Dec./Jan. 2025
Vol. 2 Issue 10
Staying Focused To Finish The Assignment
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
According to the online dictionary www.cambridge.org, the definition of the word distraction is something that prevents someone from giving their attention to something else. Within the context of this definition, my focus is drawn to two words. Prevents and attention. It is my understanding that when we allow our focus to be captivated by anything other than our goals, it also prevents us from reaching them. I also connect the word focus with attention, as whatever has my attention, so does my focus reside.
A Letter from the Editor
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
I would never consider myself to be an avid reader. I can only imagine what that sounds like coming from someone who publishes magazines for a living, but I’m not. One of the hardest things for me to do is finish a book. I will start to read it, and make some pretty good progress through the chapters, and then nothing happens. For some reason or another, I lose interest. This happens to me with each book. There have been times when I have made it to the last chapter and then nothing.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
It is obvious that I must have allowed myself to be distracted, and whatever distracted me also took my focus. Our ability to focus on the task at hand has a lot to do with our ability to complete the assignment. It is easier for me to start something like reading a book, but if I lose my focus, my ability to finish or even maintain a reasonable pace can be quite difficult. That has a lot to do with my vulnerability to distraction.
General Inquiries
When we allow ourselves to be distracted, we are also robbing ourselves of the opportunity to succeed and win. Just like racehorses have blinders applied to direct their vision to what is happening in front of them, in the race of life, having metaphorical blinders such as these may assist with winning.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
God wants us to stay focused on Him. By doing so, we allow Him to manage everything else that may try to slow our progression, much of what really doesn’t matter anyway. In 2025, I have made a promise to myself to not be distracted and to stay focused on what God has assigned for me to do.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Honored by The Citadel Lakia Johnson-Drayton
She Empowers Trishonda Roberson
Mt. Zion AME Pastor Kylon J. Middleton
Caring
Neka Willis-Dorsey
Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess The Mayor of North Charleston
Informat ion Obtained from Online Press Release
Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess, a native of North Charleston’s historical neighborhoods Union Heights and Liberty Hill, is a man of dedication and diverse achievements. His early love for sports led him to excel in track & field, baseball, football, and basketball during his youth, with football emerging as his true passion. Reggie’s prowess on the field earned him a full scholarship to Morgan State University, where he shone as a wide receiver for the Bears. His college career was marked by numerous accolades, including Sporting News Division 1-AA All-American honors, a spot on the Historical Black College Sports All-American 1st Team, and multiple All-MEAC selections. Despite his aspirations for the NFL, life had other plans, and Reggie returned to South Carolina, embarking on a distinguished law enforcement career.
Joining the North Charleston Police Department in 1989, Reggie’s commitment to justice and community service propelled him through the ranks. His roles ranged from Patrol Officer, DARE and GREAT Officer, to various investigative and supervisory positions, reflecting his versatility and leadership skills. By 2018, he reached the pinnacle of his police career as the Chief of Police for North Charleston, a testament to his dedication and expertise. His journey didn’t stop there, as on January 2, 2024, he was inaugurated as the Mayor of North Charleston, marking a new chapter in his service to the community.
Reggie’s educational pursuits complement his professional journey, holding a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Claflin University and completing advanced training at the Southern Police Institute, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the US Secret Service Academy. These experiences reflect his commitment to continuous learning and excellence.
Guided by his mother’s wisdom, “to thine own self be true,” Reggie balances his professional endeavors with a rich personal life. He cherishes his family, including his wife Tracy Riggins Burgess, his high school sweetheart, and their two children, Reggie II and Kristen. A lifelong member of Royal Missionary Baptist Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Reggie embodies a deep commitment to his faith and community. His story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to public service. h
Lakia Johnson-Drayton
CCSD Special
Education Leader Honored By The Citadel
Informat ion Obtained from Online Press Release
Lakia Johnson-Drayton is only in her sixth year with Charleston County School District (CCSD). Still, the Interim Director of Special Education Support Services made history for the district this year. She was recently selected to The Citadel’s Psychology Department’s Hall of Fame. Johnson-Drayton is the first CCSD employee and graduate student from the program to receive this honor.
