Black Leaders
Maggie A. Lewis
Derrin Slack
Let Your Actions Offer Hope To Others
A Letter From The Editor
You never know who is watching. In everything that we do in life, regardless of whether an audience is present or not, we must know that someone is always watching. While some may be in the form of support or encouragement, others may show up just to learn. I would describe myself as a learner.
Throughout my life, the answers and solutions I’ve needed to survive haven’t always come from those who I would expect them to. Often times I didn’t have what a young and impressionable male needed to grow and maneuver, and because of this, I failed and made many mistakes. Yet, I thank God for grace and for placing help along my way, to ensure that what He has planned and purposed shall be done.
I recently celebrated a birthday. It was cool. I didn’t make a lot of noise, but instead, I enjoyed the blessing of being alive. It was also around this time that the Olympic games were taking place in Paris. As Simeon Biles captivated the world with yet another remarkable performance, my interest was consumed by what American Runner Sha’Carri Richardson accomplished. As many may recall, a few years ago, Sha’Carri made headlines for her mistakes off the track. As I watched the Olympic games, I celebrated her victory, but I also celebrated her determination and her perseverance. Sha’Carri has proven to her naysayers and critics that she can block out distractions and lock in what is most important.
Watching Sha’Carri fueled my fire in some ways. It also reminded me to appreciate the opportunities that God gives us to correct a mistake. As I always say, “no one is perfect, except God’ and life throws a few curve balls here and there, we must stand firm and erect at the plate, always ready to swing for the fences. The greatest opportunity to exhibit our strength happens on our way back up.
I want to encourage everyone to keep moving and believing that our greatest days are still yet to happen. God has given all of His children purpose, and has also provided provisions to see them occur. As we continue along our journey’s, let’s do it with a heart of faith and assurance, because you never know who is watching. We must allow our actions offer hope to others.
Terry L. Watson
Gary, IN
There is a Gala Taking Place YMCA of Northwest Indiana
Indiana
Third Grades Literacy Scores Improve
Indiana Dept. of Education
Greensboro, NC
Caring For My Mother
Becoming A Caregiver
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville Housing Authority
Antonio McGinnis
Gary Community of Schools participate in Inaugural Conference. Learn more about what took place.
Gary, IN
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. His name is Jaylen Hardy.
God’s Hand on Him DeAnte Howard
ToBeReal
Melissa Williams
AdHoc Group Against Crime Alvin Brooks
Vujee Vegan Nikia M. Lightfoot
Gary Community School Corporation Participates in the Inaugural Administrators of Color Preparing for the Future Conference
The Gary Community School Corporation (GSCS) participated in the Inaugural Administrators of Color Preparing for the Future Conference held in Indianapolis on September 8-9, 2024.
Presented by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS), the conference was created to provide resources and networking opportunities for public school administrators of color ranging from newer professionals to more veteran educators.
“I was proud to represent the Gary Community School Corporation along with my team members,” said newly appointed Supertintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes. “Not only did we make some great connections, but attended sessions that provided strategies on school leadership that we will be sure to share and implement accordingly.”
The conference featured topics on effective leadership, strategies for educating Black and Hispanic males, a panel discussion with Indiana legislators, keynote speakers, a networking reception, awards luncheon and vendor fair. The goal is to increase and develop more school administrators of color in districts across Indiana.
Also in attendance from the district were Chief Operating Officer Dee Etta Wright and Public Relations Consultant Chelsea Whittington. “It was fascinating and enlightening to learn about the educational trends and tools available to help make our scholars successful,” said Whittington. “This type of networking is needed as our team is actively working to take the Gary schools to the next level.”
For more information about the conference and IAPSS, visit http://www.iapss-in.org. To enroll your scholar in the Gary Schools, visit www.Garyschools.org. h
Information and Photos provided by Chelsea Whittington
Indiana’s Third Grade Literacy Rates Increase for Third Consecutive Year
Information Provided By Press Release
On August 14, 2024, The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released results from the 2023-2024 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment, which show third graders had the largest single-year increase since the assessment was launched in 2013.
“Ensuring Hoosier students are able to read is key to not only the future of Indiana, but to the individual success of every child,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “The historic literacy investments we have made over the past several years are beginning to show return on investment, which is a testament to the hard work of teachers, families and students in every corner of our state. Let’s keep this positive momentum going.”
Statewide, results reveal that more than 67,000 Indiana third grade students – or 82.5% – demonstrated proficient reading skills on the assessment. This is an improvement of 0.6 percentage points over results for the 2022-2023 school year, which is the highest year over year increase since the launch of IREAD.
“When it comes to supporting every child to reach their full potential, the single-most important thing we can do is help them learn to read,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Over the past three years, Indiana has made historic investments in ensuring educators and families have the tools and resources they need to best support our students, and today, we are seeing positive results from this all-hands-on-deck approach. Our collective hard work is paying off, yet there is still more to be done. Let’s continue to work together and continue this positive momentum for Indiana and most importantly, our students.”
For the third year, schools had an opportunity to proactively administer the IREAD assessment to their second grade students at no cost – a tactic that has already proven successful at providing educators and families with an early On Track indicator to determine if students will master foundational reading skills by the end of grade three. In total, 1,076 elementary schools opted in to administer IREAD to their second grade students in 2024, an increase from 771 in 2023. Beginning with the current school year, all second grade students will participate in IREAD.
