July/August 2024
Always Remember That Timing Is Everything
While listening to a recent message shared during church, I was reminded of how unpredictable life can be. The message also reminded me of why it is critically important to stay connected to God in all matters of our lives. God gives us life, Him and Him alone. So, knowing this, how can we expect to live a successful and abundant life without allowing God to have input on what happens in our lives? The answer is that we can’t.
As life continues to happen for me, meaning that new milestones are being reached, I often find myself resting in awe of where God has brought me. As I reflect on many of the burdens I have carried, the battles that I fought, and many moments of triumph and victory, the memories of things that I have lost along my journey are not too far away. Again, life has been so unpredictable. What I thought would happen didn’t happen, and where I thought I would be, guess what? I am not there. I am actually at the place in life that is destined for me to be, and I have found peace in reminding myself that what God has for me is only for me.
The message I heard said that when we lose something, we also gain something. I have learned that my purpose will cost me something, and I can’t step out on faith and insist for things to go my way. That isn’t faith but more like control. The message also reminded me to check the temperature of the climate in which I am operating. God doesn’t operate in chaos and confusion. If I am moving in my purpose and operating in my anointing, and if things are chaotic and confusing, God isn’t there. That should be my signal to move.
When things in life get out of control, God expects for us to slow down. He desires for us to stop, rewind, regroup, let loose of the baggage we have picked up while off course, and return to Him. God is aware of the things we desire, yet He is only concerned with providing us with what we need, and He promises that it will happen according to His timing and no one else.
Terry L. Watson
Mckenzie Young
Pastor Marvin Sims is the Senior Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church. Learn more about his journey. Memphis, TN
Chicago Urban Leagues
Kafi Morgane Patterson Ph.D.
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Olivia Washington.
$600,000
The Love Of Art Delores Medlin
Telling Her Story
Author Tammy Kennard
Three Sisters With Flavor Kernels Nashville
Serial Entrepreneur Cheri Antoinette
Chicago Scholars - My NSO Experience: McKenzie Young, Class of 2029
McKenzie Young is a Class of 2029 Chicago Scholar. On Friday, May 3rd at 4:12 p.m., I received an email that would change my life forever. I’d been waiting for this letter for six months and my dream finally came true – I had been selected as a Chicago Scholar.
I felt overwhelmed with joy and a deep sense of accomplishment. I knew that this was going to be the start of something truly remarkable and I was determined to make the best of it. As a first-year Scholar, I was looking forward to meeting my cohort and mentors. Considering that a substantial number of people from my school were in the program, I knew that the New Scholar Orientation (NSO) was a space to branch out.
Learn more about the Chicago Scholars seven-year program model
The first day of NSO was an evening Zoom meeting. Frankly, I was surprised by the number of students on the call, but I was thrilled. The executive team behind the program kicked us off with the CEO sharing an inspirational message about the journey ahead with a slideshow presentation. An hour later, I was split into a breakout room with the rest of my cohort. We played icebreakers to get to know each other and talked about what activities we wanted to do throughout the year. Initially, I was worried about who would be placed in my cohort because I wasn’t sure if we would mesh well together. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of people in my group. We all had different strengths and interests, which allowed us to learn from each other and grow together. As the meeting came to a close, I was able to connect with some of the Scholars and exchange contact information in the Zoom meeting group chat. I was looking forward to the next day so I could finally see everyone in person.
I woke up the next morning brimming with excitement. On the way to Roosevelt University, I wondered what the second day would bring. As soon as I got out of the car, the energy in the air was palpable. There was a line wrapped around the building! As I gathered for the day’s activities, I was eager to embark on this new chapter of my life. Walking into a lecture hall with people that I didn’t know was quite intimidating at first, but I quickly took a deep breath and stepped inside. I could feel the anticipation in the air as everyone filed in. I knew that I was surrounded by people who were just as eager to make the most out of their time in Chicago Scholars as I was. I met everyone in my cohort and we played more icebreakers. The real fun began when we started playing Jeopardy. To say that the competition was intense…is an understatement. It was a riot! People were shouting at each other, getting up out of their seats, etc. I’m just happy that my team won. Shortly after, all cohorts gathered in the gym for the final ceremony, where we did a group activity in which we got to be vulnerable by sharing our “superpowers” with each other. The activity allowed us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, which gave us a better understanding of how to work together. We were all able to go home feeling inspired.
Even though the rest of the week was optional, I still wanted to seize the opportunity by going to the workshops at the CS headquarters. CS has one of the best office spaces that I’ve ever seen. To be brief, all the workshops I went to were phenomenal. I got to learn about leadership opportunities within Chicago Scholars that I definitely will be applying to. I met tons of people and the CS staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I left the workshops feeling confident that I could make a difference in the organization. In essence, NSO was an amazing experience and a fun way to kick off the year. I feel so motivated about the college application process. I can’t wait for the next seven years of my life in the program and beyond!
Chicago Urban League Names Kafi Moragne-Patterson, Ph.D., to Lead Leadership Programming and Philanthropy
The Chicago Urban League (CUL) announced that Kafi Moragne-Patterson, Ph.D., will join the organization as Executive Director of IMPACT and Senior Vice President of Leadership Programming and Philanthropy, effective May 20, 2024.
