Jan./Feb. 2025
Vol. 4 Issue 9
God Never Runs Out of Options
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
There is one thing that I know for sure will happen in life, and that is tough times will come. Yet, I have learned that tough times will not always last. As difficult as life can be at times, we are blessed to know that we don’t have to go at it alone. Even when we fall to the lowest of places, God promises us by His word that He is always willing to help bring us back up.
A Letter from the Editor
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
It is also refreshing to know that regardless of how many times we fail, God’s grace never runs out. With this sort of insurance policy intact, our ability to conveniently seek repentance and forgiveness for our shortcomings might become well utilized. All I can say is thank God for grace.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
Everything that happens in life is often associated with a lesson. There is something we must have to learn, or the difficulties we face may actually be preparing us for something bigger and a whole lot more challenging ahead. Even though giving up and walking away feels like an easy and appropriate answer, that may not always be what is best. If you ever feel like you have run out of options, just remember that God hasn’t.
During the moments when I felt like God might not be listening, I tended to lean toward my own understanding. My reasoning was more aligned with what the world thinks instead of what God has promised. It’s all spiritual, and in those moments, surely my behavior couldn’t have pleased Him.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
As confusing as it may sound, I’ve learned to stay patient in my unrest, as God does some of His best work there. We don’t have to come up with all of the answers, and even when the light can’t be seen at the end of the tunnel, it will make its appearance at the right time. I know that God’s timing is a lot more meaningful to me than what I think I need. I thank God for grace.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Inquiries
Terry L. Watson
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
Beach Law Practice
Raven Perry - Beach
5th Year Celebration
The Women’s Expo 2025
Huntsville, AL
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Classes
The Learning Zone
Huntsville, AL Charlotte, NC
Honoring Our Leaders
Huami Magazine Community Awards
Pastor Derrick Lamont Hill and Evangelist Sheena R. Hill. Meet the leaders of Shiloh P.B. Church Madison, AL
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Princess Kelly.
Montgomery
Black Boys Empowered Rashan K. Johnson
The Hair Companion Coach Alisha Davis
Year, New Look Series Beverly K. Johnson
The Women’s Expo HSV 2025
March
27-30, 2025
Information provided by www.thewomensexpo.com
The Women’s Expo HSV is all about bringing women together to inspire, support, and learn from one another. Think of it as a community where you can connect, share experiences, and grow—whether it’s by gaining new skills or just feeling empowered by the stories of other amazing women. Celebrating Women’s History Month, the event is packed with workshops, talks, and panels that touch on real-life topics like finding balance, building leadership skills, getting savvy with finances, and growing personally and professionally.
You’ll also have the chance to discover and support women-owned businesses in the marketplace, exploring unique products and services. The ultimate goal? To help every woman feel uplifted and motivated to reach her full potential in all parts of life.
Why Attend The Women’s Expo Hsv?
Women should attend the 5th Annual Women’s Expo HSV because it’s a unique opportunity to invest in themselves and connect with a supportive community of like-minded women. At this event, you’ll find resources that can help you grow personally and professionally—whether it’s through insightful workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, or practical panels on topics like leadership, self-care, financial wellness, and career growth.
It’s also a perfect space to network and share experiences with other women, making connections that can last well beyond the event. Plus, you can discover and shop from women-owned businesses in the marketplace, supporting local entrepreneurs and finding new products and services. Ultimately, this Expo is a chance to feel inspired, empowered, and ready to take on new challenges in every area of your life.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Training in Huntsville, AL on January 28th, 2025
Information provided by Learning Zone Inc
The Lean Sigma Black Belt Certification Training program is perfect for any quality management professionals who are looking to boost their career and get their Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate. This course is designed and developed to ensure that this Lean Six Sigma Black Belt training equips you in handling complex projects while easily implementing Six Sigma methodologies.
This Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification course will help you master the core concepts of Lean and Six Sigma. This six Sigma Black Belt training will help you understand how to Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) your projects while focusing on minimizing waste.
We assist individuals in developing the critical skills required to manage projects with high success rates and begin the Lean and Six Sigma journey to stand out from the crowd. Our program provides an in-depth knowledge of all aspects within the phases of six sigma tools, D-M-A-I-C and standard principles of Lean Management with real-life applications on various industry used cases.
There are no prerequisites for attending the course or appearing for the certified Black Belt exam. Lean management is a globally-recognized certification in quality management, providing best practices for optimizing end-to-end business processes in product development, manufacturing, operations, service, customer relations, and other such enterprise functions.
