M I LWAU K E E
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Sept./Oct. 2021 Volume 1 Issue 4
Wendell W hite I’m An Overcomer Milwaukee - Sept./Oct. 2021
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Old Ways Don’t Work On The Driving Course A Letter From The Editor It seems like such a long time ago. The moment had arrived for me to become a licensed automobile driver. I was only 16 years old. For the most part, just a little young guy, full of ambition and excited about driving a car. I had enrolled in a driver’s education program at school. The classes were conducted after school for six weeks and included several other soon-to-be legitimate A Letter from the Editorjuvenile drivers. We were all ready, but I don’t think anyone was more eager than I was.
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
On the What drivingifcourse, there werearrive? several All cars automatic tomorrow didn’t ofwith youranplans, hopes transmission. However, there was only one vehicle that contained and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if a manualeverything transmission (ayou stickdecided shift). As have it, I was the only that tofate put would off until tomorrow never student familiar with a stick shift,be as no I had gained happened? There would reason toprior saveinstruction for a rainyand drivingday, experience from a few experienced drivers. I knew the gear and you could spare someone the trouble of making patternpromises. and understood how to manage the clutch and gas What if your last opportunity seeminglypaddles, expired and knew how to keep the car powered while doing so. I would choose that today? What would you do? vehicle to drive during class.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. I appeared to be in a league of my own on the driving course amongst Honestly, like II handled am not doing enough a firm the other studentI feel drivers. the curves well,and andI’m didn’t run over in knowing wouldn’t me any of believer the cones. I managedthat theGod straight paths put like aanything pro, andon looked that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would pretty comfortable while driving in reverse. I was good, at least that’s if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I what I be believed. have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity a blessing isn’t afforded to everyone. challenge Oneisday in class, that the vehicle I was driving was at theAfront of the to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? pack on the driving course. I jumped out the gate fast, and that was my If I do nothing, andthe if I curves, try I don’t, but instead learn first mistake. As I wentI fail, around I used little brakes, and the tires onsomething my car were screaming. “Stop!” That command was screamed new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in through the megaphone return acquire life.held by the driving instructor. He made me park the car and get out for the remainder of the day. I laughed it off while trying toThe keepbest my cool amongst my classmates, but on when the inside, I was advice ever given to me happened someone embarrassed. I would eventually drive again and eventually completed told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so the program, but it was clear I almost jeopardized all of that from I have pressed my waythat through doors with a key that only happening. hope provided. I have also learned the difference between
what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with
At the time, I didn’t realize how I had put myself and others in danger as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and by becoming arrogant and comfortable when to be quiet, because during a moment when I should have someone may get it confused been learning and listening. I made the being arrogant. mistakewith of applying invalid experience in a setting where I was supposed to Make you gain experience to betomorrow validated. God happen today, most showed me on that day,but when I try to do importantly make it count.or things my way and use information Lifethat is but a whisper and Him, I instruction didn’t come from we must put ourselves in a am just an accident waiting to happen. Yet, when I do listen and what obey His position to hear it is commands, Heus. will qualify me to drive on telling the roads and highways of life.
www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson
Publisher
www.huamimagazine.com Teyah Glenn Editor In Chief Writer Terry L. Watson Writer Ellen Richardson Alana Allen - Deputy Editor Gamal Williams Writer Dorjae’ McClammey Writer Writers
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mykelmedia@yahoo.com (336) 340-7844 HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication Greensboro, NC may be submitted to the editor by 2021 All Rights Reserved E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Mykel Media Company, LLC P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved
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Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
On The Cover
Photo by Shaw Photography Group
CONTENTS
SEPT./OCT. 2021
MILWAUKEE
Rachel V. Cosmetics
Rachel Vasquez
On The Cover
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I’m An Overcomer Wendell White
A Mother’s Luv
Kim Alexander
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Walk By Faith Counseling
Wendy Tucker
Huami Magazine Cutest Baby
Tegan Kennedy
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Also Featured
