Huami Magazine Huntsville July/August 2021

HUNTSVILLE

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July/August 2021 Volume 1 Issue 12

Lambda Chi Omega Christian Sorority Huntsville - July/August 2021

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Understanding The Power of Your Influence A Letter From The Editor

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

Now that I am many years settled into fatherhood, I sometimes reminisce on those precious moments when my son was only a baby. Though small and quite fragile, I wanted to make him tough and brawn, selfishly hoping that he would live out the hopes and dreams that I had for my life. That A dads Letterdo, from Editor is what or the at least I think they do. My son would eventually grow up right before my eyes to be a very grown man, which I am quite proud of. Still, I reminded of his dependence on me and his mother for What tomorrow didn’t All of yourtoplans, hopesand everything whileifhe was a child and arrive? our responsibility understand and wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if provide fordreams his needs.

everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never would be no reason save forand a rainy As ahappened? baby and notThere yet able to form words, myto son cried made other day, and youhe could spare the of making baby sounds when wanted to someone let us know hetrouble was hungry.

When his diaperpromises. was wet, he didn’t say [dad, am wet]; instead, he cried.

It was my What if your last Iopportunity seemingly expired duty totoday? determine hiswould need and the information he was trying What you translate do? to share. Thank God I was able to, and my son was fed and cared for.

Though I can how difficult it would been for him had I I’ve only beenimagine told that I often seem like I have do too much. ignored his cries Iorfeel waslike unable understand them.and I’m a firm Honestly, I amto not doing enough

believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me

As adults not babies, ourI sometimes methods of wonder communicating pains, that I and couldn’t handle. how lifeour would wants,be and boggledwhat into ait baby’s cry. However, if Ineeds chosearen’t to sitgenerally idle and accept presented to me. I it doesn’t mean that we are not crying. When we become prideful and have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity shamed, it can be difficult to express what is truly hurting us, which is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge causes us to internalize these issues and not let them out.

to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen?

If IGod do nothing, I fail, and ifto I try instead learn it When blesses His children be Iadon’t, well orbut source for others, something new about myself.

Relinquish your pride andisin often comes with some form of influence. With influence, there power return acquire life. and the ability to impact someone’s life. Not understanding the power of your influence is just as careless as someone who is driving a car at 100 best advice ever closed. given to me happened when someone miles perThe hour with their eyes

told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I haveattracts pressedthe myinterest way through doors with ainfluence key that is only Influence of others.

Because often hopewith provided. also learned the difference between associated power, Iithave oftentimes attracts weakness.

What I am trying what to share; someone treating wrong youburden feel likeme youwith are GodIfblesses meis with andyou what life can being “hated it mightitmean that person is actually crying out and as well.on”, I compare to knowing when to be confident and cannot convey what’s hurting them. As when to be quiet, because Christians, we can’t ignore these cries. someone may get it confused We should listen with our hearts and seek with being arrogant.

God’s instruction on how to respond.

Make you tomorrow

If you are in a position of influence, fill happen today, but most yourself with the love of God on a daily importantly make it count. basis. I was able to determine what my Life is but a whisper and son’s needs were only because I loved we love mustgives put ourselves in athe him. God’s us power and position to hear what it ability to understand the cries andispains telling us. of others.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L Watson

Publisher

www.huamimagazine.com Ellen Richardson Writer Editor In Chief Ayana Bryant

Terry L. Watson Writer Dorjae McClammey Writer Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Tonya Dixon Writer Writers

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HUAMI MAGAZINE is published bimonthly quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com Email or Telephone terry.editor@yahoo.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company, LLC Mykel Media Company LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2021 All Rights Reserved 2020 All 2014 All Rights RightsReserved Reserved

Terry L. Watson 4

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

HUNTSVILLE

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2021

The Tree of Life District Inc.

Kelisa Locke

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On The Cover

Lambda Chi Omega Megan Humphrey

A Different Stroke of Art

Lorria Grant-Eubanks

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SMN Square, Inc.

Shawn M. Nicholson

Huami Magazine Cutesty Baby

Asher Grady

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Also Featured

Ashley Scott Meet the face and founder of Data Girl Ash New York, NY

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Chief Brian James Learn how he is leading by example, and journey he’s taken.

Greensboro, NC

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Ukwensi Chappell Meet the founder of Galleri Ukwensi at Ghent.

Norfolk, VA

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Huntsville - July/August 2021

Megan Humphrey

Lambda Chi Omega Christian Sorority

By Jessica Rogers Photos by Joseph Merrill

One big staple in the black community is and will always be religion. Religion is talked about whether people agree, disagree, believe it, or not, and in most cities, there’s a church in every neighborhood.

