Your assignment is not the assignment of everyone else. Once I learned what those nine words truly meant, my focus on life changed. Of course, I have been told that God gives His toughest battles to His strongest warriors, but that memo didn’t include details of when the battles would end. Instead of sticking my chest out during my victories and hanging my head during the moments of defeat, I’ve decided to learn from each circumstance, and by doing so, I am prepared for the next battle with each new day.
The best advice I have ever given myself is to be satisfied in my attempts to be better. When I first launched Huami Magazine, I was presented with a situation that adversely impacted the quality of my relatively new publication. I was frustrated, but I also knew what had occurred and why it happened. The idea of quitting never came into my mind, even while I sat motionless, staring at the balled-up copy in reference. I didn’t know then, but God was preparing me for something greater.
In November of this year, we will begin our seventeenthanniversary celebration of the birth of Huami Magazine. When I think about all of the layouts, the photo shoots, the interviews, and the distributions that have taken place, all I can say is God has been faithful and continues to keep His promise.
Had I given up in the beginning, the stories and testimonies of countless individuals may have never been published. Had I given in to the pressure of operating in the unknown, my mother would have never been able to mail magazines to her friends. Had I not decided to pour everything I have in me into producing something my community would celebrate, the hope that others have in God doing a great work for them may not exist.
All of my assignments have come with a lot of responsibility. What is more interesting is that the same set of instructions has accompanied them all: to seek God first and operate according to His plans. My assignment is not everyone else’s, and I know everything I desire is connected to how it aligns with God’s plan. Learn your assignment and align it with God. He will handle the rest for you.
His words are distinguished. They have taken him places far from where he ever could imagine. Learn more about who he is and his journey.
Miami, FL
She is a advocate for those who are dealing with mental health. Learn more about her personal journey.
Hampton Roads, VA
Who doesn’t love popcorn? For Khadijah Polly, that question is one she is always eager and prepared to answer. Khadijah owns Kay’s Kettle Corn, an African-American and female business based in Houston, TX. “Our popcorn is fresh and popped right after you order it,” Khadijhah says. “Kay’s Kettle Corn is made with four simple ingredients: popcorn, sugar, canola oil, and sea salt, and is perfect for when you’re craving a sweet, salty, and crunchy snack.”
Khadijah is a native of Los Angeles, California. There, she attended the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies and graduated in 1999. Her next move landed her at Grambling State University, a Historically Black College and University in Grambling, Louisiana. HBCU’s are known for putting out exceptional students that personify the meaning of black excellence, and Khadijah was sure to keep the tradition in motion. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in Spring 2003 and became a member of the renowned Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Kay’s Kettle Corn is a gourmet popcorn company that provides two popcorn flavors for parties and events. Their signature kettle corn is sweet and salty and is typically found at carnivals and festivals. The second one is their movie theater popcorn.
When not popping popcorn, Khadijah has been able to author an ebook called POPCOINS- How To Make $500 a Month With a Home-Based Popcorn Business. She also serves as a speaker, covering topics of empowerment and entrepreneurship, and as a specialty foods business coach. She also facilitates a workshop designed for schools called Popcorn CEO’s (Children’s Economic Opportunities). “Our workshop teaches entrepreneurship based on the principles of supply chain management while using a popcorn company as the business example,” Khadijah says.
www.kayskettlecorn.com
So, how did Khadijah get started? She says, “I’ve always been an entrepreneur, having some form of a side hustle. I’ve also always been a snacker, if I didn’t sell popcorn, I would probably sell chips. In 2012, I had a bridal resale shop at a huge flea market in Houston. Out of hundreds of businesses in the flea market that could sell food were the owners; it was popcorn. That’s when I noticed there was money in concessions. I would see people eating it from these plain brown paper bags. No frills. One day, I was closing my shop and wanted some popcorn but didn’t want to walk on the other side of the flea market to get some, and I thought, surely I can make this. So I did. I went home, looked on YouTube, and found out how to make the popcorn indoors. The rest of the story is history.”
Khadijah shares that she loves being a part of people’s celebrations and the freedom and flexibility entrepreneurship provides.
