God Never Runs Out of Options
A Letter From The Editor
There is one thing that I know for sure will happen in life, and that is tough times will come. Yet, I have learned that tough times will not always last. As difficult as life can be at times, we are blessed to know that we don’t have to go at it alone. Even when we fall to the lowest of places, God promises us by His word that He is always willing to help bring us back up.
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?
It is also refreshing to know that regardless of how many times we fail, God’s grace never runs out. With this sort of insurance policy intact, our ability to conveniently seek repentance and forgiveness for our shortcomings might become well utilized. All I can say is thank God for grace.
Everything that happens in life is often associated with a lesson. There is something we must have to learn, or the difficulties we face may actually be preparing us for something bigger and a whole lot more challenging ahead. Even though giving up and walking away feels like an easy and appropriate answer, that may not always be what is best. If you ever feel like you have run out of options, just remember that God hasn’t.
During the moments when I felt like God might not be listening, I tended to lean toward my own understanding. My reasoning was more aligned with what the world thinks instead of what God has promised. It’s all spiritual, and in those moments, surely my behavior couldn’t have pleased Him.
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.
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.
As confusing as it may sound, I’ve learned to stay patient in my unrest, as God does some of His best work there. We don’t have to come up with all of the answers, and even when the light can’t be seen at the end of the tunnel, it will make its appearance at the right time. I know that God’s timing is a lot more meaningful to me than what I think I need. I thank God for grace.
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.
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Greenville, SC
Greenvile, SC
Touring The Upstate 2025 Greenville Black History Bus Tour
Upstate Black History Month Celebration Coffee Underground 38 Charlotte, NC
Honoring Our Leaders Huami Magazine Community Awards 07
This young man has been preaching for a very long time. Learn more about who he is and his testimony.. Detroit, MI
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Victory Jeanice Durrah
Black Boys Empowered Rashad T. Dudley
Faith and Wealth Coaching Evona Bentley
Contessa’s Home Care Agency Contessa Woods
Hybrid Comforts by Marc Marcuis Atkinson
Upstate Black History Month Celebration at Coffee Underground! Say What?!
Informat
ion provided by Wits and Peotry
Upstate Black History Month Spoken Word Celebration at Coffee Underground to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month remains a powerful symbolic celebration and a time for acknowledgement, reflection, and inspiration. Host Say What Slam Team! Southern Stylz, Shay Black, Black Phoenix, and Azar King hitting the mic! With special guest comedian Queen MoMo!
Featuring Roscoe Burnems - Poet Laureate and Slam Champ! This phenomenal poet is an author, spoken-word artist, educator, and Richmond, Virginia’s first poet laureate. He is the author of the collections God, Love, Death and Other Synonyms (310 Brown Street, 2019); Chrysalis Under Fire (The Writer’s Den, LLC, 2018); and Fighting Demons (Prysmatic Dreams Publishing, 2014).
During his time as a slam poet, Burnems has been a two-time Southern regional team finalist, National Poetry Slam Champion, and Season One Screen Time Slam Champion.
Open mic slots for local poets on a first-come, first serve basis. Open mic poets may read/recite one poem and optionally share their instagram/website. Coffee Underground. 1 East Coffee Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Doors open at 7:00 pm. $10. Entry is only guaranteed to those with advanced tickets. Non-sold-out shows have tickets for sale at the door via credit card, cash app, PayPal, or cash. Cashapp advanced tickets to $witsendpoetry.Follow our social media @witsendpoetry across all platforms.
All tickets can be transferred to another show by emailing witsendpoetrysc@gmail.com before 7:30. Full refunds are available for cancellations 7 days in advance.Produced by Wits End Poetry, these poetry events are made possible in part by the generous support of the South Carolina Arts.
Commission and the Metropolitan Arts Council with funds received from the City of Greenville, BMW Manufacturing Company, Michelin North America, Inc., SEW Eurodrive and the South Carolina Arts Commission. h
Reverend Richard Sean Dwayne Dogan
2025 Greenville Black History Bus Tour
Long Branch Baptist Church
Informat ion provided by City of Greenville, SC
On Saturday, February 8th, 15th, and 22nd, 2025, the 2025 Greenville Black History Bus Tour ill take place. Each event will begin at 10:30 AM at Unity Park and will include a journey through Greenville’s Black history!
The Black History Bus Tour in partnership with Greenlink and the Urban League of the Upstate will take riders to historic landmarks, share powerful stories, and celebrate the influential individuals who have shaped Greenville’s history.
Discover the rich cultural heritage and vital contributions of Greenville’s Black community in honor of Black History Month. This is a tour you won’t want to miss!
Reverend Richard Sean Dwayne Dogan has provided pastoral leadership to Long Branch Baptist Church for over 20 years. He is a 1998 graduate of Clemson University and attended Shaw School of Divinity. Pastor Dogan is also a graduate of The Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Initiative. He is married to Satreva Dogan. They have 3 daughters; Ramiah, Nishea and Terri.