Patricia Neal It’s A Celebration. Divine Lemonades is now five years old. Learn more about what they’ve been up to. Greensboro, NC
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Todd Gilyard He has dedicated his life to serving others. Learn more about his journey. St. Louis, MO
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Latosha D. Barnes She is a voice for the voiceless. Meet the founder of Patricia’s Place. Chicago, IL
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Wendell W hite I’m An Overcomer By Gamal Williams Photos by Wendell White
“I decided right then and there I was going to sell drugs. But at 12-yearsold, you don’t understand all that comes with selling drugs. You don’t see that death, prison, and violence come with selling drugs. All you see is the money. You don’t see how you’re destroying people’s lives.” One thing I’ve come to understand about our (African-American) community is that many of us don’t want to be held accountable. It’s normal with us living a certain type of way. Trauma has become normal in the African-American community. The incidence of murder occurs often. There is teenage pregnancy and high dropout rates. Poverty is normal, and I don’t believe that poverty defines our neighborhoods, I think we have a poverty mindset. But I know that we can’t fix this overnight. It took me thirty years to arrive to where I am today, so I have to be patient and keep working. That’s what God wants me to do so, I will do it. - Wendell White Usually, I start my articles with a poignant quote or Bible verse that ties neatly into my interviewing subject. There was no need to find such a quote for Wendell White. His quote above speaks to the core of Wendell’s mission, to a fundamental change of perspective and purpose rooted in experience, and when it comes to experiences. He has had many. Wendell was born and raised in the Englewood section of the South Side of Chicago, the “Wild Hundreds,” as Wendell explains. After leaving foster care, Wendell moved into the projects with his mother and family. Unfortunately for Wendell (and many children in inner city, African-American communities), he returned to a world full of drugs and violence. What made Wendell’s situation exponentially bleaker, he didn’t even have to leave his project apartment to find it. His family sold the drugs and contributed to the violence. “When you’re a child and your watching your mom and family sell drugs, how does someone tell you to go to school and get an education? Everybody around me sells drugs and they are lucrative! My uncle was making $50-60k a day! I was twelve years old, and one day he gave me a bag with over $250,000 to hold for my auntie. He had all the cars, and everyone admired him. I wanted to be like my uncle. When he left, I went into the bathroom and saw all that money. I decided right then and there I was going to sell drugs. But at 12-years-old, you don’t understand all that comes with selling drugs. You don’t see that death, prison, and violence come with selling drugs. All you see is the money. You don’t see how you’re destroying people’s lives.” Soon after that decision, Wendell joined a gang and quickly realized that gang life wasn’t the glitz and glamour he thought it was. Not only did he learn that he would start nowhere near the level his uncle was, but he was now a gang member in one of the most violent cities during its most violent time in history. According to the Chicago Police Department, from 1991 to 2004, there were 3,422 gang-related murders in Chicago. That’s an average of 244 murders per year. A ghastlier interpretation is this: there was a gang-related murder in Chicago every 36 hours, for 14 years straight. Yet, despite this reality (which is to say nothing of the other violent crimes, drug overdoses, and high incarceration rates), Wendell saw no other way to live. It was all he knew and taught, and turning to his family for guidance offered no respite. Even his own kidnapping didn’t turn him away. Continued on the next page
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“I started making money, big money. We were buying cars, flashing cash, but one day God decided that wasn’t the plan. I was kidnapped, beaten, and left for dead. That was the beginning of my transformation. The person that did it to me was near and dear to my heart; he set me up. But God spoke to me and told me to repent. I was in the hospital for eight weeks, but when I got out, I didn’t know anything else. I was eighteen and all I knew was selling drugs.” Wendell moved to Milwaukee soon after, and though he had changed locations, his mindset hadn’t. He continued to sell drugs, yet one day, it all stopped, but not through any choice of his. “One day, my phone just stopped ringing. I was selling drugs every day, all day, then one day, my phone just stopped ringing. I realize now that God has always been with me. HE stopped it. All my money started dwindling away. Then one day, I was coming home, stuck my key in the door, and broke down and cried. I broke, man. I cried for six months. I was depressed, but it was in that depression that I found God. It was all of these emotions and feelings that I had been feeling for years, and it all came out.” His wife asked him to attend church with her, and though he was still depressed and drinking heavily, he decided to go. Wendell found that some church members had written books that shared their testimony. That inspired Wendell to pen his story, The Devil Thought He Had Me! He has even gone on to start his own mentorship program.