Dr. Moragne-Patterson joins CUL from the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab, where she currently serves as Senior Program Director, College & Career Success. In her new role, she will succeed the current Executive Director and Vice President of IMPACT, Mavis Laing, who previously announced plans to retire effective June 30, 2024.
IMPACT is one of the city’s premier leadership development programs and focuses on providing up-and-coming Black professionals with the skills needed to thrive in increasingly responsible leadership roles. Moragne-Patterson, who was a Class of 2018 IMPACT Fellow, will be the second executive director of the program since its launch in 2014.
“As an active alumna of IMPACT and a leader in the education and equity space in Chicago, Kafi has a keen understanding of the skills and characteristics needed to support emerging leaders in our program,” noted Karen Freeman-Wilson, President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “Additionally, her experience and interest in philanthropy led us to reimagine the role to include fundraising not only for IMPACT but for the entire organization. We are excited to have her on board, and I’m confident she will be a valuable addition to our team.”
Along with leading IMPACT, Moragne-Patterson will be responsible for expanding CUL’s leadership development programming and for managing its partnership with the IGNITE program at the Golub Social Impact Lab at the Rustandy Center for Social Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She will serve as a member of CUL’s Executive Leadership team, reporting to the President & CEO and working closely with the Development team.
Moragne-Patterson will join CUL just in time to help select the Class of 2025 cohort of IMPACT Fellows. The current application period closes on April 30, 2024. Throughout May and June, she will work with Laing and the IMPACT Advisory Council to interview applicants, select finalists, and ultimately match the new Fellows with mentors.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to build upon the strong foundation Mavis paved in her stewardship of the program over the past decade. IMPACT single-handedly changed the trajectory of my career and redefined what I even believed was professionally possible,” said Moragne-Patterson. “Building on a career steeped in educational equity and research, I hope to bring a background in data infrastructure and fundraising to help the Chicago Urban League better trace the collective impact of fellows across every corner of this great city.”
Moragne-Patterson added, “As a native Chicagoan, deeply familiar with the legacy of the Chicago Urban League, I am in awe of Karen Freeman-Wilson’s vision for the organization and am excited by the opportunity to continue partnering with the University of Chicago.”
George Wu, the John P. and Lillian A. Gould Professor of Behavioral Science at Chicago Booth and faculty advisor for IMPACT, noted, “I’m excited to work with Kafi to build on the amazing foundation that Mavis Laing has built over the last 10 years. As an IMPACT alum and an experienced nonprofit leader, Kafi has the vision, skills, and fresh ideas to make IMPACT an even more transformative program.”
Laing was part of the search committee that selected her successor. “IMPACT is in good hands. Kafi is one of the hundreds of IMPACT alumni who have gone on to have impressive careers and taken on meaningful leadership roles across all sectors in our city,” Laing said. “I look forward to seeing how she moves the program forward and expands leadership development options for Black Chicagoans.”
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Restorative Place Dr.
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Dr. Teresa Barnes
Dr. Barnes is the founder of Restorative Place, PLLC, a mental health outpatient practice, located in Colorado and Illinois. Clients of Restorative Place can expect to receive psychotherapy and/ or nutritional consultation for the effects of psychological trauma, stress, and relational difficulties. They also provide trainings and consultation speaking to professional caregivers who are also mothers about self care. Dr. Barnes’s organization strives to increase visibility to mothers who are mental and healthcare professionals, ministry leaders, and other healers by promoting a private and confidential self-care campaign to make space for personalized healing.
At 52 years of age, Dr. Barnes has enjoyed a career in the mental health field that has spanned 30 years. She says, “During this time of caring for others professionally, I have been in and out of the hospital for ten years for various medical conditions. These hospitalizations were occuring during the prime of my life while I was also providing therapeutic treatment to others. On multiple occasions, I have needed to hear certain things from people in my life whom I felt held my pain. That kind of support was sparse, but what I found was that those who could hold my pain despite my professional position are the ones whom I feel the safest with now.”
Dr. Barnes is currently married and has one child. Her husband of 14 years, is a vice president of Community College. Dr. Barnes was raised in the church and shares that she witnessed a lot of hypocrisy there. She also developed a personal relationship with God in her young adulthood, which catapulted Dr. Barnes into the woman that she is today: a private practice owner, international speaker, bestselling author, nutrition coach, and consultant.
On multiple occasions, I have needed to hear certain things from people in my life whom I felt held my pain.
Photos
She began her career in mental health in the 1990s. Since then, Dr. Barnes has worked in a variety of settings, including agency work, foster care, hospitals, schools, and private practice. She has a B.S. (Northern Illinois University, Illinois), an MSW (Aurora University, Illinois), and a PhD (Institute for Clinical Social Work, Illinois).
So, how did Dr. Barnes’s journey begin? She says, “After so many years of being part of other group practices that didn’t always align with my vision, I founded my own private practice on March 1, 2019. The name Restorative Place came from my prayer time. The scripture reference came from Joel 2:25: “I restore to you what the locusts have eaten…” This name reflected the kind of work that I wanted to do. It then came to me that the work of therapy is centered around restoring people to a path to wholeness. Because my work was primarily focused on adults, helping them restore their minds and bodies from the scarring that life has left on them became a fitting title for my practice. By the end of 2019, I had all the excitement and hope of launching my own business and building a team of dynamic clinicians, furthering the mission of helping others restore to wholeness.”