“Lakia was selected because she has continued to exemplify the qualities of a school psychologist that our program seeks to instill, including advocacy for students and families, community engagement, and high-quality services to the schools she has served,” said Dr. Lori Fernald, Associate Professor of Psychology at The Citadel. “We pride ourselves in our mission of developing principled leaders, and Lakia is a perfect example of a graduate who fits that description.”
Johnson-Drayton began her career in school psychology in 2014 in Lexington County School District One and eventually joined the CCSD in 2019. She has served as a school psychologist, a behavior specialist coordinator, and the Assistant Director of Behavior Support and Intervention during her time with the district.
Johnson-Drayton said she first discovered the field of School Psychology while researching ways to help her son, who was facing behavioral challenges at school. Determined to support him, she used her vacation and sick days to volunteer in the classroom. Johnson-Drayton said that the more time she spent in the school building, the more she realized that many students needed additional support with their behaviors. This revelation ignited a deep sense of purpose and motivated her to return to college and earn a graduate degree in psychology from The Citadel.
“My cohort [at The Citadel] was small, which fostered a strong sense of community and collaboration,” explained Johnson-Drayton. “As I progressed through my courses, my confidence grew, and my passion for addressing ethnic disparities in public education deepened. I found my voice as an advocate for my son and other children in my community who faced similar challenges.”
During her time at The Citadel, Johnson-Drayton earned the Aline Mahan Award, which honors the top school psychology student completing the program.
“I am profoundly grateful to The Citadel for providing me with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, empowering me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their communities,” added Johnson-Drayton.
Johnson-Drayton will be honored at an induction ceremony on February 25, 2025. This is the fourth Hall of Fame class at The Citadel for the School of Psychology.
For additional information, please contact CCSD’s Office of Communications at (843) 937-6303 h
Lowcountry Youth Services
By Terry L. Watson
Willis-Dorsey
ReZsaun Lewis is the Executive Director of Lowcountry Youth Services. Lowcountry Youth Services is a youth development youth engagement organization that specializes in creating and implementing mentoring programs in the TriCounty area.
Lowcountry Youth Services, originally Connections and You, Inc., was founded in October 2008 by Ricardo Perry in Hanahan. The aim was to create the Bennie Warren home for boys, but challenges led to the creation of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club (DGC) instead. DGC began in 2010 with 12 boys and quickly grew, expanding into multiple chapters by 2013. By 2017, DGC became a nonprofit, merging its branches into one. Since its start, DGC has mentored over 350 boys. ReZsaun says, “Our mentoring programs provide a platform for young people to build positive connections with adults and peers through youth empowerment groups. Our organization implements an evidence-based curriculum from the Council for Boys and Young Men and The Girls’ Circle to give participants a chance to learn meaningfully about themselves and the world around them.”
When describing who ReZsaun is, there are a number of adjectives to choose from. He is a husband, father, sports fanatic, hip-hop head, and child of God. He is also a veteran of the United States Army and a proud native of the North Charleston community. He came on board as a member of Lowcountry Youth Services in 2016 and became the Executive Director in 2019. “Our goal is to help youth get attached to the village. An old African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child”. The village is our community. We take a lot of pride in building the village around the people in our community,” he says.
“Our goal is to help youth get attached to the village. An old African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child”. The village is our community. We take a lot of pride in building the village around the people in our community.”
Photos Provided by Neka
Before coming to Lowcountry Youth Services, ReZsaun worked as an elementary school’s fourth- and fifth-grade teacher. He also worked with the afterschool program at the same school. ReZsaun soon learned that the students needed more, particularly the young men in his school. He would work with other educators to create a program for young men called the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Society at St. Stephen Elementary School. The program would become a success, and ReZsaun knew there was more work for him to do, particularly in the realm of mentorship. This is how he would arrive at Lowcountry Youth Services.
Today, Lowcountry Youth Services has established a Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club and several other programs, including Queens’ Being, Young Men Rise, Girls On The Rise, and the Young Leaders Institute.