You can purchase your copy of The Devil Thought He Had Me by visiting www.wendellwhitespeaks.com Also available on Amazon
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“My mentorship program started when my book came out. It was something that started when I started getting mentored. I joined my church, Unity Gospel House of Prayer, here in Milwaukee, WI. I just see the upside of having a mentor, man. We all need a mentor; we all need somebody to help us navigate through life, not really trying to control our lives, but teach us someone who can hold us accountable. If feel that I can get enough of the men and the youth, if I can just get them and talk to them. Tell them my story and the things I’ve been through. We could make such a huge impact. Not just in the city of Milwaukee or Chicago, but in the world. God gave me a testimony, and I believe God is setting up to give that testimony.” h
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By Ayana Bryant Photos by Rachel V Cosmetics Throughout her life, Rachel Vasquez was never quite able to shrink herself enough to conform to the ideals and standards of others. A daring creative, unafraid to stand out and create her own lane, Vasquez is a self-made businesswoman, and serial entrepreneur focused on building her brand and expanding her career. Rachel is the owner and creator of “Rachel V. Cosmetics”. Aside from her cosmetics company, she is a full-time esthetician and a loving wife and mommy of three. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Vasquez has always unconsciously stood out. She has been able to make bold choices in her fashion and makeup and express herself creatively. There was once a time when Vasquez found herself struggling to fit within Corporate America. “I believe that there is a thin line in how you carry yourself when it comes to professionalism. But I also don’t think the color of my lipstick should determine how professional I am or how well I can do my job,” says Vasquez. This nonconforming mentality is what led to her inspiration to begin her business. Rachel’s cosmetic company was originally launched in 2017 under the name “Vasquez Collection”. After a rebrand in 2019, “Rachel V. Cosmetics” was established. Vasquez was able to connect with an international manufacturer to produce her products after conducting the necessary research to create her formulas. Her cosmetics line offers lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, highlighter, and makeup palettes. As a full-time esthetician, Vasquez has also created her own homemade natural skincare line, including facial soaps, toner, moisturizers, as well as an oil and serum.
“I believe that there is a thin line in how you carry yourself when it comes to professionalism. But I also don’t think the color of my lipstick should determine how professional I am or how well I can do my job.”
Rachel says it’s her desire to empower women through beauty and challenge the idea of what a “professional” image is. “That was my original reason for coming out with a lipstick line, to just be bold and let the corporate world know this is how you’re going to accept me… because this is how the new professional looks.” Continued on the next page
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Becoming a business owner is of course a challenge for anyone, but when you’re self-taught like Rachel, it can be even more difficult. She was raised by parents who taught her that working for someone would be the only legitimate way to take care of yourself. “I grew up in a working household where it was understood that if you don’t work, you don’t eat. So, when I wanted to become an entrepreneur, it was as if I was speaking a foreign language to my parents”, she says. Despite the naysayers, Vasquez knew she was in the right line of work once she realized the joy and confidence she was bringing to her clients. The greatest challenge she experienced starting her business was getting people to believe she could do it. When asked what she loves most about running her company she answers, “I love how I’m able to transform people’s attitude, like being able to give them a product that makes them feel confident and encourages them to step outside the box with their looks.” Vasquez says that she finds her inspiration from her three children; they are why she is so dedicated to building her business. Although it was initially a struggle to prove to her parents that she would be a successful entrepreneur, it’s important for her to change that narrative with her children. One of her number one priorities is to teach each of them that if they believe in themselves enough, they’ll be able to make anything happen. Coming from her own personal experience, Vasquez offers some sound advice to anyone who may be looking to start a business. The first tip is to do your research; many people find themselves jumping into a business prematurely when they don’t understand all that comes with it. Her next advice is to be your own motivation; as an entrepreneur, when you experience those days when you don’t want to get out of bed, you have to push yourself. The final tip is to bet on yourself. We spend every day going to a job that makes someone else rich; why not refocus that same energy on you and your goals?
