Aug./Sept. 2024
Vol. 2 Issue 9
Your Purpose and Promise; It’s All God
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
In the midst of whatever you are going through, one thing that you must always remember to do is keep your eyes on the prize. By doing so, you are able to avoid any unnecessary distractions. Outside noise and distractions can be dream destroyers. Something else that we must be mindful of is understanding the purpose of our fight. Are you fighting for a prize, or are you fighting just by fighting? The funny thing is that God gives us all a warrior spirit, yet knowing when and how to brawl is key.
A Letter from the Editor
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
For me, I hope that when it is all said and done, God sees things the way that I do. That is meant to be funny, but honestly, I am truly grateful for the life He has blessed me with. While everything hasn’t happened as I thought that it would, it’s only by God’s grace that I am here. I would believe this is the testament shared by many, as God shines his love on all of us, without prejudice.
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.
I also appreciate the times He saved me, even in the midst of wars and battles that I initiated. I realize now that I was actually misusing the benefits of that warrior spirit and following my own direction instead of allowing God to lead me to where the fight would be appropriate and beneficial to His plan. Championship fighters all have something in common: they have someone in their corner to coach and direct them throughout their fights. When I was fighting my own fight and not listening to what God wanted me to do, I really didn’t give myself a fighting chance to win, and I didn’t.
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.
Our primary goal in life should always be to please God and do what He expects us to do in all situations. It’s ok to be firm and resilient. However, we must always incorporate wisdom into our decision-making. Even when we believe no one is looking, God is always there, in our corner, offering direction and encouragement. Yet, if we can’t hear Him, or if He is tuned out by the things that we allow to distract us, we’re actually denying ourselves access to His promises of triumph.
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
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Rev. Dr. Haile K. Lindsay
Woodbridge, VA
Playing For A Cause
3rd Annual NVBCC Golf Classic
Durham, NC
The POOF Teen Center
Destiny Alexander
Louisville, KY
Caring For Her Community
LaMicra Martin
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah is leading the way at Virgina State University. Learn more about his journey. Bowie, MD
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. Her name is Aubree Henry.
Way in Washington
Muriel Bowser
Walker Skin Care & Aesthetics Tenisha Walker
The Mayor of The Town of Walls Keidron Henderson
The Peach Cobbler Factory Wendy Ladd
Black Philanthropy Month Spotlight: Addressing Black Maternal Health Disparities
Information provided by Trinnette Cooper, ABFE’s Director of Philanthropic Advising Services www.abfe.org
“In the U.S., Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Black women are also two times more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and 1.5 times more likely to have a preterm delivery, compared to their white counterparts.” (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2024)
The staggering statistics highlight a deeply entrenched issue within our society: the severe disparities in hearing, understanding, and prioritizing the pain and injustices against Black women. This lack of recognition and response extends into our healthcare system, manifesting in alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women.
Each year, hundreds of Black women die from preventable pregnancy-related complications, and many more experience severe health issues that are often overlooked or misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals. As highlighted in a New York Times article about Christine Fields, who tragically died due to a preventable error at Brooklyn hospital, Black birthing people frequently report feeling dismissed or unsupported by doctors, with their concerns and symptoms not taken seriously—a deadly bias that can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
I recently had the privilege of hearing from Vice President Kamala Harris as she addressed my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® during our 71st Biennial National Convention. Vice President Harris is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®. During her remarks, she shared that “for the first time, we have created national health and safety standards for maternal care, which means nearly every hospital in our country will soon be required to provide new mothers with delivery rooms that are fully stocked with lifesaving medical equipment.” This unprecedented commitment to improving the birthing process and experience for birthing people resonated with me as a doula and someone trained in public health.
The role of doulas is crucial in bridging the gap for Black birthing people by offering culturally sensitive and holistic support. In a healthcare system where, Black women often face neglect; doulas are a lifeline. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing people before, during, and after childbirth. They advocate for their clients, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Research shows that doulas significantly improve birth outcomes, reducing the likelihood of cesarean sections, enhancing the birthing experience, and providing essential postpartum support.
In addition to my role as the Director of Philanthropic Advising Services at ABFE, I am also a dedicated doula of over 16 years. This dual perspective allows me to see firsthand the critical importance of addressing Black maternal health both from a systemic policy level and through direct, personalized care. The care and concern of delivering a healthy baby is critical during labor and delivery. As a doula, I focus intensely on the well-being of Black birthing people. I recall one particularly challenging labor that underscored the vital role I play. The labor was unexpectedly long and strenuous, requiring an oxygen mask and leaving her family too overwhelmed to provide the necessary support. As the baby’s birth neared, I was the only support person present. The trust we had built allowed me to ask the right questions and provide immediate assistance, ensuring both mom and baby had healthy outcomes.
Witnessing the transformative impact of doula care firsthand has inspired me to consider becoming a postpartum doula, given the increasing need for mental health and well-being support for Black birthing people post-delivery. Reflecting on another client who had an emergency cesarean section, my preparatory work ensured she knew what her maternal experience should and should not feel like, preserving her dignity and advocacy. This compassionate, personalized care is vital, ensuring Black birthing people are supported and represented at every phase of their journey.