A Bus Tour Guide Special Guest will be Emanuel Flemming Sr. Emanuel Flemming Sr. is the president of the NAACP Greenville Branch #5522. He is also the founder and senior pastor of REAL Church Upstate and Chaplain Candidate at the Army National Guard. He has been active in the community for decades, following in the footsteps of his mother, longtime Greenville City Council member Lillian Brock Flemming, in advocating for Greenville’s Black community.
Pastor Dogan has initiated feeding programs and has worked diligently to bring the message of wellness to the community. He has also led the church in supporting youth employment through community gardening.
Pastor Sean Dogan serves or has served on the following Boards: GHS Board of Trustees, United Way Board of Trustees, SHARE Board of Directors, Greenville Forward Board of Directors, LiveWell Greenville Leadership Team, Senior Action Board of Trustees, Generations Group Board of Directors, Pendleton Place for Children and Families Board of Directors, Public Education Partners Board of Directors, Civitan, UNCF Upstate and N.A.A.C.P.
He is listed as one of the best and brightest under 35 by Greenville Business
Director Willie Stewart at wstewart@mauldinrecreation.com.
Little Learners Academy LLC Kendra L. McKinney
By Terry L. Watson
Provided by Kendra McKinney
Kendra McKinney continues to make strides in Greenville, SC.
The ambitious businesswoman is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Kendra has been married to her husband, Marquee, for 15 years, and together, they have three boys, Shayden, Kemari, and Zyere. A native of Belton, S.C., Kendra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina Upstate and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.
As the owner and founder of Little Learners Academy, Kendra has seen the assignment that God gave her flourish into something astonishing. After opening the doors of its first location in 2015, Little Learners Academy has moved from the 102 Pinecrest Drive location to its current location at 437 W. Butler Road in Mauldin, SC. Amazingly, Kendra has plans to do even more, which includes opening an additional location in the Upstate area of South Carolina.
In September 2024, Little Learners Academy celebrated 11 years in business, a feat that was accomplished with minimal to no advertising. This year, Kendra will be expanding the academy with the addition of a new gymnasium. The new facility will offer additional space for afterschool programs, basketball, and other sports conditioning, as well as a court that will be open to adults after hours. There will also be tournaments and an event space there. Her growth has a lot to do with the quality of care she has consistently provided and her solid leadership abilities.
“We operate under a simple Christian-based philosophy that focuses on the elements of student success. My primary goal is to shape and mold the lives of my young students into phenomenal individuals.”
Photos
The system of Little Learner Academy is a multifaceted approach to education, including a spread of academic courses, plus a variety of extracurricular activities and enrichment programs. Small class sizes enhance the academic experience, and the graduates of Little Learners Academy are educated spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially. Kendra shares her students are motivated to go out into the world to duplicate what they’ve learned and pursue their purpose in life.
Kendra says that she understands that several different learning methods may hinder achievement levels in a traditional academic setting. This is why they offer activities and individual attention to ensure all students achieve academic success and positively build self-esteem. Little Learners Academy serves infants from six weeks to after school and beyond. They also offer homeschooling through 12th grade. Kendra shares that it all begins with a genuine love for children. “We operate under a simple Christian-based philosophy that focuses on the elements of student success. My primary goal is to shape and mold the lives of my young students into phenomenal individuals.”
Kendra’s educational journey began in 2011. ‘I was a teacher at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind when the decision was made to transition out of the public school system. As a parent of a special needs child and other children who needed childcare and attended the public school system, I decided to begin an in-home daycare. I had a vision that would allow parents to be comfortable with dropping their children off in a home-like environment, where they would grow and learn safely,” she says.
Managing a multifaceted business definitely comes with some challenges. Kendra shares that with God guiding her, she believes that she can overcome them all. “I love everything about what I do. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I don’t consider what I do to be work, but instead, it’s rather an extension of my family. Even more, I wouldn’t change a thing about how things have happened in my journey. Some things have hurt, but they never broke me. Instead, they have pushed me to be greater,” she says.
Presently, Little Learner Academy has 146 school-age children enrolled, and they are flourishing daily. They also have two clinical therapists on-site who offer individual, group, and family sessions along with play therapy for children to develop socially.
The future looks bright for Kendra and Little Learners Academy. If you are in the Upstate area and looking for a thriving school for your young children, please contact Kendra. One thing is for sure: love will meet you at the door. “I meet people where they are: employees, parents, children, and my personal family. If I can continue to love others, God will never stop loving and blessing me,” Kendra shares.
Hybrid Comforts by Marc, LLC
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Marcius G. Atkinson
Marcius G. Atkinson of Greenville, SC, describes himself as an over-zealous people pleaser. Marcius is the eldest of two sons, born to James and Brenda Atkinson. He and his brother were military brats until they graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Marcius shares, “My parents were raised in a segregated south. They raised my brother and I in their own worldview that was guided by their past. The world that I grew up in was less difficult than my parents, and my son’s life is a little less difficult than my own. I try to begin every day by remembering my brother’s spoken word about my father, “…try to be better than you were yesterday.”