Of the second grade students who participated in 2024, 59% either passed the assessment or are on track to pass by the end of third grade. Nearly 97% of second graders who achieved On Track in 2023 passed the assessment in 2024. The ability to identify students who need additional, targeted support as early as possible, is just one benefit of administering IREAD at grade two. With the help of this early indicator, educators were able to identify students needing interventions to master foundational reading skills, allowing 56% of second graders who were identified as at-risk in 2023 to pass IREAD in 2024.
Another tactical solution showing early signs of success is the Indiana Literacy Cadre. The Indiana Literacy Cadre is a partnership between the state of Indiana, the University of Indianapolis Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) and Marian University’s Center for Vibrant Schools, which provides early elementary teachers with embedded instructional coaching and support aligned with science of reading. Science of reading is an evidence-based body of research that uses phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension to teach students to read. Schools that opted in to receive this comprehensive support had a 2.5 percentage point increase in students passing IREAD, compared to a 0.2 percentage point increase for schools that did not opt in to the Literacy Cadre.
The Indiana Literacy Cadre is one of several tactical solutions made possible through the state’s largest-ever financial investment in literacy, which was announced in August 2022. Under the leadership of Governor Holcomb, Indiana partnered with Lilly Endowment, Inc. to invest up to $111 million to support early literacy development. This investment was recently expanded by the Indiana General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session, resulting in a combined total investment of $170 million. h
Indy’s Black Leaders
Huami Magazine is very pleased to feature three individuals who are doing their part to help make their community better.
Dr. Aleesia Johnson
Superintendent - Indianapolis Public Schools
Dr. Aleesia Johnson serves as superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), the largest district in Indiana serving more than 30,000 students. Named superintendent in 2019, Dr. Johnson has entered her second decade of service as an educator, achieving success as a teacher, school leader and administrator in both public charter and traditional district schools. She is the first Black woman to serve as superintendent in Indianapolis Public Schools.
A native of Evansville, Indiana, Johnson comes from a family of educators, including her mother, who is an elementary school principal, her grandfather, who was one of few African American administrators in the Evansville area during the 1970s and 80s, and her grandmother, who worked as a high school classroom assistant. Growing up in her mother’s middle school classroom, Dr. Johnson began her career as a 6th grade Science and Social Studies teacher.
Dr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and African American Studies from Agnes Scott College, a Master of Social Work in Children and Youth and Community Organizing from the University of Michigan, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Secondary Education and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, both from Oakland City University.
Dr. Johnson believes deeply in service not only to the students and families of IPS but also to the broader Indianapolis community. She demonstrates this belief through her membership on several local organizational boards, including The Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis 500 Festival, the IUPUI Board of Advisors, and the Board of Trustees for Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis Campus. She serves on the advisory board at Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research and is also a member of the Aspen Superintendents Network as well as Chiefs For Change, a national advocacy organization of state and district education leaders. Dr. Johnson is privileged to also be an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Johnson and her husband, Andre, are the proud parents of an adult daughter, Deja, and three school-aged children, Frederick, Naomi and Grace, who are also IPS students.
Information Obtained from Indiana Public Schools
Maggie A. Lewis
Executive Director - Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis
Indiana State University alum, Maggie A. Lewis earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Education and Masters Degree in Public Administration after graduating from Columbus East High School. Since graduating from Indiana State, she has solely dedicated her career towards serving the public and those in need. She served as president of the Indianapolis City-County Council for six years and is the first woman in Council history to hold this position. Recently, Lewis made history again, becoming the first woman elected to serve as majority leader of the Council.
When she’s not serving the Indianapolis community, Lewis spends her time serving as chief executive officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis (BGCI). Prior to joining BCGI she supported the quality assurance and community engagement efforts of Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, and she has worked for a variety of non-profit agencies where she led all fund-raising efforts and developed collaborative partnerships to expand the organizations’ missions and visions.
Her organizational involvement includes Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Circle City Chapter of the Links., and she is a member of the Mount Paran Church.
She is married to Indiana State University alum, Leroy Lewis, III. They are the proud parents of Leroy Lewis, IV.
Derrin Slack
CEO - ProAct Indy
Derrin Slack is the Founder and CEO of Know More LLC and Founder of ProAct Indy. With over 10 years of experience in training facilitation, nonprofit management, and leadership, Derrin is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Community Impact Professional (CIP), Licensed Facilitator of The Arbinger Institute, Authorized Provider of the EverythingDiSC and Five Behaviors leadership tools, and a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment. He has helped transform the cultures and mindsets of many organizations and communities through training, coaching, mentoring, and a suite of implementation tools and program experiences, proactively meeting people where they are to enable youth, organizations, and their people to achieve results that are only possible with an outward mindset. He calls this Human-Centered Community Service™.
Derrin’s vision is to stand in the gap for vulnerable youth and underserved communities through human-centered social good. He is responsible for representing and upholding the interests of donors, volunteers, youth participants, and other stakeholders, as well as developing and executing the strategic direction and operational plans of the organization. Derrin is also a podcast host, speaker, and thought leader who shares his insights and stories on social impact, diversity, and leadership.
Information and Photos obtained from Boys & Girls Club of Indianapolis
Information Obtained from ProAct Indy
Life is Good, Food is Great NikiaM.Lightfoot
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Fredro
Star Photography
To be a successful entrepreneur, one must possess a few key qualities or traits; some are fortitude, determination, resilience, flexibility, and patience. Without these, it may be impossible to withstand the ups and downs, as well as the unpredictableness that entrepreneurship can bring. For Huntsville, AL, native Nikia Lightfoot has exhibited several of these and has built a brand that exemplifies them all.