While there are many religious organizations, there is none quite like what Huntsville, Alabama Native Megan Humphrey directs. She used her love for Christianity and love for servicing the community as motivation to create a nonprofit, named Lambda Chi Omega Christian Sorority Inc. As the youngest of three, Megan was a preacher’s kid, born and raised in church.

She started singing at the tender age of three years old, and loved it. Growing up in Alabama, Megan attended Buckhorn High School and the historic Alabama Agriculture & Mechanical University, where she studied business administration with a concentration in management information systems. After graduating college, Megan pursued something she dreamt of as a child, becoming a funeral director. While working as a funeral director is something she loves, she wanted to find a way to create a sisterhood that was Christ-based and focuses on serving her local community, while introducing God to non-believers.

Lambda Chi Omega would be the platform to do it with.

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“Black fraternities and sororities have a history of being a staple in our communities, and were originally created to serve as a support system. They are also the most extensive African American networks ever created,” she shares.

Though she did not grow up in a fraternity and sorority family, Megan understands what they mean to the black community and its culture. “After much prayer and searching, I found that most organizations were very biased and judgmental, which prompted me to establish my own Christian-based sisterhood that’s judgment-free and Godfocused,” stated Humphrey.

On December 20, 2020, Lambda Chi Omega Christian Sorority Inc. was founded. Since its inception, there have been two probates, with the next one set for September 25, 2021, with a total of 23 pledges so far. “When I first started my goal was to be open to all people and develop a Christian-based foundation and sisterhood that would motivate women of all races and nationalities. Our goal is to empower one another through scripture.

That remains our focus, and we also strive to spread God’s love and His promises,” Megan shares. “The positive feedback I have received since starting LCO has been overwhelming.”

Megan says the spiritual backing for the organization has inspired her. Their goal is to launch additional chapters across the country and has actively been doing that. In addition to Huntsville, there is another chapter in Knoxville, TN, and by the end of this year, additional chapters are set to launch in South Carolina and Douglasville, GA. Sisterhood, unity, service, faith, service, and love are some of the values LCO stands on. Megan plans to bring in more women who want to work in their community in the way God has set forth for them. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,”. This is the model for LCO.

(256) 479-5654 lcosorority@gmail.com

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Megan shares getting the LCO off the ground and growing to its current status in less than a year has been one of her biggest accomplishments so far. “I am Godly excited about this journey that God has chosen for me.”

Lambda Chi Omega Christian Sorority Inc. is a growing organization that you can learn more about on Facebook. h

A sisterhood & support-community of women chasing their dreams in entrepreneurship.

Bhrea Jefferson Founder & Director

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Data Girl Ash

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By Terry L. Watson Photos by Data Girl Ash

Intitially, the plan for Ashley Scott was to to start a skincare company. She had even wrote a business plan and won pitch competitions, and expected to launch in early 2020. However, things took a turn in a different direction in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When she realized she could supply the demand for remote learning and training materials, Ashley changed the framework of her business and focused on consutling. Now she has set her targets on working with data enthusiasts.

Ashley Scott was born and raised in New York City, NY, and has roots in the Caribbean country of Jamaica.

She was a first-generation college student in her family and has always been passionate about educating and helping people achieve their goals. One of the ways she was able to do that was by performing community service in hospitals and the Boys and Girls Club in her neighborhood. These acts of kindness allowed her to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award from former President Barack Obama.

To attend college and excel while doing so was very important for Ashley. She was determined and made good on a promise to herself to break down walls that had adversely impacted her family and community.

“One of the most significant impacts on my life and career was learning how to navigate the college application process. As a first-generation college student, it often felt intimidating learning how to take college admission tests, writing admission and scholarship essays, and deciding on the best school with affordable tuition. At the time, an average of 20% of people who grew up in my community reported completing a four-year degree program and beyond.

That wasn’t very promising, yet, despite the odds, I learned the importance of resilience and networking, which helped me make informed decisions about starting my professional career,” she shares.

“I love that I have the opportunity to candidly share unique ways to navigate career opportunities and support others to start their data career journey.”

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While the journey was anything but smooth sailing, Ashley says it helped her learn how to thrive under pressure and help others along the way. “I love that I have the opportunity to candidly share unique ways to navigate career opportunities and support others to start their data career journey. Reflecting on my own experiences and remembering the many stories of others who aspired to get in the field but often felt discouraged to apply for data careers, motivates me.