When asked what he loves most about what he does, ReZsaun says he loves the relationships that he is able to build in his community. “I love being able to see the city in which I grew up in a different light. I love the kids and the relationships that I have with them. Our organization serves over 500 kids on an annual basis, and I have a hand in each and every activity. Being able to see those kids go from as young as third grade up to graduation and beyond is really dope. I can’t do it without the help of our amazing staff. We have six paid staff members and 40 volunteer staff members. These include teachers, military members, engineers, entrepreneurs, news anchors, and more. They are so humble and inspirational. They keep me grounded and drive me to keep going,” he says.
In addition to having the support of his staff, ReZsaun credits a few others who have greatly impacted his life and career. “I had a teacher named Mrs. Mary Ann Williams. She was my sixth-grade chorus teacher. She took this kid (me) who had no guidance and no direction and really helped me to find something that I really loved, which was music, and taught me how to cultivate that skill. She also taught me the importance of leadership and why it is important to stand out even when you stand alone and to create spaces for other people.” ReZsaun also credits his wife, Angela, for inspiring him. “My wife encourages me to be a better version of myself each day.” He also finds inspiration in the lives of his four daughters and two sons, along with many others. It sounds like there is never a dull moment in ReZsaun’s household.
As the Executive Director of Lowcountry Youth Services, he has faced a few challenges. One is funding. “Funding for organizations led by Brown and Black people is very hard to find. Not having the funds can be very frustrating because there is so much that we want to do. I manage these challenges by maximizing whatever is in my capacity. If we can’t do it yet, then we can’t do it yet, but we keep it on our dream board. Many kids who can benefit from an organization like ours are being left behind, but we can’t reach them due to a lack of funding. That is very frustrating,” ReZsaun shares.
Looking ahead, ReZsaun appears to be focused on positioning Lowcountry Youth Services for success. “We have just launched a statewide mentor network organization called South Carolina Mentors, which is working to bring the entire state on to one accord in terms of what mentorship is. This network will allow us to advocate on a state level for more dollars to go towards preventative measures and more,” he says. For youth in North Charleston and the Lowcountry, ReZsaun is looking to work with you. “If you’re a young person looking for structured support and guidance, we’ve got you covered. We’re confident that every child can reach their full potential with the right opportunities and support. So why wait? Join us today, and let’s unlock your full potential together!” h
Huami Magazine Community Awards 2025
Charlotte Marriott Center City - Charlotte, NC
We are coming to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC.
Please mark your calendars for June 7th, 2025, as the Huami Magazine Community Awards will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Following up on our first gala of 2023, we are excited for the opportunity to present Black Excellence from various parts of the Huami Magazine network, which covers more than 23 states around the country.
Community Leaders, Business Leaders, and NonProfit Organizations will be honored and recognized for the great work they have done and continue to do in their respective communities. There will also be some great speakers, good food, and entertainment. This a formal, black tie event, and one that you don’t want to miss.
The evening will begin with a Red Carpet Reception at 5:30 pm. The Gala Reception will start at 6:30pm
For more information, please call 336-340-7844. Seating is limited and group packages are available. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the link listed below. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship information, please send a detailed email to mykelmediaco@gmail.com h
www.read-huamimagazine.com/awards-gala-2025
Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services Willis-Dorsey
By Terry L. Watson
Neka Willis-Dorsey, who is well known as “Neka,” is making quite an impression in the business sector within the city of Milwaukee, WI. As the owner and founder of Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services, she leads a team of dedicated professionals who are equally committed to serving families during one of their most difficult moments.
Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services provides affordable, exquisite services executed with love, experience, and compassion. “We have several package options that celebrate everyone’s life and legacy. We offer Horse-drawn Carriages, custom caskets, elite vehicle options, saxophonists, hospice massages, and more,” Neka says.
Neka shares that her testimony is one of perseverance. “My father was constantly incarcerated, and I was raised by my Mother, who was a single parent. I encountered difficulties early on in life, including teen pregnancy,” she says. Still, she found a way to persevere and continues to do so. Neka is a mother of seven, three biological children and four bonus children. Neka is also a proud “Yaya”, which means “Grandma” in Greek.