www.rachelvcosmetics.com
Exciting things are happening soon for Rachel V. Cosmetics. On November 14th, 2021 the company will be opening its first full-service spa suite in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This solo suite will feature all their products available for purchase and promoting their esthetician services. Vasquez’s next major goal is to expand to a manufacturing warehouse for her skincare line by 2023. h
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Kim Alexander A Mother’s Luv
By Ayana Bryant Photos by Kim Alexander Often times there isn’t much that can be done to prevent a miscarriage from happening, but have we ever considered how women and families are to recover from such loss? According to the US nonprofit “March of Dimes”, approximately 10-15% of detected pregnancies end in miscarriage, and about 1 in 100 women experience repeat miscarriages. March of Dimes is an organization committed to the work of improving maternal and infant health. Kim Alexander has positioned herself to answer this question. She is the founder of A Mother’s Luv Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports women and couples who have suffered a miscarriage. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Kim understood early on that her calling would be to help people. With aspirations of becoming an attorney, she attended Xavier University in New Orleans, LA, and studied political science. After deciding to continue her education, she returned home to Wisconsin to receive her master’s degree from Marquette University in Public Service and Administration of Justice. Kim is also a very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and has been for the last 15 years. Ultimately her career goals shifted, and Kim went on to become a law enforcement officer. She truly loves what she does and feels honored to be able to protect and serve the people in the city of Milwaukee and all over the world. It brings Kim great joy to help others, and she knows first hand how emotionally challenging it can be to experience a miscarriage. “My husband and I had no idea that we would have a hard time growing our family, nor suffer numerous miscarriages. However, after several miscarriages. This devastation revealed something to us that was missing from the health industry; there was nothing given to women to help start their journey of healing,” she says. In 2018, after suffering the loss of her twins due to a miscarriage, she began to question why weren’t there any support resources offered for people experiencing this? That thought brewed in her mind for about two years until 2020, when she suffered another miscarriage and sadly lost her son. Despite her pain, she knew that something needed to be done. She refocused her energy on creating a nonprofit that would help women cope with this kind of loss and provide information for those who were uninformed on miscarriages. Thus, A Mother’s Luve Inc. Continued on the next page
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Kim launched A Mother’s Luv Inc. in June 2020. This nonprofit organization’s work is centered around donating homemade care packages to local Milwaukee hospitals for women and families who have experienced a miscarriage. Each care package is full of self-healing products, including aromatherapies, candles, and spiritual and self-help books. In addition to the nonprofit, Kim has started her own podcast, also titled “A Mother’s Luv” after her organization. The first episode of the podcast discusses a deeper look into her personal journey dealing with miscarriage. the subsequent episodes discuss other women’s journey of loss, mental health post-miscarriage, the benefits of having a Doula during and after pregnancy. Coming in September is an episode featuring Dr. Nicole Plenty discussing miscarriages and Maternal Mortality. Kim is no stranger to resilience, and this is a testament to her support system. When asked what inspires her, she answers, “My family. I have a great support system behind A Mother’s Luv. I may be the face of it, but behind the scenes, my husband does it all. Whether he’s editing podcast episodes or making my flyers, he continues to motivate me and cheer me on.” She also says that her mother is another source of inspiration, “My mom is the definition of a mother’s love, her wisdom, her prayer, her strength is incredible. Although all her children are adults, she still finds time to do her motherly duties. She inspires me the most.” The part that Kim says she enjoys the most from her nonprofit work is the feedback that she receives from hospital workers who see first-hand the impact of these care packages. “When I donate these packages to the local hospitals, some of the nurses are saying that this is a great thing to be able to give to the women who do miscarry and a great way to support the fathers as well.” A word of advice that Kim would offer to anyone who may be dealing with infertility is to never give up. She says to “keep your faith in God” despite how hard things may get to “trust the process”. She encourages women to do whatever is necessary to keep their spirits lifted and cast out any negativity that may try to sneak its way in.
www.amothersluvincwi.com Facebook @ A Mother’s Luv Inc. IG @ amothersluvwi
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A Mother’s Luv Inc. is looking to expand its outreach by the top of next year to serve the local hospitals of Milwaukee and branch out through the entire state of Wisconsin. Eventually, Kim hopes to see her organization in hospitals throughout the country. Another goal she has set is to start a conference regarding miscarriage and infertility to provide information and necessary resources to those in need. h
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Divine Lemonades By Terry L. Waton and Tonya Dixon Photos by Toni Shaw
