Your Purpose and Promise; It’s All God
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
In the midst of whatever you are going through, one thing that you must always remember to do is keep your eyes on the prize. By doing so, you are able to avoid any unnecessary distractions. Outside noise and distractions can be dream destroyers. Something else that we must be mindful of is understanding the purpose of our fight. Are you fighting for a prize, or are you fighting just by fighting? The funny thing is that God gives us all a warrior spirit, yet knowing when and how to brawl is key.
A Letter from the Editor
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
For me, I hope that when it is all said and done, God sees things the way that I do. That is meant to be funny, but honestly, I am truly grateful for the life He has blessed me with. While everything hasn’t happened as I thought that it would, it’s only by God’s grace that I am here. I would believe this is the testament shared by many, as God shines his love on all of us, without prejudice.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
I also appreciate the times He saved me, even in the midst of wars and battles that I initiated. I realize now that I was actually misusing the benefits of that warrior spirit and following my own direction instead of allowing God to lead me to where the fight would be appropriate and beneficial to His plan. Championship fighters all have something in common: they have someone in their corner to coach and direct them throughout their fights. When I was fighting my own fight and not listening to what God wanted me to do, I really didn’t give myself a fighting chance to win, and I didn’t.
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
Our primary goal in life should always be to please God and do what He expects us to do in all situations. It’s ok to be firm and resilient. However, we must always incorporate wisdom into our decision-making. Even when we believe no one is looking, God is always there, in our corner, offering direction and encouragement. Yet, if we can’t hear Him, or if He is tuned out by the things that we allow to distract us, we’re actually denying ourselves access to His promises of triumph.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Terry L. Watson
Photo by
Photography Group
P.O.O.F. Teen Center
Destiny Alexander
Durham, NC
HUB Vendor Meet and Greet
Durham County
Louisville, KY
Serving Her Community
LaMicra Martin
Town of Walls, MS
Leading The Way in Desoto County
Mayor Keidron Henderson
Houston, TX
Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic
Taneka Walker
Dr. Haile Lindsay He is the founder of Lindsay Tutoring Services. Learn more about his services and journey. Bowie, MD
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one cute kid. Her name is Aubree Henry.
Raleigh Police Cheif Estalla D. Patterson
Speaking At Shaw University Derek Whittenburg
The Mayor of Durham Leonardo Williams
Wakaboomee Program Narkie Nartey
Durham County Holds Successful HUB Vendor Meet and Greet
On August 15, 2024, Durham County held a successful Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Vendor Meet and Greet event providing a space for connections between over 140 HUB-certified businesses and representatives from more than 20 county departments. This event, led by County Manager Dr. Kimberly J. Sowell, aligns with Durham County’s aspirational goal of 25% spending with HUB certified businesses.
The event, held during Black Business Month, provided a platform for HUBs to share their expertise and offerings with department representatives, opening doors for future partnerships. The vibrant atmosphere encouraged networking among HUB businesses, promoting collaboration and growth within the local minority and women-owned business community.
“The Office of Supplier Diversity is excited to host an event dedicated to fostering connections between Durham County departments and our diverse network of MWBEs. This program aligns with our ongoing efforts to support and integrate HUB vendors into our procurement processes. This is a strategic step towards enhancing the economic landscape for minority and women-owned businesses in our community. By connecting our departments with HUB certified vendors, we aim to drive inclusive growth and support the vitality of our local economy,” said Shannon Trapp, Durham County Chief of Staff.
Evingerlean Blakney of Blakney Global Solutions, Inc. described the meet and greet as exciting, meaningful, and impactful. “As someone who attends almost every outreach program, this one put me directly in front of those who recruit and retain my services and introduced me to those I didn’t even realize would need my services. I’m walking away from this event far more knowledgeable, feeling extremely confident about future partnerships, and affirmed that Durham County means business about minority-owned businesses. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
The HUB Meet and Greet was coordinated by Nadia Phillips, MWBE Coordinator in the Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with Durham County Leadership Academy, the County’s internal professional development initiative. The Leadership Academy team’s focus is on building strategies to increase MWBE program participation across the county.
“After the event, I had conversations with several department directors who had been introduced to a wide array of businesses and services, prompting them to think creatively about integrating these fresh perspectives,” said Nikko Contti, member of the Leadership Academy and Environmental Health Specialist in Durham County Department of Public Health. “There was so much enthusiasm from all parties at this event and I look forward to seeing what relationships are formed!”