As a cook, a host, and a friend, whatever he offers of himself, Marcius tries to offer the best of that version that he can give. Pleasing and serving others are things that come naturally to Marcius. He shares, “I realize that my lineage and my life has been in service of another. No one finds that to be a high calling, but my greatest joy comes from giving something that I made to someone else and seeing their joy. I am a servant, and I want to learn how to better serve.” Through a course of curiosity, education, and life consequences (both negative and positive), he has found a vehicle through a company he founded, Hybrid Comforts by Marc LLC, that allows him to do such.
Hybrid Comforts by Marc LLC offers a natural, organic skin-care alternative. The base of Marcius’s company is one body butter. He says, “My body butter contains four butters and five oils, and is currently totaling fourteen ingredients for sensitive skin. For those who are aware, the Comedogenic Rating of my body butter is 1.36. It is topped off with a light scent of lavender and tea tree for calmness and a natural disinfectant. My product can also be scented with one of my fragrances, essential oils, or blends. Additionally, I offer a sugar scrub. Through a series of mistakes and errors, I developed an aloe whip and made a buttercream as a by-product. By infusing Ayurvedic Herds into other oils and adding those ingredients to the body butter, I created a hair maintenance line with butter and a cream conditioner/moisturizer. I also offer a non-aluminum natural deodorant.
The beginning of Marcius’s business begins with a separation. He adds that there are no kind words to describe a divorce. “The one description that rings true is that a divorce is the tearing of the soul. Once my soul began tearing, I was able to find something to hold on to. A divorce with my ex-wife and custody battle with my son’s mother were wars on different fronts, and this idea was the only thing holding me together,” he says. The idea of starting his company wouldn’t let him go, and he says that after failing countless times, he finally had a breakthrough.
“The vision began with a hobby, and it evolved into being an example for my son. Once the Covid lockdown occurred, I was working from home in close proximity to him. He aspired to be a commentator or gaming Youtuber. I had been watching and listening from afar, and I wanted to learn about the pros and cons before he got involved. Being able to stream is one thing, to do it successfully and to not incur any mishaps was another, and I wanted to be able to guide if necessary.
While learning about the process of becoming a streamer for my son, I learned more about the different qualities of different kinds of butter and oils. Through a series of weeks at YouTube University, I learned about several recipes for body butter and the pitfalls of streamers,” Marcius says.
Unfortunately, he had learned the information for naught, as his son did not want to pursue that anymore. Still, Marcius had the knowledge. College and trade school talks had begun, and to Marcius’s surprise, his son stated that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. The final part of the vision came as the result of a conversation Marcius had with his brother. “In describing some of the things that I had learned over the years, and the results thereof, he asked if I had watched the television show, Shark Tank. I had heard of the show, but I didn’t watch it. As we continued to talk, I resided in being committed to being a good example to my son.”
When asked what he loves most about his business, Marcius says it’s the opportunity to learn. “I am a true nerd at heart. Throughout the process, and even now, I am consistently learning. Because of my future aspirations, I am still learning about the different properties of different oils. As a content creator, I am learning about different picture taking and video capturing techniques. My father bought the encyclopedia Britannica for my brother and I; the old leather-bound books from A-Z. One of the things he kept stating was an old colloquial term about hiding knowledge. I didn’t particularly like everything that I was studying at the time, but being introduced to a topic that I found interesting and being able to research its origins, I found peace,” he says.
Marcius also credits his father as his first source of inspiration. He shares that his true ability of discipline and dedication comes from him. “Loving a man is hard when they were not taught to communicate as I was made to. When my father died, I had a laundry list of promises that went unchecked. It took losing him for me to understand some of the words that kept repeating in my head.”
Marcius also finds inspiration in his son. “Once he said that he wanted to become an entrepreneur, I had already started cataloging information about the inception of Hybrid Comforts. In a conversation, I remember telling him that he would have to talk to people, face his fears, and become a version of himself that he wasn’t displaying. So I decided to show him with my efforts,” he says.
Lastly, Marcius also finds inspiration in himself. “Rarely, do I recognize how far I’ve come. Goals in my life have been reduced to tasks to accomplish other goals. Once I reach the finish line of one goal, it’s the start of another. Minutes, days, and even years go by, and I never take the time to say, “Good job!” I know in my heart that I am a servant. I have served others’ objectives, desires, and pursuits. I have failed and picked myself up again. I have made mistakes. I failed to recognize that I have kept going, no matter what. So I have to look to myself sometimes.”
For those who may follow a path similar to Marcius, he offers some clear advice. He says, “Do you know that inner-voice that tells you every time that you’ve messed up? The one who reminds you of your failings when you have a great idea? Ignore it, and remember all the times that you have started from nothing for someone else. Why can’t you do it for yourself? My biggest struggle has always been overcoming myself and the overthinking that I do. If you are someone like that, why are you waiting for permission from someone else? I did that, and it’s a waste of time learning and perfecting your craft. Learn how to hone and then market your skills. Many people have skills that they are afraid to show.”