“I started by delivering lemonade in my personal vehicle, and now I have multiple work trucks that deliver Divine Lemonades to parts of Southern Virginia and as far south as Gastonia, NC.” It’s time for a celebration! The dream of Divine Lemonades became a reality in September 2016, five years later, Patricia Neal is in a position to enjoy the “flavorful” fruits of her labor. The journey has come with a few peaks and some valleys, and there have even been moments when Patricia felt like throwing in the towel, but the God fearing woman isn’t built like that. She was purposed for the moment, and just like everything else in her life, what she starts, she will finish. “I’m just a little country girl from Reidsville, NC. I have always had a great work ethic passed down from my parents, which requires that I operate in excellence,” she says. With that standard set, Patricia has grown her Divine Lemonades brand impressively and stocking the shelves of 68 grocery and convenience stores and some restaurants throughout Virginia and North Carolina. These areas are Ridgeway and Danville, VA, Eden, Reidsville, Stoneville, Greensboro, Salisbury, Lexington, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Gastonia, NC. Understandably, some new challenges accompanied Patricia’s growth spurt. She even had to refuse some business because she had reached production capacity where she manufactured her products. Yet, God stepped in and blessed her with a building outfitted with the space and equipment she needed. The doors to Divine Lemonades manufacturing plant opened on September 10, 2021, at 303 SE Market Street in Reidsville. Her new space will be used strictly for manufacturing so that Patricia can service her existing stores. By 2022, the goal is to open to the public and offer specialty beverages and Divine Lemonades apparel. “I started by delivering lemonade in my personal vehicle, and now I have multiple work trucks that deliver Divine Lemonades to parts of Southern Virginia and as far south as Gastonia, NC,” she says. Divine Lemonde is also shipped nationally and internationally. After only one taste of Divine Lemonades, nearly everyone has the same reaction: Amazing! That tastes great. I need more. It’s usually followed up by a battery of questions and comments such as, How did you make that? What are the ingredients? It can’t be good for you! It has to be full of sugar, right? What’s the recipe? How did you come up with those flavors? The list goes on and on. Continued on the next page
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Most people can’t quite adequately articulate the rich, yet light and refreshing taste of Divine Lemonades; but to put it quite simply, Divine Lemonades taste…divine. It’s partly how the drinks name was derived, but more importantly it’s because the business and recipe came through “divine” impartation. There are only two problems with Divine Lemonades: once people taste the refreshing drink they simply can’t stop drinking it and Patricia can’t seem to quench their unending thirst. Of course, that’s more of a dilemma for their pockets, but most people are more than willing to pay as long as they can get some of Neal’s “Heaven In A Bottle.” Today, there are now 60 different flavors available in the Divine Lemonade line. Some flavors include Danyez Mango Fusion, Apricot Suprise, Mamie’s Mix, Ryleigh’s Cherry Plum, Summer Breeze, Cailen’s Candy Apple, and many more. A few of Patricia’s products, such as the Lavender Lemonade has medicinal properties that have helped individuals who suffer from headaches and insomnia. “Everything about the drinks is all natural. God gave me the recipe and I’ve been making it for nearly 21 years. It’s a combination of different things that gives it such a smooth and divine taste,” said Neal. “The business just grew out of something I just always did for myself. I’m the baby of eight siblings and whenever we had family functions, I always made tea and lemonade. I’ve always had the recipe. But it just wasn’t time yet for [the business] to be birthed.” Patricia’s resilience and determination have also been on full display as she has overcome some personal battles. In 2013, her doctors detected a huge tumor in her breast, and she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. She had to endure surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but even in her seemingly dire and desperate situation, God worked a miracle. The cancer spread throughout her breast and doctors told her she would have to have a mastectomy, endure strong treatment options to keep the cancer from further invading her body and ultimately live a diminished-quality life. But Patricia said God worked a miracle.
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These battles and her ability to conquer them are in alignment with who Patricia is; a warrior. “Many people have counted me out and said I would not amount to anything. Despite naysayers, I’ve always had the strength and determination to push forward and defy the odds. For that, I give God all the glory,” she says. Patricia’s success is rooted in her ability to surround herself with those who will tell her the truth even if it hurts. “My children (Danyé, Morgan, and Sam) and my grandson (Danté) are my driving force. I love them and want to leave a legacy for them to carry on for generations to come,” she says. She also acknowledges her mentor Nasi and her Divine Lemonades team, including Pastor Lannie Robertson, Salina Barksdale-Clark, Sonja Walker, Tammara Broadnax, Tora Ballard, and Orlando and Lesha Herbin. “My sister in love, Darlene Neal, helped to get my products on the shelves of my first store. She, along with my brother Leon, sisters Vanessa and Kaye, have supported me. I am grateful for my entire family, friends, and Divine Lemonades supporters who push me to never give up!” With the opening of Patricia’s first manufacturing facility, she is looking forward to expanding the reach and presence of Divine Lemonades on store shelves, healthcare facilities, sports arenas, and college campuses. “I want Divine Lemonades to be internationally known like other major beverages we see daily in stores and commercials, and I see a larger manufacturing facility in the very near future. I want to give back to my community by creating more jobs to stimulate the economy and help in drawing business to my hometown of Reidsville, NC.,” she says.
