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
Paschal Construction & Property Management Charlton “Chuck” Hildreth
Memphis, TN
Alpha Omega Veterans’s Services, Inc.
Albert Edwards
Memphis, TN
First Horizon Awards $1.6 Million
Montoyia McGowan is the founder and owner of Stop The Chase Counseling and Coaching. Memphis, TN
Charlotte, NC
Memphis Urban League Community Awards 2025
Huami Magazine Community Awards
Greensboro, NC
Caring and Love Goes Hand in Hand
Becoming A Caregiver
He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. His name is Jaylen Hardy.
Mississippi Blvd Christian Church
DJ Lawrence Turner
Beautiful Spirited Women Crystal Chatman
Let Me Testify Shauna Greene
Crystal Chatman Beautiful Spirited Women
Information Obtained from Online Source
Growing up in the housing projects of Memphis, Tennessee, Crystal Clark-Chatman felt ill-equipped to deal with life’s difficult situations. She wished for a mentor outside of her mother and sisters to teach her about the importance of education and self-worth. Well, lets’ say they did an exceptional job instilling principles in Crystal’s life.
As an adult, she channeled that desire by being obedient to the word of God. Crystal put those words into action by founding Beautiful Spirited Women (BSW), a non-profit of dedicated women empowering and advocating for girls.
BSW provides girls and young women with a safe-haven platform to share their personal experiences with sex, drug abuse, domestic violence, low self-esteem, bullying, depression, and equips them with important life skills to advance in schools and workplaces.
BSW offers a mentorship program for girls all year round, ranging from 4-20 years old, in twelve cities across the country. While not all the girls involved are at-risk, BSW does focus on working with at-risk girls in low-income areas.
The organization’s primary focus is on academic life enrichment as well as basic life skills through structured but fun and interactive lessons and activities. One of the programs offered is The Beautiful Spirited Women Cupcake Mentoring Program. It is designed to provide girls ages 4 through 11 with basic leadership and general life skills that will help develop and mature them into positive minded and productive young individuals in life, education and community. The Beautiful Spirited Mentees is designed to provide girls ages 12 through 19 with core skills in mentorship readiness, building trust, identifying goals and current reality, and listening skills. It also shows them how mentorship works and why it is powerful.
For some of the girls involved, BSW additionally fills the void of a missing parent by partnering them with a mentor who has had similar experiences.
“I believe that every girl should have an outlet like BSW because you learn so much,” Crystal said. “You learn different things. You’re around diversity. You are around people who are positive, encouraging and motivating. People who are just praying for greatness on your behalf.”
First Horizon Foundation Awards $1.6 Million to Grants for Good Recipients Memphis Urban League
First Horizon has announced the recipients of the Grants for Good campaign. In honor of the bank’s 160th anniversary and after receiving more than 3,500 applications, the First Horizon Foundation awarded $1.6 million to nonprofits across the bank’s footprint that have made a significant impact on the development and stability of their communities.
The Memphis Urban League is one of the 160 nonprofits that was chosen as a recipient of the First Horizon Foundation’s Grants for Good campaign.
“We are honored to recognize these outstanding nonprofit organizations through the Grants for Good campaign,” said First Horizon Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Jordan. “Their dedication to uplifting those in need, fostering sustainable growth and fortifying resilience through various initiatives is truly inspiring. We are proud to support these organizations who share our dedication to shaping a brighter tomorrow for our communities.”
A total of 160 grants of $10,000 each were awarded by the First Horizon Foundation to nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening their communities. The campaign was open to any 501(c)(3) organization eligible to receive funding from First Horizon Foundation. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges composed of First Horizon associates.
NEW RELEASE FROM AUTHOR OF THE NUBIAN ROMANCE NOVELS
“A
Charlton Hildreth
Paschal Construction & Project Management
“The
Evolution of A Family Business”
By Terry L. Watson
Hildreth
Chuck Hildreth is a man on a mission. The Memphis, TN, resident keeps his family and his brand the focal point of his life. In regard to family, Chuck has three amazing kids, Drew, Tayler, and Sydney, all of whom embody his passion for entrepreneurial success.
Chuck owns several businesses, with Paschal Construction & Project Management being at the forefront and laying a foundation that makes the others possible. He also owns Paschal Hildreth Entertainment and has published a series of books under the Daddy Books Bundle compilation.