I hope to redefine the face of data careers through education and fashion by creating data-inspired apparel and accessories. I’m very grateful to be able to reach audiences globally, such as in Ireland and Canada, and represent aspiring and current Data Girls,” she says. Data Girl Ash also allocates a portion of proceeds to support other women-minority-owned businesses and its Data Girl Scholarship.

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Currently, Ashley is a data professional at a renowned medical school in New York City, a career coach, and a motivational speaker.

Additionally, she is a Woman in Data Science Ambassador on behalf of Stanford University, a member of The Recording Academy, and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. Her higher learning accomplishments are pretty impressive as well. She has obtained a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Master in Business Administration with a concentration in Managerial Analytics, both with honors.

With all that Ashley is involved with, she has managed to find time to run her own company, Data Girl Ash. launched in 2020, Data Girl Ash assists others by promoting data literacy through career coaching, teaching, professional presentations, and data-inspired apparel and accessories. “My passion is to empower unrepresented data enthusiasts with little to no technology experience. I also encourage my clients to pursue educational and career opportunities, and provide them with the confidence they need for this indemand field,” she shares.

Ashley has over five years of experience working in various industries such as higher education, healthcare, and business consulting, so applying these skills sets and forming Data Girl Ash made sense. Some of the products Ashley offer are one on one career coaching, resume review, and online professional profile revamping. Each session is tailored specifically to each person, and Ashley creates strategic action plans for her clients, which assist with identifying career goals and preparation for successful interviews.

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Despite increased job openings and growth areas in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, Ashley shares that research suggested there is a shortage of opportunities for people of color, especially women. After learning this, Ashley immediately went into action. She began by hosting several focus groups and virtual fireside chats. She learned that women in underserved communities, including hers, were not encouraged to pursue STEM careers, mainly due to a lack of role models in the field.

She successfully applied what she learned by collaborating with global nonprofits and organizations, including Women in Data, BlackTIDES, FEM STEM Bahamas, and IBM Developer, in an effort to increase women’s awareness in the field and assist in creative strategy.

This all happened during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares the pandemic has postiviely impacted her business, and she’s even revamped its mission and purpose. For example, when she posted free data career change advice on social media, Ashley noticed an increase in activity from people requesting career coaching sessions and data educational resources. She’s also had the opportunity to partner with global nonprofits to assist in creative strategy, planning through research, and brainstorm participation for 9,000-plus members and volunteers in 25-plus locations, all who were interested in data careers.

In 2020, she launched the #DataGirl Social Media Campaign to discuss data career options for women and nonbinary individuals, which laid the foundation of her online platform and business, Data Girl Ash. “I started to share free educational resources about my experience transitioning into a data role without a technology background. This led me to share my expertise with people who expressed interest in landing a data career with a combination of education and fashion to promote the awareness of data careers,” she says.

Ashley says her for the future is to continue investing professionally and personally. “I strongly believe in the power of team building. Professionally, I plan to invest in more resources and tools to support business expansion, and encourage more people to pursue data careers and education. Personally, I plan to invest more time in my personal well-being to be the best version of myself, and become an advocate of change for members of my community.”

To learn more about Data Girl Ash, please visit their website.

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KelisaLocke The Tree of Life District Inc.

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Kelisa Locke

A native of Davenport, IA, also known as “Quad Cities”, Kelisa Locke has built her life on a foundation of family and love. She is a genuine nurturer to heart and shares her passion with anyone who welcomes it. The mother of seven beautiful children and two grandchildren has enjoyed the blessing of life and weathered a few storms as well. Yet, she is humbled and equally ambitious for what her future may offer.

“The sum total of my lifes’ experiences have helped develop my education and profession as a social entrepreneur. I have an extensive background in early childhood education, cultural awareness, and community development, locally and abroad. I have a passion and desire to assist in resolution in breeches within humanity and conflicts with socio-economic growth and progress,” she says. Currently, Kelisa is pursuing her degree in Cultural Anthropology.

These attributes assist Kelisa with managing her company, The Tree of Life District, Inc. She offers health and wellness products and services, food preparations, and made-toorder entrees that encourage better eating and lifestyle changes. She also specializes in traditional comfort cuisine with a choice menu of vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian, all of which can be custom-made according to taste.

Kelisa’s entrepreneurial journey began with her taking control of what life has already offered. “I took my experiences from 2005 to current, including my first catering service, to cooking overseas from 2008- 2011 and working as a general manager for a “dine-in” restaurant in 2017. After the Coronal Virus pandemic swept across the country, I knew I needed to create a business that would help with meeting the essential needs of others. It was March 2021, and that’s where the brand name (A Taste of Goodness) originated,” she says.

