Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham Dec./Jan. 2025 by Terry Watson

RALEIGH/DURHAM

Dec./Jan. 2025 Volume 5 Issue 6

Trishonda

Roberson She Empowers, Inc Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

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Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

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Staying Focused To Finish The Assignment There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter From The Editor

According to the online dictionary www.cambridge.org, the definition of the word distraction is something that prevents someone giving their attention to something else. Within A Letter from from the Editor the context of this definition, my focus is drawn to two words. Prevents and attention. It is my understanding that when we What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes allow our focus to be captivated by anything other than our goals, andprevents dreams wouldn’t a street to park on. What ifthe word it also us from have reaching them. I also connect everything that youas decided to put tomorrow nevermy focus with attention, whatever hasoff myuntil attention, so does happened? focus reside. There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making www.huamimagazine.com promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired I would never consider myself to be an avid reader. I can Terry L Watson Publisher today? What would do? like coming from someone who www.huamimagazine.com only imagine what thatyou sounds Dorjae’ McClammey Editor In Chief Writer publishes magazines for a living, but I’m not. One of the hardest Terry L. Watson Writer Terry L. Watson I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. things for me to do is finish a book. I will start to read it, and Alana AllenHill - Deputy Editor Sherry Rogers Writer Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm make some pretty good progress through the chapters, and then Monica Montgomery Writer believer in knowing wouldn’t put anything on me This Writers nothing happens. For that someGod reason or another, I lose interest. Tonya Dixon that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would happens to me with each book. There have been times when I Terry L. Watson be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I Ashleigh Crawley Alana Allen Photographer have made it to the last chapter and then nothing. Tamara Smith have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity Todd Youngblood Jeuron Dove Photographer Katrena Wize Photographer is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge Photographers It is obvious that I must have allowed myself to be distracted, to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? Todd Youngblood Photography Perfect Lenz Photography andIfwhatever distracted me also took my focus. Our ability I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn Shaw Photography Group to focus on the task at hand has aRelinquish lot to do with our ability Still Shots Photography General Inquiries something new about myself. your pride and into Howard Gaither Photography Who Shotya Photography complete the assignment. It is easier for me to start something return acquire life. huami.triangle@gmail.com like reading a book, but if I lose my focus, my ability to finish or Layout (336)340-7844 Mykel Media Company even The maintain a reasonable pace can be quite difficult. That has a best advice ever given to me happened when someone GeneralBennett Inquiries Linda lot told to do with my vulnerability to distraction. terry.editor@yahoo.com me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only mykelmedia@yahoo.com Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC When we allow ourselves be distracted, we arebetween also robbing (336) 340-7844 hope provided. I have alsoto learned the difference 2025 All Rights Reserved ourselves of the opportunity to succeed Justme like HUAMI MAGAZINE is published quarterly by the what God blesses me with and what lifeand canwin. burden with Mykel Media Company. Any reproduction of any racehorses blinders directtotheir vision toand what is as well. Ihave compare it toapplied knowingtowhen be confident portion of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to happening in front of them, in thewhen race of life, having metaphorical to be quiet, because doing so. Mykel Media doesn’t accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or blinders such as these may assist with winning. someone may get it confused advertisers. Comments concerning this publication with being arrogant. may be submitted to the editor by E-mail at terrywatson@huamimagazine.com God wants us to stay focused on terry.editor@yahoo.com or to Make youso, tomorrow Him. By doing we allow Him to Mykel Media Company, LLC happen today, but manage everything elsemost that may P.O. Box 20102 Greensboro, NC 27420 importantly make it count. try to slow our progression, much of HUAMI MAGAZINE 2014 All Rights Reserved is but a whisper andanyway. whatLife really doesn’t matter we must ourselves in a to In 2025, I haveput made a promise position what it is myself to nottobehear distracted and telling us. to stay focused on what God has assigned for me to do.