Patricia Neal
Divine Lemonades www.divinelemonades.com
Now that Patricia is an eight-year breast cancer survivor, she invests her time and resources to support causes connected to her fight. One of them is Living Pink, a nonprofit organization founded by her friend and twotime breast cancer survivor, Kristie WallaceBarrow. Her organization conducts health fairs and provides gas cards, supplies Christmas gifts, meals to individuals currently going through treatment for breast cancer. Patricia shares, “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.” To learn more about Divine Lemonades, and find a location to purchase some of their products, please visit their website. h
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Todd Gilyard A Life Dedicated To Service By Gamal Williams Photos by Todd Gilyard According to the 2019 Annual Business Survey, racial minorities owned 18.3% of all businesses in America. Those numbers begin to look bleaker when one understands that all non-White business owners fall into that 18.3%. 2019 U.S. Census data shows that the White population comprised 76.3% of America yet owned 81.7% of all businesses. To put it another way, minorities comprised 23.7% of America yet owned less than 1/5th of all businesses. Many factors have hindered business development and economic growth amongst minorities: racial bias preventing opportunities to government and private sector contracts, lack of access to capital, lack of business financial literacy, but none more important than mentorship and support. What these businesses have lacked is a champion, someone that is willing to not only extend a helping hand, but to speak up for them, support them, guide them on their path to success. Enter Todd Gilyard. Todd Gilyard formed his consulting firm, The Gilyard Group, LLC, in 2010, after previously serving as the Assistant Project Lead/ Job Developer for the St. Louis Housing Authority’s Job Plus Program, and Community Outreach Director at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He now serves as the Project Director at the Missouri Branch of the Minority Business Development Agency. Originally established as the Minority Business Enterprise in 1969 by President Richard Nixon, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) mission is “to promote the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy, and research. MBDA has accomplished this mission by funding a network of centers that provide Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) a variety of business assistance services.”* Yet, Todd didn’t see himself in his current position. In fact, prior to his appointment, even owning his own business wasn’t in the cards. “I worked for the Urban League of St. Louis,” he explained. “In that role, anything that the Urban League gave away to the community, I was in charge of; toy giveaways, food giveaways, energy assistance, any special programs, I was basically in charge of. Being in that role, it helped me build relationships with city and state government officials, as well as CEOs of major corporations. People began to come to me asking for help with funding or to make a business connection.” “One day, a woman approached me that had a home healthcare franchise out of Florida. I explained to her that she should be working with the churches. The churches should get back being to that resource for the community like they were in the 50’s and 60’s. I told her I knew the President of the National Baptist Convention-Midwest. I reached out to him and discussed her presenting her business to the minister’s union. I explained to him that churches were missing that community connection; if you needed a doctor, you went to the church; if you needed a lawyer, you went to the church; if you needed a handyman, you went to the church. I presented the woman’s business and after my presentation, he encouraged me to form my own business.”
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Todd formed The Gilyard Group shortly after, and while it was a business, at its heart, it was Todd’s desire to help, to reconnect the community that shined through. These traits were instilled in him by two strong, powerful, and beautiful women: his mother, Schatoun Gilyard, and his grandmother, Francis Jean Gilyard. “I grew up in Kinloch, MO. My grandmother was heavily involved in many grassroots efforts devoted to social justice issues, improving educational rights for children, food programs…she was committed to making sure the community was fed, not just with food, but fed with knowledge. I grew up in the church, thanks to my grandmother. I am now a minister, and God has put it in my heart to want to see everyone made whole. I want to see everybody live their best life. If I’m in a position to help somebody, I think that is an honor that God gives certain people. Since a child, through my adult life and professional career, I’ve been a position to help people. Jobs of service. Its because of how I was raised by my grandmother.” When asked to elaborate one the impact his mother had on his life, Todd becomes reflective and emotional. “My mom…man, my mom is someone that inspires me because of how she made sacrifices for my brother and me. Even though those sacrifices hurt her, now that I am older, I see what she did for her. And she is still like that. She will give people the shirt off her back or if she hears that someone is in need, she’s right there to say ‘I got it!’ Anything to see people comfortable. Even in the church, she was always serving others. It just stuck in me.” Todd’s reputation as a selfless, devoted, and knowledgeable leader, led to his current position at MBDA. When the position for Project Director became available in late 2020, Todd’s name was submitted by people that knew him for his years of dedicated service. Once the position was offered to Todd, his actions displayed the virtues of service and selflessness he was raised with. Knowing that in this new position he could impact more people, he folded the highly successful Gilyard Group and accepted the higher calling. “I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families. That is tremendous for me. I get a paycheck, but more than the money, it’s the joy I feel that I was able to help these companies. I am so happy to be a part of that, that I had a little bit to do with it. That gives me such joy.” h
“I tell my current staff all the time, we are in a blessed position. If we make a phone call for someone or a business, we have an opportunity to do something that could change their lives. That can really change the way they feed their families.”