Kay’s Kettle Corn is a family affair. “It’s all hands on deck whether the order is three bags or 30,000 bags; my family jumps right in to help every time, no matter what,” she says. She also shares that when she first started, she would get questions from people with similar interests in food. “They would follow me on social media or meet me in a networking event, and their eyes would light up when they heard my story and saw the progression. That’s when I wrote my ebook sharing my exact steps in what I did to get started, which then turned into coaching. I’ve mentored young entrepreneurs in Ghana who wanted to start their popcorn business. I’ve taught women in Northern Ghana how to make popcorn. The beauty of this popcorn business is that it’s easy to get started, the profit margins are great, the product is versatile in terms of flavoring, it keeps well, it’s inexpensive to start the business, and you can get repeat customers.”
When the Covid 19 pandemic hit, Khadijah had to pivot and think about her business model. At that time, her biggest clients were businesses and event planners, but she managed to survive that season of uncertainty. Also, deciding when to take on financing to scale has been challenging for Khadijah. “With additional debt comes a ton of responsibilities. I’ve had to ramp up marketing to get more customers to pay for the new equipment, additional production space, staff, etc. It’s a never-ending cycle, and as a free-spirited entrepreneur who likes to take off when I want, it’s something that I struggle with consistently.”
Moving forward, Khadijah says she plans to participate in major festivals, take her popcorn brand internationally, and become a vendor in soccer stadiums in African countries. “Popcorn is an inexpensive product and is very profitable when sold in large quantities. Some developing countries in Africa are wide open and welcoming to entrepreneurs. It’s a business model that can be taught to young entrepreneurs there,” she says.
For more information, please visit the website for Kay’s Kettle Corn. h
Tashira Mone’, also known as “Shi”, has enjoyed a colorful and thrilling journey in life. She is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, 200 RYT Hatha/Tantra/Vinyasa, 300 MTT Yoga Nidra Meditation, Sound Healer, a veteran, mom, and wife in Twin Flame Union.
Tashira is also an Air Force Veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She has served as a nurse with a career that spanned over ten years. She has many experiences in various demographics, including being a licensed Tantra/Hatha/Vinyasa Yoga and meditation Instructor. Tashira’s training in this field happened in Indonesia. Additionally, she is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor and alumnus of Kerala Ayurvedic Academy.
After high school, Tashira joined the Air Force immediately, unleashing her inner warrior and bravery. She hadn’t even turned 18, but she set off with hope! “With only an inkling of who I was or wanted to be, I started my independent journey as Military Police personnel, which led to a deployment to Iraq and serving in mission Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon separating from the military and four years of military police work, I sought healing career options,” she explains. “My own healing journey began after separating from the military, divorcing, and embarking on a new journey as a civilian and single mother. So, I studied Nursing and worked in various fields such as psych to rehab and addiction, corrections, and hospice. For the most part, I’ve always possessed a burning passion for acquiring knowledge through self-study and wisdom through my fearless experience and solitude.”
Currently, Tashira owns Bloolotus. Her company offers a unique and individualized holistic approach to health and wellness using Vedic knowledge and practices to support individuals in attaining balance, well-being, and optimal health. Her mantra, “The only way out is in”, and Tashira explains she is committed to assisting others in addressing the root causes of their challenges and ailments. “I structure my personal life and business around this mantra and strongly believe in the power of introspection as the catalyst for radical change. A healthy mind creates a healthy body, and healthy minds create a healthy society!”
Her services are designed to guide human beings seeking wellness and health in awakening the healer within, using the powers of the mind, Vedic practices, and through the understanding of the subtle energies in our food, thoughts, and actions. With this approach in counseling, Tashira takes her clients on a holistic journey as they cleanse and reprogram their mind-body-spirit system, bringing optimal health, balance, purpose, clarity, and inner peace into their life experience. “Rather than seeking to heal others, my role is to awaken individuals to their inherent abilities and powers to heal themselves. This approach enables them to walk their authentic path and overcome any obstacles hindering them, ultimately fostering harmony, good health, clarity, purpose, and fulfilling their desires. I intend to create a space where my clients can fully embrace the healing experience and carry it with them long after their program ends.”
Some of the services offered by Bloolotus are 1:1 Yoga/Meditation Path, provided in monthly packages. In Yoga, Tashira says, it is believed that dis-ease results from disconnection between mind, body, and spirit. The path to Yoga begins by monitoring the mental processes, understanding the mental process, and becoming undisturbed by the fluctuations of the mind so you can remain stable amid challenge and change.