Terry L. Watson Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

HuamiMagazine.com

November/December 2014

Scan The QR Code Above To Visit Our Website On The Cover

Photo by Shaw Photography Group

Want To Advertise? Call (336)340-7844

Low Country Youth Services

ReZsaun Lewis

On The Cover She Empowers

Trishonda Roberson

Durham, NC Work Session Planned for Jan. 6th

Durham County Commissioners Durham, NC Serving Their Community

The North Carolina Black Alliance

DEC./JAN. 2025

RALEIGH/DURHAM

CONTENTS

Meeting The Needs of Families

Neka Willis-Dorsey

06 07

Love and Unity

Becoming A Caregiver

New Hope Missionary Baptist

Dr. Gary L. Brown

We are coming to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC. The Huami Magazine Community Awards 2025 Charlotte, NC

17 She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Baby Myonn’e.

26 5

What’s Happening In Our Community

Board of County Commissioners to Hold Work Session on January 6 The Durham Board of County Commissioner (BOCC) is hosting an in-person Work Session at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025. Meetings are held inside the Commissioners’ Chambers, located on the second floor of the Administration I Building at 200 E. Main St. This is the first scheduled Work Session of 2025 of the fivemember Board, made up of Chair Nida Allam, Vice Chair Dr. Mike Lee, and Commissioners Wendy Jacobs, Michelle Burton, and Stephen J. Valentine. Click here for the full BOCC schedule for 2025. The public is welcome to attend all BOCC meetings. There is no sign-up sheet or request form to attend meetings. Inperson attendees are reminded of the benefits of masking while in indoor spaces populated by others. Residents who wish to watch meetings are encouraged to continue to watch live on the County’s website or on the Durham County Government YouTube Channel. Recorded meetings are also available on these two sites. For those who want to watch meetings live on Durham Television Network, great news as DTN has returned to the Spectrum channel lineup. Anyone who wishes to view the BOCC sessions can watch them live on DTN (Spectrum Channel 8 and 1302). Replays of the Board’s Regular Sessions are available on DTN as well on Spectrum, Frontier Communications (Channel 70), and AT&T U-verse (Channel 99). Residents may also download the BoxCast app, available for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV and search for “City of Durham” to find content available on demand. The Commissioners employ a hybrid option for staff and residents who wish to join Work or Regular Session meetings virtually via Zoom, making it possible for those who cannot make it to downtown Durham to participate. The information about joining the Work Session on Monday, December 2, virtually is as follows:

In-Person Speaking Option: · All speakers must give their full name and address to give citizen comments or complete the Public Comment Regarding Agenda Items form and submit it to the Clerk prior to the start of the meeting to speak on agenda items. Public Comment forms are also provided at the meeting. Rules for Public Comment on Agenda Items can be found here. Hybrid Speaking Option: · All speakers must submit their full name and address via email or telephone to the Clerk to the Board at 919-560-0025. These submissions must be completed by 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 5. · All virtual participants will be muted upon entry to the meeting. If they are signed up to speak, they will be unmuted individually by the Clerk’s office during the appropriate time of the meeting to speak. The agenda for all BOCC meetings can be accessed here, as soon as they are available.

· Online link to join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/84923472545?pwd=jg6Qmeas3EM8OggaxCObwbOenOjN Da.1 OR https://bit.ly/DCoBOCC010625

The next Regular Session for the Board will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 13.

· ·

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, visit here. Contact information for the Commissioners can be found on the Board’s webpage.

Dial-In Number: 929-436-2866 Meeting ID: 849 2347 2545 Passcode: 071882

Please note: The Clerk to the Board requires everyone to include their full first and last name to be admitted to the Zoom session.

Residents now also have the option to deliver citizen comments or speak on agenda items for the meeting in person or virtually.

Residents may also call the Clerk to the Board at 919-560-0025 or email clerk@dconc.gov with any other questions.