With the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, like many others around the world, the ground fell out from under Dr. Barnes in 2020. This experience caught her totally off guard. She says, “As a therapist, I already knew that ethical practice included getting my own therapy and seeking professional consultation on difficult patient cases. Because of the onslaught of COVID and the reawakening of this country’s racial history, as a result of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, for the first time, I began to experience real burnout. I found myself running out of the coping capacity to manage not only my own overwhelming feelings but also my patients. When I joined a virtual support group for therapists, I quickly discovered I was not alone. Story after story revealed that we all were on the brink of total burnout. Feeling helpless, our desire to help our patients work through their anxieties about an uncertain future collided with our own because we, too, have been brought to our knees by what felt like a crumbling world.”
In the months and years following the initial COVID crisis, Dr. Barnes says she realized that as providers, people often overlook that they were also recovering from the trauma of 2020. They were also in desperate need to have someone to hold their pain, but their resources often would fall short or not at all. “People in our personal and professional lives often expect and assume that we can just keep going and going. This is not fair, feasible, or sustainable. This began my mission to create a space where healers can show their insides without shame and judgment.”
I was often expected to address the emotional and psychological needs of others while my needs went unnoticed or undervalued.
Dr. Barnes says she loves coming alongside other treatment providers to mitigate feelings of loneliness in their work. Because of her lived experience, she particularly enjoys working with other mothers who are also professional caregivers. “We are a unique group, and when I work with these clients, I enjoy giving them the space and platform to be recipients of the care that they so dutifully give to others.”
A Tyler Perry production, Maxine’s Baby, has truly impacted the life of Dr. Barnes. She says the movie mogul story and how he recognized that he could channel all of his pain and past trauma into honing his gifts, and turn them into something bigger than his own life, inspires her. “Seeing how his gifts have blessed and honored others left me speechless. I was truly inspired by his story. When given to God, anything that is meant to destroy you can launch you into greatness.”
Because Dr. Barnes is a woman of color, she says she often has to navigate workspaces where she feels marginalized and unseen. That is a challenge for her. “I was often expected to address the emotional and psychological needs of others while my needs went unnoticed or undervalued. This is the heart’s cry of the BIPOC healer, a mother. One of the best things I ever did was start my own business. This way, I could dictate how I would be seen on my terms. I also get regular reminders from God that He functions best in the unseen.”
For others who may face similar challenges as Dr. Barnes, her advice is to surround yourself with safe people in your personal life and competent people in your professional life. She adds, “Solidify your prayer life so you can discern who these people are. Safe people are people who can hold my pain without giving me a speech about how others have it worse or how I should fix it. In business, I know that I am not skilled in everything, so I hire people to do what I am not good at.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Barnes plans to offer her services to help healers reclaim their humanity. This will include facilitating quarterly retreats at various locations in the country so healers can get paid time off to unwind, unplug, and rejuvenate. She also hopes to increase her speaking platforms. “I would like to continue to maximize my message in the bestselling book I cowrote with other dynamic women called Voices of the 21st Century: Women Empowered through Passion and Purpose. I am also working on ideas for my next book about trauma and the mothering experience.” h
Pastor Marvin Mims Sr.
St. Mark Baptist Church
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Pastor Marvin Sims Sr.
Pastor Marvin Mims Sr. is the Senior Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church, located at 940 S. Lauderdale Street in Memphis. For 114 years, this church has established itself as a staple in their community, and Pastor Mims is only the 4th pastor to serve there.
“I became the Pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church in October 2019. Our church focuses on uplifting South Memphis and serving the citizens in the community. We offer annual Thanksgiving dinners and clothes giveaways, an annual Back to School Rally in August, and a fall festival outdoor cook-out celebration in October. We also offer a sports program for youth,” he says.
St. Mark Baptist Church also has a strong youth ministry. The church also delivers meals to homeless people in downtown Memphis, meals prepared by Four Way Restaurant. They also give to various organizations, including MIFA, Mid-South Food Bank, Memphis Lupus Foundation, and BETHEL International in Kenya. Pastor Mims’ predecessor, his Father-in-law, served for 53 years before transferring the ministry to him.
A native of Greenville, MS, in 1978, after graduating from Greenville High School, Pastor Mims moved to Memphis at the age of 17. Once there, he became employed at Giant Foods as a grocery bagger. In 1979, after taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam for a third time, he qualified to enter the Air Force at 18. At the age of 19, Pastor Mims was married to Anita, and the pair have enjoyed 43 years together. Their union has also been blessed with three children, two grandsons, and a son-in-law. Pastor Mims served 32 years in the Air Force, and in 2011, he retired as a Chief Master Sergeant, which is the highest rank of an enlisted member. Pastor Mims received his undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Crichton College and a graduate degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
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More than anything, Pastor Mims says that he enjoys serving people. “As a servant leader, it is a joy to meet the needs of people spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially.” Pastor Mims also relies on his faith and doesn’t shy away from sharing how it has guided him through life. “God works things out for the good for them that love him. I overcame racism in the military on multiple occasions and was determined not to complain or quit. I decided to pursue change through the military chain of command and represent the core values of the Air Force, which are integrity, service before self, and excellence.