Being a black woman in what was once a maledominated field, she says that many doubted she would survive. Neka obtained her Mortuary degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College for Mortuary Science. She adds, “I began my ministry in Funeral Service in 2007. I prayed and asked God to show me what I should go back to school for. I asked him to show me in a dream. That night, I dreamed I was standing in front of a group of people, wearing all black with a gold name badge on. The badge read, “Licensed Funeral Director”. I woke up and Googled the duties of a Funeral Director. It was a lot of Science, which I have always loved. I was immediately sold and began my journey in the field of Mortuary Science that week.”
“I began my ministry in Funeral Service in 2007. I prayed and asked God to show me what I should go back to school for. I asked him to show me in a dream.”
Photos Provided by Neka Willis-Dorsey
When asked what she loves most about her profession, Neka says it’s the Science of Embalming. “It relaxes and humbles me at the same time. I love the people I serve. I also love that each one is uniquely complicated and different. I love getting the deceased to their place of rest, as well as helping the grieving get to their place of healing by executing a service for their loved ones. I’m inspired by those I serve. Watching countless families weep during some of the most trying times of their lives is empowering and a testimony to how God continues to trust in me with His people.”
Understandably, Neka credits her Mother for having the biggest impact on her life. She adds, “I witnessed her strength on full display while battling heart disease for 20 years. She battled gracefully and sometimes quietly. She wore her heart on her sleeves and would be everything to anyone who needed her. She was strong, taught me to be strong, and helped me understand how to acknowledge weakness by taking my troubles to God,” Neka says.
As she fully believes that she has been handpicked and chosen by God to serve his people, Neka also knows her assignment comes with a lot of responsibility. She says, “Unlike my competitors, my assignment is first to take care of His people instead of focusing on highprofit margins. I stay in constant prayer to remind myself of that. As long as I take care of God’s people with integrity and provide a firstclass service, God will add to the increase.”
For others who are considering following in her path, Neka advises them to pray about it first. “I would also tell them to evaluate their hearts to make sure they have a servant’s heart. This is a demanding career. There are a lot of times you will feel tired in your body, mind, and spirit. Only what you do for Christ will last. After that, do the work and take the steps to learn how to serve.”
Moving ahead, Neka has plans to share with others what an overcomer looks like. She says, “I want to excite and encourage others who look like me to enter the industry that I am a part of. I also pray for the opportunity to leave a legacy filled with love and generational wealth for our people.”
Trishonda Roberson She Empowers, Inc
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Neka Willis-Dorsey
Trishonda Roberson of Raleigh, NC, describes herself as simply a woman from a small town with a big heart and an even bigger vision for her community. She is deeply rooted in her faith as a lover of Jesus, and her life reflects her commitment to serving others.
Trishonda is the founder and CEO of She Empowers, a nonprofit dedicated to the wholistic development of women. She is also the Executive Director of The REACH Center located in Rocky Mount, NC, which provides essential services related to housing, hunger, health, and healing. Through her leadership and passion, Trishonda is deeply committed to empowering women and serving her community.
Trishonda holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and is a member of the NC Rural Economic Development Institute. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Community Development Association and provides coaching to pastors and leaders through the Iwa Collaborative. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Trishonda spent over 15 years as a Registered Nurse, specializing in mental health and substance abuse. She is a graduate of Fruitland Bible College, where she received a certificate in Christian Ministry, and she currently serves as a community pastor at Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount under the leadership of Pastor James D. Gailliard.
As a daughter, caregiver, pastor, author, nonprofit director, and coach, Trishonda wears many hats. She is passionate about empowering others and making a lasting impact on her community through her various roles. Her work is driven by her deep love for people and her desire to see them grow and thrive.
She Empowers began as a result of Trishonda spending much of her career as a Registered Nurse specializing in mental health and substance abuse. She says, “I was always drawn to those who felt lost, without purpose, and who often sought validation through unhealthy relationships. I especially connected with women struggling with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as food, alcohol, sex, and peoplepleasing—because I had faced those same challenges in my own life. In 2014, I realized that God was calling me to serve women in a deeper way beyond the walls of the nursing floor. That calling led to the creation of She Empowers.”