Looking ahead, Marcius shares that he is focused on shaping what he has already done. Before his formula became vegan, he came across some people who had an adverse reaction to Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil. Recently, he has started working with an individual with a specialized formula to substitute those ingredients for Cupuacu Butter and Argan Oil. He is also working on a soap formula. His final objective is to market his products to other small businesses. “I do not wish to stop selling, but I do wish to coordinate with different crafters to provide their services,” he says. h
Loving a man is hard when they were not taught to communicate as I was made to. When my father died, I had a laundry list of promises that went unchecked. It took losing him for me to understand some of the words that kept repeating in my head.”
Contessa’s Home Care Agency and Staffing
By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Contessa Woods
Contessa Woods of Greensboro, NC, shares that she has always dreamed of owning a home care agency. Initially, she thought her college degree would lead her down a different path. However, she says life guided her exactly where she needed to be.
With over 30 years of experience, she has worked in nearly every aspect of healthcare, gaining valuable insight and expertise throughout her career. Today, she is the owner of Contessa’s Home Care Agency and Staffing. Her company provides Companion Care, Private Duty, Respite Care, and Facility and Hospital Staffing. Their services include Feeding, Bathing, Dressing/Grooming, Laundry, Medication Reminders, and Preparing light meals.
Contessa is a devoted wife and mother of five. She has been married to the love of her life for 20 years. Contessa graduated from James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, NC, in 1993 and began her healthcare journey by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Levels I and II. She followed that feat by earning her certification as a Medication Technician. Contessa’s formal career began at Moses Cone Extended Care, where she worked as a CNA for two years before transitioning to their Emergency Department, working there for 11 years. While working in healthcare, she also owned a Companion Care Agency and pursued a degree in Healthcare Management. Contessa later paused her education to focus on her family and support her three sons as they graduated from high school and went off to college. She later returned to school to earn her second degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Health Services Management and a certification in Medical Office Administration. It sounds like she has accomplished a whole lot while being a wife and mother.
Contessa shares that shortly after earning her second degree, she reached out to a friend to see if they could do a free internship at her facility. “When I went in for the interview, I was unexpectedly offered a full-time position as an Assistant Business Office Manager. I accepted the role but made it clear to the director that I planned to stay for only one year. During that time, I consistently prayed, spoke affirmations, and asked God to reveal my purpose. Ten months later, while on vacation, I received a call from the director offering me a promotion. I told her I needed to pray about it and discuss it with my husband. After careful consideration, I declined the offer, even though I had no concrete plan for my next step. I simply knew I had to trust God. Two weeks later, while sitting in my office, I felt God telling me, “It’s time to move.” I immediately called my husband to ask if we’d be okay financially if I left my job. His response was unwavering: “Leave your job and do what?”, Contessa says.
“Ten months later, while on vacation, I received a call from the director offering me a promotion. I told her I needed to pray about it and discuss it with my husband. After careful consideration, I declined the offer, even though I had no concrete plan for my next step.
She eventually decided to start a home care agency, of course, with her husband’s support. The couple agreed to live on a strict budget and Contessa put in her 30-day notice that same day. From there, she committed to building her business and following the path she felt she was called to take.
Contessa says that she loves to be able to provide help to others and provide jobs in her community. She understands the importance of giving back and often contributes to her community by donating to local high schools and supporting community events. Additionally, she mentors and counsels women on leadership development and achieving entrepreneurial goals. She also appreciates the opportunity to educate families on the importance of home care and the process that it takes to get their loved one’s care. “I educate families on Long Term Care Insurance, Power of Attorney, Trust, and Beneficiary Accounts. I love being able to inspire, motivate, and push my employees to their highest potential.”
Family and the love and inspiration they provide are some of the things that are truly important to Contessa. She shares that over the years, she’s had the privilege of caring for most of her family, and it’s truly humbling how much they trust her when it comes to healthcare and business decisions. She adds, “My mother, who passed away nine years ago, had a profound impact on both my life and career. She always believed in me and reminded me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, as long as I was willing to work hard. She often told me I was smart and a dedicated worker, and her words have stayed with me. An hour before she passed, she told me she loved me and was so proud of me. Those words are a constant source of motivation, and I’m grateful that I can continue to honor her legacy and make her proud.”
While building her business, Contessa has faced a few challenges. One was ensuring they provided exceptional care while keeping the business financially sustainable. She says, “Home care can be expensive for clients, yet operational costs like wages, supplies, and compliance requirements are high. I manage this challenge by regularly reviewing my budget and optimizing operations by using technology like scheduling and billing software. We also work to educate clients on additional funding options, such as long-term care insurance or Medicaid waivers, to make services more accessible. I also focus on managing client and family expectations because providing care does not just mean meeting medical or daily living needs but also addressing the emotional concerns of clients and their families. We provide clear care plans, regular updates, and a system for addressing concerns quickly. I also make it a point to make personal visits and truly listen to clients and their families to build trust and maintain strong relationships.”
Contessa says the next phase of her company focuses on securing staffing contracts with hospitals and facilities, including Assisted Living, Memory Care, Alzheimer’s Units, and Skilled Nursing Units. Additionally, her goal is to share her expertise by speaking on panels both locally and globally about the Home Care and Healthcare industry.