In 2001, Pastor Mims founded a nonprofit organization called BOLD BROTHERS, (BROTHERS OFFERING LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT). The organization is also a mentoring program designed primarily for young men between the ages of (9-18). As if he hadn’t already had his hands full, Pastor Mims has also found time to author and publish several books. He shares that the vision to write began in 2014. “I was inspired by the life of my father-in-law, the late Rev. Dr. J. C. Bachus, who had pastored our church for 50 years at the time. In 2022, I published my first book, “The Crossroads of Champions.” This book focuses on the interconnectedness of my father-in-law and me and has four major themes, Manhood, Military, Marriage, and Ministry. In 2024, I edited my grandson’s book, “Walker’s Wise Words.”
Currently, Pastor Mims is working on a book with his grandson, Hazen Walker. This production is scheduled to be published in October 2024. It is a Superhero book called The Conquerors of Evil. It will portray common people who are superheros that help people overcome everyday life problems. h
“I overcame racism in the military on multiple occasions and was determined not to complain or quit. I decided to pursue change through the military chain of command and represent the core values of the Air Force, which are integrity, service before self, and excellence.”
Associated Building Consultants
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Cheri Antoinette
Cheri Antoinette of Dallas, TX, describes herself as a remarkable individual who beautifully balances the roles of a loving mother, skilled esthetician, and fiduciary with Northwestern Mutual. Most importantly, she is dedicated to helping families, no matter their level of finances, prepare for a better and more secure future.
With over 12 years of experience in the skincare industry, Cheri has established herself as a trusted and talented esthetician. “I understand the importance of self-care and its impact on overall well-being, which is why I am passionate about helping my clients achieve their skincare goals and enhance their natural beauty,” she says.
By her efforts and subsequent accomplishments, it is safe to say that Cheri is a well rounded and successful entrepreneur. She owns and operates multiple Airbnb properties in Dallas. “My properties provide comfortable and memorable accommodations for travelers,” she says. “I am not only experienced in the process of setting up and managing Airbnb listings but also mentor others on how to establish their own successful Airbnb businesses in the area.”
To complement her Airbnb venture, Cheri has also established her own cleaning company called, Not A Trace. Not A Trace specializes in short-term or STR cleanings, and Cheri’s team ensures that each Airbnb unit is thoroughly cleaned and maintained to the highest standards. To date, Not A Trace has successfully contracted the cleaning of over 25 units in the Dallas area, and their client base continues to grow.
Through Cheri’s diverse business ventures, she has gained valuable expertise in real estate, property management, and hospitality. “I understand the importance of providing exceptional experiences for guests and ensuring that every aspect of their stay is taken care of,” she says.
So what drives Cheri interest and love for business? Her response is very clear. “My passion for entrepreneurship and financial security stems from my own experiences and understanding of the importance of self-care and financial stability. As a mother of five, I know firsthand the challenges and responsibilities that come with raising a family. I am dedicated to helping families achieve financial stability so they can enjoy a better and more secure future. What I love most about being an entrepreneur is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s helping someone feel more confident in their own skin, mentoring aspiring Airbnb hosts, or providing top-notch cleaning services, I strive to empower and uplift those I work with.”
My passion for entrepreneurship and financial security stems from my own experiences and understanding of the importance of self-care and financial stability. h
Throughout Cheri’s journey, she shares that she has faced challenges and obstacles. That is to be understood, especially in the realm of business. Yet, she has learned to navigate them with resilience and determination. “I believe that with the right knowledge, support, and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals and create a successful business.”
She credits her colleagues, clients, and mentors for inspiring her. “I am inspired by their insights, guidance, and continuous support. I am also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and professionals in the industry as we learn from each other and grow together,” she says.
By the sounds of it, Cheri’s life has been full of a few interesting endeavors, as well as learning points. She adds that if given the chance to change anything about her journey, she would have started her entrepreneurial ventures earlier and invested more time in networking and building connections. However, she recognizes that every experience, including the ups and downs, has shaped her into the resilient and determined individual she is today.
Looking ahead, Cheri says her professional goal is to further expand her Airbnb portfolio, mentor more individuals on establishing successful Airbnb businesses, and continue growing her cleaning company. “I believe that by providing exceptional services and experiences, I can make a lasting impact in the hospitality industry,” she says. “Personally, I am committed to ongoing personal growth and taking care of myself physically and mentally. I prioritize self-care to ensure that I can effectively serve others and be there for my family, clients, and team members in the best possible way. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. With my passion, expertise, and dedication, I am confident in my ability to help families achieve financial security, provide exceptional skin care services, and create memorable experiences for Airbnb guests.”
“Personally, I am committed to ongoing personal growth and taking care of myself physically and mentally. I prioritize self-care to ensure that I can effectively serve others and be there for my family, clients, and team members in the best possible way.”
Delores Medlin
“Ijustdraw whatIsee.”
