Nov./Dec. 2024
Vol. 2 Issue 6
Chyrel Jackson
God Doesn’t Expect For You To Do it All
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
Regardless of what anyone else says, I am a natural introvert. Amazingly, I publish a magazine and talk to people, many of who are strangers, and yet I find comfort in not saying anything. However, God often creates scenarios that push me out of my comfort zone. Whether He calls for me to speak to a group of young minds or even a large audience, with obedience, I must meet the assignment. I appreciate each opportunity as they have opened my mind to accepting the assistance for my destiny.
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?
Ask anyone who really knows me, and they will tell you that I am someone who tries to do a lot on my own. I don’t know why; maybe it has something to do with the way my brain is programmed. Yet, with managing the assignment of the company I run, God has frequently reminded me that He doesn’t expect me to do it all by myself.
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.
While the capability of what I can do is extensive, the limits of where I am able to take the messages and voices of my community are far out of my reach. A community is only as strong as the input and participation that each member offers. The beauty in the message that God intends to bring forth is a unifying one, and I only hope that I do my part to persuade and inspire others in their journey.
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.
God has planted gifts in all of us. My gifts are mine, and whenever I am able to cross paths with others who share a similar passion, I receive that as God expects more to be done. If you see me working alone, don’t mnd me, just know that I am actually trying to find the next opportunity to connect my gifts with others.
www.huamimagazine.com
L.
Ashleigh Crawley Photographer
Snuggs Photography Photographer
Tay Neely Photographer
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. Howard Gaither
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
terry.editor@gmail.com (336)340-7844
General Inquiries terry.editor@yahoo.com
Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC 2024 All Rights Reserved
Chicago, IL
National STEM Day
Chicago Public Schools
Charlotte, NC
Honoring Our Leaders
Huami Magazine Community Awards
Chicago, IL
Chicago Public Housing
She has goals to build up her community. Learn more about who she is and what she is doing. Dallas, TX
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. He name is Silas Cade Gibson.
Author
Chyrel Jackson
Effectual Concepts Tammy Carpenter
Boys & Girls Club of N. Alabama Patrick Wynn
Patty’s Cheesecakes Pat Upchurch
Robots, Coding, and Virtual Reality: Chicago Public Schools
Celebrate National STEM Day With a Week of Hands-on Play
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is wrapping up a week of activities leading to today - National STEM Day - a designation that celebrates science, technology, engineering, and math. CPS events began on Monday, November 4 and were hosted at nearly a dozen school locations across the city throughout the week, with students participating in hands-on “playgrounds,” essentially popup spaces featuring virtual reality, screen-free robots, coding, and problem-solving projects. The goal is to encourage students to tap into and more fully develop their creativity, ingenuity, storytelling, and imagination.
The STE(A)M events – which incorporate arts-focused activities in addition to STEM – were rotated throughout the week at the District’s eight STEM & STEAM Exemplary Demonstration sites: Charles W. Earle STEM Elementary School, Irene C. Hernandez STEM Middle School for the Advancement of Science, Evergreen STEAM Academy Middle School, Salmon P. Chase STEAM Elementary School, Ferdinand Peck STEM Elementary School, Philip D. Armour STEM Elementary School, John T. McCutcheon STEAM Elementary School, and Mary Gage Peterson STEAM Elementary School. Workshops focused on artificial intelligence literacy were also held for middle school students this week at Chalmers STEAM Elementary School and James Weldon Johnson STEAM Elementary School in North Lawndale.
“We are extremely fortunate as a District to have the resources and, importantly, the enthusiasm of eager learners and skilled educators to really celebrate and uphold STEAM education,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “A STEAM-focused environment is not only important for our students’ future, it is also fun and brings joy to learning. It inspires us to be creative, solve problems and find empowerment through knowledge and education.”
The first “playground” was held earlier this week at Peterson Elementary, where students set down coded tiles to teach patterned movements to a robot while at another section, kids used their feet to solve math problems on a large touch screen projected onto the floor.