Chuck began working as a Disc Jockey in the 70’s. He was only a teen. He would eventually get into concerts and clubs along the way. Currently, with Paschal Hildreth Entertainment, they have a one hour television special in the works.
Daddy Books, which is Chuck’s favorite, is a collection of stories about times spent with his kids while they were growing up. “Chuck says, “The unique thing is once you read the book, you begin to see yourself in the dad character. Even moms find joy and comparisons in these stories. That is on purpose because there are strong mother figures throughout the stories portrayed through Mom and Grandma.”
The unique thing is once you read the book, you begin to see yourself in the dad character. Even moms find joy and comparisons in these stories.
Photos Provided by Chuck
Paschal Construction was birthed in 1960 by Chuck’s late uncle, John Paschal. “I was blessed to have worked under him as a teenager and gained vast experience during that tutelage. Paschal Construction has come a long way from building and remodeling houses to now maintaining commercial sites such as Wendy’s and other large chains,” he says.
Just like his uncle, Chuck has been able to bring his family with him. “I have resurrected the company and rebranded it. Now it will be up to my children to take this to the next level,” Chuck says. Paschal Construction is a full-service construction company that began with home remodeling and repairs. The company built its reputation on giving older homes a fresh new look. Eventually, the company grew from the residential sector to servicing commercial clients. One major client was Fitzgerald Casino. Chuck says that opportunity really opened some huge doors for Paschal Construction.
Another commercial client, Wendy’s Restaurants helped to change the way Chuck’s company operated. “We went from just painting homes to laying commercial roofs, as well as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.,” he says. Now, the company has also included Project Management into their portfolio.
I have owned clubs and other businesses. I have done concerts and events. I have run a substantial construction company. Now that I have done all that I wanted to do, my own kids are able to fulfill their dreams!
Chuck grew up in the small town of Hot Springs, Arkansas. His roots can be traced to a neighborhood of educators or entrepreneurs. That blend provided him with a unique perspective on the future. “I learned to combine my education with my entrepreneurial spirit. My mother was a teacher, my aunts were teachers, and my uncle was a teacher and business owner. So after high school, college, and the military, I came back to the family business,” he says. “I was introduced to entrepreneurship as an early teen. This goes all the way back to when my mom purchased a lawn mower to cut our Grass. I took the mower and a neighbor and began cutting our neighbor’s yards. That was my first business, and having my own money felt good. After that experience, my uncle began taking me with him, though I wanted to be out playing with the boys instead. Looking back, I can see how I developed this strong work ethic and ability to manage my time well. People wonder how I keep up this hectic schedule, but they do not realize that I was trained to do it. I have been running and running from my youth to now!”
Pictured with Chuck, from left to right are kids Drew, Tayler, and Sydney.
Chuck credits his mother for instilling drive and vision into him. He says, “My mother was a single mom, and she somehow never allowed me to think, feel, or realize that a single mother was raising me. She surrounded me with strong male mentors in my community and family. When I was young, I saw her standing out in her community and the school system. She was a teacher that her students and their parents always acknowledged. Additionally, she was one of our city’s first groups of integrated teachers. This also allowed me to not be struck with the stigma of racism. I was very comfortable around Blacks and Whites. My mother had some entrepreneurial endeavors and supported my own as a youth. She also pushed me out in the community, and by doing so, it helped to develop strong confidence within myself.”
Understandably, Chuck also acknowledges his wife for having a huge impact on his life. He says that most married men have to acknowledge that when you are out there fighting your fight in the world, there is a wife in the home supporting you. “I could not have done the things I did, the way I did, without the support of a strong woman at home!”
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Chuck says it is the opportunities he has to make his customers happy. “All of my businesses have a customer service factor. My construction company allows us to fix our customers’ construction problems. The entertainment company gives the customers some time out to enjoy a concert or comedy, which takes them away from the issues of home and life, if only for a moment. Daddy Books allows parents to reflect on their own time with their kids or just live out that experience through these kids and dad,” Chuck shares.
As a Black man in the field of businesses that Chuck is in, there are always going to be challenges. These can be not enough money, not enough education, not enough experience, and so on. “You must be up to the challenge. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. For me, I believe the difference maker is that I am actually built for adversity. I’m good at damage control and dealing with organized chaos, so my coping skills are deep,” he says.
Pictured above is John Paschal, the founder of Paschal Construction and Property Managment
As a man of faith, Chuck believes that everything in his life has happened for a reason and that he is where he should be in life. He says that God brought him right here and this way for His reasons. “I don’t question God. I have seen both good and bad and learned all along the way.”