Contact Debbie Riel fo rmore details. Email: debbie.riel@learninzone.com Phone: 302-251-9769 h h
Pastor Derrick Lamont Hill & Evangelist Sheena R. Hill Shiloh P.B. Church - Madison
Pastor Derrick Lamont Hill was born in 1979 to William and Gloria Hill in Detroit MI. He attended Detroit Public Schools where he earned his High School Diploma from St. Martin DePorress High School. After graduating high school he attended Siena Heights University on a full track scholarship.
Pastor Hill joined the U.S Army in February 2000 as a Motor Transport Operator. His duty stations include, Stuttgart Germany, Ft. Benning GA, Korea, Ft. Carson CO, Ft. Leonard Wood MO, Ft. Bliss TX, Warren, MI and currently Army Corps of Engineers in as a Contract Specialist in Huntsville, Al. He has earned a host of awards and certifications.
Pastor Hill grew up in Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church where his grandfather Rev. Sampson Matthews has been the Pastor for over 40 years and has recently retired. He was an active member while attending.
In 2004 Elder Hill accepted his call into the ministry. In 2007 he received his Ministers License from Progressive COGIC under Superintendent William Ephraim in Colorado Springs, CO. During his deployment to Iraq (2007) under Pastor (Chaplain) Anthony Allen, he served as Pastor for 2 months and was solely responsible for the Friday Night Fire worship service. In 2008, Elder Hill was licensed and ordained as a Baptist Minister/Rev while serving in Ft Leonard Wood MO. In 2012 Elder Hill attended Holy Light COGIC under the leadership and counsel of Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop J.O. Lawson. There he was appointed to Youth Pastor and V.P of Sunday School. Elder Hill received his Ordination in September 2013 from the Texas Western Jurisdictional Prelate Bishop Juan O. Lawson. In 2018 Pastor Hill started Greater Stone Tabernacle Church under the leading of the Holy Spirit. There he led, inspired, encouraged and taught the word of God.
Elder Hill is more than a preacher, he is a leader. His appointments include Pastor, Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent, YPWW President, Assistant Pastor, Minister of Music, Adjutant, Sunday School Teacher, Percussionist, Youth Pastor and a help in many other areas of the church.
Evangelist Sheena Renee” Hill was born August 29, 1977, to Gregory L. Singletary and Renee” Williams in Detroit, MI. She is the eldest of six siblings. She received her high school diploma from Charles F. Kettering High School in 1995; where she was a student of the Benjamin Banneker Honors Program. After graduating she attended Wayne State University.
Evang. Hill did not grow up in church! She understands now there were experiences she had to encounter to be a witness and have a testimony for Christ. It wasn’t until 1997 when she began attending Greater Mt. Everett COGIC, and in 1999 she receives the gift of salvation. There she was nurtured in the Word of God, Holiness and Sanctification under the direction and leadership of Supt. Jessie G. and the late Mother Mildred Bell. Her mom always expressed unto her, “to read and study the word for yourself, and to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
It was in 2001 when she heard the voice of the Lord speak to her while sitting on the couch in her living room. This is when ministry was birth in Evang. Hill and 2 Timothy 2:15 became the cornerstone of her new walk with Christ. After many years of traveling (military spouse), training, studying and serving faithfully under different leadership. In 2003 she acknowledges and accepted her spiritual calling into the ministry. In 2007 she received her Deaconess License in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO at Christian Tabernacle Church. Years later, she enrolled in the C.H. Mason Bible Institute; where she received her Missionary License in 2013 under the Texas Western Jurisdiction in El Paso, Texas. She had a continuing desire to go farther in ministry for an Evangelist License. Following additional training, teaching, testing and a recommendation. She receives her license of Evangelism in 2014 by the TWJ Supervisor of Women D. Lynette Riddick and Jurisdiction Prelate Bishop Juan O. Lawson.
Evangelist Hill has served in a variety of roles within the church, some include Sunday School and Bible Class Teacher, Usher, Nurse Unit, Church Secretary, Youth / Young Adult V.P., Jurisdictional Women’s Dept. Finance Secretary/Treasurer and Jurisdictional (AIM) Treasurer. Evang. Hill is also an active participant of Outreach and Evangelism. Evangelist Hill has a genuine passion and heart to see individuals saved, sanctified, set free, delivered and Holy Ghost filled.