August is a meaningful month in the context of Black liberation, history, resilience, and resistance. As we celebrate Black Philanthropy Month, remember that every statistic represents real women, real families, and real communities. Supporting Black doulas and birth workers is not just about improving numbers; it’s about saving lives, ensuring dignity in childbirth, and fostering resilience in our communities. These professionals are on the front lines, saving lives and advancing Black maternal health equity.
At ABFE, we recognize that advancing Black maternal health is critical to achieving health equity for Black communities, aligning with our Ten Imperatives, developed with over 60 Black philanthropic CEOs. Our goal is to eradicate racial disparities in health, address police brutality, and improve overall well-being in Black communities by dismantling discriminatory structures and fostering strong partnerships. We call on philanthropy, foundations, and the broader sector to join us in supporting Black doulas and birth workers, committing to an equity-focused approach in all investments and actions. Together, we can make significant strides toward healthier outcomes for Black mothers and their babies, ensuring a sustained effort toward racial equity. h
3rd Annual Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic
The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) is pleased to announce its 3rd Annual Golf Classic, which will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Old Hickory Golf Club (11921 Chanceford Drive) in Woodbridge, VA. This event supports the organization’s mission to provide resources, leadership, and advocacy to promote prosperity within the African American community of Northern Virginia.
NVBCC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps Black-owned businesses by identifying resources, creating initiatives, and establishing educational avenues that provide opportunities for them to flourish in Northern Virginia and surrounding areas. With a strong contingent of more than 420 members, it aims to continue providing relevant and innovative programming to ensure their prosperity and growth.
NVBCC’s Annual Golf Classic is an opportunity for you to support the advancement of the economic empowerment of Black-owned businesses in the region while increasing awareness of your organization’s products and services to a large and diverse audience. They hope you commit to supporting this important event. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Dr. Lindsay Tutoring Services
By Terry L. Watson
Lindsay Tutoring Services moves by the motto “Providing tutoring excellence in the subjects of science, math, and engineering.” Owned and founded by Rev. Dr. Haile K. Lindsay, Lindsay Tutoring Services focuses on serving students of all types, from children to adults, from elementary school to college. They offer a variety of services that focus on the following topics: Math, Science, Engineering, and Standardized Test Preparation.
Math: These services include Elementary School Math, Middle School Math, Middle School/High School Algebra I, High School Algebra II, High School Geometry, High School Trigonometry, High School/College Precalculus, High School/College Calculus, and College Calculus.
Science: These services include Elementary School Science, Middle School Science, High School Physics, High School Chemistry, College Physics, and College Chemistry.
General Engineering: The services offered include General Engineering, Statics, Mechanical Engineering Design, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Thermodynamics.
Standardized Test Preparation: Services offered include SAT Prep for Mathematics and ACT Prep for Mathematics.
Dr. Lindsay is a native of Greensboro, NC, and resides in Bowie, Maryland. He is the only child of the late Janice Foust and the youngest of two of Michael Friday. Dr. Lindsay matriculated through Guilford County Schools and graduated from James B. Dudley High School in 1997. After Dudley, he attended NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, and majored in Mechanical Engineering. Due to the favor of God, the support of his family and hard work, Dr. Lindsay earned a B.S. (summa cum laude) in 2001, a M.S. in 2003, and a PhD in 2007.
Lindsay Tutoring Services is grateful to God for providing us the opportunity to tutor some great young men, women, and adults. We have had numerous students matriculate through high school and onto college.
Photos by Dr. Haile Lindsay
After completing his studies at NC A&T, Dr. Lindsay accepted a job with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where he has been employed since 2008. While at the NRC, some of his accolades include the Special Recognition Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards in February 2013, the NRC’s EEO Award for African Americans in 2014, and the NRC’s Meritorious Service Award for EEO Excellence in 2021.
Dr. Lindsay has been happily married to his wife, Pamela, for almost 20 years, and they have three children, Tory, Tiras, and Tierra, and four grandchildren: Micah, Kassius, Victoria, and Tory, Jr. Additionally, Dr. Lindsay serves as an associate minister at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in Upper Marlboro, MD, and has been a member there since 2009. He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in 2015.
After years of serving as a tutor for a couple of companies in the area, Dr. Lindsay made the decision to launch Lindsay Tutor Services in 2016. He shares he knew that all he had to do was trust God in the process. “Lindsay Tutoring Services is grateful to God for providing us the opportunity to tutor some great young men, women, and adults. We have had numerous students matriculate through high school and onto college. Over this past year, we’ve had a hand in two young men who graduated from high school and now are headed to Morgan State University and Virginia State University, respectively,” he says.
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Dr. Lindsay says it’s the opportunity to see his clients excel and gain confidence in the work they are doing. He also loves the opportunity to serve and mentor others. Those are understandable joys of success. However, with success also comes challenges. Lindsay Tutoring Services has been forced to learn how to manage a flow of steady clientele coupled with having so many other responsibilities; though challenging, it appears that he has adapted quite well.
