 500s and saying, ‘Ms. Tucker, I don’t want to live anymore.’ I started to see myself in them and realized that what I’d dealt with, I was dealing with, wasn’t normal. I found myself trying to save them because I couldn’t save myself.”

Verlancia started an all-girl mentorship program called Serious Young Ladies. “We mentored girls between the ages of twelve and fourteen. Our girls came from low-socioeconomic communities, so our goal was to expose them to something different. We wanted to see that life was bigger than their circumstances,” she explained. “The girls were taken shopping and to the stylist. They got their makeup done and everything that would make them feel special. We tried to pamper them a little. I guess, in a way, I was living vicariously through them. The program was what I wished I’d had when I was their age.”

At the age of thirty-six, Verlancia married, gave birth to her second son, and was divorced by age thirty-seven. This caused her to plummet to the darkest place she’d ever experienced. “It was during the time of the Sandy Hook school shooting that I reached my breaking point,” she explained. “After my divorce, I was fragile, but I refused to seek treatment because I didn’t want anyone to know I was struggling. My eldest son had become the primary caregiver for my infant son and me. When I got home from work, all I wanted to do was sleep,” she confessed.

“After Sandy Hook, my anxiety went into high gear. Most schools were implementing stricter security measures, but my administrator’s solution did not put me at ease. There was a vulnerability specifically in my classroom that posed an unacceptable risk. Add the unchecked mental illness I suffered, and everything came crashing down.”

A month after the Sandy Hook school shooting, Verlancia decided to get help. It was when she realized her frustration was out of control. “When I almost went off on a student, I couldn’t ignore what was happening to me any longer. That’s when I knew I needed to step away.”

Verlancia took essential steps towards her healing. “I researched a therapist to find the right one for me. The most important thing about seeking help is being realistic about what you need,” she explained. “And even after deciding to seek treatment, I was still too ashamed to tell my students I was leaving because I didn’t want them to know why. I saw a student years later, and he remembered me, then said, ‘You had cancer, right?’”

Verlancia spent five years in therapy. “It was hard, but I did the work. I even saw a psychiatrist who prescribed medication because sometimes mental illness is caused by a chemical imbalance,” she explained. “While in therapy, I rediscovered myself. I learned to love myself because, before therapy, I didn’t.”

“While in therapy, I rediscovered myself. I learned to love myself because, before therapy, I didn’t.”

After therapy, Verlancia tried to return to teaching but came to understand it wasn’t what God wanted for her. Then she had a dream. “I can’t remember when, but God gave me a vision. I saw myself speaking at my former church. More people were there than I could count, and I was standing in the pulpit,” Verlancia said with a laugh. “My father was a pastor, but I never saw myself that way. I knew that I was different, and I know I was anointed, but I wasn’t sure at the time what the vision meant.”

Choosing to trust God through her healing journey, she felt led to start a summer enrichment program. “It was for me to activate, and God’s timing is always perfect. Things started happening so rapidly that I knew it was nobody but God,” Verlancia says confidently. “I met a friend of a friend who lived in Warren, Arkansas. We were talking, and I shared my vision with her. She told me her pastor was interested in getting involved with programs like that, so she invited me to church. The name of the church is Union Hill Baptist Church in Warren. The first time I visited, I met Pastor Henry D. Cox. After service, we set up a meeting with Pastor Cox, state representative Jeff Wardlaw, and the Honorable Quincey Ross, tenth judicial circuit judge.”

In the meeting, Verlancia discussed her plans for the program and what she needed to get started. “We talked about location, infrastructure, and what financial support we would need. The group was excited and completely on board. They were happy someone would come to Bradley County, an underserved area, to offer enrichment services.”

A prophecy and several blessings later, BOHEMIA Cares started its first program at Union Hill MB Church. “We ran the program for three years from that location, and we still consider it our home base,” Verlancia said proudly.

As BOHEMIA Cares grew, they could create more extensive and effective programs. “In October 2019, we debuted the Self Love Conference. It was the first time I testified about my struggles with mental illness and the shame that kept me bound for years,” Verlancia shared. “I stood before over one hundred and fifty people as a living testimony of what’s possible if you trust God and do the work.”

Although Verlancia has relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she still regularly returns to Arkansas. “Warren is the program’s base, and I don’t see that changing. We have online programs and services, and I hope to partner with local schools and organizations in Dallas. After years of suffering in silence with mental health issues, I am open to allowing God to continue to use me. I want the world to know that they don’t have to continue to be tormented by mental illness. There is no shame in seeking help. I want them to know that BOHEMIA Cares.”

“I can’t remember when, but God gave me a vision. I saw myself speaking at my former church.”

Memphis Shelby Police Activities League “A Little Can Go A Long Way”

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Craig Littles

Over the years, stories of youth growing up in crimeinfested areas have become increasingly common. Craig Littles, a military veteran and former law enforcement officer from North Memphis, Tennessee, has a similar story. But instead of giving in to the pull of the role models in his community, Mr. Littles took a different path with the help of his mother and sports coaches. Grateful for the opportunities and help he was blessed to have, Craig has built a community that helps kids like him find a different path. Today, he is the founder and Executive Director of the Sheriffs and Police Activities Leagues. The Memphis Shelby Police Activity League, or PAL, has been a life-altering organization for the youth of North Memphis for over thirty years.