She is a devoted and loving helpmeet to her husband of 21 years, Elder Derrick Hill. Together they are the proud parents of five beautiful children: Keartis, Keion, Kiara, Keenan and Kindoule. h
Attorney Beach Law Practice
Ever since the young age of 13, Raven Perry-Beach has aspired to be an attorney.
Born and raised in the small town of Cordova, AL, Raven shares that she came from very humble beginnings. She says, “I like to believe that my past has distinctly propelled me into my present.” Raven’s parents are Delmous and Sandi Perry. Raven grew up in a single-parent household and credits her mother with having the most significant impact on her life. “My mother, Sandi, worked diligently to provide a life for my sister, Violet, and me. If nothing else, she demonstrated what it means to trust God with every aspect of life. Through her, I learned that all things are possible for those who believe. Because of her faith and dedication, she raised two strong women who continue to defy the odds,” Raven says.
Today, Raven is the face and founder of Beach Law Practice. Her firm represents the culmination of a lifelong pursuit of her dreams to practice law from the greatest perspective of excellence. Beach Law Practice is available to help in the most critical and consequential moments of life. Specializing in bankruptcy, estate planning, personal injury, and Veterans law, these four practices enable Raven and her team to help make sure that her clients and their loved ones are secure.
Raven attended Walker High School in Jasper, AL, and graduated in 2000 with honors. She went on to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to obtain her bachelor’s degree and eventually graduated Cum Laude as a criminal justice major and Spanish minor in August 2003. “People find it interesting that I did an intensive month study in Granada, Spain, completing my final requirements for graduation there,” she says. “I began to apply to law schools upon graduation from undergrad. Despite my academic achievements, I was rejected by countless law schools. Nonetheless, I never gave up on my dream. I continued to apply until one day, a package arrived in the mail. I had relocated to Huntsville to reset after graduation. I can remember coming home and my sister excitedly saying that I had received a large package in the mail. We both were elated. As one might imagine, we exchanged hugs and tears upon confirming that the package contained an acceptance letter to Vermont Law School.”
Raven relocated to Vermont a few months later with $700 and everything that would fit into her Kia Sephia. Setting out on her newfound journey, Raven would face many challenges. She shares, “I remember having a conservation with a classmate as our first semester drew to a close. I told her that I had never worked so hard academically and that I was just so used to being the head of the class. I will never forget her response. “Raven, we were all “head of the class”. She was right. That was a sobering conversation. In my final year of law school, I began receiving letter after letter stating that, statistically speaking, I was not likely to pass the bar exam. I began to ignore those letters. I was determined that I would not allow anyone to dictate my destiny. I continued to stay the course. I graduated from law school in May 2007 and sat for the bar exam the following July, and passed on my first attempt. On December 17, 2007, I took the oath of office and was duly admitted to practice as an attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Raven’s legal career began when she accepted a position as an attorney-advisor to the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, DC. She was 25 years old and recalls looking out the conference room window during training and realizing that she had a clear view of the White House. With a decade of hard work and determination, her dream was realized. “I look back at that era and am grateful for the faith and resilience that catapulted me into my destiny,” she says.
Her journey as an entrepreneur began in my late 20s. Though a licensed attorney, she had relocated to Tennessee with her spouse, and they agreed that Raven would be a stay-at-home mother. They divorced only a few years later, and she desperately needed to provide for her two-year-old daughter. “At the age of 28, I was forced into bankruptcy. Shortly thereafter, I made the decision to withdraw the little I had in retirement to pay the registration fees for the Tennessee bar exam,” she says. Unable to afford the cost of a bar review course, Raven was able to access materials from someone who recently passed the bar exam. She studied for six consecutive months and passed the bar on her first attempt. It was then that Raven decided to open her own practice. With the support of her siblings, Raven opened her practice, but despite her hard work and diligence, she reached a point where she felt that she’d hit a professional plateau. In 2016, she packed up her condo and children and relocated to Huntsville, where she developed a sustainable practice.
Since coming back to the “Rocket City”, Raven has surely found her footing. She has been consistently recognized for her contributions to her community. Most notably, she was named the 2023 Female Entrepreneur of the Year by the Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. Most recently, in 2024, Raven was named the Madison County Volunteer Lawyer’s Program Volunteer of the Year after serving as the first black president of the board of directors in 2021. She was also the recipient of the NAACP Attorney of the Year Award presented at the 72nd State Convention Freedom Awards Banquet.