They also offer Yoga Nidra + Deep Healing Sound Therapy, which is an ancient, deep meditation practice that facilitates healing from the subconscious mind outwards. It is an ancestral practice that stems from Indian traditions and philosophies grounded in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism. “This technique uses the body, breath, and awareness to allow you to drop into a deep state of relaxed awareness. Yoga Nidra facilitates awakened clarity and deep relaxation and, with consistent practice, can help one transcend self-created perceptions and limitations, heal psychological wounds, reduce stress, improve sleep, and connect to one’s inner wisdom, which transcends any lineage or guru,” she says.
Next, Bloolotus offers Ayurvedic Counseling. This service emphasizes the food consumption of her clients, which she says is defined by the food they eat, the air they breathe in, and the quality of breath taken in through senses such as sound, visual food, and taste of food. “Ayurvedic guidance helps one identify where disease and imbalance is present, how it shows up, and what triggers it. Based on an individual’s Dosha (mind-body type) we work together to stop feeding the triggers and start feeding the innate healer through changes and management of lifestyle, surroundings, diet, activities, and mental state. It’s all about selecting the right ingredients and combinations to feed the healer within based on which elements support the individual’s mind-body type,” she says. “Ayurveda keeps the body and mind healthy for a sustainable and successful Yoga practice.
Finally, there’s the Ayurvedic Curated Seasonal Cleanses & Packages, which are offered during the Fall and Spring seasons. Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle, Tashira shares means seeing and understanding the nature of the self and the nature of everything the self takes in and making conscious calculations about what to add and what to remove to maintain harmony, balance, and good health. “It’s about understanding Karma, transcending mental limitation, and living in a way that best suits your mind and body. This changes with the seasons, as designed. Seasonal cleansing allows us to shift with this change and live in rhythm with nature. Ayurvedic seasonal cleansing prevents some of your most common and longstanding physical health issues alone.”
Tashira says the vision to start Bloolotus began many years ago, happening along with her own healing and spiritual journey. “I traveled to Peru for an Ayahuasca ceremony in 2016 and had a soul awakening, mind-blowing experience. I experienced a frightening yet beautiful rebirth, faced some of my innermost shadows head-on, and awakened to my unresolved traumas. The ceremony gave me forgiveness, acceptance, a deeper connection with my intuition, and a deeper understanding of nature and the human psyche. My perception of healing and medicine shifted. Shortly after returning home from Peru, I experienced a traumatic event in my personal life: a home break-in and sexual assault at knifepoint. This left me in mental and emotional turmoil. I turned to yoga philosophy and practice to help cope, and I obtained profound healing and enlightenment. With the anxiety and panic attacks resulting from the break-in, I couldn’t find the space to breathe and heal, so I decided to travel to Bali, Indonesia, to earn my yoga teacher certification through intense training and immersive study. I wanted to learn more about Yoga, which led me to the science of Ayurvedic Medicine. At that discovery, I knew I finally found my place, purpose, and path,” she says.
Tashira’s advice to others who may find themselves in places like she was is to let go of what you think your journey should look like because when you do that, you make space for the possibilities. “Any rigid thinking limits you from the infinite versions of outcomes that you can’t even imagine. Your mind only knows what it knows. So have faith, have fun, surrender, and trust the process,” she says.
To learn more about Bloolotus, please visit their website.
By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Malika Williams
She is committed to addressing the needs of her community. Whether it be in the form of volunteering or sharing her resources, Malika Williams is there for it.
Born and raised in Detroit, MI, Malika was originally a foster child. “I went to foster care when I was 14. During that time, it was really hard for me to get placement, mainly because families weren’t interested in taking in teens. By the time I was 16, I was pregnant; when I turned 17, I was incarcerated. I vowed to do better, guide others to become productive regardless of their situation, and spread love,” she says. Malika’s experiences fuel her desire to make a difference and show others that opportunities exist beyond what they see.
Malika attended and graduated from Phillip Murray Wright High School. Next, she received an associate degree from McCone Community College in Business Administration. In 2020, she graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies. Today, Malika is the Executive Director and founder of L.I.V.E. Outreach. The areas of focus for The L.I.V.E. Outreach are education, responsibility and accountability, mentoring, sex education, ACT/SAT preparation, financial literacy, volunteering, resume and cover letter preparation, goal setting, and more.
Malika believes that education is a key component to a successful future. “It is essential that The L.I.V.E Outreach provides each child with the necessary resources to their individual need.” In regard to accountability, she emphasizes that children must understand that failure is not an option and that success is a choice. “Having a positive attitude with a determined mindset is what we practice. No matter your background or situation,” she says.