Audible gasps came from the table where students used a stylus pen to pull out a 3-dimensional hologram of a beating human heart from a computer screen. Helen Trinter, a 7th grader at Peterson, moved her face close to the organ, feeling the pulse of the heart through the stylus pen she held, as it measured and matched her own heart rate. “Oh my lord,” she said.
Helen’s mother, Megan Trinter, watched and her own eyes widened with her daughter’s. “This is the way the world is going. All things feel like they are headed for STEM,” Trinter said, noting that she has seen all four of her children tap into these skills as they progressed along their academic journeys into college. “Your kids don’t need to want to be a scientist or be good at engineering or math to benefit from this. They’ll find that it broadens horizons in a way that even we as parents don’t grasp.”
Helen said her peer group is just as interested in STE(A)M activities as she is, adding, “We’re learning new things and how to code and program. It’s a way to have fun and to get your brain thinking at the same time.”
The school’s goal is to provide equitable opportunities for all students because “sometimes what kids need is just exposure to get their imaginations going and to see their futures differently,” said Peterson Principal Yalil Nieves. “The number of jobs that require a STEAM background will continue to increase and we know that access to these pathways continue to be very limited for minority children.”
The playground events continue at schools Friday, including an afternoon session at McCutcheon STEAM Elementary School. Beyond National STEM Day, CPS’ STEM Department helps to coordinate a number of ongoing events throughout the year to help students develop new skills and learn about career pathways. Examples of these include:
A partnership with DePaul University to host a School of Computing Career Exploration Day to inform high school seniors about degree pathways on November 8. CPS’ Computer Science High School Team is gearing up to launch the First Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Season. The season, which kicks off on November 9, features an underwater theme this year with hands-on experience building and programming robots to tackle unique challenges. The matches will bring together bright minds, technical skills, and creative solutions as students compete, collaborate, and showcase their hard work in the world of robotics. Computer Science Chi-Tech Discovery Day Field Trips are held throughout the year in coordination with University of Illinois’ Discovery Partners Institute to connect students with professionals from top companies like Amazon Web Services and Google to gain insights into exciting tech careers. During these events, students also participate in hands-on design-thinking workshops led by AWS professionals to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
“National STEM Day is another chance for us to draw more awareness around the importance of this curriculum, but the work is really happening year round,” said Kelli Easterly, Executive Director of CPS’ STEM Department. “We have high quality schools, principals, teachers, and STE(A)M coordinators who have put together an impressive amount of resources to set up our students for success. The goal is to create an environment where our young learners have the curiosity to ask new and interesting questions about our world and, at the same time, have the tools and skills to help find the answers.”
The District has and continues to invest heavily in STEM and STEAM focused curriculum and programs. CPS remains the only school district in the nation that requires all students to take a computer science course before high school graduation. Additionally, 29 percent of CPS eighth graders are passing Algebra I, according to the 2024 Illinois State Report Card which showed CPS was on par with the State. Taking Algebra I in eighth grade prepares students to take more advanced math and science classes in high school, better preparing them for college and careers, including jobs in the in-demand STEM workforce. h
CHA Board Passes $1.3 Billion 2025 Budget
The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s 2025 annual budget of $1.3 billion at Tuesday’s Board meeting.
CHA Chief Financial Officer Michael Moran said the budget allows CHA to achieve its key goals of preserving public housing, investing in additional subsidized and affordable housing opportunities, and increasing funding for critical programs and services that benefit residents.
“CHA’s budget is balanced and our financial position is solid,” Moran said. “Our continued fiscal stewardship is reaffirmed by strong bond ratings and clean financial and operational audits.”
Included in the FY2025 budget is CHA’s updated 5-year capital plan. In 2025, CHA is budgeting more than $195 million towards capital projects, including completion of the Restore Home initiative. Under Restore Home, the agency is investing up to $50 million to renovate and rehabilitate vacant buildings in its single family, small and medium apartments portfolio.
CHA also highlighted key accomplishments from 2024, including:
- Received three awards from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) for projects including the 400-unit Lawson House supportive housing developed by Holsten, the Become a Filmmaker partnership with DePaul University and the groundbreaking LevelUp self-sufficiency program.