Raven shares that she loves serving the community that has embraced her from the beginning. She adds, “I have been so honored to give back over the years. Some of my most rewarding experiences have been via volunteering at legal clinics or pro bono representation. I can honestly say that those instances have been some of the most rewarding experiences in my legal career. I am truly passionate about helping others.”
In addition to crediting her mother for having a huge impact on her life, she also acknowledges her sister, Commissioner Violet Edwards, for inspiring her. “Violet made history in 2000 when she was elected the first black female Commissioner in Madison County. That speaks volumes about the person she is and her reputation as a leader in our community. She recently won her bid for reelection. I was honored to administer the oath of office on both occasions,” Raven says. “I am blessed to be the mother of two incredible children, Adrianne and Avery. They motivate me to be and do better with every passing day. Most importantly, I am a child of God. My life has taught me that with him, all things are possible. I sincerely believe that I am better for every challenge I encounter and overcome. My prayer is that my life and story will touch and inspire generations to come.”
Pictured with Raven is son, Avery, and daughter, Adrianne
Some of my most rewarding experiences have been via volunteering at legal clinics or pro bono representation.
I can honestly say that those instances have been some of the most rewarding experiences in my legal career.
For being the most influential person in her life, that would be Raven’s godmother, the Honorable Debra B. Winston. She says, “We had a conversation one day when I was about 13 years old. She had been a practicing attorney for some time and had a compelling story about her own road to triumph. She convinced me that day that I, too, could be like her. I had the honor of having a front-row seat to watch her career unfold as she subsequently became a municipal court judge and eventually was elected as district court judge for Jefferson County in 2016. Sadly, she transitioned to eternal rest in May 2024. She was a remarkable woman of faith, hope, and triumph and could not have been a better role model or mentor for me. I often wonder which of us was prouder.”
The most enjoyable aspect of Raven’s career, she says, is that it has forced her to continue to evolve as a person. “I have learned to use my voice and the skills that I have attained to effect change. I’ve learned never to give up. I’ve learned that people are counting on me to show up, even if no one else does. I’ve learned to stop being afraid. I’ve learned compassion and grace. I’ve learned that sometimes ordinary people are blessed with the opportunity to do extraordinary things.”
Raven advises other aspiring attorneys whose paths may look similar to hers to never allow their circumstances to dictate their future. “The road to success isn’t always linear. Whatever you do, never lose sight of your dreams. And when you get there, reach back. Be the first, but not the last.”
The future is looking bright for Attorney Raven Beach-Perry. Most recently, she had the distinct honor of being sworn in as Municipal Court judge for the state of Alabama on January 5, 2024. She adds that it’s her prayer to one day become a Madison County district court judge.
By Terry L. Watson
MCM Services
Photos Provided by Monica Montgomery
Monica Montgomery is a Business Strategist and Technical Writer from Huntsville, Alabama. She owns MCM Services, a business development company that specializes in strategic management and operations analysis to help small to midsized businesses reach their growth potential. Her business consultation services include analyzing performance metrics to identify challenges and implement a strategic plan to strengthen business operations and increase revenue. She also offers an online Business Growth Potential course that gives step-by-step guidance on how to receive grant funding and establish a business from the ground up. Their Business G.R.O.W. Model eBook details strategies for each segment of business - Goals, Revenue, Operations, and Industry Worth.
Monica says she has always known that her purpose was servant leadership. That is why she dedicated her time and talents to her business and community to support the needs for economic growth. She adds, “I started my business in 2016 as a side job to help business owners in my local community. At the time, I was working full-time as a business banking specialist and brokerage associate. My business was steadily growing and it was becoming difficult to manage it part-time while working a full-time career. In 2022, I decided to take the leap and invest my undivided attention and money in my business. I left my career believing that I could make a greater impact through my business instead of supporting a major corporation that just saw me as another employee. Ever since I took that leap to full-time entrepreneurship, I haven’t looked back.”
Monica shares that her vision for her business originated from her belief that small businesses are the backbone for economic growth and that so many business owners are denied working capital daily. Her vision is to have headquarters in the four corners of the United States and internationally, where business owners will receive guidance, tools, and lending options that support their business growth. It is her goal also to help them come to MCM Services and gain actionable plans that benefit each stage of business, from ideation to sustainability to profitability.