As his community has played a significant role in his life, Chuck is very intentional in giving back and helping others. He serves as a mentor for young people, especially boys. He also offers jobs to unskilled youth, which exposes them to construction and entrepreneurship. He adds, “Oftentimes, our young men may not see business owners in their communities. I speak at events as well as host events to train youth to speak. I believe that learning to speak in public is important, so I give them that opportunity whenever we have events.”
Chuck concludes by sharing, “I have owned clubs and other businesses. I have done concerts and events. I have run a substantial construction company. Now that I have done all that I wanted to do, my own kids are able to fulfill their dreams!”
h
Deborah Callaway Dr.
Life After NYSP and NC A&T State University
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by TMFPhotography
Dr. Deborah Johnson Callaway has lived a very interesting life.
Dr. Callaway is a native of the Blandford community in Petersburg, VA. She was raised alongside two older brothers by two hard-working parents. She shares that her parents didn’t have much education; her dad worked on a produce truck, and her mother worked in housekeeping. With her being the only girl and the baby, Dr. Callaway says she got all of the attention.
Dr. Callaway says her parents were able to afford to send her to college. However, that didn’t stop her. After graduating from high school, she attended Virginia State College, now Virginia State University, and majored in Health and Physical Education. She marched in the band, played basketball as well, and was a member of the first women’s basketball team at VSU. After graduating from there, Dr. Callaway entered the workforce and worked as a middle school teacher in the Martinsville City School system. She would eventually return to college at Virginia Commonwealth University and receive her Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling before returning back to the public school sector, working as a Guidance Counselor at Amelia County High School. During this time, Dr. Callaway also served in the United States Army as a Drill Sergeant. Far from being done with her educational pursuits, Dr. Callaway went back to college at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, to receive her doctorate degree.
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Dr. Callaway began work in higher education at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC. “My intention at Barber-Scotia was to be a teacher on staff. However, things went a little different. The President of the college notified me that I would also be the Department Head. I didn’t have any experience, but I was told that I was selected because I was the only one with a degree. I was then notified that I was going to be the head basketball and softball coach. I had never coached a day in my life, and I had to do all of that while at Barber-Scotia,” she says. Amazingly, things would again change for Dr. Callaway.
She stayed at Barber-Scotia for about four years. While there, the school was going through the accreditation process. Dr. Callaway shared that she received word that someone was trying to reach her. It was a man who was on the state team, and eventually, he showed up at the gym where Dr. Callaway was working. “This man introduced himself as Dr. Al Walker, the Dean of the School of Education at North Carolina A&T State University. He told me that before coming on this team, he heard there was a female head of the Physical Education Department at BarberScotia. He shared with me about a position available he had at NC A&T. He invited me to participate in an interview. I was a little familiar with NC A&T but still a little hesitant about the opportunity, mainly because I had no experience in something of that magnitude, and I let him know that. He didn’t really pay any attention to what I was saying. So, I decided to go to the interview, and Dr. Walker offered me the position. I pondered over my decision for a short while and eventually made my way to the home of Aggies.”
“I didn’t have any experience, but I was told that I was selected because I was the only one with a degree. I was then notified that I was going to be the head basketball and softball coach.”
The year was around 1985 when Dr. Callaway arrived at NC A&T. She served as the Department Chair for 14 years. She would also serve as Interim Athletic Director for Dr. Edward B. Fort. She also served as a Senior Women’s Administrator and as an Interim Dean for The School of Education. On the day she arrived back at Corbett’s gym, Dr. Callaway was contacted by Dr. Stanley Battle. He wanted her to work in his office. “I had just got back to Corbett’s gym, but I couldn’t say no to the Chancellor. I would eventually work as the Special Assistant to the Chancellor until Chancellor Harold Martin would arrive,” she says.
For the most part, the most significant role Dr. Callaway has led was her assignment with the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). At NC A&T, Dr. Fort approached her with an interest in revamping the program. “Dr. Fort shared that he wanted me to bring the program back to A&T’s campus. He didn’t like the way the program ended previously, and he wanted to have it back. He gave me full authority to run and manage the program. I told him “yes”. I left his office and, stopped by his secretary’s desk and asked her what the NYSP was. I had no clue!”