Nikia is a twelve-year breast cancer survivor, and upon learning of her diagnosis, she responded by implementing several lifestyle changes, with one being her diet. She says, “At the age of 34, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and knew, from research, that my chances of survival were largely dependent on changing my diet and lifestyle to a plant-based regimen. After a year, I returned to eating poultry and seafood but soon developed internal physiological issues. My body began rejecting animal and dairy products, and when I stopped that practice, my internal issues disappeared. However, I was left with the burning desire to have a restaurant where I could use my culinary skills to dispel the myths about plant-based meals and help people, especially cancer survivors, learn that there are more options than baked potatoes and salads. It’s a delicious alternative with loads of potential health benefits for everyone.” That began Nikia’s whirlwind adventure in the vegan/plant-based food industry.
Today, Nikia is the owner of Vujee Vegan, an award-winning mobile food kitchen that provides a 100% vegan and plant-based menu and is known for offering its customers fast and flexible services in several locations. Vujee Vegan was birthed on September 16, 2020, during the Covid pandemic. Nikia shares that her customers can place their orders online and also utilize third-party delivery services. Vujee Vegan’s daily menu consists of burgers, including their Basic, Cheeze, Bae-K’n, Western, and Doubles. They also offer Chicken Sandwiches that come in a variety of options, such as Fried, Buffalo, and Nashville Hot. Additionally, there are Chick’n Nuggets, Shrymp Baskets and Sandwiches, Homemade Chili & Cornbread, Salads, Waffle Fries, Smoked BBQ Ribz, Mack’n Cheeze, Salisbury Steak, Homemade Cakes, and assorted cookies. Nikia also offers meal prep and catering services.
The urge to do something entrepreneurial and extraordinary has been something Nikia says she has wanted to do since childhood. She adds, “I believe I was inspired by my parents as I watched them build their successful businesses from the ground up. It was, therefore, no surprise that by age 12, I knew I would be a restaurateur. It became more apparent as I got engrossed in the art of cooking, working alongside my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. What I did not know was how it would happen. I just had a dream and knew it would be realized someday.” Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, the catalyst for Nikia’s dream was laid out unexpectedly with her cancer diagnosis.
Nikia is the proud daughter of two amazing parents and the youngest of two older sisters. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and from the Florida Institute of Technology with a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management. In addition to managing Vujee Vegan, Nikia is employed full-time, supporting the Department of Defense. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Young Survivors Coalition, and volunteers with the American Red Cross, the Downtown Rescue Mission, and the Mommy Love Foundation. She has served on the VBD Board of Directors, an organization that provides grants to nonprofits in the community, and the Board of Directors for the KFJ Memorial Foundation, a breast cancer foundation that services the needs of women and men fighting breast cancer. In 2021, Nikia released her first book, My Breast Cancer Journey Journal. She says it was inspired by her journey and is a great tool for women who are fighting the horrible disease.
There are so many people who Nikia says have impacted her life, including her parents, and she credits her mother with being the most significant one of them all. Nikia shares, “My mother is a wonderful friend who has stood beside me through the good and bad times. She continues to love and support me unconditionally and always has something inspiring and positive to say. She prays for and encourages me and has taught me to be honest, work hard, give back, respect myself and others, and be a woman of integrity. All the advice and the life lessons she has given me continue to shape my values. I admire her strength, and I am exceptionally proud to be her daughter.”
Nikia says she loves working in the restaurant industry, mainly because of the fast-paced environment it offers. She also loves the opportunity to meet and connect with so many people from different backgrounds. “It’s so fulfilling seeing customers happy and satisfied with their meal,” Nikia shares.
The challenges Nikia has faced with managing her awardwinning business involve moving her plant-based food delivery service to the next level. She says, “As a high-demand food truck system, I implement personal strategies that help attract the best quality staff who meet current and future needs. Over the previous four years, Vujee Vegan has grown from selling at farmers’ markets to renting a food trailer. We pivoted to a ghost kitchen and purchased our own food trailer in 2023. With this growth, we have hired more staff to keep up with the high demand for products”.
For other aspiring entrepreneurs who follow a path similar to the one Nikia has taken, she offers some sound advice. She says, “Find your niche and research the market, and determine what solution you are bringing. What makes you stand out? You must also write a business plan and understand your “why.” You must follow your heart. Don’t let anyone intimidate you because you are doing the same thing or something similar. There is enough room for everybody. Don’t tell everybody your dreams and visions. Everybody doesn’t have good intentions or advice, and remember, the vision and dream were given to you. Also, don’t let social media fool you. Being an entrepreneur is hard work, and you need to have thick skin. It’s an emotional roller coaster, and it takes a lot of time and money to build a sustaining business. Understand that you will make a lot of mistakes, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finding a mentor in the industry with a successful track record is also a good idea. Give yourself grace and network. Build a strong and supportive team. And finally, enjoy the journey!”
Looking ahead, Nikia has plans to open her first store in Huntsville in 2025. “We can’t wait for each customer to fully experience Vujee Vegan,” she shares. There is interest outside of Huntsville and Alabama, and Nikia says that she is open to all possibilities.
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Alvin Brooks AdHoc Group Against Crime
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Alvin Brooks
At 92 years of age, Alvin Lee Brooks continues to be very active in his community. A native of North Little Rock, AR, Alvin moved to Kansas City at a young age. He attended Lincoln High School and graduated from the junior college on campus. In 1954, after not being able to join the United States Air Force, he joined the Kansas City Police Department. He served in various roles, including as a Detective with the Gang Unit. After leaving the department, Alvin went to work for the school district in Kansas City.