What’s Happening In Our Community

The North Carolina Black Alliance www.ncblackalliance.org 2024 brought profound challenges and transformative opportunities. From the outset, NCBA recognized what was at stake: the urgency of tackling voter apathy and bridging the gap between the everyday concerns of Black communities and the systems meant to represent us. While systemic barriers make this work far from quick, it remains essential. Despite the challenges, we saw resilience and inspiration in our communities that will propel us into 2025. Here’s what we accomplished together: - Connected with over 50,000 Black voters in North Carolina by phone and more than 105,000 through face-to-face conversations at their doors. - Partnered to organize over 1,000 rides to the polls, ensuring access to democracy. - Made healthcare providers and services accessible to over 1,000 people in our communities. - Trained 19 certified lactation professionals from Black and Brown communities. - Invested over a quarter million dollars in nearly 100 community partners, supporting environmental justice, workforce development, healthcare, and HBCUs. - Trained 40 attorneys across the state to protect election integrity at the polls. In the immediate aftermath of the general elections, as more than 60,000 voters awaited confirmation that their votes were counted, NCBA deployed volunteers statewide to reclaim every ballot and remind our communities that democracy is more than just one election or candidate. This work doesn’t end with voting; it’s about holding elected officials accountable and empowering Black people to lead at every level—from school boards to city councils and beyond. Together, we shape our future. Thank you to OUR community and partners. Your support and trust make this work possible. As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and determination, knowing we’ll continue this vital work together. Thank you for standing with us to center the needs of Black communities and build a future of equity and resilience. The North Carolina Black Alliance (NCBA), a 501(c)(3), works toward state-level systemic change by strengthening the network of elected officials representing communities of color throughout the state and collaborating with progressive, grassroots networks on intersecting issues. These issues range from voting rights, gerrymandering, criminal justice reform, health and wellness, economic development to education. The Alliance is an intergovernmental network of African American legislators, county commissioners, school board members, and municipal elected officials centered by a commitment to ambitiously address broad issues of inequality and fairness. NCBA collaborates with strategic partners to advance the work of those organizations and to enhance intentional collaboration with black constituencies. We also seek to collaborate with strategic partners to advance the work of those organizations and to enhance intentional collaboration with black constituencies.

HuamiMagazine.com

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

Trishonda Roberson She Empowers, Inc By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Neka Willis-Dorsey

Trishonda Roberson of Rocky Mount, NC, describes herself as simply a woman from a small town with a big heart and an even bigger vision for her community. She is deeply rooted in her faith as a lover of Jesus, and her life reflects her commitment to serving others. Trishonda is the founder and CEO of She Empowers, a nonprofit dedicated to the wholistic development of women. She is also the Executive Director of The REACH Center located in Rocky Mount, NC, which provides essential services related to housing, hunger, health, and healing. Through her leadership and passion, Trishonda is deeply committed to empowering women and serving her community. Trishonda holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and is a member of the NC Rural Economic Development Institute. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Christian Community Development Association and provides coaching to pastors and leaders through the Iwa Collaborative. Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Trishonda spent over 15 years as a Registered Nurse, specializing in mental health and substance abuse. She is a graduate of Fruitland Bible College, where she received a certificate in Christian Ministry, and she currently serves as a community pastor at Word Tabernacle Church in Rocky Mount under the leadership of Pastor James D. Gailliard. As a daughter, caregiver, pastor, author, nonprofit director, and coach, Trishonda wears many hats. She is passionate about empowering others and making a lasting impact on her community through her various roles. Her work is driven by her deep love for people and her desire to see them grow and thrive. She Empowers began as a result of Trishonda spending much of her career as a Registered Nurse specializing in mental health and substance abuse. She says, “I was always drawn to those who felt lost, without purpose, and who often sought validation through unhealthy relationships. I especially connected with women struggling with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as food, alcohol, sex, and peoplepleasing—because I had faced those same challenges in my own life. In 2014, I realized that God was calling me to serve women in a deeper way beyond the walls of the nursing floor. That calling led to the creation of She Empowers.”

Trishonda says the vision behind She Empowers is simple: “To impact and transform the world, one woman at a time.” She adds, “We achieve this by equipping women with tools and strategies that focus on interpersonal skills, relationship building, spiritual and leadership growth, and economic sustainability. She Empowers is more than a program; it’s a mission to see women live empowered, purposeful lives.” One of its key initiatives of She Empowers is She Leads Well (SLW), which focuses on helping women address and overcome challenges in their spiritual and mental well-being. Trishonda says, “As women, we often juggle multiple roles and put on a brave face, even when we’re struggling internally. Busy schedules can leave little room to pause and recharge. Our SLW wellness retreats are intentionally created to provide a space for reflection, rest, and renewal. These retreats offer women the opportunity to embrace silence and solitude, strengthening their connection with God and their sense of self.” In addition to retreats, their program offers one-on-one coaching for women eager to understand how God has uniquely designed them. Using a variety of assessment tools, they help women uncover their spiritual gifts, align those gifts with their passions, and discover their God-given purpose. Through the process of inner healing, Trishonda and her team also assist women in identifying and overcoming past hurts and traumas. For those seeking group support, their I Am Thirty-One program is a 6-week group coaching experience that fosters growth, healing, and empowerment within a supportive community.