By Terry L. Watson
Salisbury, NC, resident Delores Medlin has a unique gift and ability to express herself through art. She has sketched various renditions of people, cars, and animals and permanently captured that particular moment in time for each subject. “I really don’t have a particular art style. I just draw what I see. In addition to drawing people, I draw cars, boats, animals, motorcycles, etc. My works have been on exhibit at Waterworks, Railwalk, Vibes, Rowan Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury Public Library, Salisbury Museum, and other places and businesses throughout North Carolina,” she says.
A native of Wilmington, NC, Delores describes herself as an artist that draws portraits of your valued pictures. “I love drawing because it relaxes me, and it gives me much pleasure to see that I can make someone smile or even cry tears of joy. I started drawing at the age of nine but didn’t get serious about it until the age of 45. Once I got started, I found it hard to put the pencil down then,” she says.
Soon, Delores entered her portraits in competitions with the best of them. “Yeah, it was over my head, but l had to start somewhere. Most of the time, l got honorable mentions, and at that time, l was glad to even be honorably recognized. Years later, a sorority had an art competition; l entered with nine other artists and 36 pieces of artwork. At this show, l placed third. I was so excited. I thought that if l could place third, l could also place first. Two years later, l did just that,” she says.
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
Portraits by Delores Medlin
“I love drawing because it relaxes me, and it gives me much pleasure to see that I can make someone smile or even cry tears of joy.” h
Delores is a self-taught artist and has never received any formal education or training. Everything that she produces flows naturally, which is a true expression of her gift. Delores credits her mother, the late Gertrude Green, for encouraging her to do it all until she could decide on what she really wanted to do. She also credits Andre Neally, an artist, for critiquing her work and helping her to really understand and grasp her gift.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Delores. She lost her husband of 43 years, Michael, within the last year. “Losing my life partner was very difficult. We met when I was 16 years old. We were married when I was 18. He always pushed me to be better, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without Michael,” she says. In the absence of her husband, Delores pours her love into her three children, 16 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Over the years, Delores’ craft has been affected by the onset of arthritis. While her ailment is present, she has managed to continue to produce her works and even indulge in sewing. As her future continues to unfold, Delores plans to continue to share her gift with the world. One thing is for sure, the world is surely blessed by her gift and talents.
Fitch Ratings Upgrades City Colleges of Chicago’s GO Bonds to AA- from A+
City Colleges of Chicago announces that Fitch Ratings has upgraded its GO Bonds rating from A+ to AA- with a Ratings Outlook of Stable.
“Once again, we are pleased to see a rating improvement in our GO Bonds,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “It speaks to our successful work to eliminate a structural deficit, return to strong cash reserves, and increase enrollment bolstered by our in-demand educational programs and critical student supports.”
City Colleges of Chicago’s spring 2024 enrollment was up 9.2 percent from spring 2023, exceeding the Illinois community college average of +5.1 percent, according to a report released in March 2024 by the Illinois Community College Board.
Recent CPS Graduate Is Building His Construction Career at City Colleges - Antoine Young
18-year-old Antoine Young grew up around two grandfathers who were “always fixing things.” Now, with the support of the Chicago Roadmap, a comprehensive partnership between City Colleges and Chicago Public Schools, the recent CPS graduate is building a successful career of his own in construction.
Antoine participated in the Chicago Builds construction training program during his senior year of high school, where he was able to earn City Colleges credit at no cost through the Early College program. There, he was also introduced to a 10-week summer program called Aim to Launch (A2L), part of City Colleges’ Career Launch Chicago youth apprenticeship program. A2L prepares students for youth apprenticeships in IT, construction, manufacturing, or pharmacy tech.
Antoine is currently participating in the construction cohort of A2L at Kennedy-King College’s Dawson Technical Institute, through which he’s gaining real-world skills and working on earning his OSHA-30 certification, an industry-recognized credential in the construction field.
“This class has already benefitted me,” he said. “I’m learning so much more than I could have imagined, and my resume is growing. I really enjoy being in the college setting, too.”
Antoine was able to leverage the experience to secure a one-year youth apprenticeship in construction management with Power Construction starting this fall. As he completes the apprenticeship, he also plans to continue his college journey at Dawson Tech to earn his associate degree in construction management. Thanks to his Early College courses and A2L, he’s already halfway towards that goal and positioned to graduate early. Additionally, due to his good grades in high school, Antoine earned the Star Scholarship, meaning he’ll graduate debt free.
“The people in these programs—the instructors and the support staff—are really important. I didn’t realize it before, but they’re giving us an incredible opportunity to change our lives and the lives of our families,” Antoine said.
Antoine is grateful to have found unique programs through the Chicago Roadmap that have put him on a path to success, and he’s already thinking about how he wants to give back. Eventually, he wants to start his own construction business so he can help build up Auburn Gresham—the community he grew up in. To learn more about the Chicago Roadmap, visit chicagoroadmap.org h h
Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Department Of Family And Support Services Announce $600,000 For Dozens Of CommunityBased, Youth-Serving Organizations
Information Obtained from Press Release - Mayor’s Press Office Press@cityofchicago.org
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) announced the City of Chicago’s My CHI. My Future. (MCMF) Micro-Grant Program recipients. SGA Youth & Family Services (SGA) will administer the first-ever program to community-based, youth-serving organizations that are creating new or enhancing existing opportunities for positive youth engagement on the South and West sides.