I left my career believing that I could make a greater impact through my business instead of supporting a major corporation that just saw me as another employee. Ever since I took that leap to full-time entrepreneurship, I haven’t looked back.”
Monica shares that she loves seeing the lifechanging results that her clients experience in their businesses. “When my clients are introduced to me, they’re stressed and frustrated that their business has remained stagnant for many years. Once we start implementing easy and results-driven plans, they see real changes in their revenue and operations within six months. They gain hope in their business again, and I gain satisfaction in helping another business exceed expectations,” she says.
Knowing that God has equipped her with the gifts and talents to make an impact in the world, Monica says, is what inspires her to keep managing her business. “Seeing other female business owners like Kimberly Caudle Lewis of Project XYZ and Tamron Hall inspires me to take educated risks and create opportunities that benefit business growth. Recognizing their paths to entrepreneurship and understanding God’s plans for me is a daily motivation for my purpose,” she says.
While building her business, Monica has faced a few challenges. One was working capital and society’s expectations. “Society portrays entrepreneurship as a fast-track system that mainly defines success as having a lot of cars and houses to flaunt on social media. In reality, entrepreneurship takes years to build, and you have to fail in order to learn from experiences,” Monica says. She adds that access to working capital does not come easy for female minority business owners. She researched how to overcome restrictions and learned how to leverage resources and create competitive grant proposals. This helped take her business to the next level. “Focusing on a few business incubator foundations and using their numerous resources helped improve my chances of winning grants and gave me tools that accessed online lending options. This was better than using one resource from multiple foundations that may not align with my business path or vision,” Monica shares.
In the beginning stages of building her business, Monica rushed to get things done. She was doing everything from operations to marketing to digital products with a mindset that it all had to be done right now. She began to feel burned out. “Once I started thinking like a CEO and not as an employee, I learned how to strategize my actions on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to hit my goals. That helped me to overcome society’s expectations of unrealistic goals.”
What is next for Monica and MCM Services? She plans to host small business conferences in Texas, California, Alabama, Florida, New York, and Colorado. Her goal is to show business owners how to set a firm foundation in business, which will lead to business growth. She also plans to have interactive classes where business owners can create strategic plans and be matched with consultants to execute plans during a 90-day period. When she’s not volunteering or managing her business, Monica spends her free time traveling, eating exotic foods, exploring outdoor adventures, and reading. “I love spending time with my family, including my son, Bryan, and my fiance’ Anthony Greenwood,” she says. h
Society portrays entrepreneurship as a fasttrack system that mainly defines success as having a lot of cars and houses to flaunt on social media. In reality, entrepreneurship takes years to build, and you have to fail in order to learn from experiences.”
Black Boys Empowered Inc.
By Terry L. Watson
Rashad T. Dudley is a proud Detroit native, social entrepreneur, and advocate for empowering Black boys and men. He comes from a family deeply rooted in resilience, having experienced significant personal losses, including the tragic murders of his father and brother, which shaped his understanding of the challenges many Black boys face. Rashad’s experiences growing up in Detroit and Inkster have instilled in him a unique perspective and a strong drive to create safe, uplifting spaces for others.
Rashad is a scholar and lifelong learner. He graduated from Morehouse College in 2020. He then earned a Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University in 2022, where he honed his expertise in designing impactful youth programs. Currently, Rashad is pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Wayne State University, focusing on expanding his initiatives and fostering innovation within his work.
Beyond his professional and academic achievements, Rashad is passionate about family, community, and mentorship. He draws strength and inspiration from his upbringing in Detroit and remains dedicated to giving back to the city that raised him. Through his work, Rashad hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders, helping them overcome adversity and realize their full potential.
Rashad is also the founder of Black Boys Empowered (501c3). He is the author of Dear Black Boy Co., Dear Black Boy: A Guide to Self-Empowerment and Building Healthy Habits. Black Boys Empowered focuses on providing mentorship, scholarships, community service opportunities, and wellness initiatives for Black boys in Detroit. Their key programs include an Annual Scholarship Program. Each year, BBE provides Black male high school seniors with scholarships to help them pay for tuition at HBCUs. They also offer community service opportunities (including our quarterly neighborhood clean-up of our adopted road) throughout the city of Detroit. Dear Black Boy Co. is a health and wellness brand that features Rashad’s children’s books, Dear Black Boy: A Guide to Self-Empowerment and Building Healthy Habits and Dear Black Boy: Positive Affirmation Coloring Book, and wellness products and apparel designed specifically for Black boys.