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“My children see what it takes to do what I do. I am blessed to have them cheer me on and celebrate with me each step of the way. I have a familyowned business, which means they must help run it from time to time.”

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As a business owner, Kelisa says she loves being able to take care of her clients. She does this with love and with each meal that is served. “My clients appreciate the quality of ingredients, and customer satisfaction is the number one priority for me,” she says.

Kelisa would also like to expand and provide additional products and include software to make her orders easier to process. She’s optimistic and believes it will happen in due season.

Kelisa is aware of the impression she has on her children, both as a mother and entrepreneur. “My children see what it takes to do what I do. I am blessed to have them cheer me on and celebrate with me each step of the way. I have a family-owned business, which means they must help run it from time to time. Witnessing my success and failures will help them as they grow into their career paths and future endeavors.”

The advice she offers to other aspiring entrepreneurs is this: “Be prepared for the obstacles that you may face. Business plans are a must if you are going to need start-up cost capital from a lender. Be prepared to invest your own money also. You will be your greatest investment, so count up the cost and go for it. Though you may want to, please don’t give up when challenges arise because there will always be a solution. And don’t get too frustrated with the process because hard work pays off. And finally, try to stay focused on the short goals because they will help you reach the overall goal, which is establishing your business.”

In the future, Kelisa plans to continue scaling her business to reach full capacity. She’s currently in a soft launch phase but is preparing for an eventual grand opening at a later date.

To learn more about The Tre of Life Inc, please visit their website. h

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Greensboro Police Department

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By Ellen Richardson Photos by TMF Photography The 23rd chief of the Greensboro Police Department Brian James, is a perfect picture of following the Yellow Brick Road of Success. Born in Northeast Greensboro, James was raised in the realm of responsibility by both his mother as well as his hard-working grandparents. Beginning a life of “doing his part to help his family” by mowing lawns at the early age of 9-years-old, it wouldn’t be long before the future chief would find his next level of accountability.

“I played football, ran track, and even worked at a grocery store while attending high school at Paige High School,” said James. “I did all this while keeping good grades, which I believe taught me the focus and duty that I needed to eventually become a successful member of the Greensboro Police Department. In fact, I owe a lot of what I learned from being a disciplined athlete/student to where I am today.”

Despite being recruited by college scouts, for his athletic abilities, the man who would use the fortitude that he was given at an early age would use this to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina A&T State University.

“The funny thing is that when I began my college career, I was not even considering being a police officer, but I knew that I wanted to do something that positively impacted the community. This is why I began to pursue a career in law enforcement,” James stated.

Although he would have to begin this career as a detention officer for the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department, the future police chief would receive the opportunity to continue his path toward success as a police officer for the Greensboro Police Department in 1996. After serving as an accomplished officer for the 72nd PBIC, James quickly worked his way up the ladder serving as a corporal and even a sergeant. In 2006, the young man who would continue to focus on doing anything that it took to serve his community obtained his Master of Business Administration degree from Pfeiffer University.

“In the past, you would have been hard-pressed to find anybody in law enforcement with a graduate degree, but the expectation around education has definitely increased over the years,” said James. “Knowing this, I decided that if I wanted to help the Greensboro Police Department run successfully far into the future, I needed to continue to learn more about the business side of running a municipal department. The MBA program gave me the ability to look at this side of police work on a deeper level.”

Along with both an undergraduate and graduate degree, James also became a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Administrative Officer’s Management program at North Carolina State University, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Each assisted the destined police chief in taking on added responsibility.

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Regardless of his success, James has also had to deal with numerous challenges. The most challenging of these times came during his first year as Greensboro’s Chief of Police. Following his swearing-in ceremony in February 2020, the Corona Virus brought communities everywhere, including Greensboro, NC, to its knees.

After this, a national movement would begin following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

“The lifeblood of our department is having positive relationships with the Greensboro community, and when the virus hit, we were asking officers to have as little contact with others as possible, to keep them both safe and healthy,” said James. “Leading up to the protests, we really had been, in a large way, disconnected from this community. Managing these protests daily made this a bit more challenging. We wanted to allow people to exercise their First Amendment rights all while keeping some order. It was difficult, despite most of these protests being peaceful, there were arrests, boarded-up windows, and vandalism — all things the pandemic amplified.”

James’s first challenging year as chief was also amplified by the record-setting 60 homicides in 2020, which were largely due to gang activity, drugs, and domestic disputes. While many in his position might pass fault towards others beneath him, this inspiring leader decided to put all his efforts towards listening to his community to find a solution to improve.