Alvin Brooks is a distinguished figure whose career has left an indelible mark on Kansas City’s political, civic, and business landscapes. Elected as the Sixth DistrictAt-Large Councilman in 1999 and re-elected in 2003, Brooks quickly rose to prominence, serving as Mayor Pro Tem under Mayor Kay Barnes. His leadership extended to chairing several city council committees.
Alvin’s influence in these roles has helped shape the policies and safety of Kansas City, ensuring a legacy of community-focused governance. Beyond his political achievements, Alvin’s dedication to social justice and community activism is unparalleled. In 1968, shortly after the city’s riot, Brooks was appointed the first Black Director in Kansas City Government and established the Human Relations Department. In 1977, he founded the AdHoc Group Against Crime, a grassroots organization that has since become a cornerstone of Kansas City’s efforts to combat violence and crime.
I have spent so much time with my community that I was adopted as the “Community’s Father, Grandfather and GreatGrandfather”.
In 1977, after the death of ten women in Kansas, the community believed there was a serial killer amongst them. Along with Sergeant Alvin Lomax, Alvin and others studied those cases very strategically and carefully, and determined that there was no evidence of a serial killer, but instead, the deaths were happening at the hands of “Johns”, drug dealers, and pimps. The one common denominator that all of the female victims had in common was that they were drug users and prostitutes.
Under his leadership, AdHoc has empowered citizens, fostered police-community relations, and served as a model for civic engagement across the nation. Alvin’s work with AdHoc was brought to the attention of President George H. W. Bush, and appointed Brooks to a three-year term on the National Drug Advisory Council. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush came to Kansas City to meet with Brooks and see the work of AdHoc. Bush named Brooks one of America’s “Thousand Points of Light,” highlighting his relentless fight against crime and drugs.
Brooks’ educational background is as impressive as his career, with degrees in History, Government, and Sociology from the University of Missouri—Kansas City. His commitment to education is further evidenced by his role as a reserve teacher and visiting instructor at several local colleges. His professional journey is equally notable, spanning roles from police officer and detective to Assistant City Manager of Kansas City, Missouri. Brooks’ deep understanding of the community’s needs and his strategic vision have made him a sought-after consultant for business leaders and government agencies alike, particularly in matters of diversity, civil rights, and community relations.
Alvin’s influence extends to numerous boards and committees, where his leadership has driven initiatives in education, civil rights, and public health. His accolades include honorary doctorates from multiple institutions, recognition from national civil rights organizations, and prestigious awards. Among those are the Board of Governors, Avila University, Board of Directors, Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, and Charter Member. Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA), Board of Visitors, Park University, Advisory Committee, Missouri Supreme Court, Board of Regents, CMSU, Board Member, Prime Health Foundation, KCMO, Board of Police
Commissioners, (President 2 years), Board of Directors, Hickmills Schools Board Mills C1 School District (currently) Rockhurst University recently honored Brooks by establishing the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice, a testament to his lifelong dedication to social justice and equity. This Center will serve as a hub for faith-based initiatives and diversity programs, further cementing Brooks’ legacy in the community. The Center is expected to be open Spring 2025.
Alvin Brooks’ life and work are also the subject of a film by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott. This documentary, alongside Brooks’ memoir “Binding Us Together,” chronicles the struggles and triumphs of a man who has shaped not only Kansas City but also offers lessons for the nation on community building and social justice. The film premiered on Juneteenth Day 2024.
Married at a young age, Alvin and his wife, Carol, had six children together. His wife passed away in 2013 after 63 years of marriage. When asked if there is anything that he would change about the way things have happened in his life, Alvin says that he would have spent more time with his wife and family. “I have spent so much time with my community that I was adopted as the “Community’s Father, Grandfather and GreatGrandfather”. My wife told me to take care of the community and she will raise the kids. With the AdHoc, I was called on day and night to speak with the families of homicide victims. We were a liaison between the police, the FBI, ATF, and the courts. In 1993, we had 153 homicides in our city, and I spoke at 43 funerals for young black men,” he says.
Today, Brooks spends time promoting his autobiography, Binding Us Together. Published in 2021, Alvin’s book was a best seller in Kansas City for a number of weeks. With all of the decades of service to his community, it is only fitting that Alvin is given the opportunity to relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor. Kansas City is a better place because of Alvin Brooks, and even more, the world is as well.
YWCA of NWI to Host Circle of Friends Gala October 24 at Hard Rock Casino
Information and Photos provided by Chelsea Whittington
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, the YWCA of NWI will host its annual Circle of Friends Gala at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana at 5400 W. 29th Ave. in Gary, IN. The event will start promptly at 6 p.m. Samantha Chatman of ABC 7 Chicago will serve as the celebrity host.
“The Circle of Friends Gala is premiere occasion that the community always looks forward to,” said YWCA of NWI Executive Director Caren Jones. “It’s a chance for us to celebrate the mission of the YWCA and raise funds that ensure programming and initiatives are in place for the communities we serve.”
The organization is the only YWCA in Northwest Indiana.
For more than a century, the YWCA of Northwest Indiana has been dedicated to empowering women, eliminating racism, and promoting equality for all. The YWCA of NWI provides a safe and clean environment in Gary’s urban core and is host to an array of health, education, social, and recreation programs. The YWCA brings the community together with healthy, enriching activities for the mind, body, and spirit.
