McGinnis Huntsville
Let Your Actions Offer Hope To Others
A Letter From The Editor
You never know who is watching. In everything that we do in life, regardless of whether an audience is present or not, we must know that someone is always watching. While some may be in the form of support or encouragement, others may show up just to learn. I would describe myself as a learner.
Throughout my life, the answers and solutions I’ve needed to survive haven’t always come from those who I would expect them to. Often times I didn’t have what a young and impressionable male needed to grow and maneuver, and because of this, I failed and made many mistakes. Yet, I thank God for grace and for placing help along my way, to ensure that what He has planned and purposed shall be done.
I recently celebrated a birthday. It was cool. I didn’t make a lot of noise, but instead, I enjoyed the blessing of being alive. It was also around this time that the Olympic games were taking place in Paris. As Simeon Biles captivated the world with yet another remarkable performance, my interest was consumed by what American Runner Sha’Carri Richardson accomplished. As many may recall, a few years ago, Sha’Carri made headlines for her mistakes off the track. As I watched the Olympic games, I celebrated her victory, but I also celebrated her determination and her perseverance. Sha’Carri has proven to her naysayers and critics that she can block out distractions and lock in what is most important.
Watching Sha’Carri fueled my fire in some ways. It also reminded me to appreciate the opportunities that God gives us to correct a mistake. As I always say, “no one is perfect, except God’ and life throws a few curve balls here and there, we must stand firm and erect at the plate, always ready to swing for the fences. The greatest opportunity to exhibit our strength happens on our way back up.
I want to encourage everyone to keep moving and believing that our greatest days are still yet to happen. God has given all of His children purpose, and has also provided provisions to see them occur. As we continue along our journey’s, let’s do it with a heart of faith and assurance, because you never know who is watching. We must allow our actions offer hope to others.
Terry L. Watson
Huntsville Housing Authority
Antonio L. McGinnis
Huntsville, AL
Flirty Flame Candle Co.
Sherry Jefferson
Huntsville, AL
Grants to Advance Space Exploration
Alabama A&M University
Memphis, TN
Paschal Construction & Property
Chuck Hildreth
Greensboro, NC
Becoming A Caregiver
Terry L. Watson
He is the pastor of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. Learn more about him. Huntsville, AL
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. His name is Jaylen Hardy.
A Legacy with NYSP Dr. Deborah Callaway
United Women of Color
Angela D. Curry
Huntsville City Schools Dr. Clarence Sutton
The Vujee Vegan Nikia M. Lightfoot
Huntsville BOE Approves 3-Year Contract Extension for Superintendent Clarence Sutton
The Huntsville City Board of Education unanimously approved a three-year contract extension for Superintendent Clarence Sutton. The contract extension will add three more years to Dr. Sutton’s original three-year contract. The board voted on the contract extension during the work session on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024.
Dr. Sutton instructing students and teachers.”The opportunity to vote on his initial contract and now an extension to cement the continuity of leadership, not only for our staff and administration, but for the community, is something that we are exceptionally proud of,” said Board President Ryan Renaud. “We have a lot of great pace and great momentum in Huntsville City Schools, and that’s because of this man’s vision, leadership, and dedication.”
The district experienced numerous accomplishments during Dr. Sutton’s first year as superintendent including the rollout of a 10year capital plan, the development of a new strategic plan, and a commitment to achieving Unitary Status.
“You genuinely care about students, and you genuinely care about instruction,” said District 1 Board Representative Michelle Watkins. “You came in, made a difference, and we really appreciate that. I appreciate the fact that we have a visionary who has a heart. We have the right superintendent at the right time, and he is going to do some amazing things in the years to come.”
Dr. Sutton thanked the board for their support and their vision.
“We have a board who demands excellence,” Dr. Sutton said. “I could not be here without the administrators and the leaders in this room. They believe in Huntsville City Schools, they demand excellence, and it is a privilege to serve them. I want to thank this group of leaders, administrators, teachers, students, and support staff all over the district. We can be the premier district in the state of Alabama, and not only in the state of Alabama, but within the nation. We have the people to do it, the community to do it, and the board leadership to do it.”
The Huntsville City Board of Education named Dr. Sutton as superintendent in June 2023.
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Angela D. Curry United Women of Color - Huntsville
Angela D. Curry is an energetic, thought-provoking, servant leader facilitating change utilizing proactive interactions and pragmatic problem-solving. As founder and volunteer executive director of United Women of Color (UWOCpronounced U WOKE); she lives out her passion through the empowerment of girls, women and their communities by uniting people across ethnicities to address civic and educational gaps for advancement.
A native of Syracuse, NY, who grew up with both parents and a younger sister in Jacksonville, FL, Angela has lived in Huntsville for 31 years. Initially an Alabama A&M University Bulldog, she earned a B.A. degree in political science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (2000). Angela is employed as a configuration management analyst at Aerojet Rocketdyne, where she is the enterprise-wide subject matter expert for technical writing.