“My mother, who passed away nine years ago, had a profound impact on both my life and career. She always believed in me and reminded me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, as long as I was willing to work hard.”
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER NINE: The Difference In Who Provides Care
For the caregivers following the “Becoming A Caregiver” series, my heart continues to go out to you. The assignment is not an easy one. Even more, regardless of any arrangement, when you are committed to ensuring that your loved one gets and receives the highest quality of care and attention, there isn’t much that will get in the way of your goal to see it happen. Any who, I am speaking for myself, and that is how I feel.
One of the most disheartening feelings I have experienced along this journey always happens when I arrive to visit my mom while she is in the care of others. As her primary caregiver for over eight years, I have a pretty good understanding of what good care looks like. I also know what slack and neglect look like.
While my mother is under my care, it has always been my goal to meet her needs first and always before mine. When she is thirsty, hungry, uncomfortable, or whatever else, I make it my goal to meet her need before it becomes a need. Anytime when I fall a little behind on my assignments, it becomes obvious, and Mama never hesitates to let me know that I am slacking.
With that said, as our family has depended on the assistance of others to provide care for my mother, finding consistency between caregivers has been very challenging. I believe it has a lot to do with how a person approaches their job. I believe that it also has a lot to do with how people feel about them. If you truly love yourself and love people, then that same level of compassion will show up with caregiving. If someone lacks compassion, they should never work in a customer service-dependent field like caregiving. Furthermore, if they lack professionalism, cleanliness, good time management skills, and good attention to detail, then caregiving is not for them as well. That is just my opinion.
Seeking the assistance of others to provide caregiving services for my mother was one the hardest decisions I have made since she suffered her stroke. While she may encounter dozens of individuals on a daily basis, there always seem to be about two or three that exhibit all of the above-mentioned qualities. I wish that I could say that it gets easier with each passing day, but to be honest, it doesn’t. For me, I find hope in being just as committed to caring for my mother today as I was when I first began this journey. I make my concerns and expectations known, and my Mama and I work together by trusting God.
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!
Faith and Wealth Coaching
By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
Evora Bentley of Greenville, SC, is very passionate about helping the black community heal and walk into the liberation of their power, as well as helping the world heal as a whole.
Evora is an entrepreneur and Faith and Wealth Coach. Her brand, Evora Enterprises LLC, focuses on assisting clients with mindset, deconstructing, and spiritual healing coaching sessions. She is also a licensed insurance broker who helps clients make sure their families and themselves have the life and health insurance services they need. As if her plate wasn’t full, Evora has found the time to serve as a Motivational Speaker.
Evora shares that a few years ago, she was given an acronym for the word faith: Forever, Achieving, In, The Most, High. As a Faith and Wealth Coach, Evora makes it very clear that she does not claim to be a licensed physician but, instead, a coach empowering others to change their mind so they can experience a changed world around them by tapping into their wealth. She also helps others to operate from their divine identity by deconstructing from a masked identity of the world by trusting and being guided by the wealth of God within.
After overcoming depression and suicidal thoughts over 10 years ago, Evora says she heard loud and clear within, “When you change your mind, you will then begin to see your world change around you.” She adds that she discovered this was deconstructing from the opinions, views, and conditions of ideas from colonization and the world to receiving the old consciousness mindset, which I also will refer to as Christ consciousness. “As a Faith and Wealth Coach, I help others tap into their self-awareness to discover if they are living from the world standards, from what has been given from the world, or within our treasure box of God’s standards, from what was already within us when we arrived here on earth. I believe that all we need is within us, and I guide others to deconstruct from the programming of the world, to trust, be guided, and create from their inner world, which will impact their outer world.”
“As a Faith and Wealth Coach, I help others tap into their self-awareness to discover if they are living from the world standards, from what has been given from the world, or within our treasure box of God’s standards, from what was already within us when we arrived here on earth.”
“I always say one of the greatest things my mother taught me was how important it is to deal so you can heal. For years after my mother transitioned, I would have dreams with her in them. In those dreams were guidance and messages from her on the importance to deal, so I can heal.”
Evora’s journey in business began a long time ago. She says that friends and family would come to her and share things. She would then coach people for free through ride-share driving. The feedback from those experiences often painted a picture of how Evora gave good advice and helped others. She says that made her heart smile, and she realized that she really wanted to help people. So, nearly seven years ago, she created a website and began promoting herself as a coach.
She says the vision came from watching her mother battle with dis-ease of cancer. “I was a teenager, and my mother was only 40 years of age when she was diagnosed. She transitioned when she was 43, and I was only 18. I remember sitting at the cancer center with my mother while she received chemo, wanting for my mother to be healed so badly, and I also wanted for everyone else there to be healed. I also heard what I call “religious excuses keeping us from solutions”. “Oh she is gone home to glory” “Jesus needed her more” “It was her to time to go and so much more.” The practice is called spiritual bypassing when addressing unresolved emotional issues is avoided and people dismiss pain by saying such things,” Evora says. After studying and researching, Evora found out people said those sayings because they lacked knowledge and were conditioned to do so.