MWBEs in Durham, interested in obtaining HUB certification, are invited to apply for the Certify & Succeed Program, a collaborative effort of Durham County Economic Development and community partner Infinity Bridges. The program assists businesses with the HUB certification process through one-on-one appointments offering support. Additionally, businesses can seek assistance from the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Electronic Vendor Portal (EVP). The portal is designed to connect vendors with state government organizations that purchase goods and services. The NC HUB Office can also offer support.
Minority Economic Development (MED) Week 2024, hosted by Durham County and the City of Durham is coming soon and will offer participants the chance to learn about Historically Underutilized Businesses and access invaluable resources and training. The public is invited to mark their calendars for October 14-17, 2024, and lookout for more information to come about the event geared to celebrating all minority and women-owned businesses. This year’s theme is Solidifying Our Next. This exciting week will feature a range of events designed to empower local businesses to reach the next level. Events include HUB Certification Day, a business fair, a luncheon, and more. Information about MED Week and how to register for events can be found at https://www.dconc.gov/countydepartments/departments-f-z/supplier-diversity/med-week#ad-image-0.
For additional information about Durham County’s HUB Vendor Meet and Greet of MED Week 2024, email Nadia Phillips at nphillips@ dconc.gov.
Information obtained from Press Release h
Dereck Whittenburg Guest Speaker for 2024 Open Convocation
The official welcome ceremony for first year students at Shaw University, the 2024 Opening Convocation, will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. on campus in the C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium. The guest speaker will be Mr. Dereck Whittenburg.
He is the founder of The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation and author of a new book, “The Shot Heard Around The World.” Mr. Whittenburg is a (NC State) basketball great, and college athletic administrator who has been acknowledged for his contributions to collegiate and professional sports both on and off the court. The Whittenburg Foundation has been a long-time provider for scholarships for our students.
Mr. Whittenburg has significantly influenced academia by leveraging his extensive knowledge and experiences to enhance the learning and growth of not only student-athletes but all college students endeavoring to improve their quality of life. He demonstrates a deep commitment to his community and is devoted to fostering emerging talent while championing sportsmanship and professionalism. He serves as a continual wellspring of inspiration for students striving for achievement beyond the realm of sports.
Shaw University students have been the beneficiary of his commitment to enhance learning and growth by yearly supporting student scholarships with funding through his foundation. The foundation’s fundamental ethos is encapsulated in the mantra “Dream. Believe. Work. Now Finish!” ™
As the Fall semester begins, the President takes the stage to deliver a heartfelt charge to the freshmen class, inspiring them to embrace their time at the institution of higher learning.
This gathering marks the first formal occasion for these new students, and it is a truly special moment as they witness the President and faculty dressed in full regalia. The administrative staff also has the option to dress in regalia, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
This ceremony sets the tone for a transformative college experience, where students are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Dr. Paulette Dillard, President of Shaw University, said: “The Shaw family is excited to welcome Mr. Dereck Whittenburg for our Opening Convocation. We look forward to learning about his inspiring journey and hearing word of wisdom and encouragement for our new students and campus community.”
Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically Black institution of higher education founded in North Carolina and is among the oldest in the nation. The University was founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper. Dr. Paulette Dillard currently serves as the University’s 18th President.
Information obtained from Press Release h
P.O.O.F. Teen Center
“We teach them that as long as they hold onto their morals, values, and beliefs, they can achieve great things in life. I understand that change is possible, and despite some teens being dismissed due to their behavior, I believe that in the right environment, at the right time, change can occur, especially with teens.”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Destiny Alexander
Planning Our Own Future, or Planning Our Own Funeral; that is the meaning of the organization’s name, P.O.O.F. The double acronym was chosen by the groups founder and director Destiny Alexander, as she wanted to send two messages. “We teach funeral in terms of legacy not tragedy,” she says.
Destiny says she started her program three years ago, but the vision and the volunteer work started over eight years ago. “POOF began after I became pregnant with my son when I was only 19 years old. His father was sentenced to 25 years in prison when I was eight months pregnant. I understood that he had three things going against him coming into this world: He was a black male, his father was in prison, and society told us he had a higher chance of going to prison because, last but not least, I was a high school dropout. This was a lot, but I knew I had to do something different with him. I had to work to make ends meet. Because of the things that I instilled in him early on, he started planning his own future. He graduated from one of the best schools in the state of North Carolina, The School Math & Science. We both learned that society doesn’t define us. He’s currently enrolled in college on a full ride,” she says.