Angela’s first volunteer action in Huntsville was counting homeless people on 3rd shift for a local nonprofit seeking grant funding. A multi-talented hard worker, Angela has also worked in social work, real estate, fast food, and call centers and was also a stay-at-home parent at one point; she has well over nine years of nonprofit leadership experience, more than 12 years of general management and over 20 years of training and facilitating teams. She is a former candidate for city council (2008 - Angela Whaley), ran a 30-day write-in campaign for county commissioner (2016-Angela Whaley), and has served as a strategic analyst and GOTV specialist in local election campaigns.
In June 2020, in response to the worldwide outcry about police violence & trauma experienced too often by black and brown people in America, Angela, along with other community volunteers, launched the Citizens Coalition for Justice Reform (CCJR), an advocacy initiative of UWOC with over 150 volunteer residents calling for transformative local police reform. She is a happily married mother and grandmother. Angela loves to laugh, tell jokes, travel, read, and ride her motorcycle in her free time.
In 2020, Angela was awarded the Rosa Parks Catalyst for Change Award from the HSV/Madison County Rosa Parks Day Committee & The Ivy Center of Huntsville Madison County Foundation for leading UWOC’s criminal justice activism. In 2021, she received the Alumni of Achievement Award for the Colleges of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences from the University of Alabama in Huntsville for her work and community impact with UWOC.
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McGinnis Huntsville Housing Authority
By Terry L. Watson
Antonio McGinnis of Huntsville, AL, prefers to allow the work that he does to speak for him. As the Executive Director and CEO of Huntsville Housing Authority, Antonio
Born and raised in the same community that he serves is very meaningful to Antonio. In Huntsville, he grew up in Mason Court/Sparkman Homes, a public housing community. Though he was raised in a singleparent home, Antonio says his father was very involved in his life. His father also worked for Huntsville Housing Authority, and this allowed Antonio to see his dad on a daily basis. He attended Terry Heights Elementary School and Stone Middle School and later graduated from Butler High School. At Butler, in 1991, he was an all-state basketball player. He would go on to play basketball at Texas A&M University on a full scholarship. In 1995, Antonio graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He also obtained a Masters degree in Public Administration from Strayer University. Antonio’s life has been completed with his wife of 13 years, Mitzi, and together they have two boys, Kendell, AJ, and Ian.
Where Antonio is currently serving should not be a surprise to those who are familiar with the trek he has taken in life. Yes, he grew up in public housing and attended the Sparkman Homes Boys and Girls Club as a youth. There, he says he found out who he was going to become. “Because I grew up in public housing, my connection is a little different from that of
I know firsthand, and I can relate to members of our communities. When I was growing up, I really didn’t understand why I was in this space. Now that I am in this space, I know it was because I needed that experience to serve better.
Photos Provided by Antonio McGinnis
someone who didn’t grow up in public housing and doesn’t necessarily understand the people they are serving. I know firsthand, and I can relate to members of our communities. When I was growing up, I really didn’t understand why I was in this space. Now that I am in this space, I know it was because I needed that experience to serve better. Being from Huntsville can be tough, but knowing a lot of the communities, I can’t move as others wish I could. Due to policies and procedures that are in place, I am limited in what I can do. Whenever I can provide assistance, I am going to do just that. Most importantly, I want to help members of our communities learn that public housing doesn’t have to be their final stop. My testament should serve as a testament,” Antonio shares.
As the leader of Huntsville Housing Authority, Antonio is responsible for the organization’s total operation. He manages a $16 million dollar budget, 1600 public housing units, and 2000 Section 8 vouchers that are distributed to the community to find housing for families who want to move out of the public housing sector and rent homes from private landlords. “We are a high-performing organization, and I am the face of it. When we get our report card, it says that we have checked the box. We take care of the properties we have,” he says.
Earlier this year, the Huntsville Housing Authority was awarded a $50 million dollar grant by HUD, called The Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant. This grant is given by HUD to select agencies that fit the criteria for redevelopment throughout the country. Though Antonio wasn’t serving in his current role when the application was submitted for the grant, in 2019, when he returned, he was part of a team that finalized the process. Initially, they received a $1.5 million dollar planning grant. They utilized those funds to revitalize Butler Terrace. That grant also allowed them to compete for the $50 million dollar grant. They partnered with the City of Huntsville and found a developer, McCormack Baron Salazar, based in St. Louis, MO, which helped them to connect with some social services organizations. With all of the connections that were made, they were able to secure the grant in July.
With the grant money that Huntsville Housing Authority has been awarded, Antonio shares the goal is to transform lives. “We are going to build neighborhoods where people of all demographics can live together, and provide services that will help people excel. We may have people from all walks of life living in the same community, regardless of economic status. This will be a reflection of a true community that reflects who we are,” he says.