Dr. Callaway would learn very quickly what NYSP was. The program was a nationally known program, and every HBCU in the country participated. There was also participation from Hawaii. Funded by the NCAA, NYSP was intended to serve low-income families, and there were very strict rules and guidelines that were to be followed. Under Dr. Callaway’s direction, she created a program that offered summer jobs to public school teachers, and they were paid very well. To meet the criteria set by the NCAA, there had to be at least 300 kids enrolled. Each participant received a physical exam before being accepted, and that required partnering with several Black physicians to get them done. The participants also received two hot meals each day, which were provided by NC A&T’s food service department. Additionally, Dr. Callaway served as a Special Assistant under Chancellor Battle and Chancellor Martin, and led NYSP, along with an excellent staff, to five national awards.
Dr. Callaway would continue to work with NYSP for nearly six years before transitioning into the role of NYSP Evaluator, allowing her to evaluate programs at 12 other HBCU’s.
Dr. Callaway would retire from NC A&T in 2014. Since then, she continues to enjoy her life. She also appreciates the friendships and relationships that were made throughout her life and career. “I love staying at home and tending to the house, as well as making frequent trips to the beach,” she says. “Who would have ever thought that a girl from Virginia would do so much in life.” h
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER SIX: Caring and Love Go Hand in Hand
As a young boy growing up with my other siblings, I watched my mother wear so many hats. Now, as a full-grown man, I am even more amazed at how she did so much with it only being her. My mother was everything to a whole lot of people, and by being so, I watched how it wore her down. Still, she never spoke about how tired she was. She just kept pushing and moving, and pushing, and moving.
What I learned more than anything from watching my mother was that she had a heart the size of Jupiter, and she shared her love with anyone. It was like she never met a stranger. It didn’t matter if it was a neighbor at church, a stranger in the grocery store, or a co-worker. My mother always seemed to attract new friends and treat them all the same: with love, compassion, and empathy.
I’ve always wondered why Mama was so loving and giving. I didn’t get my answer until I was a lot older. One of her neighbors who had known her as a young girl told me that my mother reflects the upbringing that her grandmother gave her. My mother was raised by her, and when I heard this, it made perfect sense. My grandmother was so classy and so loving. She was the sweetest person I knew, next to my mother, of course. My mother’s neighbor also shared that as a young girl, my mother was taught how to care for others. My mother was a caregiver, but not just for the sick and ill; she cared for everyone.
Fast-forward to today, I think it makes perfectly good sense for me to care for her. Out of all of the traits and qualities I reflect on my mother, it’s my ability to care and love for her that I am able to connect with. In order to effectively care for her, I must love her. I also believe those two traits go hand in hand; they must be present in all capacities when attempting to meet the needs of others with dependencies such as hers.
During a trip to a rehabilitation session for my mother, I observed how healthcare professionals interacted with other patients. As my mother received physical and occupational rehabilitation, there were others present who also had suffered from similar ailments as her: stroke, brain injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and more. Their degree of disability varied, but what they all had in common was a need for the assistance of others. I witnessed how the therapists managed each individual. It was obvious that the goal was to improve their client’s quality of life and lessen their dependence on assistance, but getting to that place required some work.
I learned that it required a genuine love for people. I believe that the therapist must have really loved their work and, most importantly, loved and cared about their clients. I also felt as if I was in a familiar or sort of friendly and accommodating environment. Possibly because I embody those same qualities and depend on them daily while caring for my mother.
As I continue to care for my mother, I am at peace knowing that not everyone is equipped to be a caregiver. It is not for everyone. It doesn’t mean that I am better or greater than anyone; it only means that I have decided to allow my heart to lead me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to show my mother how much she is appreciated and that all of her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. She deserves to be loved each and every day. h
I decided to share my experience as a full-time caregiver for my mother to consult, console, and inform other families who may be going through a similar situation. As a son, caring for my mother never feels like work; if so, it is a labor of love. Please continue to follow this message, Becoming A Caregiver, in Huami Magazine. I hope that sharing my experience will help others. From one caregiver to the next, God Bless You!
Stopping the Chase Counseling and Coaching
“We help you learn how to protect your passion and prevent burnout, ensuring your emotional life flourishes with longevity and vitality.”
By Terry L Watson
Photos Provided by Montoyia McGowan
Montoyia Denise McGowan is a dynamic force of nature. She’s not just a mindset coach and psychotherapist; she’s a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. As a disabled combat veteran who was raised in Memphis, TN, she has a deep connection to her roots and a genuine passion for helping others, especially black women and working professionals. Her journey in psychology, social work and mental health has been shaped by her own experiences and a drive to make a real difference in the world.