Brian James Chief of Police - Greensboro Police Department 336-373-2085 100 E. Police Plaza Greensboro, NC 27402 www.greensboro-nc.gov

“Following the height of the pandemic, we had patrol officers in many neighborhoods go out and knock on doors. This allowed our officers and our neighbors an opportunity to get to know one another, all while giving our neighbors a chance to voice their concerns,” said James. “This program, along with bringing back some of our community outreach events like neighborhood cookouts, have received a positive response, and we plan to include this program far into the future.”

Understanding that communication is the key to healing has also inspired James to give birth to new programs. The first of these involves hiring a Department Resource Coordinator, who assists officers out in the field to find the appropriate organizations and companies to aid both individuals and families in their given neighborhoods with issues such as domestic violence, gainful employment, food insecurity, etc.

“Earlier this year, the Greensboro Police Department also implemented the Behavioral Health Response Team where we have mental health clinicians riding along with police officers when a mental health call comes in,” James enthusiastically stated. “Along with being on the scene with the individual in need, this clinician is also responsible for following-up with the person involved to try to get them connected with the healthcare that they need, which we are hoping will lower the number of repeat calls that we have of this nature.”

Stating that his overarching goal is to “make decisions that will be both life and community changing”, James said that he is also doing everything he can to teach officers to “humanize” each person they encounter. “I try to make them realize that each Greensboro resident who may need our assistance is not just a call. They are human, and we are making important decisions that could impact their lives forever.” h

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Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghent 24

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“Black is not the absence of color, it’s a particular color…there are seven (colors of black). They all may look the same, but when you stack them on top of each other, the variations are more pronounced. That means I have a palette that is just as complex as any other color on the spectrum.”

-Kerry James Marshall Artist, from the film Black Art: In the Absence of Light

By Gamal Williams Photos by Ukwensi Jones

Black artists and their work have long been marginalized as untrained, uneducated, and lesser than their White counterparts.

The terms “Black art” and “Black artists” by definition prove this marginalization. The artist is seen as Black first, and then through a less than approving lens, their work is viewed in its own little box, unworthy of comparison to the likes of a Rembrandt, a Van Gogh, a Picasso, or a Warhol. The aren’t seen as impressionists, abstractists, sculptors, cubists, expressionists, or realists. They are merely Black artists that make Black art that only Black people could understand and appreciate. Ukwensi Chappel sees art as art.

In 2018, Ukwensi Chappell opened Gallerie Ukwensi, located in the Ghent District of Norfolk. Ukwensi (he explains it’s pronunciation in his energetic tones as “Oooo, Quincy”), opened Gallerie Ukwensi to do what other gallery’s wouldn’t: expose and educate people to the beauty of art crafted by Black artists. A tour through his gallery reveals something deeper, something powerful and beautiful, rooted in centuries of exclusion. Ukwensi takes the time to greet every customer, young or old, Black, White or purple, rich or poor. He doesn’t just greet people; he engages with them.

Ukwensi, or “Uki” as his friends call him, watched as I marveled at the beauty held on his walls. As I leaned in to admire a piece, Uki would offer the story behind the art, revealing something special and personal about the artist that inspired the work. When asked why he knew so much about not only a particular piece, but the artists themselves, he said “Most gallery’s in the area didn’t greet me when I came in, and if they did, they didn’t tell me about the art. But every piece has a story, and every story was an experience by the artist.”

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Ukwensi’s art, rich abstracts made of layers of crushed glass and pigments suspended in clear enamel that form 3-dimensional kaleidoscopes, line the main wall. Uki calls his work “My windows to your imagination.” No matter what you think you see in his work, its correct. I told him I saw a deep sea scape in one piece; an alien world in another. Uki smiled and tilted his head.

“If that is what you see, then that’s what it is.

It’s your imagination.”

As we continued the tour, I was astonished to discover the backgrounds of some of the artists. High school teachers, college students, and working class people’s work hung amongst artists that made their living solely through their art. What was more surprising, was that they weren’t all Black. “Yes, my plan was to become the #1 gallery for Black artists because they don’t get a shot. But I wanted to highlight all artists,” Uki explains. “If their art spoke to me, I wanted them in here. We have Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic artists.”

At the conclusion of our tour, Uki offered me a glass of wine or water. He then sat in the soft, leather couch below one of his pieces in the lush seating area in the heart of Gallerie Ukwensi. We were soon joined by two other artists featured in the gallery. Artist Gia Labidi, a dynamic powerhouse of triumph and beauty, and self-taught painter Ralph Thomas, whose infectious energy and slight Southern twang lights up any conversation. Gia and Ralph had no business to conduct. They were merely stopping by, an action I soon found was welcomed in Gallerie Ukwensi. To Uki, Gia and Ralph weren’t just business partners, they were friends, each with a mutual respect and appreciation for the others.