While Antonio leads an organization that is designed to help people in the Huntsville community, he emphasizes their goal, which is to help people become self-sufficient. “I am a big proponent of one of our programs, called the “The Family Self Sufficiency Program”. It allows families to develop their own five-year action plan. In those five years, it gives them an opportunity to plan for the next five years. They are assigned a case manager to walk them through the plan, and at the conclusion of the five years, if the families complete everything they have set out to do, their rent, which is placed in escrow upon signing up for the program, is given back to them in the form of a check. They can use that money to purchase a home, clear their debt, or whatever they want to do with it.”
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Antonio says it’s the opportunity to allow others to see who he is and where he comes from. He also credits his parents for inspiring him also. “My mom raised three boys who are doing well. My dad was a solid guy and took good care of me.”
In the future, Antonio shares that he plans to do his part to position the Huntsville Housing Authority to be successful. He also wants to continue to build leaders and use his life to be an example of what can be accomplished in life, regardless of where you come from.
NikiaM.Lightfoot
Life is Good, Food is Great
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Fredro Star Photography
To be a successful entrepreneur, one must possess a few key qualities or traits; some are fortitude, determination, resilience, flexibility, and patience. Without these, it may be impossible to withstand the ups and downs, as well as the unpredictableness that entrepreneurship can bring. For Huntsville, AL, native Nikia Lightfoot has exhibited several of these and has built a brand that exemplifies them all.
Nikia is a twelve-year breast cancer survivor, and upon learning of her diagnosis, she responded by implementing several lifestyle changes, with one being her diet. She says, “At the age of 34, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and knew, from research, that my chances of survival were largely dependent on changing my diet and lifestyle to a plantbased regimen. After a year, I returned to eating poultry and seafood but soon developed internal physiological issues. My body began rejecting animal and dairy products, and when I stopped that practice, my internal issues disappeared. However, I was left with the burning desire to have a restaurant where I could use my culinary skills to dispel the myths about plant-based meals and help people, especially cancer survivors, learn that there are more options than baked potatoes and salads. It’s a delicious alternative with loads of potential health benefits for everyone.” That began Nikia’s whirlwind adventure in the vegan/ plant-based food industry.
At the age of 34, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and knew, from research, that my chances of survival were largely dependent on changing my diet and lifestyle to a plantbased regimen.
Food Photo Credit: Madison Vegan Eats
Today, Nikia is the owner of Vujee Vegan, an award-winning mobile food kitchen that provides a 100% vegan and plantbased menu and is known for offering its customers fast and flexible services in several locations. Vujee Vegan was birthed on September 16, 2020, during the Covid pandemic. Nikia shares that her customers can place their orders online and also utilize third-party delivery services. Vujee Vegan’s daily menu consists of burgers, including their Basic, Cheeze, Bae-K’n, Western, and Doubles. They also offer Chicken Sandwiches that come in a variety of options, such as Fried, Buffalo, and Nashville Hot. Additionally, there are Chick’n Nuggets, Shrymp Baskets and Sandwiches, Homemade Chili & Cornbread, Salads, Waffle Fries, Smoked BBQ Ribz, Mack’n Cheeze, Salisbury Steak, Homemade Cakes, and assorted cookies. Nikia also offers meal prep and catering services.
The urge to do something entrepreneurial and extraordinary has been something Nikia says she has wanted to do since childhood. She adds, “I believe I was inspired by my parents as I watched them build their successful businesses from the ground up. It was, therefore, no surprise that by age 12, I knew I would be a restaurateur. It became more apparent as I got engrossed in the art of cooking, working alongside my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. What I did not know was how it would happen. I just had a dream and knew it would be realized someday.” Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, the catalyst for Nikia’s dream was laid out unexpectedly with her cancer diagnosis.
Nikia is the proud daughter of two amazing parents and the youngest of two older sisters. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and from the Florida Institute of Technology with a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management. In addition to managing Vujee Vegan, Nikia is employed full-time, supporting the Department of Defense. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Young Survivors Coalition, and volunteers with the American Red Cross, the Downtown Rescue Mission, and the Mommy Love Foundation. She has served on the VBD Board of Directors, an organization that provides grants to nonprofits in the community, and the Board of Directors for the KFJ Memorial Foundation, a breast cancer foundation that services the needs of women and men fighting breast cancer. In 2021, Nikia released her first book, My Breast Cancer Journey Journal. She says it was inspired by her journey and is a great tool for women who are fighting the horrible disease.
There are so many people who Nikia says have impacted her life, including her parents, and she credits her mother with being the most significant one of them all. Nikia shares, “My mother is a wonderful friend who has stood beside me through the good and bad times. She continues to love and support me unconditionally and always has something inspiring and positive to say. She prays for and encourages me and has taught me to be honest, work hard, give back, respect myself and others, and be a woman of integrity. All the advice and the life lessons she has given me continue to shape my values. I admire her strength, and I am exceptionally proud to be her daughter.”