Todd Gilyard
Minority Business Development Agency Center - Missouri www.mbdac.com
Milwaukee - Sept./Oct. 2021
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www.wbfcounseling.com 317-300-4181
By Jalessa Rogers Photos by Wendy Tucker The Lord orders the steps of a good man. That is a scripture from the Bible that clinical mental health counselors such as author Wendy Tucker use for guidance in life, education, and careers. In the black community, counseling and therapy have been frowned upon for many years, but recently mental health has become a big topic of importance. Tucker has created two different avenues that she has successfully counseled and mentored the African American community with her company, Walk by Faith Counseling, and book series, Pennie Mae Learns. Born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, Tucker was the second oldest of five children in a single parent household. She shares, “Family members told me ‘Wendy you won’t live to see the age of sixteen, you won’t live to see twenty-one. According to my family, I shouldn’t be here, but God had another plan for me,” stated Tucker. Despite being what she called a “little girl that grew up in the projects,” Tucker was the first person in her family to graduate high school, the first to go to college and receive an Associates degree, Bachelors degree, and Masters degree. “I accomplished this through no goodness of my own. I felt like God ordered my steps in a way that allowed me to continue to move forward in my education,” stated Tucker. She had dreams of becoming a judge as a child because she wanted to lock up the bad people, but she never imagined being a clinical health counselor. She also wanted to be an author but thought that dream was impossible. However, what she thought was impossible, God made it possible.
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After working in the behavioral health field for twelve years, Tucker thought she had seen and learned a lot. Remember, she was raised in the inner city, and has worked with inner city children, and she has a strong desire to help her community, but there was more for her to experience. Her mission is to give back to the community and break the stigma of mental health in the black community, and on July 31, 2020, Walk by Faith Counseling was created. Walk By Faith Counseling’s first sessions were conducted virtually because of the Covid 19 pandemic. Tucker adjusted and has since grown to provide face-to-face counseling sessions, allowing her clients to engage and feel safe; she says “as if God is in the building”. One of Tucker’s goals is for people to feel that she is genuine, sincere, and understand how she is following the direction of God with her practice. “Throughout my journey in life, I have put God first, and my counseling sessions have been no different. I seek God for wisdom and allow His presence to set the atmosphere to help each client,” she shares. In 2011 Tucker came up with the idea for the children’s book series, Pennie Mae, designed to help children learn life lessons. In July 2020, Pennie Mae Learns was birthed. On the same day that Walk by Faith came to life, Tucker created the Pennie Mae Learns interactive book series, website, and YouTube videos. The interactive series starts with the main character, Pennie Mae, going through life lessons from age three until ten years old. “I developed The Pennie Mae book series to provide life lessons and biblical principles for kids tocarry with them. The series is designed to help train our young readers up in the way they should go, and when they’re old they won’t depart from it. That is written in the word of God,” stated Tucker. The books and the website include interactive games, coloring, knowledge tests, as well as educational stories. These stories have been utilized as a therapeutic form of counseling to interact and talk with children. The success of this series has garnered attention from the PGN television station in Cincinnati, OH, which is now airing the Pennie Mae YouTube channel every Saturday morning. They have even offered Tucker a talk show which will allow her to share mental health tips. The future is looking very bright for Tucker, and her next big goal is to open a counseling center for her church. She desires to help individuals and families and offer group therapy with future therapists, case managers, and life coaches.