“From culinary programs to mentorship opportunities to green career development, these grants will go directly to serving our young people,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This program speaks to our commitment to investing in our young people this summer. We know that when we give young people productive opportunities, we are putting them on the path to success for themselves and their communities.”
In total, $600,000 will be distributed in micro-grants across the 15 MCMF Community Strategy Regions.
“The Micro-Grant program speaks to the importance of place-based strategies,” said DFSS Commissioner Brandie Knazze. “We are proud to stand with our partners across the city who are providing innovative programming that is as unique as the communities they are from, all while supporting our young people.”
Mayor Johnson announced the awardees at the Young Men’s Education Network (YMEN) headquarters in Lawndale. “This microgrant will allow us to hire 20 additional students for our summer urban gardening program,” said Mike Trout, founder and Executive Director of YMEN. “Not only will we be able to provide more fresh vegetables and produce to the Lawndale community, we will also be able to expand our efforts to teach the next generation about urban farming and agriculture.”
“This program is one of the ways that we build community by coming together and leveraging resources to support youth and families with engagement and education opportunities,” said Maria Velazquez, Executive Director of Telpochcalli Community Education Project, an awardee serving children and families in the Little Village community.
In December 2023, SGA was selected by DFSS through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to administer this micro-grant program due to their long history of serving Chicago’s youth and families. SGA has been serving the Chicago community since 1911 and is primarily responsible for selecting and administering micro-grants to successful applicants. The purpose of this program is to strengthen community-based approaches to youth engagement by providing meaningful and productive programming for youth and families.
“SGA is very excited to work with the City on the My CHI. My Future. Micro-Grant Program,” said Martha Guerrero, SGA CEO & President. “As an agency that has served Chicago’s youth for more than 100 years, we are proud to bring this new project to life to help smaller organizations increase positive youth development in their neighborhoods.”
The Community Areas Served by this program are as follows: Auburn Gresham, Austin, New City, Belmont Cragin, Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, Gage Park, East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, Englewood, West Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Pullman, Roseland Area, West Pullman, Humboldt Park, South Lawndale, North Lawndale, and South Shore.
The programs selected will serve youth ages six to 24 years old and prioritize recruitment of at least 50% of participants are from the underrepresented populations described below:
• Individuals with disabilities (i.e., physically impaired, visually impaired, etc.)
• Individuals attending Options High Schools
• Individuals who are English as a Second Language learners
• Individuals that are experiencing homelessness/unstably housed
• Individuals placed in the foster care system
• Individuals who are justice-involved (i.e., parole, probation)
• Opportunity youth defined as out of school and out of work
Visit sga-youth.org/micro-grants/ to learn more.
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER FOUR: Mama Got A Potty Mouth
It’s amazing how the little things that we often take for granted can ultimately become the great things that we may miss the most after having a loved one experience a life-altering episode such as an Ischemic Stroke.
I can still taste the food like it was only yesterday. As I did on most Sundays after church, I stopped by my Mama’s to get something to eat. It was sort of a ritual; Mama would cook, and all of her kids would stop by to get something to eat. On this day, the meal prepared was meatloaf, cabbage, and field peas and snaps. It was very delicious, and I even went for seconds. Mama wasn’t there when I stopped by, as she had gone to church that morning and hadn’t returned home. After eating, I went home and rested for the day. That would be the last time I would be able to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by her, as she would suffer her stroke the very next morning; but I can still taste my Mama’s food.
As the months passed, a routine revealed itself, which I and my family began to follow for my mother’s care. I looked forward to having every other weekend away from my home, as that was when my siblings would step in and take over the responsibilities of caring for Mama. While it was often a three to four-day get-away, I looked forward to the time away, as it freed my mind from all of the things that I carried on a daily basis. Believe it or not, while caring for Mama, I never stepped away from that which God had purposed for me, and my purpose continues to be a whole lot. When my short vacation ended, I easily jumped back into the role that mattered the most. I would describe myself as an early riser, and I have probably acquired this trait from my Mama, as she is known to rise at the break of dawn, even to this day. As the sun rose, it also signaled a variety of tasks that needed to be addressed. I could not afford to ignore any of them as my Mama’s survival depended upon them. She needed her medicine, breakfast, cleaning, and more than anything, my Mama needed comfort and attention from a trustworthy source, and who better to administer all of these than me?
One memory that I have of my mother is of her reluctance to go to her doctor on a regular basis, as well as her comfort in taking a pill for any known ailment. If she had a headache, she would take a pain pill. If her legs hurt, she would take a pill. Regardless of what may have bothered her, it appeared that my Mama believed the answer was by taking a pill or some form of medication. As a child and even as a young man, I never questioned her methods for selfcare, and why should I? She has lived a lot longer than I, and during the times when I was sick or hurting as a child, my Mama had the answers. Regardless of how bad it hurt, her kisses made it all better.
The time would arrive when Mama would have to visit her new array of physicians. Because she was diagnosed with suffering a brain injury, Mama would be under the care of a Neurologist. This would be in addition to making regularly scheduled visits to her Cardiologist, Endocrinologist, and PCP. To my surprise, being her primary caregiver meant that I would have to manage all of her visits. For me, this was such an unexpected welcoming into the world of caregiving.