Nikia says she loves working in the restaurant industry, mainly because of the fast-paced environment it offers. She also loves the opportunity to meet and connect with so many people from different backgrounds. “It’s so fulfilling seeing customers happy and satisfied with their meal,” Nikia shares.
The challenges Nikia has faced with managing her award-winning business involve moving her plant-based food delivery service to the next level. She says, “As a high-demand food truck system, I implement personal strategies that help attract the best quality staff who meet current and future needs. Over the previous four years, Vujee Vegan has grown from selling at farmers’ markets to renting a food trailer. We pivoted to a ghost kitchen and purchased our own food trailer in 2023. With this growth, we have hired more staff to keep up with the high demand for products”.
For other aspiring entrepreneurs who follow a path similar to the one Nikia has taken, she offers some sound advice. She says, “Find your niche and research the market, and determine what solution you are bringing. What makes you stand out? You must also write a business plan and understand your “why.” You must follow your heart. Don’t let anyone intimidate you because you are doing the same thing or something similar. There is enough room for everybody. Don’t tell everybody your dreams and visions. Everybody doesn’t have good intentions or advice, and remember, the vision and dream were given to you. Also, don’t let social media fool you. Being an entrepreneur is hard work, and you need to have thick skin. It’s an emotional roller coaster, and it takes a lot of time and money to build a sustaining business. Understand that you will make a lot of mistakes, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finding a mentor in the industry with a successful track record is also a good idea. Give yourself grace and network. Build a strong and supportive team. And finally, enjoy the journey!”
Looking ahead, Nikia has plans to open her first store in Huntsville in 2025. “We can’t wait for each customer to fully experience Vujee Vegan,” she shares. There is interest outside of Huntsville and Alabama, and Nikia says that she is open to all possibilities.
Sherry Jefferson
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Sherry Jefferson
Sherry Jefferson is the owner of and CEO of Flirty Flame Candle Co LLC. Sherry says that her comany is committed to offering quality products and unparalleled customer service. “Our motto is “Self Care is our love language.” Every person deserves to have a great-smelling space to relax in or just enjoy. It doesn’t matter if you are taking a long bath or simply enjoying a glass of wine on the patio; candles can help set the tone. Aromatherapy has been around for so long because it simply works. Aromatherapy is not a trend. It is a timeless tradition that speaks to the very essence of our being. Fragrances have a way of evoking memories and emotions in us that we may have forgotten, so I carefully choose the fragrances for my candles, wax melts, room/linen/body sprays, reed diffusers, body massage oils, aroma beads and foaming hand soaps.”
Currently residing in Athens, AL, Sherry calls Huntsville home. She attended Alabama A&M University in 1989 and majored in Computer Science with a Minor in Marketing. She has two daughters Rayven and Kristina. She is also a firm believer that women are natural-born nurturers, and if women don’t take care of themselves, they can’t take care of others.
Sherry says the vision to start her company came from wanting to make candles for birthdays. My parents both worked to provide for my family when I was younger. There were five kids in our family. We mostly had parties or celebrated birthdays at home, and we were okay with that. My Mom put more emphasis on the candle than the cake. That meant we didn’t always have a cake to put the candle on. It could be a cookie cake, cupcake, or Twinkie. We just knew that when the candles came out, it
Aromatherapy has been around for so long because it simply works. Aromatherapy is not a trend. It is a timeless tradition that speaks to the very essence of our being.
was somebody’s birthday. Even as we got older, she always made sure we got the candle by way of text. By 6:00 am, we would receive the text with a picture of a birthday candle. When my Mom passed in July 2014, my siblings and I decided to continue the tradition of making sure we all got the birthday candle. Even during the Covid pandemic, our tradition continued. Though we were on lockdown, I wanted to ensure that we still got our candles for our birthdays. I ordered a candle-making kit, and the rest is history. That was in 2020. However, I didn’t launch my first line of candles into retail until 2021 after thorough testing. Later, I added the wax melts, reed diffusers, body oils, aroma beads, and more to the collection,” she says.
Owning her own company also allows Sherry to be creative. She shares, “I enjoyed being able to be creative. Then, I decided to create aromatherapy candles for different moods. These included orange and ginger for energy, lemongrass, and lemon verbena to uplift the spirit, and eucalyptus and mint to refresh the mind. I tested from March until the end of November. I also participated in a vending event for Black Friday, but I only sold three candles due to the event not being marketed well and the location. However, one of the three people who purchased one of my candles owned a consignment shop in Blountsville, and they reached out to me to put my products in her location.”
“My products are made with your well-being and senses in mind. Let’s take my sweet pipe tobacco scent, for instance; its nostalgic embrace takes me back to one of my most cherished moments with my grandfather. I remember I was sitting on his lap; he was puffing on his pipe and fussing at Bear Bryant on the television during a football game. My Honeysuckle scent takes me back to my grandmother’s backyard on a summer day,” she says.