- Achieved 96% occupancy of leasable public housing units and 99% usage of Tenant-Based Vouchers.
- Under CHA’s Homeownership Made Easy (or H.O.M.E.), continued to expand the new Down Payment Assistance program to create more opportunities for families to graduate from subsidy and realize their dreams of homeownership.
- Hosted the 15th annual Owners’ Symposium, a networking and educational event attended by over 1,000 property owners participating in the HCV program.
- Celebrated the graduation of 79 participants from LevelUp, CHA’s rebranded family self-sufficiency program, and hosted the inaugural graduation of entrepreneurs from CHA’s Business Academy.
-Launched a revamped website, customer experience call center, and a redesigned waitlist application to provide better service to residents, participants, and partners.
-Held the annual Operation Warm event in which nearly 5,000 new coats were distributed to children along with books and other resources for families.
-Hired 19 summer interns in CHA administrative offices and extended the summer youth employment program to year-round employment opportunities.
About the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA): CHA is the third largest public housing authority in the nation and the largest single owner of rental housing in Chicago. Through its public housing and voucher programs, CHA serves 135,000 people in 65,000 households across all 77 of Chicago’s community areas. CHA’s mission is to create and sustain strong communities where seniors thrive and everyone can unlock their economic power, ensuring that every neighborhood in Chicago has quality affordable housing and everyone feels welcome. For more information, visit www.thecha.org. h
Chyrel Jackson
By Terry L Watson
Photos Provided by Chyrel Jackson
Chyrel J. Jackson of Chicago, IL, is a literary visionary and best-selling Amazon Author. Reared and raised in the South Suburbs outside Chicago, Chyrel writes in the spirit of her past great literary ancestors and shares that African American Literature influenced her writing and is one of her favorite genres.
The year 2021 garnered Chyrel her very first literary nomination, Pushcart Nominee-Poem Love Unspoken, Published in Heart Beats Anthology. The Summer of 2022 Chyrel was a contributing writer in the #1 Best Seller ranked Anthology “Not Just Anybody Can Be Dad.” Along with her sister, Lyris D. Wallace, she published SistersRoc’N’Rhyme Presents Poems in the Key of Life, Mirrored Images and Different Sides of the Same Coin. This edgy writing duo appears in multiple published poetry Anthologies, Literary Journals, and International Global Magazines.
The name of Chyrel’s publishing company is SistersRoc’N’Rhyme & Black Angels In Flight, which was formed in 2019. She says, “Black Literature set my soul on fire; I’ve tried to recreate that in a way with our books for our readers. I want them to have a whole positive Black Literature experience. Reading the great Literary greats Sonia Sanchez, Lucille Clifton, Ntzoke Shange, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Terry McMillian, and Langston Hughes made Black people feel bigger than themselves. It was like holding up a mirror and seeing your own reflection for the first time. We want young girls, women, boys, and young men to feel that way about themselves upon reading our books.”
“Black Literature set my soul on fire; I’ve tried to recreate that in a way with our books for our readers. I want them to have a whole positive Black Literature experience.
Chyrel is the middle child of her parents, with three other siblings. She describes herself as a dreamer and extremely introspective. She is also a wife and says the greatest achievement she will ever boast is having the best little sister in the entire world. “I am so proud of the women we have both become. In my freshman year of college, I met James Baldwin, and he told me to write about those things that I know. He told me to stay true to those narratives and for all three of those books that I have published, I know that I’ve done that,” she says.
Chyrel loves being a reflective lens and recorder of the history, culture, times, and world that she’s currently inhabiting. “Writing in truth about those circumstances that we live through can sometimes be a heavy lift,, but I love writing about life as I have experienced it as a Black woman,” she says.
Some of the challenges she has faced in life include racism, which is something she doesn’t believe will change anytime soon. She adds, “The only thing that I can do is write about it truthfully, record what is happening, and bear witness to all events in truth. This includes having a strong resolve to keep bearing witness to what is true.”