In addition to being the founder of the Memphis Shelby County PAL, Craig is the National PAL Vice President. Nationally, PAL serves 1.5 million youth, over three hundred chapters, and seven international chapters. Locally, Memphis PALs serve over two thousand youth annually.

Craig’s passion for being an advocate and resource for the youth in his community comes from a deep sense of gratitude and respect for God and those people he believes God sent to help him beat the odds.

“Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Memphis, my role models were gang bangers and dope dealers,” Craig explains. “I started this program thirty years ago to be a better role model than our kids see in the community every day.”

Craig, a single parent to three, now adult children understand the importance of good examples outside and in the home. He and his brother, John Littles were raised by a single mother, Carolyn Willis who made sure they were surrounded by strong male mentors who could give them good guidance and sound advice when needed. “My brother and I are a year apart, and our mother ensured we were always involved in something positive. We were really good at sports, so that’s where we focused our energy,” Craig shares. “It made our mother happy because it kept us busy, in school, and away from influences that would distract us.”

A star athlete, Craig, and a fellow teammate were being heavily recruited to play college football. Going to college and getting a degree, all while doing something you enjoy would be ideal for anyone working to change their circumstances. Craig was no different, but he had to look at the bigger picture.

“I wanted to go to college, but I needed to get out of Memphis. One weekend, a teammate and I were scheduled to be picked up for a college visit. We waited, and they never came. The entire weekend passed, they didn’t come, and no one called. We found out later the coach and the staff of the college’s program were fired,” Craig shares.

Feeling like the college option was closed to him, he did what a lot of young men do. He went to the military. “When the college tour fell through, I signed up for the Army as soon as I was able to. College was my first choice, but in the end, I had to get out of my neighborhood. I saw the military as the fast way to do that at the time.”

After four years in the Army, one spent in the Dessert Storm campaign, Craig came home with a purpose. “While in Dessert Storm, I prayed to God. I told him if he got us home safely, I would do whatever He told me to do! I had no idea of what that would be. I didn’t know if I would be a minister, a teacher, or a chef! It didn’t matter. If God got me out of the foxhole and home safely, I would dedicate my life to doing what he directed me to do,” He shares pointedly. “When I returned home, I kept my promise. I went with what I knew and what had worked for me and my brother as children. Sports.”

In 1996, Craig started the first youth sports program. “When I got out of the Army, God led me to start a youth organization. I gathered several of my high school buddies, and we started with twenty-five football players and five cheerleaders and started our youth football cheer program called Memphis Bears Inc.”

Craig returned home in 1991 and joined the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in the jail division; later, he became a Memphis Police Officer. “Law enforcement felt like a natural progression for me but not for the reasons you may think,” Craig starts to explain. “I’ve always felt the call to help people. For that reason, I find myself drawn to the jobs and situations nobody wants to do.”

Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Memphis, my role models were gang bangers and dope dealers.... I started this program thirty years ago to be a better role model than our kids see in the community every day.”

Pictured from top right to bottom right:

1. Craig Littles with his children (Eldest, YarKeva Nicolé Littles, and twins Morgan Janay Littles, Branson Marcel Littles).

2. Craig as a soldier in the US Army

3. Young baby Craig (5 months old)

4. Craig while serving as an officer with the Memphis Police Department.

In the thirty years since starting their first sports program, Craig and his team have been strategic and hyper-focused on creating programs that benefit the youth and the community. Continuing to draw from his own childhood, Craig wanted to channel the group’s efforts toward mentorship. “Again, growing up without a father in the home, my mother tried to ensure my brother and I were exposed to good male role models. Whether it was our uncles, the pastor, or our coaches. She positioned us in a space where we had positive examples to help shape and mold us into the men we are today. Our coaches held us accountable and gave us goals. Those things kept us out of trouble. That is what we set out to do for the kids in our community. We wanted to give them good role models to emulate because that is what worked for us,” Craig explained.

Because of the overwhelming response to their initial project, new programs and initiatives Trezevant were started. “We started with the twenty-five football players and five cheerleaders, and we immediately saw the positive impact that it made in our community. As a result, the program grew. We started a track program, a summer program, and on the academic side, we have tutoring and homework assistance,” Littles shared with enthusiasm. “There was such a need; students and families were hungry for the opportunities our programs have brought to this community.”

In the years since Craig gathered a few high school buddies to honor his promise to God, they have not had a shortage of support from the community. “We have a strong volunteer base and partners who provide financial support. We have thirty staff members and over two hundred volunteers that span all programs. Our volunteers include the advisors, coaches, tutors, board members, and booster club.”