Sherry says her family has impacted her life the most. “My top three, as I call them, know I would not be able to do any of the things that I do without their support. I am grateful for them daily,” she says. Last October, Sherry was awarded the American Dream Project - Decatur’s Next Great Pop-Up in the Decatur Mall. The prize was free rent for the holiday season, with an option to renew the lease in the end. The event was a success for Sherry and many of the other vendors; however, she decided not to renew her lease and instead take the Mobile Candle Bar on the road. In April of this year, Sherry competed in the Singing River Trail Launch Tank, similar to the television show Shark Tank. Amazingly, she won first place and a prize of $7500.
Moving forward, Sheryy plans to increase her wholesale customers. She also plans to focus on her mobile business. With her determination, Sherry is sure to accomplish all of her goals. h
“The Evolution of A Family Business”
Paschal Construction & Project Management Charlton Hildreth
By Terry L. Watson
Hildreth
Chuck Hildreth is a man on a mission. The Memphis, TN, resident keeps his family and his brand the focal point of his life. In regard to family, Chuck has three amazing kids, Drew, Tayler, and Sydney, all of whom embody his passion for entrepreneurial success.
Chuck owns several businesses, with Paschal Construction & Project Management being at the forefront and laying a foundation that makes the others possible. He also owns Paschal Hildreth Entertainment and has published a series of books under the Daddy Books Bundle compilation.
Chuck began working as a Disc Jockey in the 70’s. He was only a teen. He would eventually get into concerts and clubs along the way. Currently, with Paschal Hildreth Entertainment, they have a one hour television special in the works.
Daddy Books, which is Chuck’s favorite, is a collection of stories about times spent with his kids while they were growing up. “Chuck says, “The unique thing is once you read the book, you begin to see yourself in the dad character. Even moms find joy and comparisons in these stories. That is on purpose because there are strong mother figures throughout the stories portrayed through Mom and Grandma.”
Paschal Construction was birthed in 1960 by Chuck’s late uncle, John Paschal. “I was blessed to have worked under him as a teenager and gained vast experience during that tutelage. Paschal Construction has come a long way from building and remodeling houses to now maintaining commercial sites such as Wendy’s and other large chains,” he says.
Just like his uncle, Chuck has been able to bring his family with him. “I have resurrected the company and rebranded it. Now it will be up to my children to take this to the next level,” Chuck says. Paschal Construction is a full-service construction company that began with home remodeling and repairs. The company built its reputation on giving older homes a fresh new look. Eventually, the company grew from the residential sector to servicing commercial clients. One major client was Fitzgerald Casino. Chuck says that opportunity really opened some huge doors for Paschal Construction.
Another commercial client, Wendy’s Restaurants helped to change the way Chuck’s company operated. “We went from just painting homes to laying commercial roofs, as well as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.,” he says. Now, the company has also included Project Management into their portfolio.
Photos Provided by Chuck
Chuck grew up in the small town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. His roots can be traced to a neighborhood of educators or entrepreneurs. That blend provided him with a unique perspective on the future. “I learned to combine my education with my entrepreneurial spirit. My mother was a teacher, my aunts were teachers, and my uncle was a teacher and business owner. So after high school, college, and the military, I came back to the family business,” he says. “I was introduced to entrepreneurship as an early teen. This goes all the way back to when my mom purchased a lawn mower to cut our Grass. I took the mower and a neighbor and began cutting our neighbor’s yards. That was my first business, and having my own money felt good. After that experience, my uncle began taking me with him, though I wanted to be out playing with the boys instead. Looking back, I can see how I developed this strong work ethic and ability to manage my time well. People wonder how I keep up this hectic schedule, but they do not realize that I was trained to do it. I have been running and running from my youth to now!”
Chuck credits his mother for instilling drive and vision into him. He says, “My mother was a single mom, and she somehow never allowed me to think, feel, or realize that a single mother was raising me. She surrounded me with strong male mentors in my community and family. When I was young, I saw her standing out in her community and the school system. She was a teacher that her students and their parents always acknowledged. Additionally, she was one of our city’s first groups of integrated teachers. This also allowed me to not be struck with the stigma of racism. I was very comfortable around Blacks and Whites. My mother had some entrepreneurial endeavors and supported my own as a youth. She also pushed me out in the community, and by doing so, it helped to develop strong confidence within myself.”
Understandably, Chuck also acknowledges his wife for having a huge impact on his life. He says that most married men have to acknowledge that when you are out there fighting your fight in the world, there is a wife in the home supporting you. “I could not have done the things I did, the way I did, without the support of a strong woman at home!”