For those whose path in life may happen to be similar to hers, Chyrel offers some clear advice. She says, “Be authentically who you are. We have way too many copycats. Let the world catch up to you.” Looking ahead, Chyrel states there are definitely more books, maybe even a screenplay or movie of the books that she and her sister have written. Nothing is impossible!” h www.sistersrocnrhyme.com
She Has Goals For Her Community
By Terry L. Watson
Shonte Baltes is the owner of Shonni B. Realty, which is powered by One Key Realty Brokerage.
Shonte describes herself as a full-fledged entrepreneur. Born in Kissimmee, Florida, Shonte has called Atmore, AL, home for the greater part of her life. “I have the luxury of having country roots with a global mindset,” she says. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, and is currently finishing her Doctoral degree in Leadership at Regent University.
Originally an aspiring publicist turned realtor, Shonte has chartered entrepreneurial waters for the last decade. She adds, “I am a believer in Christ and try to implement those principles in the way I do business. I love meeting new people and enjoy helping individuals reach their greatest potential.”
Shonte originally began as a makeup artist and later transitioned into real estate as an investor circa 2011. She says, “The vision to work in real estate came through prayer, coupled with an internal desire to be in real estate. I have had the privilege to be owner and operator of BonMercy Beauty Bar. In 2023, I became a full-time real estate investor. I was able to begin my first endeavors in real estate by partnering with my mom and we started with one contractor. We found our first foreclosure property moved strategically with one property at a time.”
More than anything, Shonte loves what she does. She says, “I have always desired to change the lives of people and found that providing integral experiences in home buying fulfilled that desire.” She also says that she finds inspiration in offering change to others. “I am inspired when evolution takes place. I am inspired when cities grow and when people grow. Whether it be through generational wealth or realizing the possibilities of life. I am inspired by seeing people succeed. No matter what that looks like. To see others excel inspires me to keep going. That takes the pain out of the process of entrepreneurship.”
Her life she says has been mostly impacted by God. “I know that sounds churchy and mystical, however God does not let me settle. For every new achievement, it becomes my new floor. God gives me a vision beyond what I comprehend at times. His standard for people is something I strive to produce daily.”
Moving forward, Shonte has her eyes set on doing greater things. “The goal is to build an enterprise. I ultimately want to build affordable housing for seniors and build communities. My long-term goal is to become a builder.”
h
Photos Provided by Shonte Baltes
Ef fectual Concepts
By Terry L. Watson
Tammy Carpenter of Greenville, SC, discovered her love for equipping and empowering others almost 20 years ago. It was around that time when she began her career as a Software Trainer & Implementation Consultant. Her profession connects with her passion to help others embrace change, and her faith in God fuels her to use her platforms and voice to teach and share truths that inspire.
Tammy is a published Author, a licensed Minister, and a certified Life Coach. The three books that Tammy has published are Life Speaks, Life Moments, and Church Hurt Healed Me. Tammy is also the Founder of the non-profit organization, enLife, and the CEO of her own consulting and coaching business, Effectual Concepts.
Besides all of her professional accomplishments and accolades, Tammy is certain that one of her assignments is to help others celebrate and share their journeys. Using her brand name, Simply Tammy, she launched the Women Who Win vodcast in 2020, where she interviewed over forty women across the country who were transparent about their journey with the aim of encouraging and inspiring others. Earlier this year, she launched The Simply Tammy Show. This production showcases a variety of stories and includes segments such as Life Speaks, and The Beat Lives On, and Great Grace. These interviews and more content is available on her YouTube channel, @SimplyTammy543.
Photos Provided by Tammy Carpenter
Whether through a message, conversation, coaching session, forum, or her inspirational products, Tammy desires to encourage others to LIVE and LOVE. More than anything, she is grateful to God for transforming her life, and that posture of gratitude fuels her desire to share God’s love with others.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Tammy shares, “I believe there’s beauty in every story, and having the privilege of being a safe space where others feel the freedom to share their stories brings great joy.” She is appreciative for being a part of the journey of the many women she has had the privilege to serve. Their testimonials have greatly impacted her life and encourage her to keep going.