The funds raised for the Circle of Friends Gala will support programming and improvements to the facility, which is more than 25 years old. Hard Rock Casino is a dedicated, repeat sponsor of this highly-anticipated event. Attendees will enjoy dinner, dancing, raffles, live music and networking. Music will be provided by DJ N 4 Red. Organizers will also honor several individuals who have shown extraordinary support to the YWCA of NWI. The award recipients are as follows:
The YWCA of NWI is also thrilled to announce the distinguished awardees for the 2024 YWCA NWI Circle of Friends Gala:
Chareice White, CEO of ECIER Foundation Era Twyman, former Exec. Director of the Gary Literacy Coalition Ida Gillis, former Director of Affirmative Action at IU-Northwest Curtis Whittaker, CEO of Whittaker & Company, PLLC
In addition, organizers will present the inaugural Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award in honor of the late former state senator and YWCA board member emerita, Earline Rogers. This prestigious award will be presented to Cynthia Powers, former YWCA board president and a dedicated community stalwart.
“We can’t say thank you enough to the supporters and sponsors who have already stepped up to make a difference,” added Jones. “A gift to the YWCA means sustaining essential programs in our community while giving residents of all ages a place to go, grow, and thrive.”
New this year is a generous matching grant from the Legacy Foundation Inc. Every dollar donated will be matched, effectively doubling the impact.
Donations will help improve the lives of working parents and provide a safe haven for children. Funded programs include YWCA Learn to Swim , After School/Summer Camp Enrichment, Living Healthy Senior Program (Meals on Wheels), Water Aerobic Classes and Digital & Financial Literacy Classes.
Tickets to the Circle of Friends Gala are available for purchase as well a variety of sponsorship opportunities which can be found at https://cofgala2024.swell.gives/ydonate.
ToBeReal
By Terry L. Watson
Melissa Williams of Greenville, SC, describes herself as a woman who is deeply committed to living authentically and helping others do the same. Her journey has been shaped by an insatiable need to break away from the constraints and limitations society has imposed on her as a Black woman and a mother. She shares her experiences, both personal and professional, that have guided her toward creating a life and career that aligns with her true self.
ToBeReal. This is the brand that Melissa has produced. She says, “I delineate it as a brand because it is a lifestyle, not limited to a product or service. At its core, it is an ideological stance and a resistance to assimilation. We are also a community created with the intention to empower others to live from a place of authenticity and self-awareness.”
ToBeReal offers free wellness resources via its website. Melissa also conducts workshops in casual or corporate settings designed to help individuals connect with their authentic core. She also focuses on creating an environment where people can explore who they truly are and take actionable steps toward living in alignment with their values. Melissa has also published a book, How to Thrive in Winter, and it is available on Amazon.
“There’s something incredibly powerful about helping someone peel back the layers and connect with their authentic core.”
Photos Provided by Melissa Williams
“Parenting my son has pushed me to reparent the child in myself and give her permission to be who she is.”
Co-authored with Lauren E. Smith, How To Thrive in Winter is a workbook designed to help individuals understand and manage the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression. The workbook aims to provide readers with tools and strategies to identify and understand how authenticity is connected to wellness. It includes exercises and prompts to reflect on habits, feelings, and goals, offering practical tips for positive change. The book encourages the readers to have an open mind and a willingness to grow, emphasizing that wellness is rooted in truth, joy, gratitude, and creativity. It outlines various strategies to enhance mental wellness, focusing on boosting the “happy chemicals” (dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins).
In the book, Melissa shares her personal journey of dealing with depression and the realization that “winter” can metaphorically represent challenging periods in life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting oneself as a powerful tool in overcoming mental and emotional challenges. The workbook encourages readers to trust their journey and process the information in ways that suit them best.
More than anything, Melissa shares that she loves witnessing the moment when people connect with themselves. “There’s something incredibly powerful about helping someone peel back the layers and connect with their authentic core. When I see participants embrace their truth and take off their masks, I know they will overcome identity challenges and create lives that truly reflect who they are,” she says.
ToBeReal began as a book club under the name Melevation517. Melissa, that was a ridiculous name. She adds that the Covid pandemic made mundane thoughts seem so grand. Her vision gravitated to being a podcast, which only had five episodes, mainly due to Melissa being too busy to commit to consistently recording. She would eventually arrive at the place where ToBeReal was established as her brand. “It’s who I am, and even if I don’t produce something every day or every week, I don’t feel the pressure to perform,” she says. “ I focus more on staying grounded in my ideologies and seeking support when needed. Whether it’s through mentorship, continuous learning, or simply taking time for self-reflection, I’ve found that staying connected to my “why” helps me navigate the ups and downs.”
Melissa says that being a mother has had the biggest impact on her life. She adds that motherhood has been the best mirror, and it has helped her understand who she is and what she needs. “Parenting my son has pushed me to re-parent the child in myself and give her permission to be who she is,” she says.
Building her brand has come with a few challenges. However, Melissa appreciates how things have happened. She says, “There isn’t much I would change about how my journey has played out. Every challenge and misstep has taught me something valuable and has ultimately led me to where I am today. If I could offer one piece of advice to my former self, it would be to trust the process more and not be afraid of taking risks or failing.”
Melissa says that it’s easy to get caught up in what others think you should do, but the most fulfilling path is the one that resonates with your true self. She says, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and always be open to learning. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and challenge you to be your highest self, but most importantly, who listen to you.”