On one visit to her Neurologist, things didn’t go so well. Due to the damage and affected areas of my mother’s body the stroke caused, her Neurologist recommended that she get regularly scheduled Botox injections into her arm, which was seized with paralysis. Injections meant needles, and my Mama is no fan of needles. When it was time for her injections, my Mama had no clue as to what was about to happen. The syringes were about nine inches in length and would have to be administered several times within a short period of time. Mama looked at those needles and then looked at the physician, and without taking a breath, my Mama blurted out two bad words that were directed at the short and seemingly pleasant healthcare representative. I said, “Mama, No,” but my resolve had no impact at this point. Mama was defiant, and she had no desire to be stuck. It was then that I learned that my Mama had a “Potty Mouth”. In the months to follow, and even to this day, those words continue to flow with ease. I love my Mama, Potty Mouth and all. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Tammy Terrell Kennard Author
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Tammy Kennard
Tammy Kennard is a child of God. She is also the daughter of Shirley K. Terrell and the late Kassow Terrell Sr. Tammy is the proud wife of Sgt. Benjamin Garrett Kennard Jr., and mother of Benjamin Garrett Kennard III.
Tammy describes herself as an overcomer and someone who carries vision, and when it’s ready for birth, she’ll deliver. She is also an entrepreneur and the owner of The BJ’s Books, which has several series in production, and Tammy’s Mobile Spa, where she works as a licensed manicurist and provides mobile spa services in the comfort of her clients’ homes, hospitals, or business events.
The BJ’s Books, Puppet Shows, and Story Times include Series #1, BJ and The Friendly Strangers, Series #2, BJ’s Grandpa Is In His Heart, Series #3, BJ’s A BIG BOY NOW, Series #4, BJ Loves Animals, and Series #5 BJ’s Food Choices. Coming October 2024. is Series #6 BJ Goes To Kindergarten.
“Children and writing that speak to the soul have always been a passion of mine. From working with children in lockdown, childcare, being a phenomenal aunt when I didn’t even have a child myself yet, to teaching preschool at a private school, you name it, I was there. My love for writing started early in elementary school. I would enter every writing competition they had, and I’d win. I remember I won money and a basket for the best Black History story. I also won JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS RAP and was able to perform live at a Greenlawn festival, all while in the fourth grade at Guthrie Elementary School. While attending Humes Junior High School, I really started rapping. In high school, I continued to rap but was also nominated to enter a city-wide public speaking contest and won first place. I think that win is what really ignited the flame to write inside of me because, honestly, I didn’t think I’d win, but I did. After high school, my writing turned into poetry and then spoken word. I went by the name Mspoet2deep. I’ve performed spoken word on many stages from Gospel Fest 2013 in Illinois to opening up for Kim Burrell. However, no stage groomed me like performing every month for the Memphis Poetry, Rhythm, and Soul,” she says. Over the years, Tammy began ghostwriting songs and sold some to local and a few out-of-state artists.
Tammy says what she loves most about what she does is watching the BJ’s Book Series become bigger than just books. “It’s a movement and something I’ll be able to leave for generations and generations to come. They’ll know their grandmother was an overcomer and that I loved Jesus, family, and children. My hope is that parents and children will pray together and read together. Every day, I see just how much my father in Heaven loves me. This vision has been all God. The fact that he would trust me with a vision that ministers to children and families I don’t take lightly. I aim to honor Him in everything I write and every person that I pamper.”
A Prayer Was Answered.
When Tammy married her husband, Benjamin, she says that God said yes to her hearts desire. A husband who loves her the way God loves the church and motherhood. Little did she know that in the happiest times of her life, life would hit like a wrecken ball. In February of 2022, her daddy passed from stage 4 Galbladder cancer. Her whole world was turned upside down. “Everything stopped when his heart stopped. I spent months in the grave with my daddy until God spoke to me in the quiet of my hearts grief. He said, “Keep making your daddy proud and write. When I say I serve a Big God, I say it with my hands lifted because my obedience in listening to Him concerning this vision has truly been without pain. He’s blessed me continually and placed some of the most amazing people in my life along this journey, like Natosha A. Harris of A Mouthful Publishing and some others. It’s been so much support, and for that, I’m grateful. Being nominated for the Richard Wright Literary Award and winning was a wonderful feeling. The floodgates opened because, during this time, my husband had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, and I was caring for my mother. Winning this award was some good news I really needed because, in the middle of the storm, I continued to honor God and release books. Every book in the BJs Book Series ends with a prayer for parents to pray over their children because I believe our babies need prayer and God’s word more than ever these days,” she says.
All the BJs Books are self taken photos illustrated by Tammy. Her son, BJ, has had the opportunity to experience perseverance through his momma and daddy. “Thank God his daddy is healed and doing better, and thank God I didn’t allow trials and tribulations to make me quit,” Tammy says. h
Three Sisters With Flavor
By Terry L. Watson
The city of Nashville has long been famous for its famous Hot Chicken. With establishments such as Prince’s Hot Chicken and Hattie B’s serving up their signature varieties, a delicatessen that is loved by many has made its way to the “Hot Seat”.