Ukwensi Chappell Gallerie Ukwensi at Ghents 424 W. 21st St. Suite 101 Norfolk, VA 23517 757-756-4480 www. gallerie-ukwensi.com

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“I was driving by on lunch one day and saw the gallery,” Gia Labidi, a sculptor and painter for more than 20 years recalls. “I gave him my card so I could be on the list to be notified of the opening. He called me not too long after and wanted my work.” Gia’s work has been displayed nationally and internationally. “Uki wants to give us a voice. He is endearing and whomever walks through that door, he engages with them.” There was pain in her voice when she spoke that last sentence. When asked why she felt Gallerie Ukwensi was important, the pain is put into words. “The only place we could be seen, was in Black gallery’s. Its irritating that White artists are just artists. They aren’t labeled,” Gia stated, “…and our art isn’t supported. It’s been 20 years since there was a black owned gallery in Ghent.”

Ralph Thomas, who taught himself using paint-by-numbers kits, echoes Gia’s sentiments.

“Most times, art gallery’s don’t even want to

speak to you if you’re a Black artist. They look at you like ‘Oh, you doin’ Black art.’ I’m like ‘No, I’m doing art that’s just as good as anything you have up in here!’” Uki nods in agreement. Then, the gallery door swings open, and three ladies enter. They are young, Black, maybe in college or attend Maury High School up the road. Uki politely excused himself and his eyes squinted as his smile pushed his cheeks into them. They are a bit surprised that not only were the greeted so fast, but that the towering man that approached them smiled. They smiled back then walked with wide eyes and gaped mouths as Ukwensi highlighted every piece. They were learning, enjoying, experiencing, and it all started with two words from Uki: “Hello. Welcome.”

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Nicholson SMN Square, Inc.

By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Shawn Nicholson

A company is only as good as its leader. Without a great guide, the company or business can experience stagnant or depleted growth. Shawn M. Nicholson, a business leadership coach, helps other companies, small businesses, and individuals obtain the successful leadership they wish for. Ultimately, his coaching can provide inevitable prosperity for all who work with him.

Shawn is the founder of SMN Square Inc., located in Richmond, VA. It is a consulting/coaching business that helps the executives of small companies, organizations, or non-profits find sustainability in their corporation by learning how to communicate effectively, self-awareness of employees and directors, and have sustainable habits that can grow their staff. As a result, the seven-month program gives the company a chance to rise within themselves and be better clients for their customers.

“I’m a third-generation entrepreneur on both sides of my family, my maternal and paternal. I often tell people that I knew exactly what I wanted to do, even at the age of eight.

I wanted to be a business owner.”

Shawn grew up watching his father and his father’s brother manage a business in construction. In that time, he watched as they led other employees and gave instructions that helped build the company. Although he did not choose his father’s business, he learned that you must care and provide great leadership among your peers to receive wealth and successive victory.

“We provide the building blocks for success, and I model that off of literally building a house. In building a house, there is a lot of underground work that has to be done to have a good solid footing to pour the foundation on,” Shawn says.

Shawn provides different pathways for individuals to take, like one-on-one coaching or team leadership activities.

He also provides an assessment and stakeholder interviews that help determine the kind of leader you are and what needs to be worked on for the corporation at hand to stay above water. In light of this, the time and effort put into the transformation is not his only reason to help, but it’s Shawns’ drive to change institutions that keep him going.

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A small business in stature, SMN Square, Inc. provides connections from corporate friends and other business stakeholders for individuals who need more guidance. His philanthropy draws more customers every day because his prerogative is not self-derived. It is to provide the best help most efficiently and sufficiently possible.

“To see them flourish and be successful and sustainable, that’s the greatest joy there. It’s truly a blessing to be able to see my vision come to pass,” he shares.

As SMN Square, Inc. grew in time and clients, their only challenge was not the pandemic but a previous event in U.S.history--the Recession. It was then that Nicholson had to liquidate most of his assets due to a slowing economy.

It was his building blocks and firm foundation, he explains, that carried him through this rough time. He eventually acquired back what he lost but would still like to grow in capital and connections.

His goals go beyond the vocational schools he has established in Richmond and Hampton, VA. There are plans soon to have another vocational leadership school internationally in Cape Town, South Africa. He hopes to expand himself way past the borders of America so other people may have the same opportunities for advancement.

“I’m trying to expand with [vocational schools] and create more trades there. I’m trying to create more entrepreneurs and establish more business,” he says.