Rashad says the journey of Black Boys Empowered began with my personal experiences growing up in Detroit and Inkster and my deep understanding of the systemic challenges that Black boys often face. As someone who lost my father and brother to gun violence, I know firsthand the emotional toll of loss and the lack of accessible resources for healing and growth in underserved communities. “These personal tragedies, coupled with my professional experiences working in youth development, inspired me to create something meaningful that could address these challenges head-on,” he says.
The decision made by Rashsad to launch Black Boys Empowered was centered on his desire to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities tailored specifically for Black boys in Detroit. “My vision stemmed from a desire to create a space where young Black boys could feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed despite the obstacles they might face. I drew from over a decade of experience in roles such as Dean of Climate and Culture, Youth Programming Director, and Director of Enrichment to design programs and initiatives that focus on mentorship, leadership development, and wellness,” says Rashad.
Photos Provided by Rashad T. Dudley
“My vision stemmed from a desire to create a space where young Black boys could feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed despite the obstacles they might face.”
The idea also grew from a broader reflection on the societal narratives surrounding Black boys. Rashad says he wanted to combat the negative stereotypes often placed on them by providing a platform that celebrated their brilliance, creativity, and potential. Black Boys Empowered was envisioned as more than just a program—it was a movement to uplift an entire generation. His vision has expanded over time to include initiatives like the Dear Black Boy Co. wellness brand, scholarships for HBCU-bound students, and community service programs. The driving force behind all of these efforts has been his unwavering belief in the power of mentorship, education, and community to transform lives. “By addressing the needs of Black boys holistically— academically, emotionally, and socially— I created a legacy of empowerment and resilience.”
Rashad is also passionate about creating spaces where Black boys feel seen, valued, and understood. Growing up, he didn’t always have access to the kind of mentorship and resources he now provides, so being able to offer those to others is a powerful way for him to give back. He loves fostering environments that challenge stereotypes and show the world the brilliance and resilience of Black boys. The opportunity to rewrite narratives and shape a new generation of leaders is something that drives him every day. Lastly, Rashad takes pride in the creative aspects of his work. He loves turning his ideas into impactful realities and knowing that his efforts are making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
One of the most significant hurdles Rashad has faced in building his program has been securing consistent funding to sustain and expand programs. Nonprofits like Black Boys Empowered often operate in a competitive funding landscape where resources are limited, and Rashad has had to work tirelessly to identify grants, build relationships with donors, and creatively fundraise to support his initiatives. Ensuring financial stability while maintaining the quality and impact of the programs has been an ongoing balancing act. Another challenge has been navigating stereotypes and societal biases. As someone who works to uplift Black boys and men, Rashad has had to challenge misconceptions about what Black masculinity and success look like. Building a brand and organization that celebrates Black identity while countering negative narratives requires intentionality, persistence, and strategic messaging. Breaking through these barriers to gain broader community and institutional support has been both a challenge and a deeply motivating mission for Rashad.
To tackle the challenge of securing consistent funding, Rashad has worked to diversify his revenue streams. He applies for grants tailored to youth development and education initiatives, partners with local businesses and organizations for sponsorships, and organizes fundraisers that resonate with his community. Rashad has also leveraged his storytelling skills to craft compelling narratives about Black Boys Empowered’s impact, helping him attract donors and supporters who believe in his mission. Additionally, he is exploring creative revenue models, such as the BBE apparel line, which not only generates income but also promotes the organization’s mission.
Moving forward, Rashad shares that he envisions expanding the impact of Black Boys Empowered and evolving his personal and professional ventures to create a lasting legacy of empowerment, education, and community engagement. He adds, “One of my primary goals is to transform Black Boys Empowered into a foundation that will oversee multiple initiatives aimed at supporting Black boys in Detroit and beyond. This includes establishing a prestigious scholarship program for HBCU-bound students from metro Detroit.” Rashad also plans to launch the Dear Black Boy health and wellness brand as a subsidiary of the foundation, providing resources and products designed specifically for Black boys’ well-being.
His advice to others who may follow in his footsteps is very clear. Start with a clear purpose and build a strong network. He also advises you to stay true to your community and, most importantly, leave a legacy.