Kernels Nashville Popcorn offers delicious gourmet popcorn for walk-ups, online orders, and distribution. Kernels has also partnered with downtown Nashville hotels for amenities, Airport stores, local shops, and Metro Schools. Our most popular flavors are THE Nashville Hot, Music City Mix (Caramel & Cheddar), and Frosty (Vanilla coated Caramel). We also have White Cheddar, Chocolate Drizzled, Sweet Heat, Vanilla Cinnamon and various seasonal flavors.
Kernels Nashville Popcorn is a family owned business that is led by sisters, Amber Greer, Erica Greer, and Jennifer Knight. They share, the vision for their business came from Jennifer. Kernels Nashville began in 2008 with online ordering and festivals around Nashville. They perfected their recipes in their parents’ bonus room, and acquired feedback from their church and community. After gaining popularity, they opened their storefront in 2013.
Amber is a graduate of Tennessee State University. There she received a Masters in Mathematics. Along with sales calls and marketing, she currently oversees the daily operations of Kernels and is responsible for effective planning, delegating, staffing, organizing, and decisionmaking to attain desirable profit-making results for Kernels Nashville Popcorn.
Erica also graduated from TSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. She left the field of Architecture and decided to focus on the family’s business full-time. Currently, Erica works remotely for Kernels, answering emails, coordinating invoices, and fulfilling orders with corporate partners.
Jennifer graduated from TSU with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. She is a kindergarten teacher at Explore! Community School, and was voted “Teacher of the Year” there in 2023. Jennifer fills in at the store when needed and holidays.
The trio share their love and inspiration for their business. “We love that we’ve built a company from the ground up and created a recognizable brand in the Nashville market. Our parents inspire us the most, and we have received our entrepreneur spirit from our father, and our out-of-the-box thinking from our mother. They have both been our biggest cheerleaders over the years.”
Being a first-generation small business owner comes with a lot of trial and error. The owners of Kernels Nashville have had to learn the hard way to run a business simply because they did not know how to do it. Now that they’re more established, hiring and maintaining quality employees is a challenge. Yet, they have managed this by continuing to adjust their interview and training practices.
Amber, Erica, and Jennifer would like to offer the following advice to other aspiring business owners who may follow a journey similar to theirs. “Make sure you have a good support system. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. If you’ve already started, just keep…going!”
Looking ahead, Kernels Nashville would like to get into mass distribution of its delicious original Nashville Hot Popcorn. “We’d love to see our bags in major retail stores. We may also tap into the fundraising market.”
Kernels Nashville Popcorn 2501B Gallatin Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206
www.kernelsnashville.com
Photos Provided by Kernels Nashville Popcorn
U.S. Minority Business Development Agency Convenes First Ever Meeting of the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council
WASHINGTON, D.C., (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Press Release
On Friday, May 31, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) held the first-ever meeting of the Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council (MBEAC). The MBEAC held its inaugural meeting to provide an orientation for new committee members and an overview of future work products to fulfill the Council’s charter and statutory mandates. Among the various council members and attendees, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves spoke in recognition of the Council’s first engagement.
The MBDA Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council is a collection of public and private sector leaders appointed to guide the Agency in service of the country’s minority business enterprises. The Council will advise the leadership of the Agency by:
Serving as a source of information on developments in the areas of the economic and social life of the United States that affect socially or economically disadvantaged businesses; and providing leadership with information regarding plans, programs, and activities in the public and private sectors related to socially or economically disadvantaged business concerns.
“MBE Advisory Council members were chosen because they each have success helping MBEs break through systemic barriers and access opportunities,” said Acting Under Secretary Eric Morrissette. “President Biden, leaders in Congress from both parties, and Secretary Raimondo are counting on MBDA to continue growing our impact in service of America’s minority business enterprises. The establishment of the MBE Advisory Council is a critical step to accomplishing that mission.”
Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Council Members
Private Sector Members:
Janice Bryant Howroyd, CEO of ActOne Group
Ron Busby, President and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
Harry E. Johnson, Sr., President and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation
Ying McGuire, President and CEO of the National Minority Supplier Development Council
Frances Perez-Wilhite, Program Manager of the North Carolina Military Business Center
Kip Ritchie, CEO of the Potawatomi Business Development Corporation
Rosa Santana, Founder and CEO of the Santana Group
David Steward, Chairman and Founder of World-Wide Technology
Melanie Matter Welsh, Executive Director of Alaska Unlimited
The Council will also include representatives from the following Federal agencies:
Carolyn Angus- Hornbuckle, Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, U.S. Department of Labor
Elizabeth de Leon Bhargava, Secretary for Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant
Mehul Parekh, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Government-wide Policy, U.S. General Services Administration
Michael S. Gibson, Director for Division of Supervision and Regulation, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Isabel Guzman, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
Dr. William A. LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, U.S. Department of Defense
J. Nellie Liang, Under Secretary, Domestic Finance, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Christopher Coes, Acting, Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
Geraldine Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation, U.S. Department of Energy
Malcom Shorter, Assistant Secretary for Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Members of the Council serve a two-year term and may be reappointed. As stated in The Minority Business Development Act of 2021, this council will advise and assist MBDA in their mission to promote the growth of minority owned businesses.
About the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises (MBEs). For more than 50 years, MBDA’s programs and services have better equipped MBEs to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues, and expand regionally, nationally, and internationally.