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Chuck says it is the opportunities he has to make his customers happy. “All of my businesses have a customer service factor. My construction company allows us to fix our customers’ construction problems. The entertainment company gives the customers some time out to enjoy a concert or comedy, which takes them away from the issues of home and life, if only for a moment. Daddy Books allows parents to reflect on their own time with their kids or just live out that experience through these kids and dad,” Chuck shares.
As a Black man in the field of businesses that Chuck is in, there are always going to be challenges. These can be not enough money, not enough education, not enough experience, and so on. “You must be up to the challenge. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. For me, I believe the difference maker is that I am actually built for adversity. I’m good at damage control and dealing with organized chaos, so my coping skills are deep,” he says.
As a man of faith, Chuck believes that everything in his life has happened for a reason and that he is where he should be in life. He says that God brought him right here and this way for His reasons. “I don’t question God. I have seen both good and bad and learned all along the way.”
As his community has played a significant role in his life, Chuck is very intentional in giving back and helping others. He serves as a mentor for young people, especially boys. He also offers jobs to unskilled youth, which exposes them to construction and entrepreneurship. He adds, “Oftentimes, our young men may not see business owners in their communities. I speak at events as well as host events to train youth to speak. I believe that learning to speak in public is important, so I give them that opportunity whenever we have events.”
Chuck concludes by sharing, “I have owned clubs and other businesses. I have done concerts and events. I have run a substantial construction company. Now that I have done all that I wanted to do, my own kids are able to fulfill their dreams!”
Pictured above is John Paschal, the founder of Paschal Construction and
Deborah Callaway Dr.
Life After NYSP and NC A&T State University
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by TMFPhotography
Dr. Deborah Johnson Callaway has lived a very interesting life.
Dr. Callaway is a native of the Blandford community in Petersburg, VA. She was raised alongside two older brothers by two hard-working parents. She shares that her parents didn’t have much education; her dad worked on a produce truck, and her mother worked in housekeeping. With her being the only girl and the baby, Dr. Callaway says she got all of the attention.
Dr. Callaway says her parents were able to afford to send her to college. However, that didn’t stop her. After graduating from high school, she attended Virginia State College, now Virginia State University, and majored in Health and Physical Education. She marched in the band, played basketball as well, and was a member of the first women’s basketball team at VSU. After graduating from there, Dr. Callaway entered the workforce and worked as a middle school teacher in the Martinsville City School system. She would eventually return to college at Virginia Commonwealth University and receive her Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling before returning back to the public school sector, working as a Guidance Counselor at Amelia County High School. During this time, Dr. Callaway also served in the United States Army as a Drill Sergeant. Far from being done with her educational pursuits, Dr. Callaway went back to college at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, to receive her doctorate degree.
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Dr. Callaway began work in higher education at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC. “My intention at Barber-Scotia was to be a teacher on staff. However, things went a little different. The President of the college notified me that I would also be the Department Head. I didn’t have any experience, but I was told that I was selected because I was the only one with a degree. I was then notified that I was going to be the head basketball and softball coach. I had never coached a day in my life, and I had to do all of that while at Barber-Scotia,” she says. Amazingly, things would again change for Dr. Callaway.
She stayed at Barber-Scotia for about four years. While there, the school was going through the accreditation process. Dr. Callaway shared that she received word that someone was trying to reach her. It was a man who was on the state team, and eventually, he showed up at the gym where Dr. Callaway was working. “This man introduced himself as Dr. Al Walker, the Dean of the School of Education at North Carolina A&T State University. He told me that before coming on this team, he heard there was a female head of the Physical Education Department at BarberScotia. He shared with me about a position available he had at NC A&T. He invited me to participate in an interview. I was a little familiar with NC A&T but still a little hesitant about the opportunity, mainly because I had no experience in something of that magnitude, and I let him know that. He didn’t really pay any attention to what I was saying. So, I decided to go to the interview, and Dr. Walker offered me the position. I pondered over my decision for a short while and eventually made my way to the home of Aggies.”
“I didn’t have any experience, but I was told that I was selected because I was the only one with a degree. I was then notified that I was going to be the head basketball and softball coach.”
The year was around 1985 when Dr. Callaway arrived at NC A&T. She served as the Department Chair for 14 years. She would also serve as Interim Athletic Director for Dr. Edward B. Fort. She also served as a Senior Women’s Administrator and as an Interim Dean for The School of Education. On the day she arrived back at Corbett’s gym, Dr. Callaway was contacted by Dr. Stanley Battle. He wanted her to work in his office. “I had just got back to Corbett’s gym, but I couldn’t say no to the Chancellor. I would eventually work as the Special Assistant to the Chancellor until Chancellor Harold Martin would arrive,” she says.
For the most part, the most significant role Dr. Callaway has led was her assignment with the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). At NC A&T, Dr. Fort approached her with an interest in revamping the program. “Dr. Fort shared that he wanted me to bring the program back to A&T’s campus. He didn’t like the way the program ended previously, and he wanted to have it back. He gave me full authority to run and manage the program. I told him “yes”. I left his office and, stopped by his secretary’s desk and asked her what the NYSP was. I had no clue!”