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER NINE: The Difference In Who Provides Care
For the caregivers following the “Becoming A Caregiver” series, my heart continues to go out to you. The assignment is not an easy one. Even more, regardless of any arrangement, when you are committed to ensuring that your loved one gets and receives the highest quality of care and attention, there isn’t much that will get in the way of your goal to see it happen. Any who, I am speaking for myself, and that is how I feel.
One of the most disheartening feelings I have experienced along this journey always happens when I arrive to visit my mom while she is in the care of others. As her primary caregiver for over eight years, I have a pretty good understanding of what good care looks like. I also know what slack and neglect look like.
While my mother is under my care, it has always been my goal to meet her needs first and always before mine. When she is thirsty, hungry, uncomfortable, or whatever else, I make it my goal to meet her need before it becomes a need. Anytime when I fall a little behind on my assignments, it becomes obvious, and Mama never hesitates to let me know that I am slacking.
With that said, as our family has depended on the assistance of others to provide care for my mother, finding consistency between caregivers has been very challenging. I believe it has a lot to do with how a person approaches their job. I believe that it also has a lot to do with how people feel about them. If you truly love yourself and love people, then that same level of compassion will show up with caregiving. If someone lacks compassion, they should never work in a customer service-dependent field like caregiving. Furthermore, if they lack professionalism, cleanliness, good time management skills, and good attention to detail, then caregiving is not for them as well. That is just my opinion.
Seeking the assistance of others to provide caregiving services for my mother was one the hardest decisions I have made since she suffered her stroke. While she may encounter dozens of individuals on a daily basis, there always seem to be about two or three that exhibit all of the above-mentioned qualities. I wish that I could say that it gets easier with each passing day, but to be honest, it doesn’t. For me, I find hope in being just as committed to caring for my mother today as I was when I first began this journey. I make my concerns and expectations known, and my Mama and I work together by trusting God.
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Beverly K. Johnson
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK SERIES
By Terry L. Watson
Beverly K. Johnson
She is always on the move, and one should never be surprised about what Beverly K. Johnson is doing. Beverly is a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Transformation Coach, and Founder of The EPIC Academy and Genesys Fitness. She says, “The cycle of starting and stopping your healthy lifestyle journey is frustrating. If you’re overwhelmed with information and unsure who to trust, then The EPIC Academy is for you. You need more than a journal and “woosah” moments to truly transform your life and body. My mission is to disrupt the chaotic cycle of binge eating and losing weight that many women and men over the age of 40 go through.”
Beverly was raised in Mobile, on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. After she graduated high school, Beverly decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps and attend her alma mater, Alabama A&M University. Following graduation, she received her commission into the US Army. “I’ve been fortunate in my experiences, which have been invaluable in my growth as a coach,” she says.
With the new year 2025 in full swing, Beverly is eager to share one of her latest projects, the New Year, New Look Series. In a follow-up to her previous production, Shades of Hue, in which she received an overwhelming amount of support, Beverly aims to build upon the series and create more coloring books. She is also preparing for the launch of New Year, New Look in the Spring.
Photos Provided by
Beverly shares the process of creating the new production began with one affirmation: “Taking care of myself is an act of self-love.” She adds, “It was a love letter to my clients, a way to celebrate their strength and growth. I’ve always enjoyed coloring and journaling, so I was looking for a way to combine both. In my first book, I was intentional in adding affirmations. We’re bombarded by so many conflicting messages and images. I wanted to create a book that reinforced the power of speaking life into yourself and celebrated the beauty of Black women.”
Beverly believes the ideal readers for her works are women thirty-five and up. These are individuals who usually try to balance corporate or entrepreneurial life and the needs of their home. “Because of the constant demands on their time, they cherish the pockets of quiet time in their day. The coloring book allows them to replenish their selfcare cup and navigate the day,” she says.
Beverly draws inspiration for her series from her circle of friends, clients, and women she’s met in her classes. “I see the beauty in everyone and want to share that,” she says. At the completion of her project, Beverly plans to host wellness events focusing on improving emotional wellness and understanding the importance of rest.
As the future unravels, Beverly shares her goal is to continue serving her clients and develop partnerships within her community. She also plans to expand the portfolio of her services to include motivational speaking.
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Alisha Davis
Real Natural Solutions Hair Care
By Terry L. Watson
Alisha Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas is known as the Hair Companion Coach. She is a woman who lives by faith and declares that God helps her through every challenge and obstacle. While life may knock her down from time to time, she doesn’t stay down. Full of resilience and determination, she gets back up, knowing that God has equipped her for the assignment.