Destiny is a native of Durham, the Bull City. She is a North Carolina Central University Graduate and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Public Administration. In addition to her son, Destiny has a daughter who is a senior at the City of Medicine and a 10-year-old German Shepherd, Pebbles. “My testimony is short and sweet. I was a single mom, a high school dropout, and financially unstable. I embodied nearly every stereotype imaginable. However, through it all, I’ve learned that society does not define me—I define myself. These are the lessons I aim to impart to the teens we work with. We teach them that as long as they hold onto their morals, values, and beliefs, they can achieve great things in life. I understand that change is possible, and despite some teens being dismissed due to their behavior, I believe that in the right environment, at the right time, change can occur, especially with teens.”
A nonprofit organization, The POOF program is an entrepreneurship pathway program with three pillars: financial literacy, world travel, and life preparation. Each of these pillars is designed to equip teens with essential life skills. Financial literacy is facilitated through the establishment of savings accounts, providing a foundation for financial understanding and responsibility. World travel is encouraged through obtaining and learning about passports, enabling teens to broaden their horizons and experience different cultures firsthand. Life preparation emphasizes the significance of life insurance, ensuring that the importance of this aspect is understood within the black community.
Destiny says, “Our program follows the carrot approach, where we don’t dangle goals so far out of reach that teens give up. We believe in creating a safe space where teens can progress at a pace that suits them. Within the first 30 days of joining our program, they can achieve a milestone (bite a carrot), and within 60 days, they can accomplish another (second bite of the carrot). By 90 days, they are on their second carrot, signifying progress and growth. Our approach is centered around building routines and a safe space of trust, allowing us to understand the needs and aspirations of each teen. We guide them towards further programs, support them in continuing with the travel component, or provide them with the necessary skills within our program. Trust is a crucial component in our work, and once established, it forms the basis for our continued progress and impact in working with teens.”
More than anything, Destiny shares that she loves seeing teens acting their age in a safe space where they can have fun being around each other, not tearing them down. “I enjoy watching their grades go up. I enjoy all of it. I enjoy that we are creating law-abiding citizens and not being part of a statistics,” she says.
Trust is a crucial component in our work, and once established, it forms the basis for our continued progress and impact in working with teens
For most nonprofit organizations, funding can be a real hurdle, and for Destiny and The POOF Teen Center, this also has been the case. Destiny shares that she annually invests $67,000 solely for the building costs of the space they operate in. That is in addition to expenses for food and facilitating activities for the teens. To ensure their teens have a safe and conducive learning environment, she has allocated over $100,000 towards these efforts. “While I have not completely overcome this challenge, I am actively seeking solutions. One approach I am exploring is having a dedicated team member focus on grant writing to secure additional funding. This will not only allow me to continue impacting the teens we currently serve but also expand our reach and impact to a broader audience,” she says.
Moving forward, Destiny says her next objective is to acquire a permanent space for the program. “I am excited about the prospect of creating a dedicated teen space where they can feel like they’re stepping into a different world. Currently, we rent out our space for events to help offset building costs. My dream, hope, and goal are to purchase a space by 2026 that we can transform into a genuine teen center, resonating with the vibe and atmosphere teens desire,” she says.
To learn more about the POOF Teen Center, please visit their website.
Career-Building Gaming Day at UNCG Celebrates Students Who Take the Lead
Narkie Nartey The Wakaboomee Program
By Janet Imrick - University Communications
North Carolina is home to different paths that turn a love for video games into a career. That was on display at UNC Greensboro’s Esports Arena, where a meeting of student-led organizations helped youth see what skills could prepare them for a dream profession.
Middle school and high school students came from across the state to the arena at Moran Commons on July 13 for the Wakaboomee & Friends Gaming Day at UNCG, an event of gaming and inspiring presentations by seven student-led organizations that promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The young people with each of these groups received pins and certificates from North Carolina District 71 Representative Kanika Brown, recognizing their work promoting STEAM in their communities.
The Wakaboomee Program a nonprofit based in Morrisville, puts together virtual and in-person sessions for K-12 students to learn coding, robotics, sports, music, video games, and other hobbies with appeal to youth. They also develop skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and wellness.
“These innovative student-led organizations are already making a real impact in our communities,” says Wakaboomee Program Founder Narkie Nartey. “Coupled with UNCG providing a clear roadmap to careers in the gaming industry and other professions aligned with their thriving initiatives, our students are destined for greatness.”
Student Lead and Inspire
The event hosted representatives from The Wakaboomee Program and six other organizations: Youth Science Organization (YSO), Hawktimus Prime Robotics, VA Tutors, the P.O.O.F. Center, Soccer Moves and Youth Ambassadors of Service.