Today, Montoyia is the owner of Stopping the Chase Counseling and Coaching. Her company offers a variety of services aimed at promoting emotional wellness and personal growth. These include individual coaching sessions, therapy intensives that span over three days, mindset coaching, masterclasses, and group sessions. She shares they are designed to help strong friends reclaim their power and authenticity.
She started Stopping the Chase Counseling in 2021 as a part-time experiment. Montoyia’s experiment led her to leave her job with the government to work for herself full-time. She has recently created Bougie Boundaries Academy, a program that teaches individuals how to establish and maintain boundaries while fostering emotional wealth and authenticity. Bougie Boundaries Academy is a space created to help others discover the secret to sustaining and thriving in their wellness journey by establishing healthy, exclusive boundaries. “We help you learn how to protect your passion and prevent burnout, ensuring your emotional life flourishes with longevity and vitality,” she shares. Montoyia has also coined the phrase “Bougie Boundaries” and shares that once you know your true value, it should be a luxury for people to have access to you.
Some additional products and services Montoyia offers are guided meditations, yoga, and holistic healing experiences. She also has a podcast, “Bougie Black Therapist Podcast,” which serves as a platform to educate and inspire licensed professionals of color to embrace their authentic selves in private practice. Montoyia is also planning the Bougie Boundaries Academy membership and wellness retreat to Bali, which is scheduled for September 15-22, 2025.
Montoyia began her journey out of a deep-seated desire to help others live their most authentic lives. She says, “I realized that I was not the only person who had lost themselves while taking care of others.” It wasn’t a sudden leap but a gradual realization of her calling. Over time, she saw a gap in how traditional therapy and coaching addressed the unique needs of people of color, especially women who are high-achievers and entrepreneurs. That’s when she knew she had to step in and create a space for them. “The vision was birthed from my own experiences and the struggles I witnessed in others. As a black woman in a high-pressure environment, I faced challenges that weren’t always addressed in mainstream wellness spaces. I wanted to help change that narrative, creating a space where people could find both healing and empowerment.”
As a black female business owner, Montoyia has faced a few challenges along the way. These include financial and emotional exhaustion. She says, “As a black therapist, when dealing with the low pay from insurance companies, as well as the economic downturn and the high demand for authentic clinicians of color, can be challenging. I’ve managed this by setting bougie boundaries, prioritizing my well-being, and creating multiple streams of income that align with my values and expertise. Even more, my resilience and the ability to pivot have been key to overcoming these obstacles.”
When asked what she loves most about what she does, Montoyia shares it’s the clients’ transformations. “When someone comes to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, with my assistance, I get to witness them reclaiming their power and joy. It’s the most rewarding feeling. I thrive on helping others create a legacy of emotional wealth that extends far beyond them,” she says.
Montoyia shares that she is mostly inspired by her mother, who also was a teen mom. “My mother valued journaling and encouraged me to write. This is a tool that never gets old, and it allows me to learn more about myself,” she says. Montoyia finds inspiration in the resilience and strength of her own personally cultivated community, especially women who continue to rise despite the odds. She is also inspired by nature, meditation, and the peace that comes with being connected to oneself.
With the ups and downs that she has faced in life, Montoyia remains humble and says she wouldn’t change anything about how things have happened. Her personality is modest, and she only says that she would probably give herself more grace in the early stages. “I wish that I understood as a young adult that feelings and boundaries work together. I am a natural go-getter, but sometimes that comes with a lot of pressure. I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to take things one step at a time and that your feelings are part of your self-care. Self-care is a crucial part of the journey.”
Montoya has helped several clinicians and interns cultivate an authentic presence, and her advice to others who aspire to follow in her footsteps is to never lose sight of your authenticity. “It’s easy to get caught up in what you think you should be doing. However, staying true to yourself is where the real magic happens. Set those bougie boundaries. Your emotional energy is precious, and not everyone deserves access to it.”
Looking ahead, Montoyia plans to expand the Bougie Boundaries Academy and take her retreats to new heights. She’s also looking forward to deepening her work with her podcast and creating more spaces for people to connect, heal, and grow. She also plans to collaborate with others in her profession.
Albert Edwards Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc.
Al Edwards is the Executive Director of Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. Based in Memphis, TN, the ogranization aims to assist military veterans in reintegrating into society. Their motto is helping veterans help themselves.