Trishonda says the vision behind She Empowers is simple: “To impact and transform the world, one woman at a time.” She adds, “We achieve this by equipping women with tools and strategies that focus on interpersonal skills, relationship building, spiritual and leadership growth, and economic sustainability. She Empowers is more than a program; it’s a mission to see women live empowered, purposeful lives.”
One of its key initiatives of She Empowers is She Leads Well (SLW), which focuses on helping women address and overcome challenges in their spiritual and mental well-being. Trishonda says, “As women, we often juggle multiple roles and put on a brave face, even when we’re struggling internally. Busy schedules can leave little room to pause and recharge. Our SLW wellness retreats are intentionally created to provide a space for reflection, rest, and renewal. These retreats offer women the opportunity to embrace silence and solitude, strengthening their connection with God and their sense of self.”
In addition to retreats, their program offers one-on-one coaching for women eager to understand how God has uniquely designed them. Using a variety of assessment tools, they help women uncover their spiritual gifts, align those gifts with their passions, and discover their God-given purpose. Through the process of inner healing, Trishonda and her team also assist women in identifying and overcoming past hurts and traumas. For those seeking group support, their I Am Thirty-One program is a 6-week group coaching experience that fosters growth, healing, and empowerment within a supportive community.
“I especially connected with women struggling with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as food, alcohol, sex, and people-pleasing—because I had faced those same challenges in my own life.”
Trishonda adds that Economic sustainability is a core aspect of their mission, with a focus on guiding individuals through the process of launching and managing businesses, especially nonprofits. “In partnership with NC IDEA, we hosted our first 8-week entrepreneurial cohort in Halifax County. This program was specifically designed to help women transform their mindset, equipping them to achieve success in both their business endeavors and personal growth.”
While She Empowers primary focus is on empowering women, they have recently introduced products and services designed to benefit women, men, and youth alike. Their Next Level Leadership Luncheon is tailored for high school and college students, with an emphasis on fostering personal growth and development. Additionally, our Power Juice line features freshly cold-pressed juices infused with sea moss, a nutrient-rich superfood known for its numerous health benefits.
When asked what she loves most about her program, Trishonda says it’s the opportunity to witness the transformation that occurs when her clients realize their worth, embrace their unique gifts, and step into their God-given purpose. She says, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide women as they overcome challenges, heal from past wounds, and gain clarity about their goals. Seeing them grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and achieve breakthroughs in their personal and professional lives inspires me daily. Empowering women to thrive not only changes their lives but also creates a ripple effect that positively impacts their families, communities, and beyond.”
As an African-American woman leading a woman-focused organization, Trishonda has faced several challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles she shares has been overcoming biases and stereotypes that sometimes come with being both a woman and a minority in leadership.
Like many small businesses, funding the vision has been a significant challenge. She adds that turning big ideas into reality requires financial resources, and securing funding while building credibility has been an uphill climb. Additionally, finding the right partners and supporters—those who truly align with the mission and values of the organization—has required discernment and perseverance.
Despite these challenges, Trishonda admits that she has learned to lean on faith, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward, knowing that the work her program does has the potential to create a lasting impact in the lives of women and the broader community.
Trishonda credits her parents with being the greatest inspiration and the most significant influence in her life. She shares their unwavering dedication and strong work ethic, even in the face of challenges, taught her the values of perseverance and resourcefulness. “They showed me how to take what little we had and make it work, always emphasizing the importance of gratitude and resilience,” she says.