Because Memphis Shelby PAL is an independent non-profit, the program relies on financial support from sponsors and partners. “We have been so blessed to have so many people and companies who believe in us and what we are doing here,” Craig explains. “The programs that we create are not based on what I think is needed. We listen to the community and create programs based on their needs. Whether the need is nutrition, mentorship, or help with academics. We work to find a partner that helps us meet that need.” Craig shares. “If a parent says they need intervention for their child, we’ve partnered with the Ford Foundation and the juvenile court. In some cases, in lieu of being arrested, those students attend my training. There are a plethora of avenues that we can access to support our families at Littles or no cost to them.”

The success of the programs that MSC PAL has instituted has been evident in the students who graduate from it. “We have students who go on to complete college and trade school successfully. We have students who come back and volunteer, and we’ve had students come back and teach or join the police department in their community,” Craig said with pride. “That is why our program is so successful. We focus on

where the need is. For those reasons, the people of the community respect what we do, and we get to see the success stories that make this all worthwhile.”

If you haven’t caught on yet, Craig Littles loves his community and the people that live there. So, it was only fitting that the program be housed at his alma mater. “The best part is that we were able to host the program at our alma mater, Trezevant High School. That’s where it started for us. Now, thirty years later, we are still there and have been blessed to open an after-school program inside of the school. Trezevant High School and Memphis Shelby County Schools donated a wing inside of Trezevant. With a $300,000.000 renovation, Memphis Shelby County PAL was able to start after-school, summer, and extended learning programs,” Craig said proudly.

Over the years, Craig has been recognized for his labor of love. Craig has received numerous awards, such as the Meritorious Community Service Award by former Mayor W. W. Herenton, Outstanding Community Service by former Congressman Harold Ford Jr., River City Gala, Community Man of The Year, and Community Service Award, Memphis Police Department, just to name a few.

Staying true to his original vision to give kids in the North Memphis community something to emulate, make them proud of themselves, and stand a Littles taller, Craig’s current project is to give the local schools a stadium to hold their sports events.

“Right now, the schools must leave the area to participate in sporting events. They don’t have a place in their community built for them,” Craig explained. “The Field of Dreams Project is a state-of-the-art sports stadium where local schools can host sporting events and activities,” he shares passionately.

Doula & Nanny, LLC.

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Victoria Hart

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, the definition of a doula is a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth. This definition accurately describes Victoria Hart.

The Mississippi Gulfport resident owns Hart of A Doula & Nanny, LLC. Her company offers various levels of support, such as physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. With her nanny services, Victoria provided exceptional childcare as well. “My services are designed for all but mainly for those who need that extra hand,” she shares.

At just 27, Victoria has already accomplished a lot. She has enjoyed four years of marriage with her husband, Jarell, and besides being an aspiring entrepreneur, she has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Science. Even more, Victoria was on the road to obtaining her BSN but God said otherwise. More touching is how she describes motherhood. “I am an Angel Mom to five Angel Babies. My time will come when God says that I am ready.”

Victoria launched her business in October 2021 after Victoria’s cousin, who was expecting her second child, asked her to be her doula. “My cousin’s first birth experience was the opposite of how she planned it. She researched that having a doula by her side might empower her to take control of her birth. Once she asked me, I immediately fell in love with everything a doula stands for. In January 2022, her VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) was extremely successful. That experience hugely impacted my doula business, and as a result, it flourished. Currently, I have 25 Doula Babies,” she says.

While Victoria started her nanny business in April 2022, she has served as a nanny since she was 19. “It was basically a summer job while on break from college. However, I have always loved watching kids, even as a kid myself,” she says. Victoria now has 45 “Nanny Babies”.

When asked what inspires her the most about her business, Victoria shared that, regarding being a doula, seeing how black women were mistreated during pregnancy and even childbirth made her realize how much of an impact she could make in their lives. “I have been discriminated against in the medical field concerning infertility issues, so I know firsthand what that can feel like.” In response to the same question pertaining to being a nanny, she says, “In this day and age, it is hard to trust people with your kids because you never know their true intentions. With me, on the other hand, my intentions are pure from the start, and my parents can tell. I desire to be the extra help they need when they cannot find it anywhere else.”

Victoria says she really loves what she does. She shares that hearing how her attendance during the birthing experience or watching her client’s children changed their lives for the better makes it all worth it. “I just do what I love. I have been told numerous times that I inspire other people to follow their passions. The fact that I followed my passion and can help families in need and still pay my bills is all that I need.”

Growing both businesses has proven to be a little challenging, but fortunately for Victoria, the assistance of social media has helped in many ways. Additionally, finding ways to fund her businesses has been a learning experience. Victoria says she wished she had obtained funding before jumping into entrepreneurship. “I just jumped in, head and HART first, no questions asked,” she says.

In the future, Victoria hopes to open a birthing center in her area. Currently, there isn’t one, and she says doctors are afraid to open one due to liability issues. She also hopes to open a postpartum care center to provide care for the first few weeks after birth, which can sometimes be rough with the transition into being a newborn mom. Victoria has plans in the works for a daycare center with after-hour options.

Ashton Hairston

The son of Shannon Hairston