Photos by Snuggs Photography
Each of these organizations capitalize on the interests of North Carolina youth. With the help of podcasts, workshops, tutoring, competitions, and other services, they show them how to direct their talents toward success as they grow up.
“I am proud that we are recognized for promoting STEM education and contributing to an innovative society where we produce critical thinkers,” says Anay Ravidra, co-founder of YSO.
“I am constantly inspired by the transformative power of our youth,” says Youth Ambassadors of Service Executive Director Sonali Ratnasinghe. “By providing the tools and support they need, we are not just shaping future leaders; we are creating a ripple effect of positive change that will resonate through our communities for years to come.”
Upon meeting at the Esports Arena, the students heard remarks from Rep. Brown, one of the supporters of the event. Gaming Day was also made possible by Eaton, Givefinity, Lenova, and Andrew Cagle, director of UNCG’s state and external affairs.
“Their efforts have paved the way for our nonprofit to experience a day of gaming and inspiration,” says Nartey.
Students Progress to the Next Level
This event is the latest in UNCG Esports’ effort to engage with children and youth across North Carolina. The program also partnered with SparkNC to develop on-demand learning units for high school students interested in high-tech career fields; and provided mentors for the Girls Who Game pilot program for middle and high school students in Guilford County.
The event gave students plenty of time to play and socialize, but the hope of all involved is that the fun and games will become the next step in their journey to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.
“This event is an excellent opportunity to recognize the compassion of the impressive student-led organizations that support The Wakaboomee Program and communities across North Carolina,” says Nartey. h
A Dedicated Professional & Community Leader
By Terry L Watson
Photos Provided by LaMicra Martin
LaMicra Martin of Indiana describes herself as a dedicated professional and community leader.
She has enjoyed a career in health administration, focusing on improving patient experience, safety, and quality care, which has spanned 26-plus years. LaMicra is also a fellow Hoosier Women Forward Alumni, an organization that acts as a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities. In 2018, LaMicra ran for the position of Floyd County Commissioner in Indiana, followed by a run for Floyd County Auditor in Indiana in 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration/Health Information Systems and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she is the sitting Vice President of the Indiana Democratic African-American Caucus (IDAAC) of Indiana.
While serving to meet the needs of her community, LaMicra founded Brothers Reaching Up Higher (B.R.U.H.), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that encourages positive self-esteem and self-worth for young men aged 10-19.
The areas of focus for B.R.U.H are Life Skills, Mental Health, Trade Careers, and Entrepreneurial Guidance. With Life Skills, LaMicra says, “Our community is rich with individuals eager to share their expertise. We collaborate with mentors, professionals, and volunteers who guide our B.R.U.H. young men in developing essential life skills. With Mental Health, we are aware that depression and anxiety disproportionately affect young men, who often lack access to mental health resources. At B.R.U.H., we prioritize self-awareness, self-confidence, and open communication to promote mental well-being.”
As my boys were growing up, their friends would come and stay and hang out all day if they were not in school. Some of the friends would stay longer than normal, which led to the question of what was going on with the home front.
Many trades offer on-the-job training or vocational education. With its Trade Career service, LaMicra’s organization seeks partnerships with companies willing to invest in young men, equipping them with valuable trade skills for a successful future. Finally, with their Entrepreneurial Guidance, they utilize engaging workshops to empower youth with the technical skills necessary for starting their own businesses and pursuing rewarding careers.
B.R.U.H. was created in 2019 for young men. LaMicra shares, “As my boys were growing up, their friends would come and stay and hang out all day if they were not in school. Some of the friends would stay longer than normal, which led to the question of what was going on with the home front. After learning some of their home challenges, I decided to try to give an alternative to living. B.R.U.H. teaches real-life skills and provides mental health check-ins with a licensed therapist.”
In addition to Brother Reaching Up Higher (B.R.U.H), LaMicra also manages Martin & Associates LLC. Martin & Associates LLC offers Event Planning and Coordination, Event Design and Décor, Catering Services, Entertainment and Activities, Audio-Visual Services, On-Site Management, and Notary Services. Martin & Associates LLC derived from LaMicra’s Gifts & Décor, a home-based business that decorated for events and made items for decorations. “We collectively combined and added to the business, including notary services in 2018,” she says.
LaMicra says that she loves bringing joy to her clients. “Our services are designed to create memorable and successful events tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of our clients. Creating a space for individuals and families to have a day to celebrate their joys, accomplishments, birthdays, and dreams, and knowing that we are a part of their occasion, inspires me daily,” she says.