As Tammy has built her brand and business, she has faced a few challenges. One was dealing with expanding by building an effective team to aide with the vision, as well as knowing when to pivot. She was able to manage this challenge by consistently weighing her works against the instructions from God to ensure she remained aligned with her purpose and to know when to connect and with whom.
For others whose journey in life and business may align with that of Tammy’s, her advice is very clear. “Trust the journey and pay attention to God’s work in your life and continue to follow His leading. Don’t allow discouragement to make you stall and continue to move forward, even in uncertain times, because it’s all working for your good.
In regards to her future, Tammy plans to continue to expand her coaching business through classes and forums. She’s honored to serve as a host to help audiences navigate necessary conversations and also as a Coach and Mentor to women during various life transitions. She also plans to continue to highlight stories of others through interviews and conversations. h
Testimonials
CJ - South Carolina
“In the past, lack of trust enabled me to carry feelings of shame and pride. In turn, it was a determining factor of losing my voice and developing a mentality to hide which can impede living life abundantly. Though there still has been some challenges in the journey of life, Tammy has been a constant reminder, and she has helped me find my voice and come from the shadow of my fears. She listens attentively to give insightful feedback to situations encountered. Her way of questioning allows me to ponder circumstances on a deeper level. I respect her and her willingness to have those necessary and candid conversations.”
AS - South Carolina
“Tammy is a very welcoming person which opens up the space to be comfortable sharing concerns with her. I have always felt like she listens carefully and always provides effective solutions. She doesn’t just give advice and send people on their way, she will meet you and show how something is done. She’s always
willing to share her wisdom. Tammy has advised me on many personal issues and obstacles that are still carrying me, such as understanding that there is risk and reward in letting people in and letting them go. That quote has carried me!”
PatUpchurch Pat t y’s Cheescakes
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Pat Upchurch
For St. Louis, MO, native, Pat Upchurch, faith, family, friends and fulfillment are the pillars of her life. She is the CEO and founder of Patty’s Cheesecakes, also based in St. Louis, MO. Her company offers Artisan Cheesecake Desserts.
Launched in 2015, the inspiration for Patty’s Cheesecakes is connected to Pat’s grandmother’s recipe and the joy she brought to every family gathering with her delicious creations. Beginning at an early age, Pat learned to cook from her chef Dad, as her love and passion started at his side on a small step ladder. “My grandmother was a great cook and always made the best cheesecakes, as well as the best everything. When she decided to not make them anymore, she gave me her recipe and mixer,” Pat says. Soon Pat started making cheesecakes for family and friends in her kitchen just like her grandmother. As the demand grew and with the urging and prompting of loved ones, Pat ventured out to begin a food business. She began by working in a commercial kitchen at St. Louis University. Next, she worked at Creative Cookery and the Bakers Hub before opening her current location at the City Foundry Food Hall in St. Louis. Hence, the fun and great adventure in the cheesecake world began.
Pat says there is no idea or creation that is too far-fetched. There is the Cranberry White Chocolate, Apple Pie, Banana Pudding, Strawberry, Chocolate Chip, Gingersnap Cookie, the Original, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, and more. Their most popular item is the Petite Cheesecakes. Pat says, “I found a mini cheesecake pan that could make a dozen cakes at a time. I started making little cheesecakes and that took on a life of itself.” Additionally, two of their fan favorites and best sellers are the Banana Pudding and Gooey Butter Cake Cheesecakes.
Pat has thirty-seven (37) years of professional experience, which includes 19 years of experience specializing in nonprofit, client services, training, program development, leadership development, crisis intervention, case management, crisis counseling, parent and family training, volunteer services, resource coordination, and administration. Additionally, she has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and food industry. She is married to her loving husband, Ahdon, and they have a wonderful son, David. When she has a little free time, she enjoys helping others practically, especially around a great meal.