Moving forward, Dr. Lindsay shares that he plans to continue to impact lives by providing tutoring excellence to clients in the subjects of science, math, and engineering. He also plans to continue to make a digital footprint on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. “Our company will continue to grow thanks in large part to the parents and clients who believed in Lindsay Tutoring Services,” he says. h
WendyLadd The Peach Cobbler Factory - CLE
By Terry L. Watson
Wendy Ladd is the franchise owner of two Peach Cobbler Factory locations. One is in Cleveland, OH, and the second is in Clarksville, TN. The Peach Cobbler Factory franchise is the second fastest-growing franchise across the nation. “We are a unique dessert spot. We aim to be the best desert bar in the country. We sell 12 flavors of banana pudding and 12 flavors of cobbler; we sell waffles, bigger and better brownies and cookies, churros, pudding shakes, and cobble shakes. We also make our very own peach tea and cold-brew coffee. Our goal is to make a great experience for the customers who grace our door, she says.
Wendy Ladd describes herself as a follower of Jesus Christ. Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, Wendy grew up in a two-parent household with one sibling. Of her immediate family, she is the only living member. “At my core, I am purpose-driven in Christ,” she says.
Wendy graduated from high school tenth in class. Later she attended college, and obtained her bachelors degree in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis. Her next move found her at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she got her Master’s Degree in business. In addition, Wendy spent about 15 and a half years in the United States Military, serving in the US Navy and the Air Force.
In August of this year, Wendy celebrated 28 years of marriage to her husband, Philip. She has two children: one daughter, who is currently in college and working towards her graduate degree in Speech Pathology, and her son, who is a junior in college and studying Communication.
Her path to entrepreneurship has been sort of unconventional. When she got out of the military as a Nurse Corps Officer, she became a Director of Nursing at a small critical care hospital. When that opportunity went away due to downsizing, she found herself at home with nothing to do. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I thought about opening a same-day surgery practice, amongst other things, and learned about an opportunity on a job posting site that catapulted her into the pharmaceutical industry. I stayed in this industry for twenty years before the dynamics changed and found myself looking for new opportunities,” she says.
Photos Provided by Wendy Ladd
In the past, Wendy had no challenges finding new employment opportunities, yet time passed, and nothing happened. “I asked God for direction. I didn’t know what to do. A good friend told me that maybe God wanted me to do something different,” she says. Wendy would soon learn about the franchise opportunities with The Peach Cobbler Factory from a friend. There was a location opening in Charlotte, NC. She visited the location and brought some desserts home for her husband. They both loved them, and Wendy later told him the good news that she had an interest in them becoming a franchisee with the company. Her husband was on board. Next, they would meet with the company’s CEO, who was also a franchisee at his store location. They had a lot of questions about operations, how to build the business, and more. The CEO shared the origins of how The Peach Cobbler Factory began. “It started from an African American couple from New Orleans that had been disenfranchised from Hurricane Katrina. They moved from New Orleans to Nashville and began selling their desserts out of their car. They later moved to Louisville, KY, and opened their first brick-and-mortar location. Our CEO found out about the location in Louisville. He was sold, and the franchise was born,” Wendy says. Today, more than 100 peach Cobbler Factory locations are open around the country, with many more going through the process to get started.
“I feel like I am on an assignment.” That is Wendy’s response when asked what she loves most about what she does. “I feel like this is a place where people can come in and forget about the things that are happening outside. There is so much going on, and a lot of it is not positive. Inside our businesses, we have music playing, we have smiles on our faces that greet each customer, and, more importantly, we have an outstanding menu. You will not see a menu like ours anywhere else. People have brought me to tears talking about how good our Peach Cobbler is and how it reminds them of the cobbler they used to eat with their grandmother. It brings people back to the memory of when life was a lot easier, and folks were a lot kinder. We put a lot of love into what we do. We actually have a shirt here that says “Love In A Cup, That’s what we are serving here,” Wendy says.
Wendy and her company are committed to supporting the interests of members of her community, and she has formed various partnerships with individuals and organizations in and around Cleveland. One is The Spirit of Excellence, which works with highfunctioning, mentally challenged adults. Wendy is able to offer the organizations’ clients a place to come and help contribute to what they do. “Being able to work with them brings me great joy, and I look forward to working with them each week they come,” she says. Additionally, many of the employees at Wendy’s are high school students. “I am able to speak into them. We assume these young minds are getting this at home, but it’s an assumption, and oftentimes, it’s a wrong assumption. Not only can their teachers speak to them, but they have an employer that can do the same. Many of our young employees are African Americans, and that brings me joy as well. That is why I feel that I am on an assignment by God, and I am trying to fulfill that assignment to the best of my ability.”
Named by her mother, Wendy says she didn’t like the name as a young girl. “I associated my name with someone who doesn’t look like me,” she says. Her mother is also the person who impacted Wendy’s life the most. Growing up, Wendy’s mother had her involved in many activities, such as figure skating, gymnastics, and swimming. “She was imparting into me at a young age and I didn’t realize what she was doing for me at the time. I would be the only black girl in these programs. I sang in a group called “The Singing Angels” and went all around the world. By the time I was in the sixth grade, I had already traveled to Rome and Germany. She also had my brother involved in hockey. I recall her telling us not to close ourselves off just because of where we live. She foresaw some things in our lives that would help us as adults.”