As a business owner, LaMicra has faced some adversities. One was ensuring a steady cash flow and also managing finances effectively. Attracting new clients to continue to build a loyal customer base, which takes time and effort is another challenge she has faced. Staying ahead of competitors, which can be difficult, to differentiate their services and maintain a competitive edge is another challenge she has faced.
LaMicra’s future plans involve continuing to support her community in the capacities that she is able to. Her plans also involve assisting with finding the right vendors and venues for her clients’ events. h
Town of Walls - Desoto County
By Terry L. Watson
Keidron Henderson
Keidron Henderson has a strong affinity for the Town of Walls, MS, one of the main reasons why he became Mayor. “I just wanted to serve,” he says.
Upon being elected, Keidron Henderson rewrote the history books. He is not only the first African American Mayor in the town of Walls but also the first African American Mayor of any municipality in DeSoto County’s history. In the mid-90s, Desoto County became the third fastest-growing county in the United States, and even today, it remains the fastest-growing county in the state of Mississippi. With a population of nearly 1,300, Walls is the slowest-growing part of Desoto County, and Mayor Keidron has made a commitment to serve and do what is needed to move his county forward.
That commitment was made in 2020 when he was elected Mayor, and in five years, things have happened. Before being elected, Walls did not have a new subdivision to break ground in over a decade. Under his leadership, they have broken ground on four new subdivisions, they have the largest Solar Farm in Mississippi, and the town’s Fire Station is vamping up its training to accommodate its staff in-house. They have also added more officers to the Police Department and additional MTE’s to the Municipal Office. Even today, they do not have a bank or grocery store, but Mayor Henderson remains optimistic. In all of their growth and changes, Keidron has kept his focus on maintaining his town’s quality of life.
Keidron Henderson is a native of Walls, Mississippi. He attended Horn Lake High School and later went on to attend The University of Mississippi. His ultimate goal was to play professional football in the National Football League, though his dream was sidelined due to injuries he suffered in high school and college. He is a husband, a father of four, and has two grandchildren.
Photos by Mayor
Mayor Henderson is a “casino guy.” He has worked in the casino business for over 20 years, which was his first job after graduating college. While the compensation for being Mayor doesn’t cover all of his family’s needs, Mayor Henderson continues to work in the casino industry today.
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Mayor Henderson says it’s the service part of it. “We have spearheaded some great events. The senior population is often left out of the equation when communities plan grandiose events. We have made it a priority not to exclude this portion of our population and create activities and opportunities just for them. Our youth are very important as well. Recently, we gave away free backpacks and free haircuts, as well as lunch during an event. We were also able to partner with the YMCA and their Delivering Smiles program. Parents were able to get free meals for their kids. Being a part of programs such as these and bringing stakeholders together makes it all worth it,” he shares.
Recently, Mayor Henderson lost his mother, Betty J. Henderson. That loss is something that he continues to deal with, and he says she had the most significant impact on his life. “When you are seventeen years old, and you see your dreams dissipate from your eyes, your mother will say some encouraging things to you. She told me that God didn’t probably have the NFL in my plan, but He had great things in my plan. My mother spent thirty-three days in the hospital, and we talked about some great things in her final days. She reminded me of the conversation we had about me doing great things. Being Mayor is an example of having the opportunity to do great things in terms of service. She taught me to love people and always to be humble. She taught me that no matter what type of success I was able to be blessed with, always to be humble and love people. That skill has served me well, not only in being Mayor but also in my professional career. It’s not easy, but it is a learnable skill that my mama taught me,” he shares.
When you are seventeen years old, and you see your dreams dissipate from your eyes, your mother will say some encouraging things to you. She told me that God didn’t probably have the NFL in my plan, but He had great things in my plan.
Mayor Henderson also credits Gary Anderson with having a significant impact on his life. Gary was the Vice President of Start Operations at Horse Shoe Casino. He moved to Mississippi to open a new market in the early 90s. “He took me under his wing and became my personal mentor. He taught me how to protect margins, financial attributes, casino design, budgeting, forecasting; Literally everything that I know about the Casino industry, he taught me,” Mayor Henderson shares.
It is apparent that Mayor Henderson’s journey has been full of twists and turns, and he professes there isn’t much that he would change about the way things have happened. “You learn something from every fork in the road that you take. God has given me this journey, and it is designed to fulfill His purpose in my life. Every challenge and every setback is already written. If I had the power to change anything, it would be for my mother to be healthy. I wouldn’t have wanted for her to develop her sickness, and she would be here to see the things that I am doing. This is my journey, and I just want to make sure that when God comes for me, I don’t have any music left in my music box,” he says.