Al is a dedicated professional and Memphis native, born in the heart of South Memphis in the public housing project Lemoyne Gardens. After retiring from the military with 25 years of honorable service, including combat, Al transitioned to the nonprofit sector, where he played pivotal roles at United Way of the MidSouth. There he served as a Manager, Director, and Interim VP of Resource Development, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to community service. Al has consistently demonstrated a commitment to empowering others and achieving mission-driven goals. His roots in Memphis drive his passion to serve the Memphis community and his military service has endeared Alpha Omega’s veterans to him.
Al’s volunteer work as a former member of the Memphis Urban League Guild, the Shelby County Foster Care Review Board and as a current Memphis Shelby County School mentor underscores his passion for empowering individuals to achieve their potential. Holding a degree in Psychology with a minor in Nonprofit Management from the University of Memphis, Al reflects his commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of individuals and communities. A retired US Army First Sergeant, his background includes holding a Top Secret Security Clearance and being awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, underscoring his dedication to excellence and service. Al Edwards is a visionary leader who combines a wealth of experience with a passion for community empowerment. His track record of success in both the military and nonprofit sectors speaks to his ability to inspire change and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Under His guidance, Alpha Omega will continue its mission to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to our veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
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
Shauna Greene LetMeTestify
By Monica Montgomery
If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. Without the test, there is no testimony.
Shauna Greene’s life is a testament to what happens when you live a life of obedience and sacrifice. At 41, Shauna is a successful entrepreneur and social media personality. Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, she was transplanted to Greensboro, North Carolina, when the Lord told her it was time for a change.
In 2007, she visited North Carolina on a ministry trip. Shauna’s mime ministry, Silent Praize, was well known and afforded her many opportunities to travel and spread the gospel through praise dancing. “During my visit in North Carolina, the Lord spoke to me and said, ‘Smooth transition.’ I asked Him what that meant. God told me, ‘This is where I’m going to bless you.’ So, I went home and told my parents what the Lord said. My daughter and I moved to Greensboro a year later,” Shauna explained. It’s been sixteen years since he spoke His promise to Shauna, and despite tests and trials, Shauna has bloomed where she was planted. But her “yes” came at a cost.
When she first moved to Greensboro as a single mother to a young daughter, Shauna was starting over. She had no family and few friends, but she knew it was the right move.
“Moving gave my daughter and I a much-needed fresh start,” Shauna explains. “Until I visited Greensboro, I hadn’t thought about relocating. That visit helped me see that the world was much bigger than Tampa. So, trusting God, I took that leap of faith. I have no regrets.”
After moving to Greensboro, Shauna faced a few challenges, but God provided exactly what she needed. “When I first moved here, I worked in a call center. The shifts weren’t single-parent friendly,” Shauna shared. “Thankfully, I’d become close to one of the members of the church I’d ministered at when I first visited. I was blessed with a village that helped me with my daughter. It was essential to have people I trusted who were willing to help with after-school pick-ups and things like that. It wasn’t always easy, but it wasn’t as hard as it could have been.”
With all the challenges that come with starting over, Shauna wondered if she had heard God correctly. “The biggest challenge I faced was going from making $65,000.00 a year to $12.00 an hour,” Shauna sighed. “I questioned God and asked, ‘Did you really send me here?’ I cried and cried because I couldn’t believe that God would strip me of everything.”
Losing everything she thought was important was a shock to Shauna’s system. “I went from being able to care for myself and my daughter while buying everything I wanted to struggling. That was a painful process, but it gave me perspective. God had a plan to rebuild me in ways and areas I couldn’t understand then, but I am grateful for now.”
In 2011, Shauna shifted gears and decided to follow another career path. “I started at Parkwest Barber School in Greensboro. After I graduated in 2013, I started working at Five Points Barbershop in High Point, NC. Then, in 2018, I opened my own shop, Anointed Cutz Barbershop. Anointed Cutz has been open for seven years and is still growing.
Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography
Anointed Cutz Barbershop is located in High Point. It is a nine-chair, owner-operated barbershop and the only female-owned barbershop in the area. Shauna says, “The goal was always to own a barbershop. I graduated in 2013, and in 2015, I bought shop chairs and stored them in my garage. While working at Five Points Barbershop, I built my clientele to the point where I knew I had enough repeat business to support opening my own shop.”