“I went to foster care when I was 14.
By the time I was 16, I was pregnant; when I turned 17, I was incarcerated.”
L.I.V.E. is very active in the Detroit community. Launched in 2014, they conduct community clean-ups, feed people experiencing homelessness, and mentor the youth, and within the last year, they’ve expanded their program to include males between the ages of 12 and 17. Furthermore, L.I.V.E. is designed for individuals representing a younger version of herself. “Our mission is to contribute and sustain adequate resources and tools for children and their families in our communities. L.I.V.E. utilizes all available resources to ensure we give the proper tools to children that will enable them to become successful, productive adults,” she says.
Originally, Malika started by volunteering at Vista Maria, a facility where she was once housed. “I mentored there and helped in any area I could. That experience was very fulfilling, and soon, I began looking for ways to do more. That is how my program was created,” she says. “We began by helping young teens, young women specifically, who were transitioning from foster care to independent living.”
Some of the partnerships that L.I.V.E. Outreach has been with Wayne State University, which has provided various resources for L.I.V.E., along with volunteers and more. What Malika loves most about what she does is having an impact on those she serves. “It’s not always on the individuals I serve, it’s also on those who are seeking to do something similar to me,” she says.
What is next for Malika and L.I.V.E. Outreach? Her answer is to do her part to restore love and hope in her community. “There is a lot of blight in Detroit. There are a lot of empty buildings. I hope to gain funding and create a hub for our youth. There are only a few recreational centers available. The downtown scene has changed. When visitors come here, they may be blown away. In one part of the city, it looks one way, but if you travel to another part, it looks totally different. I want to secure a solid foundation and help more people,” she says.
If you want to do what Malika does, you must be consistent. Detroit is not an easy city to succeed in Malika says. You have to be patient and tough. “Proper planning prevents poor performance,” Malika says.
For those who like to learn more about L.I.V.E. Outreach, please visit their website.
h
www.liveoutreach.org
Taki Brown is a trailblazing poet who has a gift for both Rhymed and Narrative poetry. His delivery of words is candid, gaudy, and serene; however, don’t let his smooth flavor fool you. Taki’s vision exceeds the boundaries of his stage performance.
Born in Jackson, TN, Taki spent most of his life in Walton Beach, FL. He has also involved himself in many things in his short life. Currently, he resides in Hampton, VA, and has been an active officer with the United States Air Force since 2017. He has also found time to attend college at the University of Maryland Global Campus while pursuing a degree in Marketing.
Taki’s interest lies in poetry and acting. His career with poetry began in Florida, and he enjoyed his first gig at Spill The Tea in Fort Walton Beach. “When I first got to Florida, I thought poetry was just something to do. I was like all the other kids who grew up in my era. I tried rapping and freestyling with my friends. I wanted to find a way to release my emotions and be vulnerable with my audience, and poetry was the answer,” he says.
Since becoming a poet, he has performed in states outside of Florida, including North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and others. He also has a gift for acting, brilliantly combining his talents and turning his poetry into film. His first production, or poetry short film, is called You Were Loved, which was based on one of his poems.
As a poet, Taki has been inspired by other great poets, including Rudy Francisco and Steven Wills. He also acknowledges his fiance, Tashana Griffiths, for keeping him on his toes whenever he decides to write. Additionally, Taki recognizes Kalvo Griffin, a director, for showing him how to prepare professionally.
While Taki’s gift has taken him to places he never imagined he would be, he also shares there are times when it’s challenging. “I have a love-hate relationship with poetry. I love that it allows me to release and express my emotions, but I also resent how it takes so much from me. It can be draining at times. If you put your all into something, it can be draining,” he says. Another challenge he faces is writers’ blogs. “I am emotional and allow myself to be vulnerable. When I am in front of my audience, I try to avoid appealing to my audience too much. I try to avoid those places and rather focus on doing what I do best.”
Looking ahead, Taki plans to continue using his talents in film and poetry. He also plans to write a book, launch a podcast, and produce a film. There are also plans in the works for a clothing line. Taki concludes saying, “My goal in life is to be remembered. I want people to look at what I accomplish and believe they can be whatever they want to be.”
I have a love-hate relationship with poetry. I love that it allows me to release and express my emotions, but I also resent how it takes so much from me. It can be draining at times.”