When asked if there is anything she would change about how things have happened for her in life, Wendy says there are so many things that have happened, but she is unsure about changing anything. “Experience. That is the only way you are going to grow and develop. If I came into this knowing everything, what is the point? I would have never imagined that after 36 years of being a healthcare professional, I would be in the dessert business,” she states.
Looking ahead, Wendy plans to continue building up business for The Peach Cobbler Factory. She hopes to open another location in Cleveland and form additional partnerships with community stakeholders. She also plans to start a podcast that will allow women of color who are in their mature seasons of life to discuss issues that matter to them. If you are in Cleveland, OH, or Clarksville, TN, stop by The Peach Cobbler Factory and enjoy some of their delicious desserts. h
P.O.O.F. Teen Center
By Terry L. Watson
Planning Our Own Future, or Planning Our Own Funeral; that is the meaning of the organization’s name, P.O.O.F. The double acronym was chosen by the groups founder and director Destiny Alexander, as she wanted to send two messages. “We teach funeral in terms of legacy not tragedy,” she says.
Destiny says she started her program three years ago, but the vision and the volunteer work started over eight years ago. “POOF began after I became pregnant with my son when I was only 19 years old. His father was sentenced to 25 years in prison when I was eight months pregnant. I understood that he had three things going against him coming into this world: He was a black male, his father was in prison, and society told us he had a higher chance of going to prison because, last but not least, I was a high school dropout. This was a lot, but I knew I had to do something different with him. I had to work to make ends meet. Because of the things that I instilled in him early on, he started planning his own future. He graduated from one of the best schools in the state of North Carolina, The School Math & Science. We both learned that society doesn’t define us. He’s currently enrolled in college on a full ride,” she says.
Photos Provided by Destiny Alexander
Destiny is a native of Durham, the Bull City. She is a North Carolina Central University Graduate and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Public Administration. In addition to her son, Destiny has a daughter who is a senior at the City of Medicine and a 10-year-old German Shepherd, Pebbles. “My testimony is short and sweet. I was a single mom, a high school dropout, and financially unstable. I embodied nearly every stereotype imaginable. However, through it all, I’ve learned that society does not define me—I define myself. These are the lessons I aim to impart to the teens we work with. We teach them that as long as they hold onto their morals, values, and beliefs, they can achieve great things in life. I understand that change is possible, and despite some teens being dismissed due to their behavior, I believe that in the right environment, at the right time, change can occur, especially with teens.”
A nonprofit organization, The POOF program is an entrepreneurship pathway program with three pillars: financial literacy, world travel, and life preparation. Each of these pillars is designed to equip teens with essential life skills. Financial literacy is facilitated through the establishment of savings accounts, providing a foundation for financial understanding and responsibility. World travel is encouraged through obtaining and learning about passports, enabling teens to broaden their horizons and experience different cultures firsthand. Life preparation emphasizes the significance of life insurance, ensuring that the importance of this aspect is understood within the black community.
Destiny says, “Our program follows the carrot approach, where we don’t dangle goals so far out of reach that teens give up. We believe in creating a safe space where teens can progress at a pace that suits them. Within the first 30 days of joining our program, they can achieve a milestone (bite a carrot), and within 60 days, they can accomplish another (second bite of the carrot). By 90 days, they are on their second carrot, signifying progress and growth. Our approach is centered around building routines and a safe space of trust, allowing us to understand the needs and aspirations of each teen. We guide them towards further programs, support them in continuing with the travel component, or provide them with the necessary skills within our program. Trust is a crucial component in our work, and once established, it forms the basis for our continued progress and impact in working with teens.”
More than anything, Destiny shares that she loves seeing teens acting their age in a safe space where they can have fun being around each other, not tearing them down. “I enjoy watching their grades go up. I enjoy all of it. I enjoy that we are creating law-abiding citizens and not being part of a statistics,” she says.
For most nonprofit organizations, funding can be a real hurdle, and for Destiny and The POOF Teen Center, this also has been the case. Destiny shares that she annually invests $67,000 solely for the building costs of the space they operate in. That is in addition to expenses for food and facilitating activities for the teens. To ensure their teens have a safe and conducive learning environment, she has allocated over $100,000 towards these efforts. “While I have
not completely overcome this challenge, I am actively seeking solutions. One approach I am exploring is having a dedicated team member focus on grant writing to secure additional funding. This will not only allow me to continue impacting the teens we currently serve but also expand our reach and impact to a broader audience,” she says.
Moving forward, Destiny says her next objective is to acquire a permanent space for the program. “I am excited about the prospect of creating a dedicated teen space where they can feel like they’re stepping into a different world. Currently, we rent out our space for events to help offset building costs. My dream, hope, and goal are to purchase a space by 2026 that we can transform into a genuine teen center, resonating with the vibe and atmosphere teens desire,” she says.
To learn more about the POOF Teen Center, please visit their website. h
A Dedicated Professional & Community Leader
By Terry L Watson
Photos Provided by LaMicra Martin
LaMicra Martin of Indiana describes herself as a dedicated professional and community leader.