Pennie Mae Learns Book Series www.penniemaelearns.com
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To learn more about Walk By Faith Counseling and the Pennie Mae Book Series, please visit their website. h
MAGAZINE
Cutest Baby
Tegan Kennedy The son of McKenzie and Chris Kennedy
Milwaukee - Sept./Oct. 2021
To submit photographs to be placed in the Huami Magazine Cutest Baby feature, please send a detailed email to huami.cutestbaby@gmail.com
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A Voice For The Voiceless By Terry L. Watson Photos by Latasha Barnes
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope – Romans 5:34 (New International Version). When trying to envision the bigger picture of your life or career, I imagine that few of you see yourself going through pain and feeling hopeless before becoming an accomplished professional. Although most of us would prefer that we coast through life on easy street, the truth is that no one accomplishes anything in this world without the scars to prove it. This is definitely the case for inspirational domestic violence advocate Latosha Barnes. The founder and director of Patricia’s Place domestic violence shelter, serving Chicago’s west side and south suburban communities, knows firsthand what it is like to endure the pain and scars of domestic violence. “My first experience with abuse occurred when I was a young girl, who experienced my mother Patricia being beaten and introduced to drugs by her ex-husband,” said Barnes. “Despite my grandmother attempting to shield me from this violence, it would not take long before I realized what was going on.” Although Barnes hoped never to endure the kind of life that her mother, whose namesake is now a beacon of hope to the hurting women of Chicago, chose to overcome, it would not take long before her family’s history caught up to her. At the age of 20, four months after marrying her first husband and now a mother of two young children, Barnes began to experience the traumatic experience of spousal abuse. Continued on the next page
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“I had started some classes at a local junior college in South Holland and had to ask a male friend of mine, who I went to high school with, to give me a ride home,” said Barnes. “Although I told this jealous man that I took the bus home, he apparently saw me get out of this guy’s car, and when he realized that I was fearfully lying to him, he slapped me for the first time.” Despite her ex-husband’s mother and grandmother sitting close by, neither woman decided to do anything. After attempting to walk away before the abuse got worse, Barnes would run to the woman who was always there for her growing up. “My grandmother was very strict, but she has always been there for me, that is until that fateful night,” said Barnes. “Although I showed up to her house with my two children and carrying a third and fourth at 2:00 a.m., she told me that I had to go home – back to him and the abuse – because I was married now. This experience actually stuck with me for decades before she finally told me that she was also a victim of domestic violence.”
“I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away.” Barnes tries to explain how she, her mother, and grandmother stuck out relationships that would lead to broken bones, hospital stays, and multiple calls to local police. She even watched her ex-husband go after one of her daughters as she attempted to protect Barnes from yet another attack. Enough became enough, and Barnes finally got the courage to file for divorce. “I knew that this was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done. I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away,” said Barnes. After walking away, Barnes’s future of success would begin to take shape. Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, and master’s degrees in both criminal justice and addiction studies, Barnes also started to put her efforts into helping other women, men, and children escape abusive situations. “Before opening our brick-and-mortar shelter, my 501C3 community-based organization would begin as a referral source for those who were leaving abusive situations in 2016,” said Barnes. “While I dreamed of owning a shelter to help women escape abuse, for several years, it wasn’t until last year that my new husband and I were able to open an emergency shelter for up to 10 women, children, and their small pets. This temporary haven provides not only a safe place to stay but also provides clothing, food, legal counsel, and other supportive services to those who need someone to care and help them through this traumatic experience.” Continued on page 37
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Along with opening the kind of safe home that she and her family had always dreamed of, Barnes is quickly becoming a voice for the voiceless through her recently published a book, Un-Veil: Surviving Domestic Violence, a memoir and 10-step self-help activity and resource guide for surviving spousal abuse. She is also in the process of publishing her second book entitled, Pieces of My Childhood, which will share an in-depth journey of her life and will be available through She Publishing, LLC in the next few months. “Through Patricia’s Place I have begun several domestic violence teaching and counseling programs such as the S.T.A.R. Program (Surviving Traumatic Abusive Relationships) and Purple Power. These tools allow women to learn what resources and support are available for them,” said Barnes. “We have also started a program for kids who have lived in a family of domestic violence. My goal is for women to feel the love and respect that I did not receive when I was going through this.” This empowered woman has also begun doing her part to have local politicians pay more attention to this ongoing issue. “I have recently approached a well-known councilman about the possibility of moving National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to another month so that this cause is not lost in the celebration of another important cause.” We are so proud of Latosha Barnes for finding her way out of the ashes of abuse and using her newly empowered voice to help others find the strength and victory necessary to overcome abuse. To learn more about Patricia’s Place and Barnes goal to work towards the elimination of Domestic Violence against female victims, please visit their website. h
Latosha D. Barnes Patricia’s Place
20200 Governors Drive Unit 203 Olympia Fields, IL 60461 www.patriciasplace.org 773-900-3301 773-996-4900 Milwaukee - Sept./Oct. 2021
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