Moving forward, Trishonda plans for She Empowers to focus on growth, impact, and long-term sustainability. “I aim to expand our wellness retreats, coaching programs, and leadership initiatives to reach more women, particularly in underserved communities. This includes offering both in-person and virtual options to make our services more accessible to a wider audience. She also plans to increase the financial sustainability of She Empowers by diversifying its funding sources, strengthening its community presence, and providing leadership development for herself and the women the program serves.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide women as they overcome challenges, heal from past wounds, and gain clarity about their goals. Seeing them grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and achieve breakthroughs in their personal and professional lives inspires me daily.” h
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER NINE: The Success of Caregiving Requires Unity
For me, and I can only speak for myself, the impact of the stroke that my mother suffered has not only affected my mother, it has also affected many others. Its devastation has also pierced into the hearts of every member of my family, including myself. I have equated the word stroke with loss, meaning that the first things that come to mind when I hear the word stroke are all of the things that our family has lost as a result of my mother’s stroke.
I must admit there are also some feelings of guilt that surface as well. I often ask myself what I could have done to prevent my mother from suffering such a catastrophic and life-changing event. Just as often as I ask that question, the answer that I often arrive at is not too much. My mother is her own person, and how she lived her life definitely played a role in her health. She was raised in a traditional food and diet culture, many of which I have learned are not good ones. In addition to bad eating habits, I believe she and we (our family) could have done more to prevent her stroke. Knowing this, I am very conscious about how I live and my food choices. While the medical community often states that many of the known health ailments are hereditary, I personally believe that most ailments can be eliminated and prevented by the decisions we make.
Now, I don’t want to mislead anyone by sounding like a critic of any particular diet. To be honest my food selections are quite interesting as well. Food is a pleasure that I love very much, and I wish I had all of the answers, but I do not. What I do know is the diet my mother enjoyed led to many other complications, and if she had been made aware of what she knew, well, things could have been different.
As the holiday season wraps up, I have endured yet another season of not having my mother lead the way. The conclusion of this season also signifies the adjustment that our family continues to make. Amazingly, this year, I found myself in a happy place. I believe that my happiness has a lot to do with my mother being happy and her understanding that in spite of all the changes that have happened, love is still present. I thank God for that because it truly hasn’t been easy.
My advice to other families who may find themselves in a similar place is to never stop working to find love in the midst of the storm. The realization of what a stroke does can be a very daunting experience, and it can also create some division within families. I have seen this first hand, and through conversations with other families in the same situation, I learned that it does happen. However, that doesn’t mean that as a family, the effort to stay united and focused on caring for our loved ones should cease. On the contrary, it should encourage us to work even harder to find ways to love each other. Oh, if life could have been much easier.
Each Christmas, since becoming my mother’s primary caregiver, I have tried my best to give her a memorable experience. This is a similar practice that I’ve repeated for every holiday, including her birthday. Getting each family member to participate isn’t always easy and has been frustrating. Ultimately, when everyone is around my mother while she is enjoying herself, it makes it all worth it. It is the opportunity to love on Mom and see her enjoy herself with her family that lets me know that she feels our love. While she has lost a few steps along the way, our ability to unite even for one day appears to make a huge difference. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Pastor Kylon Jerome Middleton
MT. ZION AME
CHURCH
Kylon Jerome Middleton is a transformational, moral leader called in these critical times to be a prophetic voice of justice, equity, and inclusion in America. Born in the paradoxically complex city of Charleston, educated in the public school system in Charleston County, at an early age, Kylon discovered his purpose and became an agent for positive change in the community.
Driven, focused, and determined, Kylon established himself as a community organizer and an influencer to help mobilize communities around issues that historically create marginalization, separation, and division. Kylon is a unifier and seeks to use his passion and energy for reconciliation and healing to bring people together from diverse constituencies of the community, in dialogue, to build bridges of common interests, shared values, and collective priorities.
Kylon’s passion and energy undergird the steady beat of justice that motivates him to be a conscientious, empathetic thought leader who is not afraid to confront the issues of the day with sensitivity, fairness, transparency, and respect with the primary goal of coalescing the community around our mutual greater purpose.
Kylon Jerome Middleton’s life is a witness of the grace, mercy, and unfailing love of God. The son of Vertelle M. Middleton and the late James Middleton, II, Kylon was reared with strong, Christian values. A lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, he began preaching at the age of 8 and has dedicated his life to service and building God’s Kingdom through ministries of reconciliation, healing and love.