Shauna is making more than twice what she lost when she moved to North Carolina; however, what she wants to share about her process is that her “yes” came at a cost. “When people judge me based on what they see now, I tell them, you don’t know the cost of my yes,” Shauna explains. “I’ve gone through hell and back. I don’t know if I would have survived without my faith in God and trusting His plan for my life.”
Shauna’s strong work ethic and charisma made her popular and a well-sought-after barber. In 2016, she married a local minister. With her career on track and settling into married life, Shauna believed she was reaping the promise God made to her when she moved. But she found that there was another season she needed to endure. “I was married in 2016. I caught him cheating in 2018. We went to counseling, and I forgave him, but he was caught again in 2020, and we had to part ways. I was devastated,” Shauna explains. “That was the most humiliating experience of my life. Even then, I was a well-known social media personality. Silent Praize had over twenty thousand followers. There, I was married to a preacher, then found out he was cheating. Some people already knew, and those who didn’t found out because I was exposed to the world. It was a hard season, and there were times when I thought I would lose my mind. But God was rebuilding me for better.”
Shauna sought professional help so she could deal with the trauma she experienced surrounding the breakdown of her marriage. “I had to get help because I was wounded,” Shauna shared. “It took a lot to survive the hurt and betrayal, not to mention the embarrassment I endured on a public stage, but it had to happen. God showed me that what he had in store for me couldn’t happen while married to my ex-husband. While I was married, I was making six figures easily. Now that’s doubled. I couldn’t receive all God had for me while in that relationship. I don’t just mean monetarily either.”
Understanding that there was more God wanted her to do, Shauna pushed forward. She admits that her experience gave her a different outlook on organized religion. “I will be honest and say it shook me, but it didn’t stop me. I still serve in the church. I am the minister of music and praise leader. But I wear jeans and tennis shoes. I tell people it’s not about what you wear. It’s about your heart. My heart is full of worship because, despite everything, God is still good.”
Recovery was a process, but Shauna is moving full steam ahead. Using her creativity and talent for social media content, she has gained more followers across several platforms and is becoming a household name. Despite all she suffered, Shauna still has a passion and compassion for people and helps wherever possible.
“Ronald White is a long-time customer who lost his mother tragically when he was very young. After the loss of his mother, his grandmother took him in. One day, Ronald came into the shop and asked for a job because he wanted to help his grandmother pay bills. I was so moved that I wanted to help him.” So Shauna did what she does so well. She used her social media platform to help Ronald.
“I posted about Ronald on Facebook, and the response was overwhelming. People donated, liked, and shared the post. When other things came up and Ronald needed help, I posted them, and the Facebook community came through. It became a movement. That’s when I realized there were more Ronalds’ out there.”
Driven to see more kids like Ronald get the help and support they need, Shauna started Ronald’s Village, a not-for-profit youth group. Shauna no longer has to crowdsource funding, but the foundation exists based on donations from private sponsors. Ronald’s Village helps youth in the community by providing basic necessities and allowing them to be children. “Through Ronald’s Village, we host ‘Christmas in the Barbershop’ for young people who lost a parent that year. We have a tutoring program where we feed the kids dinner, and they have sessions with qualified and certified teachers to provide academic support. We also take the kids on field trips and to special events.”
Continuing to use her powerful social personality presence in the metaverse, Shauna has made someone else in her family a household name. Have you heard of Bishop Ace, The Dog of God? “Bishop Ace is actually my daughter’s dog. I have never been a pet person, but my daughter wanted a dog. I told her no, but she got one, and it was at a friend’s house. All of this happened after my ex-husband and I separated, and my daughter was hurting. The Holy Spirit told me to allow the dog in the house. So, when she cleaned her room, I told her the dog could stay. She kept her end of the bargain, and the dog has been here ever since,” Shauna explained. “I still wasn’t a dog person, so I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. But every day, Ace would come into my room and bother me. He would steal a shoe and run out or hop up on the bed to try and get my attention. So, one day, I started recording him. I posted his silliness on social media, and he became an instant sensation.”
Known on TikTok as Bishop Ace, Ace has been featured on the CBS morning show and booked for parties and other events. He can often be seen in the company of his partner in crime, Papi Jay, Shauna’s seventeen-month-old godson. Who she believes God sent to complete the promise. “While I was married, my husband and I tried desperately for a child. I still have the little outfit I planned to bring my “son” home in. But it wasn’t in the plan. My disappointment was palpable. As much as I trusted God, it still hurt that I was never able to have another child. Then he blessed me with Papi Jay,” Shauna explained.