By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Chaos Candle Company
Sophia Carter is the owner of Chaos Candle Company. Also deaf, she was born and raised in the state of Maryland, though her family roots are Jamaican. Sophia grew up attending mainstream schools and did not learn American Sign Language until she reached the high school level. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Maryland and Columbia University. In addition to managing Chaos Candle Company, Sophis works for a consulting firm.
Founded in 2020, in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic, Chaos Candle Company creates mainstream scented candles and home fragrances. Sophia says her mission is to bring inspiration into homes and empower the deaf community and customers to go beyond their fears and limits. “We understand that life can be overwhelming, and sometimes we all need a little light to us through the dark moments. Our candles are here to do just that.”
Sophia says her candles are made with the same care and attention to detail that was used when she first started. Whether you’re looking for a candle to set the mood for a romantic evening, she can help you unwind after a long day or simply bring a little light into your life. “At our Chaos Candle Co, we believe that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to be found. Our candles are a reminder of that light, and we hope they bring a little brightness into your life.”
Chaos Candle Company’s existence happened when everything seemed to be falling apart around the world. During this period, Sophia found solace in the gentle glow of a candle flame. She says, “As we burned candles throughout our home, we began to feel a sense of calm and peace that had been missing from our lives. We soon realized that we wanted to share this experience with others and help them find their own sense of calm in the midst of chaos. We started small, crafting each candle by hand with the highest quality ingredients. We specialize in wooden tube wicks with bespoke fragrances.”
Running a business brings Sophia joy and an opportunity to detach from her other obligations. “I love creating candles. You will often hear other candlemakers express their frustration with the process, but I like testing new waxes and fragrances and coming up with new ideas that my customers would enjoy. I have a vision for what my candle business could become. This vision is a constant source of inspiration, reminding me of the potential for growth and success.”
While many other deaf owned businesses exist in the DMV, expanding did not come without difficulties. Like most business owners, Sophia is constantly faced with challenges on how to make her company better. She points out how she has often encountered prejudice and passive-aggressive racism. “When I first started my business, I was focused on my products and what I could provide. I adjusted and became more diverse with my product line. Another challenge is when people find out that I am deaf owned business, they fall into the stereotypes of what deaf individuals can do. As part of the deaf community, we don’t have the resources we need to thrive in our business,” she says. Though faced with the challenges, Sophia and Chaos Candle Company have persevered.
For others who are interested in starting a business, Sophia’s advice is to start slow and do your research. “I know we all want to be on our grind and be successful, but do the work, and take your time,” she says. Moving forward, Sophia’s goal is to increase visibility with potential customers. She also plans to participate in local markets and events. Sophia says these opportunities will allow her to showcase her candles and gather valuable feedback. To learn more about Chaos Candle Company, please visit their website.
“Another challenge is when people find out that I am deaf owned business, they fall into the stereotypes of what deaf individuals can do. As part of the deaf community, we don’t have the resources we need to thrive in our business.”
Washington, D.C., native Alisa Thornton Banks prides herself in advocating for those who deal with mental illness. She was raised by a single mother, Bernadette Thornton, known by many as a “Boss Lady” and mother to many mothers. Alisa says her mother instilled into her and her sister, Cyndi, the importance of being a mother first, and also on being self-sufficient and never needing anything from anyone. “My mother was a very good example of what it is to be from the city and represent your city in everything I do. She was also a hard worker, working her way from the mailroom in the Federal government to a GS 16,” Alisa says.
She lost her mother in 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Still, Alisa remains inspired and empowered to continue to build her legacy for her family in honor of her beloved mother by creating the Bernadette Thornton Foundation.
Alisa is a wife and mother herself, having two brilliant daughters. What is even more amazing is that she is a grandmother. Alisa is very hard on education and desired for her kids to attend school in Virginia, and moved from D.C./Maryland to Virginia so they could. Her move paid off, as her daughters graduated from high school with advanced diplomas and are now college students. “My family is my “why” and the reason I advocate so hard,” she says.
Alisa is a survivor of domestic violence. Today, she erves as an advocate in mental health. She is also a Realtor with Samson Properties. She takes pride in educating her clients on the importance of investing in their future. Her passion for helping others can be felt because she is passioned about the work she does. She also owns Another Touch Solutions LLC.