She has enjoyed a career in health administration, focusing on improving patient experience, safety, and quality care, which has spanned 26-plus years. LaMicra is also a fellow Hoosier Women Forward Alumni, an organization that acts as a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities. In 2018, LaMicra ran for the position of Floyd County Commissioner in Indiana, followed by a run for Floyd County Auditor in Indiana in 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration/Health Information Systems and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she is the sitting Vice President of the Indiana Democratic African-American Caucus (IDAAC) of Indiana.
While serving to meet the needs of her community, LaMicra founded Brothers Reaching Up Higher (B.R.U.H.), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that encourages positive self-esteem and self-worth for young men aged 10-19.
The areas of focus for B.R.U.H are Life Skills, Mental Health, Trade Careers, and Entrepreneurial Guidance. With Life Skills, LaMicra says, “Our community is rich with individuals eager to share their expertise. We collaborate with mentors, professionals, and volunteers who guide our B.R.U.H. young men in developing essential life skills. With Mental Health, we are aware that depression and anxiety disproportionately affect young men, who often lack access to mental health resources. At B.R.U.H., we prioritize self-awareness, self-confidence, and open communication to promote mental well-being.”
As my boys were growing up, their friends would come and stay and hang out all day if they were not in school. Some of the friends would stay longer than normal, which led to the question of what was going on with the home front.
Many trades offer on-the-job training or vocational education. With its Trade Career service, LaMicra’s organization seeks partnerships with companies willing to invest in young men, equipping them with valuable trade skills for a successful future. Finally, with their Entrepreneurial Guidance, they utilize engaging workshops to empower youth with the technical skills necessary for starting their own businesses and pursuing rewarding careers.
B.R.U.H. was created in 2019 for young men. LaMicra shares, “As my boys were growing up, their friends would come and stay and hang out all day if they were not in school. Some of the friends would stay longer than normal, which led to the question of what was going on with the home front. After learning some of their home challenges, I decided to try to give an alternative to living. B.R.U.H. teaches real-life skills and provides mental health check-ins with a licensed therapist.”
In addition to Brother Reaching Up Higher (B.R.U.H), LaMicra also manages Martin & Associates LLC. Martin & Associates LLC offers Event Planning and Coordination, Event Design and Décor, Catering Services, Entertainment and Activities, Audio-Visual Services, On-Site Management, and Notary Services. Martin & Associates LLC derived from LaMicra’s Gifts & Décor, a home-based business that decorated for events and made items for decorations. “We collectively combined and added to the business, including notary services in 2018,” she says.
LaMicra says that she loves bringing joy to her clients. “Our services are designed to create memorable and successful events tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of our clients. Creating a space for individuals and families to have a day to celebrate their joys, accomplishments, birthdays, and dreams, and knowing that we are a part of their occasion, inspires me daily,” she says.
As a business owner, LaMicra has faced some adversities. One was ensuring a steady cash flow and also managing finances effectively. Attracting new clients to continue to build a loyal customer base, which takes time and effort is another challenge she has faced. Staying ahead of competitors, which can be difficult, to differentiate their services and maintain a competitive edge is another challenge she has faced.
LaMicra’s future plans involve continuing to support her community in the capacities that she is able to. Her plans also involve assisting with finding the right vendors and venues for her clients’ events. h
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER FIVE: Adapting To New Difficulties
Throughout the caregiving experience for my Mother, one thing has always been consistent: one day is never the same as the day before.
Adapting to the constant change has also helped me to learn a lot of new things about myself. I have been known to be a little anxious and impatient; however, while caring for my Mother, that responsibility has always required a new level of patience. Furthermore, while watching others care for her, some professionally trained, some serving from the depths of their hearts, I have always measured their efforts by how they respond during difficult moments. Being a caregiver requires that the person administering the care possesses one important gift: the ability to care for someone just as much or even more than they would care for themselves.
When I decided to bring my Mother into my home to live, I admit that I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into. (For details about my thoughts at the time, please read Chapter One of this series.) It’s Mom, and I am here for whatever she needs, yet caring for her needs has been so much more than that.
To know my Mom, I mean to truly understand her; you also understand the significance and importance of her visits to the hair salon. Within the first month of arriving at my home, I was seeking ways to help make her feel more like her old self. Her physicians had informed our family that Mom would never be the old version of herself, and due to the damage of the brain injury she endured, she would have little or no memory of what life used to be for her. Still, getting her to the salon, I thought, would provide a place to connect, socialize, and embrace her womanness among other women. For the most part, my Mother spent a lot of time with me, her grown son, and by God’s grace, she didn’t lose her genuine self. Getting her to a former place where she blossomed into her full beauty, I believed, would be good for her.
The day arrived for Mom to visit her stylist, and when presence was made inside the building, her emotions began to rise from within. There were some tears, but I processed those to be representatives of some emotions that had been silenced for nearly four months. Her stylist was happy to see her, and my Mom was even happier to see her, but I was more astonished by the first thing that my Mother said to her stylist. “Look what happened to me?” I knew then it was my time to sit in the waiting room as she had arrived in her element, and she was about to receive some much-needed healing and therapy from her personal hairstylist.