Looking ahead, Mayor Henderson says that he is looking forward to making the Town of Walls, MS, better for all citizens. Due to its geographical location and close relationship to Memphis, TN, Walls has a lot of potential on various fronts. “My focus as Mayor is to move our town forward. I want to do more of what we have already been doing. I want to provide access to all citizens. For any stakeholders in our community who want to be a part of furthering our town forward, the door is wide open for them. The door is wide open for everyone, and no one has to look in the peephole.” h
Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams Selected for Bloomberg Harvard Leadership Initiative
City of Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams announced that he has been selected for the eighth class of the Bloomberg Harvard Leadership Initiative, joining 39 mayors from 11 countries across five continents to participate in the yearlong professional management training program.
Established by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School as a first-of-its-kind program to help close the gap in executive development for the public sector, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative equips mayors and senior city leaders with the tools and expertise to expand their problem-solving capacity, strengthen their city halls, and improve outcomes for residents as cities confront increasingly global challenges. With this announcement, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative will have provided training to 314 mayors and over 540 senior city leaders across 34 countries and six continents since its launch in 2017.
“I am honored to be a member of this year’s class of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative,” Mayor Williams said. “Through my participation, I will focus on ways to improve the outcomes of our youth through public-private partnerships and community engagement. This opportunity to engage with my peers from across the world will be invaluable, and I look forward to bringing the lessons learned back to the Bull City.”
A program of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative brings together Harvard faculty, staff, and students, alongside experts from Bloomberg Philanthropies’ global network, to work with the mayors and their senior officials over the course of one year. Through a combination of intensive classroom, virtual, and field-based learnings and offerings, the Initiative helps these leaders bolster their teams’ use of data and evidence, drive collaboration and innovation across sectors, and deliver impact for communities.
In addition to the core coursework and meetings with peers, each city is able to access additional offerings, including executive education programs for their economic development, civic engagement, human resources, negotiation, and procurement leads; opportunities to host a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow for up to two years; and instructional research and materials to help city leaders improve key organizational practices.
Special Assistant to the Mayor Derrick Stanfield and Budget and Management Services Assistant Director Andrew Holland also will begin the program in August.
About The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University
Founded in 2021 with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. The center is designed to have widespread impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world. For more information, please visit cities.harvard.edu or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, or contact Sam Fuld, sam@bloomberg.org or Maria Daniels, maria_daniels@harvard.edu.
Information obtained from Press Release h
Estalla D. Patterson
Cheif of Raleigh Police Department
Estella D. Patterson was appointed Chief of the Raleigh Police Department on Aug. 1, 2021. As Raleigh’s senior law enforcement official, Chief Patterson leads the capital city’s police department of over 900 sworn and civilian employees. With a goal of making Raleigh the safest city in the nation, Chief Patterson’s priorities are to reduce violent crime, increase community engagement, and increase efficiency and morale throughout the Department.
Before joining the Raleigh Police Department, Chief Patterson served with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department from 1996-2021 in numerous capacities including patrol officer, instructor, recruitment director, Internal Affairs commander, and Patrol Services Deputy Chief. Aside from serving her community as a public safety professional, Chief Patterson served her country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1996-2005. Her service included combat tours to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian and to Iraq as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Chief Patterson currently serves as an executive board member and second vice-president of the N.C. Police Executives Association. She is also a Commissioner on the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission which regulates the training, certification, and policy making for all police officers in the state of North Carolina. Additionally, she is a member of the Eastern NC chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).
Chief Patterson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in criminal justice from the University of Oklahoma. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and attended the 56th Session of the Senior Management Institute for Police. As a law enforcement professional and dedicated public servant, Chief Patterson’s passions lie in building collaborative partnerships in the community and engaging the youth through positive mentoring initiatives.
Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother
By Terry L. Watson
CHAPTER FIVE: Adapting To New Difficulties
Throughout the caregiving experience for my Mother, one thing has always been consistent: one day is never the same as the day before.
Adapting to the constant change has also helped me to learn a lot of new things about myself. I have been known to be a little anxious and impatient; however, while caring for my Mother, that responsibility has always required a new level of patience. Furthermore, while watching others care for her, some professionally trained, some serving from the depths of their hearts, I have always measured their efforts by how they respond during difficult moments. Being a caregiver requires that the person administering the care possesses one important gift: the ability to care for someone just as much or even more than they would care for themselves.