“I got involved with mental health because of others I saw suffering with the illness,” she says. Alisa is also big on advocating services for men, African-American men. She has conducted various support groups that have taken place in churches, schools, county workshops, barber shops, salons and anywhere the support is needed. She even had a few hookah bars request her to facilitate a support groups or mental health information sessions at their locations. “There are not many services for men in our community so I had to create a way to bring the support to them,” Alisa shared.
Alisa has proven to be a voice for those who cannot speak and the light for those in dark places. Her efforts have placed her on a national platform as an advocate and activist in Mental Health. She has spoken at a Congressional Briefing in 2016. Since doing so, she has worked nonstop in her community.
The stigma associated with individuals suffering from mental health continues to hinder them from coming forward and sharing their illness with others. “People often labeled people crazy, but if you think about it, no one offered to help that person. Throughout life, it was my perception that no one really cared to help these individuals,” Alisa says. That pushed her.
Alisa recounts her life had many ups and downs, but because her mother worked so hard, it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. She did, however, experience the same trauma and tragedy as anyone else. In 2012, her stepfather was murdered at her family home by his brother. This shattered her trust in people and family. “ How can you trust when you can not even trust those within your own home? You can not feel comfortable when someone in your home is murdered by another family member,” she said. Nobody really understood the trauma that has on her or her family. In order to move past this, she needed answers. She felt she had to create change. She began working for NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Health. In her role, Alisa used her own experience to help support families and caregivers who were in crisis to become stable again.
Alisa has been recognized as one of the sought-after Family Support Partners/Peer Support Specialist for the minority population in Northern Virginia. She has helped hundreds of families navigate the system to get the right services in place to help their families get on track. Even more, Alisa has a keen sense of empowering, supporting, and understanding parents going through crisis.
Alisa is highly experienced and comfortable working within at-risk and vulnerable communities. Today, she is certified as a trainer to conduct support groups/classes and parent training for NAMI Virginia and NAMI Prince William. She is a speaker at the CIT training for police officers in Prince William County. She often shares her experiences to help officers understand the family perspective to bridge the gap between officers and the community. Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Alisa has even been invited to attend the National CIT Conference in Detroit in August with over 1,500 officers. In June 2023, Alisa received the NAMI Virginia HOPE Award.
While continuing to work with NAMI, Alisa discovered VOICE, Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement. This began her path of working with legislative matters, including input during the general assembly. She says having the voice of the parents and peers in the community alongside some of Virginia’s most powerful Faith Leaders has been an unbelievable experience. This organization is the driving force in Virginia’s mental health response, opening the first Crisis Receiving Center in Woodbridge in 2024.
Alisa currently serves as Chair of the Virginia Department of Social Services, Division of Family Services (DFS) Parent Advisory Council. The Council’s mission is to collaborate with DFS in building strategic partnerships between parents and staff, promoting parent leadership development, and helping expand the meaningful roles and voices throughout public child welfare. She also represents the Council on the Child Welfare Advisory Committee in this role. Other organizations she has worked with have been Casey Family, Families Forward, FSP’s of Virginia, BPNN, Generations United, and many more.
Alisa joined forces with Stars Performing Arts Inc (Shining. Through. Adversity. Reaching. Success.), a 501c3 non-profit organization, in early 2022. The organization gives those challenged (visually impaired, autistic, down syndrome, homeless shelter, foster homes, parents on substance abuse, and various other disabilities) a platform to shine in the arts.
Looking ahead, Alisa hopes to get more involved with legislation that’s associated with her cause. She also hopes to help others learn how to become financially stable, which includes educational components focused on understanding a credit score. “I just want to be on the frontline and do the work. I don’t need clout; I don’t need recognition. All I need is to get the people I serve results,” she says.
In conclusion, Alisa shares, “This is the Year of the Peer! I will continue to be the light to those in dark places, and the VOICE for those who can not SPEAK!”
Adrian E. Miller regards himself as the Soul Food Scholar who is dropping knowledge like hot biscuits. The Dever, CO, native has enjoyed careers in various arenas. He is a recovering attorney, a former Politico, and an author. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Colorado Council of Churches. In his role, he brings people together across denominational lines in the Christian faith tradition, and they collectively do social justice work.
He focused on commercial litigation as an attorney, but the main focus was employment law. “That area of focus was not what I really wanted to do. I wanted to do corporate law, assist entrepreneurs in building their businesses, and help them develop an exit strategy. But, when you go work for a big law firm, they plug you in where they need you. It just wasn’t for me, and it got to the point where I was singing spirituals in my office,” he says.