Melissa says ToBeReal’s future will be focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact. She says, “I’m excited and proud of my book, How to Thrive in Winter. It will be the blueprint for future offerings. I also plan to host an annual retreat starting next year. On a personal level, I’m excited to continue growing alongside the brand, exploring new ways to connect with my community, and staying committed to the mission of helping others live authentically.”
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER SIX: Caring and Love Go Hand in Hand
As a young boy growing up with my other siblings, I watched my mother wear so many hats. Now, as a full-grown man, I am even more amazed at how she did so much with it only being her. My mother was everything to a whole lot of people, and by being so, I watched how it wore her down. Still, she never spoke about how tired she was. She just kept pushing and moving, and pushing, and moving.
What I learned more than anything from watching my mother was that she had a heart the size of Jupiter, and she shared her love with anyone. It was like she never met a stranger. It didn’t matter if it was a neighbor at church, a stranger in the grocery store, or a co-worker. My mother always seemed to attract new friends and treat them all the same: with love, compassion, and empathy.
I’ve always wondered why Mama was so loving and giving. I didn’t get my answer until I was a lot older. One of her neighbors who had known her as a young girl told me that my mother reflects the upbringing that her grandmother gave her. My mother was raised by her, and when I heard this, it made perfect sense. My grandmother was so classy and so loving. She was the sweetest person I knew, next to my mother, of course. My mother’s neighbor also shared that as a young girl, my mother was taught how to care for others. My mother was a caregiver, but not just for the sick and ill; she cared for everyone.
Fast-forward to today, I think it makes perfectly good sense for me to care for her. Out of all of the traits and qualities I reflect on my mother, it’s my ability to care and love for her that I am able to connect with. In order to effectively care for her, I must love her. I also believe those two traits go hand in hand; they must be present in all capacities when attempting to meet the needs of others with dependencies such as hers.
During a trip to a rehabilitation session for my mother, I observed how healthcare professionals interacted with other patients. As my mother received physical and occupational rehabilitation, there were others present who also had suffered from similar ailments as her: stroke, brain injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and more. Their degree of disability varied, but what they all had in common was a need for the assistance of others. I witnessed how the therapists managed each individual. It was obvious that the goal was to improve their client’s quality of life and lessen their dependence on assistance, but getting to that place required some work.
I learned that it required a genuine love for people. I believe that the therapist must have really loved their work and, most importantly, loved and cared about their clients. I also felt as if I was in a familiar or sort of friendly and accommodating environment. Possibly because I embody those same qualities and depend on them daily while caring for my mother.
As I continue to care for my mother, I am at peace knowing that not everyone is equipped to be a caregiver. It is not for everyone. It doesn’t mean that I am better or greater than anyone; it only means that I have decided to allow my heart to lead me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to show my mother how much she is appreciated and that all of her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. She deserves to be loved each and every day. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
DeAnteHoward
God’s Hand All Over Me
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Deante Howard
DeAnte Howard of Kansas City, MO, is a husband, father, and follower of Christ. He is also blessed with the gift of creativity through many forms of expression. Born in Kansas City, DeAnte was raised by a single father. He is the middle child of seven. He has been married to his incredible wife for 12 years, and together, they have five kids, four boys and a girl.
DeAnte is also the owner of an art company called Deecor Design, and he owns a clothing brand called Equris Clothing. “Deecor is a play on words. Decor is things that decorate a room, with art fitting that category. When I do art, I do it from the heart or from the core, giving my all. With my work, you get Dee’s Core. I have come to adopt Deecor as my artist name,” he says.
DeAnte started his professional art journey in 2021. He says, “I always loved art. Since a kid, I knew I wanted to do something with art being a key component. However purely being an artist seemed like a pipe dream, I have never seen anyone who looked like me, from where I’m from have a successful art career. I knew artists, but none of them, even the insanely talented ones, could support themselves, let alone love a family with their artwork, at least not directly. I ended up going to school for architecture, thinking I could do art that people could live in, but I didn’t like the program. I later pivoted to graphic design. Switching, unbeknownst to me, meant dropping my classes with a fail, which destroyed my GPA, and that became my last semester of college.
DeAnte would later learn about print-on-demand. With the emergence of social media, his dream of making a living from my art seems possible. In 2021, he made a few art pieces as a side gig, as he worked as an Insurance Agent full-time. When he was laid off from his job, DeAnte decided to go full throttle with his work. He went to a Chiefs game, and while tailgaters were waiting for entry, I walked around the parking lot selling prints and canvases. “I made more in a few hours than I did in a whole month at work. From that moment, I told my wife I’m not sending in another application, and I have been a full-time artist since,” he says.
I am not just an artist; I am also a businessman. That means, I can’t just create art all day, everyday. I have a lot of hats to wear. I am the CEO, CFO, marketing department, PR, customer service, and research and development. I balance all of that with also being a husband and father.
DeAnte shares that he loves his chosen career as an artist. “From the freedom and flexibility to knowing that someone loves my style when they purchase my work. That is the most gratifying part of what I do,” he says.
DeAnte faces some challenges as a self-employed artist. He shares, “I am not just an artist; I am also a businessman. That means, I can’t just create art all day, everyday. I have a lot of hats to wear. I am the CEO, CFO, marketing department, PR, customer service, and research and development. I balance all of that with also being a husband and father.”