When my Mother’s session was complete, we got back into my car and headed back home. Of course, I took some photos of her fresh, new style. She was popping, and I was sure to capture this moment for her and my family, who weren’t there. It was refreshing to see her look sort of like her old self but even more beautiful. I felt as if I was looking at a new version of her, free of the toxins that played a role in leading up to her stroke. I also realized that ensuring that each day for the rest of her days is better and more memorable than each day before. I am a son first and then a caregiver. 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!
Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D. President of Virginia State University
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah began his Virginia State University career in February 2016, bringing with him an unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. Upon his appointment, he outlined his core beliefs that became the foundation of his work for VSU: beliefs in God, family, the transformative nature of education, and in Virginia State University. With that foundation in mind, Dr. Abdullah and his newly appointed administration began planning the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Preeminence with Purpose to chart the University’s path to continued growth and excellence. His plan set forth the next chapter for VSU, which focused on six areas: Student Opportunity and Access, Academic Excellence, The Holistic Experience for Students, Enhancing the Land Grant Mission of the University, Advancing the VSU Brand and Financial/Operational Effectiveness.
Under Dr. Abdullah, VSU has experienced yearly enrollment growth and the highest retention rate in over twenty years. The University also increased the 4-year graduation rate to the highest recorded rate in the University’s history. In 2023, VSU made history as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) ever selected to host a General Election U.S. Presidential Debate. That same year, the University announced a new Employee Degree Attainment Program (EDAP) offering tuition assistance for higher education to VSU employees. Dr. Abdullah strongly supports the career development of faculty and staff at VSU.
Dr. Abdullah’s leadership has helped VSU gain a reputation as one of the most prestigious HBCUs in the country. In 2023, VSU was ranked as the #1 HBCU in Virginia by Washington Monthly Magazine and as the #13 HBCU nationally by College Consensus. VSU also ranked in the top 20% in the “Performers on Social Mobility” list by U.S. News and World Report and in the top 27% of Best Value Universities for International Students, according to Study Abroad Aide, the most comprehensive database of universities in the world. In recent years, the University has extended its academic offerings with newly added undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Additionally, the University offers fully online programs/degrees and a free tuition program for students from area high schools.
Since Dr. Abdullah’s appointment, Virginia State University’s year-end financial reserves have more than tripled. The University also received a $30 million gift—the largest single donor gift in the University’s history—aiding the University in growing the investments from approximately $40 million to $80 million. In addition, under Dr. Abdullah, VSU has newer infrastructure happening concurrently than at any point in the University’s 140-year history. This includes a new 30,000-square-foot admissions building, a research and cooperative extension facility, improvements to Rogers Stadium, and a new $120 million Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons—the largest building ever constructed on the VSU campus. In 2021, VSU also renamed four buildings to honor Black women who have made significant contributions to the University.
In 2018, under Dr. Abdullah’s guidance, Virginia State University successfully completed its reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The University was reaffirmed for 10 years with no recommendations. Dr. Abdullah has led the launch of several major initiatives since taking office. These include the establishment of the John Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership to assess, develop and empower African American leaders; the establishment of The Center for Policing Leadership and Social Justice to address the critical divide between law enforcement and communities of color; and the establishment of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging on campus to promote good relations toward and support those who may be subject to discrimination.
A Chicago native, Dr. Abdullah earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Howard University and his doctorate and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Northwestern University. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Prior to his appointment as President of Virginia State University, Dr. Abdullah served as Provost and Senior Vice President at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL (2013-2016), Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, FL (2011-2013), and Dean and Director of 1890 Land Grant Programs at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, FL (2008-2011).
Dr. Abdullah is married to Dr. Ahkinyala Cobb-Abdullah, former Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and former Director of the Center for STEM Diversity at Virginia Union University. They are proud parents of two HBCU college graduates: their son, Mikaili, a Morehouse College graduate with a Ph.D. from Morehouse School of Medicine, and their daughter, Sefiyetu, a two-time graduate of VSU with a Master of Science in Computer Science. h
Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic
Our mission is to provide support and effective treatments for those dealing with hair loss and weight management issues, empowering them to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.
By Terry L. Watson
Photos by Taneka Walker
Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, Taneka Walker has committed her life to serving and helping others.
Taneka is a dedicated family nurse practitioner. After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and served her country while simultaneously pursuing her passion for nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University. She added to her educational merits and obtained two graduate degrees: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing. Beyond her professional achievements, Taneka is a loving mother of two. She retired from the military in April 2023 after serving for 25 years. “My commitment to both my family and career exemplifies my dedication to helping others and living life to the fullest,” she says.
Today, Taneka is the owner of Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic, based in Houston, TX. The Brand is wellness and aesthetics, and their tagline is “Experience Wellness The Walker Way”. Her company began in 2022 under the parent name of The Scalp Boss. Taneka shares that The Scalp Boss was founded based on the personal challenges she faced in her everyday life, such as alopecia and the pressure and stress of maintaining military weight standards. These experiences fueled her passion to create solutions that help others overcome similar struggles. “Our mission is to provide support and effective treatments for those dealing with hair loss and weight management issues, empowering them to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.”