Just like many small business owners , Pat has endured a few challenges along her journey. One she says has been scaling from one stage to another. This process, she says, involved adjusting and changing their processes and workflow. “We learned and are still learning how to adapt to growth,” she says. Staffing has also been challenging for Pat. Again, she has been able to adjust and change her processes and workflow in response to the highs and lows of staffing.
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Pat says it’s being a part of people’s everyday life and special celebrations. While she credits her dad and grandmother for having the biggest impact on her life, she appreciates the support and love from mentors who she says has been impactful in work and business.
For those who may follow in her footsteps, Pat offers the following advice. “Walk in/know your purpose; know your (why). Be authentically yourself. Also, have fun and work hard. Most importantly, take care of yourself holistically. Also, get or build a support system and network. And finally, when challenges arise, return to your (why).”
Looking ahead, Pat shares that she plans to expand her retail business and wholesale partnerships. “Our business has three areas: retail, wholesale and catering/events/weddings. We are in 33 grocery stores in the St. Louis metro area and in several restaurants and hospital cafes,” she says.
If you are in the St. Louis area, stop by Patty’s Cheesecakes and enjoy Pat’s delicious creations. You will not be disappointed.
Kham’s House
By Terry L. Watson
More than anything, Kischa Howard is determined to keep the memory of her son, Khamron Dawson, alive. In 2019, Khamron was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma Cancer, and in 2022, he died at the young age of 20. Osteosarcoma Cancer is a bone cancer and is labeled as a childhood cancer. Having to care for her son while he battled cancer was understandably a blow that Kischa hadn’t prepared for. “I have faced many challenges in life. To watch my baby boy go through the pain of cancer and die before my eyes has been by far the hardest thing I have ever experienced,” she says.
During the time that Khamron battled cancer, the world was shut down due to COVID-19, and it made it difficult for Kischa to assist Khamron with care, mainly because he was deemed as an adult at age 18. “I worked as a cosmetologist and a part-time life insurance agent. Things were a little difficult for me, but with the love and support of her family and community, we made it work. My family, friends, organizations, and cubs pulled together financial resources to allow me to stay with my son at M.D. Anderson hospital as he received his first chemotherapy treatment. On Jan 2, 2022, Khamron passed away. It was then that I decided to give back in the same way that others had given to our family.”
In response to Khamron’s passing, Kischa started a 501C3 nonprofit organization called Kham’s House. The goal of Kham’s House is to reduce the financial strain on families who have loved ones navigating the journey of cancer and disease that require treatment through short-term lodging, hotel vouchers, food and travel expenses, and fertility clinic storage fees. They also have comfort care packages and partner with mental health professionals to provide social and mental health services.
Photos Provided by Kischa Howard
Khamron Dawson was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma Cancer in 2019.
He passed away in 2022 after losing his battle with the disease.
Born in New Orleans, LA, Kischa moved her five children to Dallas, TX, after Hurricane Katrina ravished New Orleans in 2006. They also only brought three clothing outfits each. Looking forward to life in Dallas, Kischa decided to pursue higher education in 2015 to obtain my B.A. in Social Work. She started by studying at a community college and completed her studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Kischa completed her Master’s Degree studies in Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018. While pursuing higher education, Kischa’s primary income came from working as a licensed cosmetologist.
Kischa shares that she finds inspiration in the strength that Khamron displayed during his cancer journey. “Khamron didn’t complain about what he was going through. Even in intense pain, his spirit was as strong as that of a lion. The day he died, the last thing he said was to his oldest sister, asking her if he did good. Her reply to him was that he did. He was always concerned about pleasing others and giving them grace even when they manipulated him,” Kischa says.
Since Khamron’s passing, Kischa has received grief therapy and grief coaching. Both, she shares, have enabled her to move into the space of actually working with her nonprofit. “Being an Executive Director for a nonprofit is new to me and can be overwhelming. I have a heart to give and do the work, but I need a team to share the responsibilities. I am challenged to obtain supporters as I try to serve any individual between the ages of 15-29 who are receiving cancer treatment or treatment for any disease,” she says.