When Evora’s mother passed, she was told she died of a broken heart. She says, “I had no idea what it meant, or even if it meant anything at all; however, it stuck with me. Later, I would learn my mother’s true story about a year after she transitioned. I learned of some of her traumatic encounters and other things that happened that very well could have led to a broken heart, causing a blocked heart chakra, which can lead to disease in her body and cancer. I went on a journey of tapping into God within, which began a revealing of foreign things when it comes to healing, to inner-stand to get to the root to heal; the key is holistic healing, where the focus must be mind, body, and soul.”
Evora says she loves watching people become liberated and free to be themselves. “I have three daughters who I love dearly, spending family time and traveling with. I have strived to empower them to experience life in an authentic way on this journey by reminding them that this is their trip and to be conscious about the decisions they make while here on earth. I love seeing the transformation of other’s stories or experiences. It brings me so much joy when a person has decided to listen to guidance and healing from within, realizing the Western colonized way is not the only way.”
She also finds inspiration in her mother and her daughters. “I always say one of the greatest things my mother taught me was how important it is to deal so you can heal. For years after my mother transitioned, I would have dreams with her in them. In those dreams were guidance and messages from her on the importance to deal, so I can heal. My daughters inspire me, and I am grateful to watch them experience life at the ages they are now, breaking free from the limitations of the world and trusting their intuitive guidance,” Evora says.
Evora says that life itself also inspires her, and in February, will make 43 years around the sun for her. As her mother transitioned at the age of 43, this year and those that follow, are very important to Evora, she says. “I came up with an acronym for life called Letting It Flow Experience. It inspires me to trust the divine and be guided by the flow state which is so freeing and therapeutic. I lived most of my life battling with anxiety, fears, and stress, focusing on the next or even the past. Life inspires me to be here, to be here now, and enjoy the journey now. “
Like any other business, Evora has faced some challenges. One, she says, was obtaining clients or reaching certain goals. She used to listen to the opinions of others concerning this matter, but when she shifted her perspective and beliefs and put in the work, things changed for the better. “I also realized I had to be open to change. As the saying goes, “Doing the same things over and over again, but never getting different results is insanity”. Evora says that being disciplined has also taught her some lessons. “Being disciplined in managing the priority of things in your life will always manifest a successful business or a dream becoming a reality.”
Evora’s advice to others who may follow a path similar to hers is clear. She says, “Be empowered to know everything you need is already within you. It is important to see yourself as a treasure box, knowing that all the gems you need to accomplish your heart’s desire are inside. There is help on the outside; however, make sure it aligns with the inside before deciding to add it to your treasure box. Also, be determined to continue evolving, learning, knowing yourself, and having the self-awareness to trust how and where you are being guided on your journey. And finally, be passionate about your desires and make sure they are authentic to you and not something you are pursuing because you were conditioned to.”
Moving forward, Evora shares that she is working on some writings, some books are in the works and a few more projects. “ I plan to expand my light in helping others to deal so they can heal and boldly walk and experience liberty in their authentic identity. More healing for myself; it is truly a journey I once thought was a destination. I plan to enjoy life and the ones who have the opportunity to experience it with me.” h
Reverend
John Wesley A.M.E. Zion ChurchSouthfield
Reverend Austin J. Young is a native of Grand Rapids, MI, and the son of Allen & Johngerlyn Young. He is also the husband of Mrs. Aysha Young (Peterson).
Reverend Austin graduated from East Kentwood High School in 2015. He later graduated from the historic Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA in 2019. While at Morehouse College, the university afforded Austin three distinct opportunities: To Be an Oprah Winfrey Scholar, study abroad at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa, and be a part of the graduating class that had its entire student loan debt paid by billionaire Robert F. Smith. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., specializing in African American Church Leadership Studies.
Rev. Austin has served the Union Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, D.C., as its pastoral intern. Additionally, he served the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Media, PA, as its senior pastor. Currently, he serves the great people at John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Southfield, MI, as its senior pastor. In September of 2025, he will celebrate 19 years in ministry.
Rev. Austin’s journey in ministry began at the tender age of nine. He says, “There was a Sunday when my pastor was preaching about spiritual gifts and how everyone should find their place in the church. During the altar call, I strongly felt the power of God resting on my heart. I immediately ran to the back of the church, where my father was, and asked him how old I had to be in order to be a preacher. I then ran to my mother in the choir stand and asked her how I could be a preacher. The pastor typically extended three invitations during the altar call (salvation, rededication, and joining the church), but on this particular day, he extended a fourth call for those who needed to answer the call. With the affirmation of my parents, the call of my pastor, and the spirit in my heart, I went crying to the altar and told the congregation that I was called to preach. I thank God that, at times, my church supported me and celebrated me.”