DeAnte says that without God, he would not be where he is today. He adds, “God’s hand has been all over my life. When I was about 13, I had surgery on my neck for something that has rarely been seen. I had Tuberculosis, a bacteria that can kill you. I had apparently been living with it dormant for years. When it activated, it wasn’t in my lungs like it usually is; it was in my spine. It was deteriorating my spinal disc, which caused one disc to collapse and pinch a nerve. I was on a school bus, and we hit a bump, and I had the worst pain I have felt. Had the TB gone unnoticed for a couple more weeks, it would have made it to my nerves and brain stem and could have caused some irreversible damage and could have ended my life. God’s hands were all in that.”
DeAnte would also undergo surgery and have rods and screws placed in his neck. With the operation, the doctors said walking would be difficult. That news deflated Deanta, as he says that sports was his first love. “Growing up where I did, sports or music is how you got out, and while I could do both, I didn’t like the music industry, so I, much like a lot of urban youth, thought sports would be my out,” he shares. Thankfully, other than his limited range of turning his head, his prognosis is unnoticeable.
Moving forward, DeAnte is working on making some connections to upgrade the platforms he is presently working on. He desires to do projects with the NFL, NBA, and MLB involving the organizations, teams, and players. He also would like to work with Topps/ Fanatics and Panini. The sky is the limit for DeAnte, and with his determination and gifts, there is nothing that he will not accomplish.
McGinnis Huntsville Housing Authority
By Terry L. Watson
Antonio McGinnis of Huntsville, AL, prefers to allow the work that he does to speak for him. As the Executive Director and CEO of Huntsville Housing Authority, Antonio
Born and raised in the same community that he serves is very meaningful to Antonio. In Huntsville, he grew up in Mason Court/Sparkman Homes, a public housing community. Though he was raised in a single-parent home, Antonio says his father was very involved in his life. His father also worked for Huntsville Housing Authority, and this allowed Antonio to see his dad on a daily basis. He attended Terry Heights Elementary School and Stone Middle School and later graduated from Butler High School. At Butler, in 1991, he was an all-state basketball player. He would go on to play basketball at Texas A&M University on a full scholarship. In 1995, Antonio graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He also obtained a Masters degree in Public Administration from Strayer University. Antonio’s life has been completed with his wife of 13 years, Mitzi, and together they have two boys, Kendell, AJ, and Ian.
Where Antonio is currently serving should not be a surprise to those who are familiar with the trek he has taken in life. Yes, he grew up in public housing and attended the Sparkman Homes Boys and Girls Club as a youth. There, he says he found out who he was going to become. “Because I grew up in public housing, my connection is a little different from that of someone who didn’t grow up in public housing and doesn’t necessarily understand the people they are serving. I know firsthand, and I can relate to members of our communities. When I was growing up, I really didn’t understand why I was in this space. Now that I am in this space, I know it was because I needed that experience to serve better. Being from Huntsville can be tough, but knowing a lot of the communities, I can’t move as others wish I could. Due to policies and procedures that are in place, I am limited in what I can do. Whenever I can provide assistance, I am going to do just that. Most importantly, I want to help members of our communities learn that public housing doesn’t have to be their final stop. My testament should serve as a testament,” Antonio shares.
Photos Provided by Antonio McGinnis
As the leader of Huntsville Housing Authority, Antonio is responsible for the organization’s total operation. He manages a $16 million dollar budget, 1600 public housing units, and 2000 Section 8 vouchers that are distributed to the community to find housing for families who want to move out of the public housing sector and rent homes from private landlords. “We are a highperforming organization, and I am the face of it. When we get our report card, it says that we have checked the box. We take care of the properties we have,” he says.
Earlier this year, the Huntsville Housing Authority was awarded a $50 million dollar grant by HUD, called The Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant. This grant is given by HUD to select agencies that fit the criteria for redevelopment throughout the country. Though Antonio wasn’t serving in his current role when the application was submitted for the grant, in 2019, when he returned, he was part of a team that finalized the process. Initially, they received a $1.5 million dollar planning grant. They utilized those funds to revitalize Butler Terrace. That grant also allowed them to compete for the $50 million dollar grant. They partnered with the City of Huntsville and found a developer, McCormack Baron Salazar, based in St. Louis, MO, which helped them to connect with some social services organizations. With all of the connections that were made, they were able to secure the grant in July.
With the grant money that Huntsville Housing Authority has been awarded, Antonio shares the goal is to transform lives. “We are going to build neighborhoods where people of all demographics can live together, and provide services that will help people excel. We may have people from all walks of life living in the same community, regardless of economic status. This will be a reflection of a true community that reflects who we are,” he says.
While Antonio leads an organization that is designed to help people in the Huntsville community, he emphasizes their goal, which is to help people become self-sufficient. “I am a big proponent of one of our programs, called the “The Family Self Sufficiency Program”. It allows families to develop their own five-year action plan. In those five years, it gives them an opportunity to plan for the next five years. They are assigned a case manager to walk them through the plan, and at the conclusion of the five years, if the families complete everything they have set out to do, their rent, which is placed in escrow upon signing up for the program, is given back to them in the form of a check. They can use that money to purchase a home, clear their debt, or whatever they want to do with it.”
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Antonio says it’s the opportunity to allow others to see who he is and where he comes from. He also credits his parents for inspiring him also. “My mom raised three boys who are doing well. My dad was a solid guy and took good care of me.”
In the future, Antonio shares that he plans to do his part to position the Huntsville Housing Authority to be successful. He also wants to continue to build leaders and use his life to be an example of what can be accomplished in life, regardless of where you come from.
Dr. Deborah Callaway
Life After NYSP and NC A&T State University
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by TMFPhotography
Dr. Deborah Johnson Callaway has lived a very interesting life.