As the Council of Churches, Adrian oversees 13 Christian denominations, representing over 800 churches in Colorado. Adrian primarily works with the mainline protestant denominations and strives to get people to connect people outside of their church walls and denomination walls. “Most people only relate to people in their church. I try to connect people in the broader Christian community and collectively do social justice work. We are a lot stronger than we are separately,” he shares.
Adrian’s journey also includes a stint with him working in the White House with former President Bill Clinton. The program he worked on was called The President’s Initiative for One America, an outgrowth of President Clinton’s initiative on race, which the late John Hope Franklin chaired.
As mentioned, Adrian is regarded as the Soul Food Scholar, a self-proclamation derived by Adrian. The books he has written on this subject matter include Soul Food: The Surprising Story of American Cuisine, One Plate At a Time, The President’s Kitchen Cabinet, and Black Smoke: African Americans and The United States of Barbeque.
Adrian says, “I am self-taught, and I arrived at this title due to unemployment. After leaving my stint at the White House, I was trying to get back to Colorado and start my political career. The job market was really slow, and I watched a lot of daytime television. In the depth of my depravity, I decided to read something and purchased a book from a local bookstore titled The History of Southern Food, written by John Edgerton. In his book, John said the tribute to black achievement in American cooking has yet to be written. I found that to be very interesting. I decided to reach out to him and see if he thought that was still true. John said he did and believed that no one had taken on the full story. With no qualifications at all, besides eating a lot of soul food and cooking it some, I started on the journey to answer my own question,” he says.
Photos Provided by Adrian Miller
Adrian headed back to Denver, and upon arriving, he got into politics. In his spare time, Adrian would read everything he could get his hands on about African-American food traditions. This included 3,500 oral histories about formerly enslaved people, 500 cookbooks, half of them authored by black people, and thousands of magazine and newspaper articles and talked to hundreds of people. Adrian shares that because he cares about his subject so dearly, he decided to eat his way through the country; he visited 150 soul food restaurants in 35 cities in 15 states. That exploration lasted about the course of a year and a half.
In regards to soul food, Adrian says his favorite dish is greens. “I love soul food greens. My favorite is mustard and turnip greens without the turkey. My mom is from Chattanooga, TN, and she cooked mustard and turnip greens. I learned there is a regional difference in the preference for greens. If you are from the Deep South, you will most likely eat collards. If you are from the mid-Atlantic, you will likely enjoy kale. I also love bone-in-fried Catfish. I love that,” he says.
In his travels to learn more about soul food, Adrian says what shocked him was learning the narrative that it was created by white people for black people as the food they did not want. “In doing my studies, I learned the Southern food story has more to do with class and place than it is about race. So, pretty much, African Americans of the same socioeconomic class are eating the same foods.”
He also gained a deeper appreciation of the African influences on soul food. “Before, I didn’t know much about African influence. I learned that African’s brought some of their foods to America from Africa and adapted to some things in America. I saw a lot more agency in trying to shape their foods while in the most horrific circumstances.”
Adrian says that due to his research, he has become inspired by the celebration of African-American cuisine. “I observed how the African American food tradition was heavily criticized while others were not. I wanted to know what was up with that. If you investigate the nutritional facts of other cuisines, you can’t argue they are healthier than soul food. I thought that something else must be going on. I learned that it is criticized because it is strongly associated with slavery and poverty. It is also believed to be inherently unhealthy. I wanted to unpack that and sort out fact from fiction. I also wanted to celebrate what we’ve brought to the table in terms of the cooks, the cuisine, and the culture,” he says.
For those interested in venturing on a journey similar to that of Adrian, the Soul Food Scholar, he offers some advice that may help along the way. “First of all, you have to do the work. It is so tempting to take a shortcut, but that often leads to mistakes. You must keep receipts because there are people who will doubt you, especially within the African-American culture. Also, find your bliss and that which sings to your heart and soul, and share your dream with others because that might open new doors of opportunity for you,” he says.
Please visit his website to learn more about Adrian Miller and purchase copies of his books.
S. Kaye Latimer-Ellerbe’s mission is to inspire and empower others through practical and spiritual guidance. Her favorite life scripture is 3 John 1:2 (Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers), which is always at the forefront of her mind as she challenges God’s people to live up to their full potential.
Born in South Carolina but now residing in Philadelphia, PA, Kaye is married to Reverend James B. Ellerbe, and together they have four daughters. She holds a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Currently, Kaye is pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology.