Finding locations near a hospital to house their clients has also been challenging for Kham’s House. Kischa says, “Oftentimes, I wonder if I am doing what my life’s work and purpose is, and each time, a new opportunity presents itself. It is then that I am encouraged to keep moving forward. Days before my son died, he grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes, and said momma, move forward.”
Currently, Kischa is seeking assistance through a United Way Incubator program, which will allow her to gain business mentors and advisors. Her hope, she says, is to gain some insight through others who are stronger in this space than she is. She also plans to provide lodging units across the United States in every major city where comprehensive cancer treatment facilities are located or a Ronald McDonald House is available. “We would like to have our first location in Dallas and another in Houston, TX. Our goal is to increase the community knowledge and awareness of childhood cancers, specifically osteosarcoma, and the effects on the AYA Adolescent and young adult population.,” she says.
To learn more about Kham’s House, please visit their website.
“Oftentimes, I wonder if I am doing what my life’s work and purpose is, and each time, a new opportunity presents itself. It is then that I am encouraged to keep moving forward.”
Kischa Howard
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
Silas Cade Gibson
The son of Corey Gibson and S’Mia Davidson
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER EIGHT: The Measurement of Love for Mom
One of the hardest things I have experienced while caring for my mother was accepting the fact that she would forever be totally dependent on the care and assistance of others. For all of my life, I had been used to seeing her go, go, and go, and just like that, things changed. One Sunday morning, I stopped by my mother’s home to eat dinner, and the following day, I got a call that she had suffered a stroke. Things changed so fast.
Over the past eight years, I have slowly and stubbornly adapted to meeting my mother exactly where she is. Any success in my ability to adapt to these changes has been connected to my ability to find hope in her—I mean, our situation. Any opportunity that I have to make her smile, I have taken advantage of it, whether it be by saying something silly or reminding her of the things that I know she loves to hear. Seeing and feeling the joy in her smile has been therapeutic for me and her, I do believe.
For anyone who has experienced having a loved one suffer a stroke, one that was debilitating and disabling, you may understand the bucket of emotions that accompany it. My first response was to make life as normal as possible for my mother. I soon realized that would be mission impossible. My advice to others who may find themselves in this place is always to strive to make the most of each situation every day. On some days, my mother could pronounce her words more clearly than the day before. On other days, she seemed so drained from the effects of her brain injury that all she could do was rest. Regardless of what was presented, I had to find a way to prepare my mind to handle it. And I did.
When you truly love someone, the amount is impossible to quantify. It’s just love. My love for my mother is absolutely unconditional, and I am committed to being there for her needs for the rest of our days together. I have also found resolve in learning that she is really aware of my commitment to serving her, and she lets me know in her own way of appreciation.
I have been told that it’s not often that you find a man who cares for his mother as I do as a Caregiver. To be honest, I am surprised to learn that more are not showing up. I have a ton of memories, some great ones, of my mother before she suffered her stroke. However, the memories I have created while caring for her after the stroke are so much more meaningful. God has blessed me to be able to do something for someone that I feel like I owe the world to, and yet, they have never asked for anything in return. That is love. 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!
Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama
By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Patrick Wynn
Patrick Wynn is the Chief Executive Officer of The Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama. The areas the organization serves are Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Athens, Ardmore, and Pineville, AL.
The mission of the organization is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The organization’s code says, “I believe in God and the right to worship according to my own faith and religion. I believe in America and the American way of life, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I believe in fair play, honesty, and sportsmanship. I believe in my Boys & Girls Club, which stands for these things.”
Born and raised in Huntsville, AL, Patrick attended and graduated from Southern Mississippi University. After college, he returned to Huntsville to provide leadership to the community that helped to raise him. “I felt like I had a real tangible role model in my mom, Janice Fletcher. She was a single parent, worked, went to college, and raised three kids. I was able to avoid many of the pitfalls that many of my friends endured due to how she raised and provided for us,” he says.