Dr. Callaway is a native of the Blandford community in Petersburg, VA. She was raised alongside two older brothers by two hard-working parents. She shares that her parents didn’t have much education; her dad worked on a produce truck, and her mother worked in housekeeping. With her being the only girl and the baby, Dr. Callaway says she got all of the attention.
Dr. Callaway says her parents were able to afford to send her to college. However, that didn’t stop her. After graduating from high school, she attended Virginia State College, now Virginia State University, and majored in Health and Physical Education. She marched in the band, played basketball as well, and was a member of the first women’s basketball team at VSU. After graduating from there, Dr. Callaway entered the workforce and worked as a middle school teacher in the Martinsville City School system. She would eventually return to college at Virginia Commonwealth University and receive her Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling before returning back to the public school sector, working as a Guidance Counselor at Amelia County High School. During this time, Dr. Callaway also served in the United States Army as a Drill Sergeant. Far from being done with her educational pursuits, Dr. Callaway went back to college at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, to receive her doctorate degree.
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Dr. Callaway began work in higher education at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC. “My intention at Barber-Scotia was to be a teacher on staff. However, things went a little different. The President of the college notified me that I would also be the Department Head. I didn’t have any experience, but I was told that I was selected because I was the only one with a degree. I was then notified that I was going to be the head basketball and softball coach. I had never coached a day in my life, and I had to do all of that while at Barber-Scotia,” she says. Amazingly, things would again change for Dr. Callaway.
She stayed at Barber-Scotia for about four years. While there, the school was going through the accreditation process. Dr. Callaway shared that she received word that someone was trying to reach her. It was a man who was on the state team, and eventually, he showed up at the gym where Dr. Callaway was working. “This man introduced himself as Dr. Al Walker, the Dean of the School of Education at North Carolina A&T State University. He told me that before coming on this team, he heard there was a female head of the Physical Education Department at Barber-Scotia. He shared with me about a position available he had at NC A&T. He invited me to participate in an interview. I was a little familiar with NC A&T but still a little hesitant about the opportunity, mainly because I had no experience in something of that magnitude, and I let him know that. He didn’t really pay any attention to what I was saying. So, I decided to go to the interview, and Dr. Walker offered me the position. I pondered over my decision for a short while and eventually made my way to the home of Aggies.”
The year was around 1985 when Dr. Callaway arrived at NC A&T. She served as the Department Chair for 14 years. She would also serve as Interim Athletic Director for Dr. Edward B. Fort. She also served as a Senior Women’s Administrator and as an Interim Dean for The School of Education. On the day she arrived back at Corbett’s gym, Dr. Callaway was contacted by Dr. Stanley Battle. He wanted her to work in his office. “I had just got back to Corbett’s gym, but I couldn’t say no to the Chancellor. I would eventually work as the Special Assistant to the Chancellor until Chancellor Harold Martin would arrive,” she says.
For the most part, the most significant role Dr. Callaway has led was her assignment with the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). At NC A&T, Dr. Fort approached her with an interest in revamping the program. “Dr. Fort shared that he wanted me to bring the program back to A&T’s campus. He didn’t like the way the program ended previously, and he wanted to have it back. He gave me full authority to run and manage the program. I told him “yes”. I left his office and, stopped by his secretary’s desk and asked her what the NYSP was. I had no clue!”
Dr. Callaway would learn very quickly what NYSP was. The program was a nationally known program, and every HBCU in the country participated. There was also participation from Hawaii. Funded by the NCAA, NYSP was intended to serve lowincome families, and there were very strict rules and guidelines that were to be followed. Under Dr. Callaway’s direction, she created a program that offered summer jobs to public school teachers, and they were paid very well. To meet the criteria set by the NCAA, there had to be at least 300 kids enrolled. Each participant received a physical exam before being accepted, and that required partnering with several Black physicians to get them done. The participants also received two hot meals each day, which were provided by NC A&T’s food service department. Additionally, Dr. Callaway served as a Special Assistant under Chancellor Battle and Chancellor Martin, and led NYSP, along with an excellent staff, to five national awards.
Dr. Callaway would continue to work with NYSP for nearly six years before transitioning into the role of NYSP Evaluator, allowing her to evaluate programs at 12 other HBCU’s.
Dr. Callaway would retire from NC A&T in 2014. Since then, she continues to enjoy her life. She also appreciates the friendships and relationships that were made throughout her life and career. “I love staying at home and tending to the house, as well as making frequent trips to the beach,” she says. “Who would have ever thought that a girl from Virginia would do so much in life.”
Huami Magazine Community Awards 2025
Charlotte Marriott Center City - Charlotte, NC
We are coming to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC.
Please mark your calendars for June 7th, 2025, as the Huami Magazine Community Awards will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Following up on our first gala of 2023, we are excited for the opportunity to present Black Excellence from various parts of the Huami Magazine network, which covers more than 23 states around the country.
Community Leaders, Business Leaders, and NonProfit Organizations will be honored and recognized for the great work they have done and continue to do in their respective communities. There will also be some great speakers, good food, and entertainment. This a formal, black tie event, and one that you don’t want to miss.
The evening will begin with a Red Carpet Reception at 5:30 pm. The Gala Reception will start at 6:30pm
For more information, please call 336-340-7844. Seating is limited and group packages are available. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the link listed below. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship information, please send a detailed email to mykelmediaco@gmail.com h
www.read-huamimagazine.com/awards-gala-2025