When I decided to bring my Mother into my home to live, I admit that I didn’t fully understand what I was getting myself into. (For details about my thoughts at the time, please read Chapter One of this series.) It’s Mom, and I am here for whatever she needs, yet caring for her needs has been so much more than that.
To know my Mom, I mean to truly understand her; you also understand the significance and importance of her visits to the hair salon. Within the first month of arriving at my home, I was seeking ways to help make her feel more like her old self. Her physicians had informed our family that Mom would never be the old version of herself, and due to the damage of the brain injury she endured, she would have little or no memory of what life used to be for her. Still, getting her to the salon, I thought, would provide a place to connect, socialize, and embrace her womanness among other women. For the most part, my Mother spent a lot of time with me, her grown son, and by God’s grace, she didn’t lose her genuine self. Getting her to a former place where she blossomed into her full beauty, I believed, would be good for her.
The day arrived for Mom to visit her stylist, and when presence was made inside the building, her emotions began to rise from within. There were some tears, but I processed those to be representatives of some emotions that had been silenced for nearly four months. Her stylist was happy to see her, and my Mom was even happier to see her, but I was more astonished by the first thing that my Mother said to her stylist. “Look what happened to me?” I knew then it was my time to sit in the waiting room as she had arrived in her element, and she was about to receive some much-needed healing and therapy from her personal hairstylist.
When my Mother’s session was complete, we got back into my car and headed back home. Of course, I took some photos of her fresh, new style. She was popping, and I was sure to capture this moment for her and my family, who weren’t there. It was refreshing to see her look sort of like her old self but even more beautiful. I felt as if I was looking at a new version of her, free of the toxins that played a role in leading up to her stroke. I also realized that ensuring that each day for the rest of her days is better and more memorable than each day before. I am a son first and then a caregiver. 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!
Dr. Lindsay Tutoring Services
By Terry L. Watson
Lindsay Tutoring Services moves by the motto “Providing tutoring excellence in the subjects of science, math, and engineering.” Owned and founded by Rev. Dr. Haile K. Lindsay, Lindsay Tutoring Services focuses on serving students of all types, from children to adults, from elementary school to college. They offer a variety of services that focus on the following topics: Math, Science, Engineering, and Standardized Test Preparation.
Math: These services include Elementary School Math, Middle School Math, Middle School/High School Algebra I, High School Algebra II, High School Geometry, High School Trigonometry, High School/College Precalculus, High School/ College Calculus, and College Calculus.
Science: These services include Elementary School Science, Middle School Science, High School Physics, High School Chemistry, College Physics, and College Chemistry.
General Engineering: The services offered include General Engineering, Statics, Mechanical Engineering Design, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Thermodynamics.
Standardized Test Preparation: Services offered include SAT Prep for Mathematics and ACT Prep for Mathematics.
Dr. Lindsay is a native of Greensboro, NC, and resides in Bowie, Maryland. He is the only child of the late Janice Foust and the youngest of two of Michael Friday. Dr. Lindsay matriculated through Guilford County Schools and graduated from James B. Dudley High School in 1997. After Dudley, he attended NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, and majored in Mechanical Engineering. Due to the favor of God, the support of his family and hard work, Dr. Lindsay earned a B.S. (summa cum laude) in 2001, a M.S. in 2003, and a PhD in 2007.
After completing his studies at NC A&T, Dr. Lindsay accepted a job with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where he has been employed since 2008. While at the NRC, some of his accolades include the Special Recognition Award at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards in February 2013, the NRC’s EEO Award for African Americans in 2014, and the NRC’s Meritorious Service Award for EEO Excellence in 2021.
Dr. Lindsay has been happily married to his wife, Pamela, for almost 20 years, and they have three children, Tory, Tiras, and Tierra, and four grandchildren: Micah, Kassius, Victoria,
and Tory, Jr. Additionally, Dr. Lindsay serves as an associate minister at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in Upper Marlboro, MD, and has been a member there since 2009. He was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in 2015.
After years of serving as a tutor for a couple of companies in the area, Dr. Lindsay made the decision to launch Lindsay Tutor Services in 2016. He shares he knew that all he had to do was trust God in the process. “Lindsay Tutoring Services is grateful to God for providing us the opportunity to tutor some great young men, women, and adults. We have had numerous students matriculate through high school and onto college. Over this past year, we’ve had a hand in two young men who graduated from high school and now are headed to Morgan State University and Virginia State University, respectively,” he says.