Now operating under the name Walker Wellness and Aesthetics Clinic, her goal is to provide a range of services tailored for individuals looking to regain their lost confidence, whether due to hair loss, weight gain, aging, or the challenges of everyday life. Their offerings include Hair Restoration, Medical Wigs, Medical Weight Loss programs, Botox and Aesthetic treatments, and DOT examinations.
As a nurse practitioner and business owner, Taneka admits that she loves restoring confidence in her clients. She also professes to be a firm believer in the power of knowledge and takes great joy in educating her clients and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
Taneka adds that her original focus was on aesthetics and hair loss services, but the services that have garnered the most attention have been weight loss services. “Despite it being my passion, I realized the need and started to provide the services that made a difference for my clients. It forced me to look at the market differently, and due to an agile business response, I was able to re-brand and offer the original service but put more focus on overall wellness. Developing that service line forced me to pivot and adjust to the needs of others. One of my slogans was restoring confidence one strand at a time. Now I’m restoring health one pound at a time. Learning to be agile has been one of the best moves I have made as a small business owner,” she says.
Developing a business from the ground up has been very challenging, Taneka says. “My challenge was developing an entire business model revolving around aesthetics and hair loss. I learned that when you have created a business model around one aspect and another aspect takes off, it creates challenges. Resources were tied into that promotion, but the other services that were not as funded started to take off. As a business owner, I learned to adjust and start to do what the customer requests. I made changes and started to market appropriately out of my own pocket to fund this new line of business. What I learned from this is to adjust and understand what to put the resources on and make changes that keep you afloat. You can be stubborn and close, or you can be agile and adaptable; making the changes and becoming Walker Wellness has been a move that has positioned me for sustainability moving forward.”
Branding and marketing are some other consistent challenges that Taneka has faced. From navigating everchanging algorithms to keeping up with the latest social media trends. She says, “The digital landscape evolves rapidly, requiring constant adaptation and creativity to stay relevant. It can be overwhelming to manage these demands while also focusing on providing top-notch services to clients. However, these challenges also present opportunities to connect with a broader audience and showcase the unique value our clinic offers. By staying agile and embracing innovative marketing strategies, I aim to build a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with our community.”
Looking ahead, Taneka plans to expand her practice by opening several locations throughout the Houston and Dallas areas. This growth will allow her to serve more clients and bring herr specialized care to a wider community. Additionally, she plans to introduce new services and innovative treatments to stay at the forefront of wellness and aesthetics. “By continually evolving and improving, I aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of even more individuals seeking to regain their confidence and well-being.” www.walkerwellness.org h
Mayor
Town of Walls - Desoto County
By Terry L. Watson
Keidron Henderson has a strong affinity for the Town of Walls, MS, one of the main reasons why he became Mayor. “I just wanted to serve,” he says.
Upon being elected, Keidron Henderson rewrote the history books. He is not only the first African American Mayor in the town of Walls but also the first African American Mayor of any municipality in DeSoto County’s history. In the mid-90s, Desoto County became the third fastest-growing county in the United States, and even today, it remains the fastestgrowing county in the state of Mississippi. With a population of nearly 1,300, Walls is the slowest-growing part of Desoto County, and Mayor Keidron has made a commitment to serve and do what is needed to move his county forward.
That commitment was made in 2020 when he was elected Mayor, and in five years, things have happened. Before being elected, Walls did not have a new subdivision to break ground in over a decade. Under his leadership, they have broken ground on four new subdivisions, they have the largest Solar Farm in Mississippi, and the town’s Fire Station is vamping up its training to accommodate its staff in-house. They have also added more officers to the Police Department and additional MTE’s to the Municipal Office. Even today, they do not have a bank or grocery store, but Mayor Henderson remains optimistic. In all of their growth and changes, Keidron has kept his focus on maintaining his town’s quality of life.
Keidron Henderson is a native of Walls, Mississippi. He attended Horn Lake High School and later went on to attend The University of Mississippi. His ultimate goal was to play professional football in the National Football League, though his dream was sidelined due to injuries he suffered in high school and college. He is a husband, a father of four, and has two grandchildren.
Mayor Henderson is a “casino guy.” He has worked in the casino business for over 20 years, which was his first job after graduating college. While the compensation for being Mayor doesn’t cover all of his family’s needs, Mayor Henderson continues to work in the casino industry today.
Photos by Mayor Keidron Henderson
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Mayor Henderson says it’s the service part of it. “We have spearheaded some great events. The senior population is often left out of the equation when communities plan grandiose events. We have made it a priority not to exclude this portion of our population and create activities and opportunities just for them. Our youth are very important as well. Recently, we gave away free backpacks and free haircuts, as well as lunch during an event. We were also able to partner with the YMCA and their Delivering Smiles program. Parents were able to get free meals for their kids. Being a part of programs such as these and bringing stakeholders together makes it all worth it,” he shares.