As Rev. Austin progressed in life, he encountered many preachers who were amazed at his story and who commonly said that they ran from their calling at a young age and wished they had said yes earlier. “I continually thank God for allowing me to accept my call at an early age. I truly believe that saying yes to the Lord early will provide more opportunities and room for God to express His glory in you,” Rev. Austin shares.
In addition to pastoring, Rev. Austin is involved in many other roles, including the Episcopal Program & Logistics Assistant, Midwest Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, the Connectional Community Development Team Lead, Department of Church Growth & Development of the A.M.E. Zion Church Headquarters, and the Small Group Discipleship Asst. Director, Church Growth & Development of the A.M.E. Zion Church Headquarters. He is also a Board Member for Gaining Ground Educational Services, Inc., and a Board Member for the James E. Hunter Golf Association.
Rev. Austin has faced a few challenges, both in ministry and in his young life. Within Rev. Austin’s denomination, becoming a minister is typically a 6–7-year process. Along his journey, he shares that he was told multiple times that he was too young, needed more time, and possibly that he accepted his call just for show. “I was even held back in my ministry process for a few years because there was talk and gossip about my ability to preach in my youth. Many days, I was discouraged and even questioned God’s calling on my life. I admit that there is always room for development, and I am still growing to this day to be a better minister of the Gospel. However, the opposition I encountered was not motivated by a concern of maturation but by a desire to maintain tradition, to force young people to wait their turn, and to repeat the suppression they encountered in ministry on the next generation. However, I am grateful for the Bishops and Elders in my denomination, who pulled me aside and kept reminding me that delayed doesn’t mean denied. Today, I stand as the pastor of one of our denomination’s leading churches at the age of 27,” he says.
Another adversity he faced happened to Austin as a child. Back then, he struggled greatly with asthma. Not being able to breathe or engage in a lot of physical activities and dealing with hospital visits and treatments served as a barrier to his ability to preach. Those issues do not affect him today, as he preaches two to three services each Sunday. He is also able to celebrate or practice the African American tradition of whooping without having an asthma attack. “Every time I preach, it is a testimony that God is the choir directing my lungs,” Rev. Austin says.
Austin credits his father in the ministry, Rev. Dr. Eleazar Merriweather, for teaching him the basics and foundation of ministry. He also credits his mentor, the Rev. Dr. Brian Relford, Sr., who gave him opportunities and showed him how to be a pastor. He also thanks God for Bishop Anthony Witherspoon, a big brother and mentor to Austin, whom he says helped him to appreciate the balance of ministry, life, and family. Additionally, he acknowledges preachers from near and afar whom he admires for consistently impacting his life with their preaching and leadership. These include Rev. Dr. Howard John-Wesley, Rev. Dr. Marcus Cosby, Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes, III, Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, Rev. Dr. Matthew Whatley, Rev. Dr. Dharius Daniels, Bishop W. Darin Moore, and Bishop Daran H. Mitchell.
While he has faced a few bumps here and there, Rev. Austin shares there is nothing he would change about the way things have happened. “I believe there is no wasted experience and that God, in his grace, allows us to grow from it, learn from it, or be blessed by it.”
Moving forward, Rev. Austin has plans to go back to school later this year in the fall, to obtain a Ph.D. in preaching or hermeneutics. “As I vacillated between a D.Min. and a Ph.D., I felt God calling me to the work of training and preparing young leaders like myself later in life.” January 11, 2025, through the hand of Bishop Daran H. Mitchell, Rev. Austin was appointed as the Presiding Elder of Trinidad & Tobago in the A.M.E. Zion Church. In this role, he will be responsible for the churches, pastors, financial oversight, and ministry work of our denomination in that country. Lastly, he is releasing a Lent Devotional Book on Amazon entitled “Put it On the Altar”, which will be released on March 1, 2025. This production will encompass 40 devotionals.
The future of John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church is on the precipitous of greatness. JWC has a rich history, generous and kind members, and is well-positioned in a great community. While the church’s goal is to continue to be more active and involved in their community and grow their membership, they are also exploring affordable senior housing and establishing a second church campus in another location.
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Rev. Austin J. Young and Aysha Young
Black Boys Empowered Inc.
By Terry L. Watson
Rashad T. Dudley is a proud Detroit native, social entrepreneur, and advocate for empowering Black boys and men. He comes from a family deeply rooted in resilience, having experienced significant personal losses, including the tragic murders of his father and brother, which shaped his understanding of the challenges many Black boys face. Rashad’s experiences growing up in Detroit and Inkster have instilled in him a unique perspective and a strong drive to create safe, uplifting spaces for others.
Rashad is a scholar and lifelong learner. He graduated from Morehouse College in 2020. He then earned a Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University in 2022, where he honed his expertise in designing impactful youth programs. Currently, Rashad is pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Wayne State University, focusing on expanding his initiatives and fostering innovation within his work.
Beyond his professional and academic achievements, Rashad is passionate about family, community, and mentorship. He draws strength and inspiration from his upbringing in Detroit and remains dedicated to giving back to the city that raised him. Through his work, Rashad hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders, helping them overcome adversity and realize their full potential.