When asked what he loves most about what he does, Dr. Lindsay says it’s the opportunity to see his clients excel and gain confidence in the work they are doing. He also loves the opportunity to serve and mentor others. Those are understandable joys of success. However, with success also comes challenges. Lindsay Tutoring Services has been forced to learn how to manage a flow of steady clientele coupled with having so many other responsibilities; though challenging, it appears that he has adapted quite well.
Moving forward, Dr. Lindsay shares that he plans to continue to impact lives by providing tutoring excellence to clients in the subjects of science, math, and engineering. He also plans to continue to make a digital footprint on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. “Our company will continue to grow thanks in large part to the parents and clients who believed in Lindsay Tutoring Services,” he says.
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Photos by Dr. Haile Lindsay
Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic
By Terry L. Watson
Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, Taneka Walker has committed her life to serving and helping others.
Taneka is a dedicated family nurse practitioner. After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and served her country while simultaneously pursuing her passion for nursing. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University. She added to her educational merits and obtained two graduate degrees: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing. Beyond her professional achievements, Taneka is a loving mother of two. She retired from the military in April 2023 after serving for 25 years. “My commitment to both my family and career exemplifies my dedication to helping others and living life to the fullest,” she says.
Today, Taneka is the owner of Walker Wellness & Aesthetics Clinic, based in Houston, TX. The Brand is wellness and aesthetics, and their tagline is “Experience Wellness The Walker Way”. Her company began in 2022 under the parent name of The Scalp Boss. Taneka shares that The Scalp Boss was founded based on the personal challenges she faced in her everyday life, such as alopecia and the pressure and stress of maintaining military weight standards. These experiences fueled her passion to create solutions that help others overcome similar struggles. “Our mission is to provide support and effective treatments for those dealing with hair loss and weight management issues, empowering them to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.”
Now operating under the name Walker Wellness and Aesthetics Clinic, her goal is to provide a range of services tailored for individuals looking to regain their lost confidence, whether due to hair loss, weight gain, aging, or the challenges of everyday life. Their offerings include Hair Restoration, Medical Wigs, Medical Weight Loss programs, Botox and Aesthetic treatments, and DOT examinations.
Our mission is to provide support and effective treatments for those dealing with hair loss and weight management issues, empowering them to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.
Photos by Taneka Walker
As a nurse practitioner and business owner, Taneka admits that she loves restoring confidence in her clients. She also professes to be a firm believer in the power of knowledge and takes great joy in educating her clients and empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
Taneka adds that her original focus was on aesthetics and hair loss services, but the services that have garnered the most attention have been weight loss services. “Despite it being my passion, I realized the need and started to provide the services that made a difference for my clients. It forced me to look at the market differently, and due to an agile business response, I was able to re-brand and offer the original service but put more focus on overall wellness. Developing that service line forced me to pivot and adjust to the needs of others. One of my slogans was restoring confidence one strand at a time. Now I’m restoring health one pound at a time. Learning to be agile has been one of the best moves I have made as a small business owner,” she says.
Developing a business from the ground up has been very challenging, Taneka says. “My challenge was developing an entire business model revolving around aesthetics and hair loss. I learned that when you have created a business model around one aspect and another aspect takes off, it creates challenges. Resources were tied into that promotion, but the other services that were not as funded started to take off. As a business owner, I learned to adjust and start to do what the customer requests. I made changes and started to market appropriately out of my own pocket to fund this new line of business. What I learned from this is to adjust and understand what to put the resources on and make changes that keep you afloat. You can be stubborn and close, or you can be agile and adaptable; making the changes and becoming Walker Wellness has been a move that has positioned me for sustainability moving forward.”
Branding and marketing are some other consistent challenges that Taneka has faced. From navigating ever-changing algorithms to keeping up with the latest social media trends. She says, “The digital landscape evolves rapidly, requiring constant adaptation and creativity to stay relevant. It can be overwhelming to manage these demands while also focusing on providing top-notch services to clients. However, these challenges also present opportunities to connect with a broader audience and showcase the unique value our clinic offers. By staying agile and embracing innovative marketing strategies, I aim to build a strong, recognizable brand that resonates with our community.”
Looking ahead, Taneka plans to expand her practice by opening several locations throughout the Houston and Dallas areas. This growth will allow her to serve more clients and bring herr specialized care to a wider community. Additionally, she plans to introduce new services and innovative treatments to stay at the forefront of wellness and aesthetics. “By continually evolving and improving, I aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of even more individuals seeking to regain their confidence and well-being.” www.walkerwellness.org h