Alisha is a graduate of Central Little Rock High School. She graduated from Central Little Rock High School and attended the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. She obtained her cosmetology license from Eaton's Cosmetology School and received her Cosmetology instructor license from Paul Mitchell School. She is a former natural hair salon owner, owning one of the top natural hair salons in Little Rock. In a seven-year span, Alisha trained and serviced over 200 clients a month.
Alisha is also the visionary behind the Real Natural Solutions product line, products designed for individuals with natural hair. “With my product line, I provide products and services to women with natural hair. Many people just provide services, but I am also a natural hair stylist who has mastered my craft while focusing on meeting the needs of my clients,” she says.
Photos Provided by Corrie Wilson
In 2009, when the natural hair movement arrived in Little Rock, Alisha’s interest peaked. It was during that time that I began to explore the idea of launching a natural hair product line and opening a salon that would cater to those with natural hair. In 2015, the idea of owning a salon began to take shape. In 2016, she opened the doors of her salon in the Hobby Lobby shopping center located on Markham Street. Her product line, Real Natural Solutions, was birthed two years later.
Alisha describes herself as someone who enjoys serving and helping others. “I am just a little girl who grew up off John Barrow Road in the central part of Little Rock, AR, who dreamed of doing hair like my grandmother, Helen Davis, and starting my own business. I am a single mother of two kids, having an eighteen-year-old son and twenty-three-year-old daughter,” she says. Alisha had a great example of what hard work looks like. Along with her two other sisters, she was raised by her father, whom she says ensured they had everything they needed.
At the beautiful age of 97, Alisha’s grandmother is still pouring wisdom into her protege. Even at the age of 80, Alisha’s grandmother continued to do hair, a remarkable example of resilience that has been passed on to Alisha. “As a young girl, I watched my grandmother do hair, all while raising four kids alone. Her husband passed away when I was a young girl, and she never remarried. I learned how to persevere simply by watching my grandmother,” Alisha says.
So, who or what is the Hair Companion Coach? Alisha says, “I have witnessed a lot of women get frustrated with their hair and I wanted to offer them some help. That is how I became the Hair Companion Coach. I teach people how to get control of their hair within three months, guaranteed. Especially if they are using my product line,” she says.
Alisha shares that she finds inspiration in many of the seasoned and professional stylists who have paved the way for her and another stylist. These are individuals whom Alisha describes as “old-school stylists”; she studied under them and learned the art of customer service and how to run her business efficiently. “I worked with Lois and Rays for 17 years. Lois taught me so much about doing hair. She taught me how to press hair, how to do natural hair, and more. She also had her own product line. I also worked with Tamela McElroy and Cece Campbell, both of whom worked with ISOPlus and are still styling hair today. These legends taught me so much about the business side of styling hair,” she says.
Alisha’s success has happened due to her commitment to invest in herself and her craft. She often partakes in continued education classes and studies and partners with other successful people in her respective industry to gain insight and knowledge on how to take her business to the next level.
Being a business owner has come with its share of challenges. Alisha has encountered her share and has found ways to overcome them. “I found myself managing every role in my business. I have been the maintenance person; I have managed customer service, I have trained others, I’ve managed advertising, and so many other roles. It can be a whole lot for just one person. Instead of allowing myself to become defeated, I try to find solutions. I also take time for myself. There is only one me. I have learned that I can’t do it all, and leaning on the assistance and help of others has been very helpful,” she says.
For those who may follow in her path, Alisha shares some good advice. “Keep the faith and take care of yourself. You must always have several backup plans. You must also be a good manager of your finances. Customer service is very important. You may be good at what you do, but if your customer service isn’t good, it can hurt your business. My business has grown by leaps and bounds merely due to word of mouth, all of which has been made possible by my commitment to providing solid and good customer service consistently,” she says.
Moving forward, Alisha plans to boost the online sales of her product line. She also plans to spend less time behind the chair and travel more. With the way things are happening in Alisha’s life and business, anything that she puts her mind to is destined to succeed. To learn more about the Real Natural Solutions product line, please visit their website.
“I am just a little girl who grew up off John Barrow Road in the central part of Little Rock, AR, who dreamed of doing hair like my grandmother, Helen Davis, and starting my own business.”
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.
www.read-huamimagazine.com/awards-gala-2025 June 7th, 2025
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
Princess Kelly
The daughter of Dominique and Latisha Kelly