Dr. Callaway would learn very quickly what NYSP was. The program was a nationally known program, and every HBCU in the country participated. There was also participation from Hawaii. Funded by the NCAA, NYSP was intended to serve low-income families, and there were very strict rules and guidelines that were to be followed. Under Dr. Callaway’s direction, she created a program that offered summer jobs to public school teachers, and they were paid very well. To meet the criteria set by the NCAA, there had to be at least 300 kids enrolled. Each participant received a physical exam before being accepted, and that required partnering with several Black physicians to get them done. The participants also received two hot meals each day, which were provided by NC A&T’s food service department. Additionally, Dr. Callaway served as a Special Assistant under Chancellor Battle and Chancellor Martin, and led NYSP, along with an excellent staff, to five national awards.
Dr. Callaway would continue to work with NYSP for nearly six years before transitioning into the role of NYSP Evaluator, allowing her to evaluate programs at 12 other HBCU’s.
Dr. Callaway would retire from NC A&T in 2014. Since then, she continues to enjoy her life. She also appreciates the friendships and relationships that were made throughout her life and career. “I love staying at home and tending to the house, as well as making frequent trips to the beach,” she says. “Who would have ever thought that a girl from Virginia would do so much in life.” h
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER SIX: Caring and Love Go Hand in Hand
As a young boy growing up with my other siblings, I watched my mother wear so many hats. Now, as a full-grown man, I am even more amazed at how she did so much with it only being her. My mother was everything to a whole lot of people, and by being so, I watched how it wore her down. Still, she never spoke about how tired she was. She just kept pushing and moving, and pushing, and moving.
What I learned more than anything from watching my mother was that she had a heart the size of Jupiter, and she shared her love with anyone. It was like she never met a stranger. It didn’t matter if it was a neighbor at church, a stranger in the grocery store, or a co-worker. My mother always seemed to attract new friends and treat them all the same: with love, compassion, and empathy.
I’ve always wondered why Mama was so loving and giving. I didn’t get my answer until I was a lot older. One of her neighbors who had known her as a young girl told me that my mother reflects the upbringing that her grandmother gave her. My mother was raised by her, and when I heard this, it made perfect sense. My grandmother was so classy and so loving. She was the sweetest person I knew, next to my mother, of course. My mother’s neighbor also shared that as a young girl, my mother was taught how to care for others. My mother was a caregiver, but not just for the sick and ill; she cared for everyone.
Fast-forward to today, I think it makes perfectly good sense for me to care for her. Out of all of the traits and qualities I reflect on my mother, it’s my ability to care and love for her that I am able to connect with. In order to effectively care for her, I must love her. I also believe those two traits go hand in hand; they must be present in all capacities when attempting to meet the needs of others with dependencies such as hers.
During a trip to a rehabilitation session for my mother, I observed how healthcare professionals interacted with other patients. As my mother received physical and occupational rehabilitation, there were others present who also had suffered from similar ailments as her: stroke, brain injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and more. Their degree of disability varied, but what they all had in common was a need for the assistance of others. I witnessed how the therapists managed each individual. It was obvious that the goal was to improve their client’s quality of life and lessen their dependence on assistance, but getting to that place required some work.
I learned that it required a genuine love for people. I believe that the therapist must have really loved their work and, most importantly, loved and cared about their clients. I also felt as if I was in a familiar or sort of friendly and accommodating environment. Possibly because I embody those same qualities and depend on them daily while caring for my mother.
As I continue to care for my mother, I am at peace knowing that not everyone is equipped to be a caregiver. It is not for everyone. It doesn’t mean that I am better or greater than anyone; it only means that I have decided to allow my heart to lead me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to show my mother how much she is appreciated and that all of her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. She deserves to be loved each and every day. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Assistant Professor Secures $248K NSF and NASA Grants to Advance Space Exploration Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University Assistant Professor Chemistry, Dr. Clyde Varner, has received yet another National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA grant award of $248,000. The funding will support pioneering research on advanced space propulsion technologies.
Varner’s project, titled “Advanced Computational Modeling and Experimental Validation for Uranium Carbide Nuclear Fuels in Space Propulsion Systems,” focuses on developing new technologies for deep-space missions, aligning with NASA’s strategic goals for human exploration of Mars.
“This research will combine computational modeling and experimental validation to enhance the understanding and application of uranium carbide nuclear fuels in space propulsion systems,” Varner explained. “This award represents an important milestone in Alabama A&M’s efforts to contribute to advanced space exploration technologies, especially nuclear propulsion.”
The NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) program has contributed $188,502, while NASA’s EPSCoR program added $60,000.