Professionally, Kaye owns and manages One Accord Ministries, INC, and On Point Events LLC. One Accord Ministries Inc., a nonprofit organization, is committed to serving the Lord and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the truths of God’s word. Their work is done through live drama presentations that consists of dramatization, dance, and spoken word. “Our services are designed to reach the hearts of the lost and encourage Christians toward a closer relationship with Jesus Christ,” Kaye says. “Combining the Gospel with drama helps the audience see, hear, feel, and understand the message like never before, as the word of God comes alive on stage. Our vision is to take these productions to many different churches, conferences, and theaters, and break down religious barriers and speak to the believer’s heart so that people can be healed, delivered, and set free of bondage.”
For the most part, Kaye has always been drawn to the arts. She studied Liturgical Dance under Pastor Kristopher Halsey, founder of the Look & Live Creative Arts Team of Unity Temple Worship Center, Philadelphia, PA, and Minister Carolyn Johnson, founder of Breaking the Barriers Arts Academy, in Pennsauken, NJ. Additionally, she has shared her gift of ministry in dance throughout the United States, Bermuda, and Uganda, Africa, and held many church leadership positions, being ordained to the office of Elder in 2010. At the close of Unity Temple Worship Center, she founded One Accord Ministries Inc.
“Our vision is to take these productions to many different churches, conferences, and theaters, and break down religious barriers and speak to the believer’s heart so that people can be healed, delivered, and set free of bondage.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Kaye decided to follow her passion for decorating and design and started an event design business called On Point Events, LLC. On Point Events was created because of Kaye’s desire never to have anyone look back on their special day and be disappointed by what they see in the pictures. “A picture is worth millions to some and worth nothing to others. Once the moment has been captured in a picture, it can never be changed,” she says. On Point Events’ goal is to take their client’s dreams and make them a reality using decor designs from chairs and table linens, sashes, table runners, and centerpieces. “Our services are for anyone who has a vision for a special event and wants to see it come to life.”
As a Playwright and Director, Kaye says what she loves most is the opportunity to express her artistic vision and ideas through the medium of theater. “My job is to create unique stories, develop compelling characters, and explore diverse themes and emotions that keep the audience engaged and invested in the story,” she said. As an Event Designer and Coordinator, she mostly enjoys creating memorable experiences that reflect her client’s vision and love story. “I want to make sure that every time they think of the day or look at their photos, they experience the same euphoric feeling as they experienced on the actual day.”
Kaye shares that her daughter, Abria Nicole, inspires her to be the best she can be. She says, “Once I found out I was pregnant, I set out to ensure a better life for my daughter. Abria is the reason I have made many choices, stepped outside of my comfort zone, and allowed myself to be stretched in ways I couldn’t even imagine. I’ve done all of this to be the example she could follow as she grows in life. My daughter is a natural-born leader and a go-getter and is making waves in this world.”
Amazingly, Kaye has been able to build her business while working full-time. While doing so, it has been a challenge for her, but still, she has persevered. Kaye is determined, and most of all, she loves serving others in ministry and in business. Looking ahead, Kaye shares her plans for a rebroadcast of the 2023 Production “Already Defeated” which will be held in Philadelphia PA. Her team is also looking for opportunities to bring it to churches in and out of state. Additionally, she has launched a movement called “I’m SICKA Church” which depicts the issue of “church hurt” from all perspectives. There will also be a podcast series launching in the fall prior to the stage production in 2024.
Kaye is also seeking individuals to become a One Accord Ministries Inc. Partner. She says that by doing so, it helps them in so many ways. “It will allow us to cover production expenses and continue traveling the U.S. to preach the gospel. A partnership helps to increase the artistry of drama, helps to create professional scale life-changing videos, and reach people all over the U.S. and abroad,” she says.
Kaye shares her love of God with her husband, Reverend James B. Ellerbe
The son of Shannon Hairston
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“We looked like a wholesome, loving family on the outside, but on the inside, our house was a living hell. I had a controlling father, and my mother was his punching bag. I felt abandonment, fear, anxiety, and depression. I didn’t take care of my childhood trauma, so it showed up in my adult life. I wanted control, and the men in my life were victims of my wrath. My life came full circle when I met a man just like my father.
It is time for my story to be told my way. My trauma. My triggers. My truth.”
Dear Abuser…