Recently, Mayor Henderson lost his mother, Betty J. Henderson. That loss is something that he continues to deal with, and he says she had the most significant impact on his life. “When you are seventeen years old, and you see your dreams dissipate from your eyes, your mother will say some encouraging things to you. She told me that God didn’t probably have the NFL in my plan, but He had great things in my plan. My mother spent thirty-three days in the hospital, and we talked about some great things in her final days. She reminded me of the conversation we had about me doing great things. Being Mayor is an example of having the opportunity to do great things in terms of service. She taught me to love people and always to be humble. She taught me that no matter what type of success I was able to be blessed with, always to be humble and love people. That skill has served me well, not only in being Mayor but also in my professional career. It’s not easy, but it is a learnable skill that my mama taught me,” he shares.
When you are seventeen years old, and you see your dreams dissipate from your eyes, your mother will say some encouraging things to you. She told me that God didn’t probably have the NFL in my plan, but He had great things in my plan.
Mayor Henderson also credits Gary Anderson with having a significant impact on his life. Gary was the Vice President of Start Operations at Horse Shoe Casino. He moved to Mississippi to open a new market in the early 90s. “He took me under his wing and became my personal mentor. He taught me how to protect margins, financial attributes, casino design, budgeting, forecasting; Literally everything that I know about the Casino industry, he taught me,” Mayor Henderson shares.
It is apparent that Mayor Henderson’s journey has been full of twists and turns, and he professes there isn’t much that he would change about the way things have happened. “You learn something from every fork in the road that you take. God has given me this journey, and it is designed to fulfill His purpose in my life. Every challenge and every setback is already written. If I had the power to change anything, it would be for my mother to be healthy. I wouldn’t have wanted for her to develop her sickness, and she would be here to see the things that I am doing. This is my journey, and I just want to make sure that when God comes for me, I don’t have any music left in my music box,” he says.
Looking ahead, Mayor Henderson says that he is looking forward to making the Town of Walls, MS, better for all citizens. Due to its geographical location and close relationship to Memphis, TN, Walls has a lot of potential on various fronts. “My focus as Mayor is to move our town forward. I want to do more of what we have already been doing. I want to provide access to all citizens. For any stakeholders in our community who want to be a part of furthering our town forward, the door is wide open for them. The door is wide open for everyone, and no one has to look in the peephole.”
Muriel Bowser: Leading The Way in Washington, DC
Information Obtained from Online Source: www.mayor.dc.gov
Muriel Bowser is the seventh elected mayor of Washington, DC. She has a strong record of creating a bold urban policy agenda, making tough decisions in a high stakes environment, and shaping a diverse economy.
Mayor Bowser has served her hometown in elected office since 2004 as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (2004-2006), Member of the DC Council (2007-2015) and now Mayor since 2015. On November 8, she became only the second person elected three times as mayor of Washington, DC. She is the first African American woman to be elected to three, four-year terms as mayor of an American city.
Since taking office, Mayor Bowser has boldly reset DC’s global and national competitiveness, sped up affordable housing production, diversified the DC economy, oversaw consistent enrollment growth across the District’s public schools to its highest enrollment since Home Rule, increased satisfaction in city services, refocused our efforts around achieving statehood, and invested in programs and policies that allow more families to live and thrive across the city.
Mayor Bowser is a strong leader and crisis manager with 25 years of management and financial experience balancing budgets, achieving AAA bond ratings, and clean audits. Faced with the health and economic challenge of the century, Mayor Bowser guided Washington, DC through COVID-19, racial and justice protests, pandemic-spawned crime and unemployment increases, and the events of January 6th. She commissioned the first Black Lives Matter public street mural, which established a safe area for police and demonstrators using public art, inspiring dozens of others around the world. She reorganized the government to respond to the multiple threats and led over 200 hours of public press updates and national press briefings. She issued over $2 billion in unemployment, rent and business relief and secured federal reimbursement, and drafted recovery and growth strategies that will return DC to pre-pandemic revenue levels in less than one fiscal year.
Mayor Bowser made and kept bold promises on the creation of affordable housing a hallmark of her service to DC. And she has been at the forefront of national thought leadership on affordable housing and homelessness. She led the U.S. in per capita affordable housing investment; committed an all-time high $1 billion of city resources to tackle affordable housing; and led the National League of Cities task force to craft a federal call to action on the affordable housing crisis.
Mayor Bowser is committed to an equity agenda; she has focused on investing in DC small businesses and since the beginning of her Administration has increased the District’s spending in the CBE community from just over $300 million to over $1.1 billion, publishing a Green Book listing for DC government and regional partner procurement opportunities. Mayor Bowser also created the first ever Office of Racial Equity, Office of Gun Violence Prevention, expanded the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program to young people up to age 24, and funded the first ever Black Homeownership Fund. In two short years, she will deliver on her promise to deliver a full-service hospital in Ward 8.
Mayor Bowser has played key roles in delivering transformational economic development projects, creating jobs and housing for DC residents—including the Audi Field, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, St. Elizabeths, Walter Reed, McMillan, and The Wharf.
Mayor Bowser has served as a Board Member of the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, chaired the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and serves on the Advisory Boards of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association. She is a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and of Leadership Greater Washington. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chatham University and a Master of Public Policy from the American University.
Mayor Bowser tells everyone that there’s only one job better than being mayor of her hometown, and that’s being Miranda’s mom. Mayor Bowser was blessed to become a mom by adoption and proud to show everyone that there are many ways to be a family. She and Miranda call Ward 4 home.