A credible, knowledgeable and prepared leader, Kylon always knew that education was the key to a productive future. He graduated from Burke High School and matriculated to the College of Charleston, where he graduated at the age of 18 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications. Kylon has received the following graduate degrees: Master of Divinity degree, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary – Columbia, South Carolina; Master of School Administration, Educational Specialist, and Doctor of Education degrees, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, Duke University –Durham, North Carolina.
Kylon Jerome Middleton has enjoyed an outstanding career in education in secondary and post-secondary institutions in South and North Carolinas. He began his professional career as an Admissions Counselor at the College of Charleston, and, later, the Director of the College of Charleston’s Upward Bound Program. On the college level, he taught: introductory level English courses as well as the College of Charleston’s Freshman Seminar course; English, Communications, and Religious Studies courses at Allen University in Columbia, SC;. Divinity School at Duke University as well as English courses to freshmen in the undergraduate degree program in Durham, NC.
On the secondary level, Kylon taught high school English at his alma mater, Burke High School, where he served as department chair. He also taught English in the Durham Public Schools and later became an Assistant Principal and Principal in Durham Public Schools, Brunswick County Schools, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and Harnett County Schools systems in North Carolina. Kylon retired from the state of North Carolina in December 2014.
Kylon Jerome Middleton gives praises to God for his stewardship as a successful Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served the following Churches: Saint Paul AME Church, North Charleston (Supply); Pine Grove AME Church, Columbia, SC (Associate); Lever Chapel AME Church, Prosperity, SC; Saint Joseph’s AME Church, Durham, NC (Associate); Singleton AME Church, Georgetown, SC; Hopewell AME Church, Hemingway, SC, where God blessed him and the congregation to construct a $3.5 million worship complex to His glory. Kylon led the congregation at Hopewell in successfully hosting the 98th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.
Kylon Jerome Middleton is the 33rd Pastor of Historic Mount Zion AME Church on Glebe Street in Charleston, SC in the heart of the campus of his alma mater, the College of Charleston. Kylon is extremely active in the work of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he is leading the congregation in a multi-million dollar restoration, renovation, and expansion
project. He is the Seventh Episcopal District Dean of the Board of Examiners, serves in the leadership of the South Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners, and is a leading Pastor on the Charleston District of the AME Church. Kylon was a delegate at the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the AME Church, where he also served as Vice Chair of the Revisions Committee of the General Church and on the Compiling and Editing Committee for the 2021 Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Kylon Jerome Middleton preached the Annual Sermon at the Opening Convocation of the 99th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference in August 2009, which is a distinct honor for a seasoned Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Additionally, he preached the Word of God at the Women’s Missionary Society’s Night in White at the 158th Session of the South Carolina Annual Conference in September 2021.
Kylon Jerome Middleton is a dynamic, charismatic leader. In 2020, he was elected to the Charleston County Council, District 6 seat, the first person of color to hold the seat in the history of Charleston County. His leadership, presence and impact on Council have already yielded proven, measurable results for the citizens of Charleston County.
Kylon led the City of Charleston’s Illumination Project, whose mission is to build relationships of trust between the law enforcement and the communities they serve. He is the YWCA Tri-County MLK Ecumenical Chairperson, Charleston 350th Community Outreach and Service Committee Chairperson, a member of the Social Justice Racial Equity Collaborative, member of Coastal Community Foundation G&L Committee, Charleston Forum Board of Directors, Immediate Past Chapter President-Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Vice-President of the Charleston National Pan Hellenic Council, WM-Boaz Lodge No. 309 F&AM PHA, member of Progressive Chapter No. 310 OES, a member of the Robert B. Elliott Holy Royal Arch Masons, member of the George Washington Carver Consistory No. 162, and a 33° GIG of the United Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Inc., and a life member of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP.
Kylon has one son, Kylon Joshua Middleton, a graduate student at East Carolina University, working on a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice, who is his pride and joy. With all of his many accomplishments, Kylon acknowledges that he could not do any of these things without God. The most important achievement in his life is that he is a child of God. Mt.
Myonn’e
The daughter of Raisha Mercer