Rashad is also the founder of Black Boys Empowered (501c3). He is the author of Dear Black Boy Co., Dear Black Boy: A Guide to Self-Empowerment and Building Healthy Habits. Black Boys Empowered focuses on providing mentorship, scholarships, community service opportunities, and wellness initiatives for Black boys in Detroit. Their key programs include an Annual Scholarship Program. Each year, BBE provides Black male high school seniors with scholarships to help them pay for tuition at HBCUs. They also offer community service opportunities (including our quarterly neighborhood clean-up of our adopted road) throughout the city of Detroit. Dear Black Boy Co. is a health and wellness brand that features Rashad’s children’s books, Dear Black Boy: A Guide to Self-Empowerment and Building Healthy Habits and Dear Black Boy: Positive Affirmation Coloring Book, and wellness products and apparel designed specifically for Black boys.
Rashad says the journey of Black Boys Empowered began with my personal experiences growing up in Detroit and Inkster and my deep understanding of the systemic challenges that Black boys often face. As someone who lost my father and brother to gun violence, I know firsthand the emotional toll of loss and the lack of accessible resources for healing and growth in underserved communities. “These personal tragedies, coupled with my professional experiences working in youth development, inspired me to create something meaningful that could address these challenges head-on,” he says.
The decision made by Rashsad to launch Black Boys Empowered was centered on his desire to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities tailored specifically for Black boys in Detroit. “My vision stemmed from a desire to create a space where young Black boys could feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed despite the obstacles they might face. I drew from over a decade of experience in roles such as Dean of Climate and Culture, Youth Programming Director, and Director of Enrichment to design programs and initiatives that focus on mentorship, leadership development, and wellness,” says Rashad.
Photos Provided by Rashad T. Dudley
“My vision stemmed from a desire to create a space where young Black boys could feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed despite the obstacles they might face.”
The idea also grew from a broader reflection on the societal narratives surrounding Black boys. Rashad says he wanted to combat the negative stereotypes often placed on them by providing a platform that celebrated their brilliance, creativity, and potential. Black Boys Empowered was envisioned as more than just a program—it was a movement to uplift an entire generation. His vision has expanded over time to include initiatives like the Dear Black Boy Co. wellness brand, scholarships for HBCU-bound students, and community service programs. The driving force behind all of these efforts has been his unwavering belief in the power of mentorship, education, and community to transform lives. “By addressing the needs of Black boys holistically— academically, emotionally, and socially— I created a legacy of empowerment and resilience.”
Rashad is also passionate about creating spaces where Black boys feel seen, valued, and understood. Growing up, he didn’t always have access to the kind of mentorship and resources he now provides, so being able to offer those to others is a powerful way for him to give back. He loves fostering environments that challenge stereotypes and show the world the brilliance and resilience of Black boys. The opportunity to rewrite narratives and shape a new generation of leaders is something that drives him every day. Lastly, Rashad takes pride in the creative aspects of his work. He loves turning his ideas into impactful realities and knowing that his efforts are making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
One of the most significant hurdles Rashad has faced in building his program has been securing consistent funding to sustain and expand programs. Nonprofits like Black Boys Empowered often operate in a competitive funding landscape where resources are limited, and Rashad has had to work tirelessly to identify grants, build relationships with donors, and creatively fundraise to support his initiatives. Ensuring financial stability while maintaining the quality and impact of the programs has been an ongoing balancing act. Another challenge has been navigating stereotypes and societal biases. As someone who works to uplift Black boys and men, Rashad has had to challenge misconceptions about what Black masculinity and success look like. Building a brand and organization that celebrates Black identity while countering negative narratives requires intentionality, persistence, and strategic messaging. Breaking through these barriers to gain broader community and institutional support has been both a challenge and a deeply motivating mission for Rashad.
To tackle the challenge of securing consistent funding, Rashad has worked to diversify his revenue streams. He applies for grants tailored to youth development and education initiatives, partners with local businesses and organizations for sponsorships, and organizes fundraisers that resonate with his community. Rashad has also leveraged his storytelling skills to craft compelling narratives about Black Boys Empowered’s impact, helping him attract donors and supporters who believe in his mission. Additionally, he is exploring creative revenue models, such as the BBE apparel line, which not only generates income but also promotes the organization’s mission.
Moving forward, Rashad shares that he envisions expanding the impact of Black Boys Empowered and evolving his personal and professional ventures to create a lasting legacy of empowerment, education, and community engagement. He adds, “One of my primary goals is to transform Black Boys Empowered into a foundation that will oversee multiple initiatives aimed at supporting Black boys in Detroit and beyond. This includes establishing a prestigious scholarship program for HBCU-bound students from metro Detroit.” Rashad also plans to launch the Dear Black Boy health and wellness brand as a subsidiary of the foundation, providing resources and products designed specifically for Black boys’ well-being.
His advice to others who may follow in his footsteps is very clear. Start with a clear purpose and build a strong network. He also advises you to stay true to your community and, most importantly, leave a legacy.
Victory Jeanice Durrah
The daughter of Jeanice and Victor Durrah Jr.
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