Continuing to honor God through her disappointment, Shauna received a blessing she didn’t see coming. “There was a seventeen-year-old young man named Ashton who, like Ronald, had lost his mom. I have such a heart for young people, and I wanted to encourage him. So, I told him I would buy him some new tennis shoes and other things if he graduated high school. Two months later, Ashton came into the shop with his diploma, a picture, and a young girl. He advised me that he had a child on the way and wanted me to be the godmother.” What closed the deal was the couple had chosen Jaylen, the same name and spelling she had chosen for the son she wasn’t able to have.
“It hit me in the chest. I knew then it was the final piece of the promise falling into place. I couldn’t love Jay more if he were my own flesh and blood.” Today, Shauna Greene is a successful entrepreneur, runs a community-based non-profit, is a minister and a musician, and is a social media star with over 40,000 Instagram followers, 120,000 Facebook followers, and 540,000 TikTok followers. And she still finds time to go fishing regularly. “As difficult as the things I went through were, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Shauna shares. “It was all for my good. God knew what it would take to get and keep me here. Through it all. God is still good!” h
Dr. J. Lawrence Turner Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
Information Obtained from Online Source
A pastor, prolific preacher, teacher, social justice advocate and author, Dr. J. Lawrence Turner has devoted his life to meaningful ministry which has made immeasurable impacts across the nation for 25 years. For the past 10 years, he has faithfully served as the Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN, the largest congregation in the Disciples of Christ denomination.
For seven years prior to coming to Mississippi Boulevard, he served as the Senior Pastor of the Community Baptist Church in New Haven, Connecticut where he tripled the membership and liquated the debt. Similarly, during his first 8 years at Mississippi Boulevard, he liquidated the debt on the Midtown campus renovations. In addition, following the move of God, Dr. Turner relocated the former East campus to southeast Memphis, later purchasing its permanent location, a beautiful 7- acre campus that has proven to be a beacon of hope as it thrives in that community. Under Dr. Turner’s leadership, the mortgage on that new campus was retired within the first eight years.
Dr. Turner is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and 2003 magna cum laude graduate of Fisk University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy. He was a 2001 United Negro College Fund/Andrew Mellon Undergraduate Fellow and a 2002 Fellow of the Fund for Theological Education. Dr. Turner received his Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School and was awarded the prestigious H.H. Tweedy Prize for exceptional promise for pastoral leadership. Dr. Turner earned the Doctor of Ministry degree in Transformative Leadership at the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, New York.
Understanding the need for excellence in leadership, Dr. Turner’s vision and leadership extends beyond the pulpit and pew. He served as President of the Yale Divinity School Student Council, Vice President of the Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention, Chaplain of the New Haven Fire Department, and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority for New Haven, Connecticut. He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the National Action Network, Board Member of Church Health, President of the Yale Divinity School Alumni Board, member of the Yale Divinity School Dean’s Advisory Counsel, and member of the Mission Integration Committee of Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare. Dr. Turner also serves as the bibliographer for the Conference of National Black Churches Annual National Consultation and is a member of the Advisory Team of the Issachar Church Growth and Development Conference. He is a 2021 inductee in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Bridging his passion for faith and social justice, Dr. Turner founded and serves as President of The Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis, whose mission is to express the voice of the Black Church on issues of economic empowerment, civic engagement, and criminal justice reform. This organization played a vital role in the Reimagining Policing in Memphis Initiative and endeavors to live out its mission through the establishment of the following programs: D-Free Initiative, BCCM-Hope Credit Union Small Loan Fund, Journey to Food Justice, and created the African American Clergy Collective of Tennessee that seeks to engage clergy organizations and state legislators across the state.
Dr. Turner has presented to audiences at Fisk University, Yale University, LeMoyne-Owen College, Tougaloo College, National Action Network; appeared on CNN, PBS, BBC, MSNBC, Jack & Jill of America, Inc.; interviewed with The New York Times, The Tennessean, The Tri-State Defender, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, and Yale Divinity School Reflections. The Memphis Business Journal selected him as a 40 UNDER 40 honoree, and Power 100 honoree.
He is the author/facilitator of a bible study on the book of Colossians entitled, Above All Circumstances. His published work can also be found in the African American Pulpit Journal.
Dr. Turner’s greatest joy, pride, and peace is that of his family. He is married to his best friend, Bridgett N. Turner, Esq. Together they are the parents of two bright, beautiful children, Josiah Lawrence and Savannah Grace.