Coming back to Huntsville is something that Patrick believes he was destined to do. For 26 years, Patrick has worked with the Boys & Girls Club. For the last 16 years, he has served as the organization’s CEO. In his role, Patrick is charged with setting a vision and leading the organization. He adds, “I am required to work with our Board of Directors to ensure that fiscal responsibility and policies and procedures are intact. Ensuring safety and the quality of our program is one of my primary objectives. One thing that I learned is that many people in our community are familiar with the name of the Boys and Girls Club, but many are not aware of the depth of our organization. It is my goal to educate others about our depth and how vital we are to the communities that we serve.”
By design, Boys & Girls Clubs work in and with communities where there is a void of males, fathers, mentors, and role models. These could be rural communities, low-income communities, Indian bases, and military bases. The organization provided essential care for the young people there. The care in mind may consist of education and career development, workforce readiness, ACT prep, public speaking, arts and crafts, drivers’ education, and more.
Patrick says that he is a firm believer that there is no coincidence. “I believe that God aligned the stars for me to work at the Boys and Girls Club,” he says. Before coming there, Patrick worked as a Therapeutic Group Counselor, and a high school teammate informed him about opportunities at the Boys & Girls Club. “I was ready to get out of my role as a Therapeutic Group Counselor because I felt that wasn’t serving my community.”
What Patrick says he loves most about what he does is the opportunity to work with young people. “I see myself in each kid that walks through our doors. Again, I was a product of single parenting, and I also grew up in public housing, and even more, my mother was a teenage parent. I believe that I am successful in my role as CEO because I can relate to those that we serve. I have walked the same path they have. With the help and guidance of God, along with a very special mom, I was able to navigate through tumultuous situations that exist in the areas where I grew up. I was able to excel despite being in disadvantaged circumstances. Amazingly, I never felt disadvantaged because of the guidance that I had. I believe that God put me in those situations so that I can help the people that I do today.”
As the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, Patrick shares that he has faced a few challenges and has found ways to overcome them. “Being an African American and wearing a CEO title in the nonprofit space, I have always strived to help people understand that this is a business,” he says. “When I first began, my goal was to understand the business aspect of the organization, and I surrounded myself with people who ran companies. There have been people who have taught me some things and may not realize they have. I am inquisitive by nature, and I ask questions because I want to learn. Over 26 years, I have won many awards, but if you come to my office, you will not see any of them. They are in boxes because I feel that I haven’t arrived and that I am still hungry. I believe that when you stop learning, you stop living. That is why I continue to ask questions and pick others’ brains; I want to get better. I believe that success breeds success. If you are not watching what other successful people are doing, then you don’t want to be successful. I want to pick up successful habits and be the best version of myself.”
Patrick credits many individuals with inspiring and impacting his life. Obviously, his mom has, and Patrick also credits his wife, Kecia, with whom he has shared 20 years of marriage. Together, they have three boys. “My wife is always looking for greatness.” Patrick also finds inspiration in his community. “There are things that were built to stop us from being successful, but still, we rose like a rose from concrete. There are so many people who come from our communities who didn’t begin with an advantage, but we still have found a way to succeed. That is what I love about the communities we serve. It is not about the position you hold or what you own; it is about where you come from. It is also about how many lives you’ve touched,” he says.
It is obvious that Patrick has a genuine desire to help and serve others and being in the role of CEO for the Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama appears to be the perfect fit for him. When asked if there is anything that he would change about the way things have happened along his journey in life, Patrick’s response is very concise. “Your journey makes you who you are. If some of the things that happened to me hadn’t happened, I would be where I am today. I also wish I would have read more when I was a child,” he says.
Looking ahead, Patrick is eager to continue to lead the Boys & Girls Club into greater places. In 2021, he led the organization with its Comprehensive Capital Campaign. A first for them, they were able to raise $13 million dollars, and those funds are being used to build new facilities throughout North Alabama.
Patrick concludes by offering a bit of sound wisdom. “I want to be an airplane. People of great height don’t go backward. Airplanes don’t fly backward. I want to go to great heights like an airplane. We all will make mistakes, but when I make them, I write them down to ensure that it will not happen to me again,” he says. h