SMN Square, Inc. extends their generosity outside of their clients. Shawn offers his expertise to colleges in his area like Stratford University and Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. VSU, a local historically black college, partners with Shawn to help bring the next generation of black entrepreneurs and great business leaders. “I love working with those young people there. It’s a variety of affluent, self-driven students that are excited about the world of business,” Shawn explains. His guest appearances consist of him teaching the theories of business and practical knowledge of the world today.

His other contributions are to the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College board in dual enrollment and the workforce. Soft skill training and participating in hiring events in like manner are other ways Shawn and his company give back to those who sow into him.

Shawn M. Nicholson 877-367-4359 www.smnsquare.com

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Additionally, strategy, innovation, and vision are core pillars for SMN Square, Inc. to push their clients to be better. “My goal is to be able to duplicate and replicate myself across the country, across the globe, if you will.

Regardless of where they are in their respective places, that other person can have the same success and the same sustainability. The same outcome as what I’ve been able to have through my experiences and my failures,” Shawn says.

To learn more about SMN Square Inc., please visit their website. h

Lorria Grant-Eubanks A Different Stroke of Art

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By Arielle Kilgore Photos by Lorria Grant-Eubanks

Everyone has a passion, but a few people get to turn it into a career. For Little Rock, AR resident Lorria Grant-Eubanks, the magic happened for her.

She is the owner of A Different Stroke of Art located in JFK North Little Rock, AR. Her studio arranges different art sessions for people who are seeking to find a passion within themselves.

A Different Stroke of Art offers silk scarf painting, summer camps for children, sip-n-paints, and art kits on the go. Other classes include pottery, private lessons, and handmade decorated face masks.

Their products and services are available throughout the United States and even internationally.

During Lorria’s summer camps, she would host art classes and allow students to explore on field trips. Her groups would take the city bus and travel to museums or other historical places, searching to find the meaning of art. When Covid-19 shut down some of the exhibits, she provided yoga or social circles to help young adults express and educate themselves.

How did it all begin for Lorria? “I remember drawing and sketching as early as age two. I was really blessed with the opportunity of having parents who allowed me to follow my passion for art,” she shares.

In college, she majored in Speech Pathology and Audiology with a minor in studio art. “The bug hit me and I thought, “Oh my God,” I can do poetry. I can do this, and I can do that,” Grant-Eubanks exclaimed as she relived her college epiphany. However, she chose only the journey of speech pathology and continued her work at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science. Ironically, art would resurface and play an exciting role in her field of study. “While working with patients with severe brain damage, the only way to get patients to remember certain things was to draw,” she says.

“I remember drawing and sketching as early as age two. I was really blessed with the opportunity of having parents who allowed me to follow my passion for art.”

Lorria eventually went back to school to get her Master’s in Art and taught students for over a decade. Lorria has found a way to teach kids and adults to express themselves through art. Her reason for

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teaching, she shares its her natural love of people. “People inspire me. Just to be able to talk to an individual, find out who they are, and where they came from really motivates me. Seeing people enjoy art inspires me.” Her students and clients come back for her inviting presence as a free spirit and loving person, not just to draw.

Lorria passion goes beyond her business. She says that art is something that everyone can do, engaging the community to come together. It also provides a form of therapy. She desires to teach art to young adults or seniors with mental disabilities. In her previous line of work, art helped patients express or communicate.

All in all, A Different Stroke of Art serves as a safe space and open service for Lorria’s customers. Nevertheless, she wants everyone to know that her space is for those who need it. Her logo, an African American painter in overalls, and a paintbrush behind her back are just that. In light of this, she sees the challenge and misconception that it may bring to have a wider audience. The studios’ goal is for people to love and for every person to experience the joy of painting no matter who you are. “The paintbrush doesn’t decide who gets to create the picture. It just wants an artist to use them.”

Lorria Grant-Eubanks

A Different Stroke of Art 3702 JFK North Little Rock North Little Rock, AR 72116 501-744-3684 www.adifferentstrokeofart.com

As for her plans for the next year, Lorria hopes to expand her business. Expansion is not only her goal, but a dream she shared with a friend. “My friend suffered from mental illness, and was not able to carry out the dream with me. However, I’m going to do it for the both of us,” she says.

Once approved of a government grant, she would be able to place different services in bigger, better rooms. She could also move her program, “Artistically Speaking,” in a space by itself to cater to more kids.

Just like “Artistically Speaking,” there are other community services that Lorria participates in. Pulaski County youth services partake in an afterschool art program taught by her. She transferred to online classes during the pandemic and eventually made free kits to-go for the whole county. She also works with URL Children’s International afterschool art program. As a collaborative piece with her husband, they would have a night of music and painting. As her students served the guest, the public could listen to jazz and paint their art kit provided to them. The following year, she created Valentine’s Day baskets for couples in the pandemic.