“The additional $60,000 from NASA will be used to acquire advanced equipment, enhancing Alabama A&M’s research facilities and laying the groundwork for future high-impact projects,” says Varner. “This partnership with NASA strengthens our role as a key player in the space industry, opening doors for further collaboration with federal agencies and research institutions.”
Varner says the primary goal of the research is to develop accurate computational models for uranium carbide nuclear fuels and validate the models through experimental testing. These insights are crucial for optimizing nuclear thermal propulsion systems, which are essential for long-duration space missions.
“These systems are vital for NASA’s future deep-space missions, including human exploration of Mars,” Varner stated. “By enhancing fuel performance in extreme space environments, we’re contributing to the next generation of space exploration.”
Alabama A&M students will have the unique opportunity to work on this project alongside NASA scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama.
“Students involved in this research will gain invaluable hands-on experience in computational modeling and experimental techniques,” said Varner. “They will be exposed to state-of-the-art technology and will collaborate directly with NASA experts, equipping them with the skills necessary for careers in aerospace, materials science, and nuclear research.”
Varner says this project supports Alabama A&M’s long-term research goals by strengthening its ties with NASA and other research institutions by positioning the University as a valuable partner in advanced space research.
“The research outcomes will not only contribute to NASA’s goals but also demonstrate that historically underrepresented institutions can produce high-caliber, impactful research,” adds Varner. “My goal is to produce tangible outcomes that could be implemented in space missions, thus contributing to our nation’s space program.”
Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church
By Terry L. Watson
Reverend Dion J. Watkins the husband of Candice Watkins, (and father of Xavier Watkins, and his two covenant sons, Josiah, and DeAndre), is a native of Buffalo, New York. Reverend Watkins is a gifted and anointed man of God that was led at an early age to motivate and inspire generations of people. He accepted Christ at the age of 16 and was a faithful member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in the city of Lackawanna, New York. There, he was very active in many ministry activities while growing up in Mount Olive.
Reverend Watkins graduated from Lackawanna Senior High School in 1997. He then continued his education at Canisius College where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2001. He furthered his education at Canisius College by obtaining a Master of Science Degree with a concentration in Reading Education in 2003. After several years of serving as pastor of his church, he returned to school to receive his Master of Divinity Degree in December 2007 at Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York. Reverend Watkins is such a strong believer of scholastic achievement that with each degree he graduated with honors.
Reverend Dion Watkins was employed in 2001 by the Lackawanna City School District where he served as a sixth-grade teacher for nearly 13 years until taking a leave of absence on December 31, 2013 to pursue full-time ministry. His friendly disposition and understanding of others were what allowed him to be effective in his classroom and beloved by his students. In addition, the Lackawanna City School District honored Reverend Watkins by inducting him into its prestigious High School Wall of Fame in June of 2010.
Reverend Watkins was called into the ministry in 1997 at the age of 17. At the young age of 21 years old, he made history as he became the first associate minister to become pastor of his home church when he was installed as the Pastor of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lackawanna, NY on April 29, 2001. Reverend Watkins was a blessing to Mt. Olive as well as the Lackawanna community. During his leadership, the membership grew considerably, especially the youth membership. As a part of Pastor Watkins’ vision, many effective new ministries started. In June 2011, Rev. Watkins and his church expanded their church services to Revelation Baptist Church of Buffalo, New York making it a satellite location for their 8:00 a.m. worship service. Mount Olive became one church in two cities.
Reverend Dion J. Watkins is no stranger to public service. In the summer of 2011, Rev. Watkins ran a great campaign for Mayor of the City of Lackawanna. After a marginal loss (14 votes) in the primaries, he promoted a write-in campaign. Although he did not win this seat, he offered hope to residents and encouraged many to vote who had never voted in their lifetime.
In 2013, the Holy Spirit shifted Reverend Watkins’ life in a new direction, as he relocated to the Hartford, Connecticut area and accepted the call as pastor of the historic Mount Olive Church Ministries. Under the leadership of Pastor Watkins, in only a short period of time the church mortgage was burned. Over the course of his 7-year tenure as senior pastor over 1200 new members joined the Mount Olive Church Ministries family, and several new ministries were implemented. Pastor Watkins also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mount Olive Child Development Center, Inc. during his tenure as pastor of Mount Olive Church Ministries.
On July 12, 2021 the Holy Spirit said there is “more ministry work to do,” but this time down south. Pastor Watkins accepted his new ministry assignment in Huntsville, Alabama becoming the new senior pastor of the Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church. His prayer is that he will strengthen the membership at Progressive Union, bringing revival not only to the ministry but to the Greater Huntsville region and beyond. There is excitement and great expectation about what God is going to do for the Progressive Union family. Pastor Dion Jamar Watkins is teaching and preaching salvation, walking in humility, and operating under the grace of our Father in Heaven.
Photos Provided by Nikia Lightfoot
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