“It just brings me joy to see how the Lord has opened up so many doors for me, allowing me to share what I love with the world.”

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MAGAZINE

Cutest Baby

Asher Grady The son of Jessica and Justyn Grady

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To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com

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Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. A life of service is a life worth living.

Jermaine Johnson is the face and founder of Reality Check Mentoring, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the minds of young black males, ages 10-17. It provides mentoring focused on character development and education geared toward life skills, social and cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and critical thinking. Additionally, it strives to help males realize they can become valuable assets to society while offering long-term relationships and exposure to professions, resources, organizations, educational support, life skills training, and community engagement.

Born Jermaine N. Johnson to Florence and Joseph N. Johnson, Sr., this young change-maker is a native of Prince George’s County, MD. He attended Prince George’s County Public Schools, graduating from Suitland Senior High school in 2008. He is a proud father to his daughter Akirreh and son August. Jermaine is an educator, business leader, writer, speaker, and certified personal trainer.

Jermaine attended Frostburg State University, where he studied management and business, ultimately earning a Master of Science in Management with a focus in Project Management from Kaplan University. Currently, Jermaine works full time as a Business Analyst on the Grants Development team under the Systems Technology Division for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

However, it’s his involvement and interest in his community that make Jermaine a well-rounded individual.

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He shares his story of how it all began. “The first incident that sparked this journey occurred while I was working as an elementary school teacher for an after-school enrichment program. I had just arrived to work after buying my first (new) car. As I was walking into the building, I ran into one of my former students. He says, “Mr. Johnson is that your car?” I replied, “Yes.” He then proceeds to ask, “Did you sell drugs to get that car?” I was honestly stuck that he said that to me. It might sound cliche, but it hit me that some of our young males are not too far removed from that being their reality. That stuck with me. At the same time, while working at the elementary school, I was also working at a high school in Prince George’s County as a Special Education Assistant. A few days after the aforementioned incident, a second spark occurred. I was sitting in a classroom where students were asked to present a project on an occupation of their choice, and I watched young males choose jobs such as cashiers at fast-food restaurants and greeters at Walmart.

It saddened me to hear them selling themselves short, and I was frustrated to learn teachers weren’t pushing them to strive for better. These young males needed guidance, confidence, and a reality check,” Jermaine shared. Reality Check Mentoring, Inc. began in February 2018 with just three mentees at the first session. In the fall of 2020, they had 19 mentees enrolled.

Jermaine shares that he is grateful for the opportunities Reality Check Mentoring Inc. has provided. “I love that I can share knowledge but also learn from our youth who will one day be our leaders. To know that I am having a positive impact on their future and my generation’s future is a true blessing and experience. It’s literally like planting seeds and watching the plants grow right before your eyes.

Jermaine understands that it takes a village to raise a child, as well as a community of committed change agents. For those who may be interested in starting a program that is similar to Reality Check Mentoring, Jermaine offers some advice. “First and foremost this work requires being selfless, genuine, and transparent. If you want to be a mentor only for the title or accolades, this isn’t for you. You must be willing to continuously learn and understand there is no one-size-fits-all approach when mentoring. If you’re going to go the nonprofit route, do it the right way. This means filing the proper legal paperwork, building a team, and having a strategic plan in place. It’s a lot of work but doesn’t be overwhelmed; the resources are out there, but you must ask for help. Don’t be discouraged and keep your vision and mission at the forefront of all that you do,” says Jermaine.

In the future, Jermaine says he hopes to partner with the Prince George’s County Public School system to implement Reality Check Mentoring program as a therapeutic practice. Recently they were awarded a grant from Adventist HealthCare through their Community Partnership Fund. Reality Check Run 21 is a program geared toward increasing physical activity among black and brown boys in the DMV area through running. The program entails young males completing 21 miles of running for the year 2021, incorporating health education components that will teach members the importance of injury prevention. This includes warming up, stretching, proper running techniques, cooling down, staying hydrated, healthy food choices, and healthy habits.

Jermaine shares running is a great activity to help kids build endurance, which is developed when they regularly engage in aerobic exercise. Program participants will be provided with running shoes and athletic wear. The goal will be to complete at least (2-3) miles each month until they reach 21 miles for the year.

To learn more about Reality Check Mentoring Inc., h please visit their website.

Jermaine Johnson Reality Check Mentoring Inc. www.realitycheckmentor.org

Instagram: Realitycheckmentoringinc Facebook: Reality Check Mentoring, Inc.

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