“I especially connected with women struggling with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as food, alcohol, sex, and people-pleasing—because I had faced those same challenges in my own life.”

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

HuamiMagazine.com

Trishonda adds that Economic sustainability is a core aspect of their mission, with a focus on guiding individuals through the process of launching and managing businesses, especially nonprofits. “In partnership with NC IDEA, we hosted our first 8-week entrepreneurial cohort in Halifax County. This program was specifically designed to help women transform their mindset, equipping them to achieve success in both their business endeavors and personal growth.” While She Empowers primary focus is on empowering women, they have recently introduced products and services designed to benefit women, men, and youth alike. Their Next Level Leadership Luncheon is tailored for high school and college students, with an emphasis on fostering personal growth and development. Additionally, our Power Juice line features freshly cold-pressed juices infused with sea moss, a nutrient-rich superfood known for its numerous health benefits. When asked what she loves most about her program, Trishonda says it’s the opportunity to witness the transformation that occurs when her clients realize their worth, embrace their unique gifts, and step into their God-given purpose. She says, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide women as they overcome challenges, heal from past wounds, and gain clarity about their goals. Seeing them grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and achieve breakthroughs in their personal and professional lives inspires me daily. Empowering women to thrive not only changes their lives but also creates a ripple effect that positively impacts their families, communities, and beyond.” As an African-American woman leading a woman-focused organization, Trishonda has faced several challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles she shares has been overcoming biases and stereotypes that sometimes come with being both a woman and a minority in leadership.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide women as they overcome challenges, heal from past wounds, and gain clarity about their goals. Seeing them grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and achieve breakthroughs in their personal and professional lives inspires me daily.”

Like many small businesses, funding the vision has been a significant challenge. She adds that turning big ideas into reality requires financial resources, and securing funding while building credibility has been an uphill climb. Additionally, finding the right partners and supporters—those who truly align with the mission and values of the organization—has required discernment and perseverance. Despite these challenges, Trishonda admits that she has learned to lean on faith, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward, knowing that the work her program does has the potential to create a lasting impact in the lives of women and the broader community. Trishonda credits her parents with being the greatest inspiration and the most significant influence in her life. She shares their unwavering dedication and strong work ethic, even in the face of challenges, taught her the values of perseverance and resourcefulness. “They showed me how to take what little we had and make it work, always emphasizing the importance of gratitude and resilience,” she says. Moving forward, Trishonda plans for She Empowers to focus on growth, impact, and long-term sustainability. “I aim to expand our wellness retreats, coaching programs, and leadership initiatives to reach more women, particularly in underserved communities. This includes offering both in-person and virtual options to make our services more accessible to a wider audience. She also plans to increase the financial sustainability of She Empowers by diversifying its funding sources, strengthening its community presence, and providing leadership development for herself and the women the program serves. h

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

HuamiMagazine.com

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

Lowcountry Youth Services By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Neka Willis-Dorsey

ReZsaun Lewis is the Executive Director of Lowcountry Youth Services. Lowcountry Youth Services is a youth development youth engagement organization that specializes in creating and implementing mentoring programs in the TriCounty area. Lowcountry Youth Services, originally Connections and You, Inc., was founded in October 2008 by Ricardo Perry in Hanahan. The aim was to create the Bennie Warren home for boys, but challenges led to the creation of the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club (DGC) instead. DGC began in 2010 with 12 boys and quickly grew, expanding into multiple chapters by 2013. By 2017, DGC became a nonprofit, merging its branches into one. Since its start, DGC has mentored over 350 boys. ReZsaun says, “Our mentoring programs provide a platform for young people to build positive connections with adults and peers through youth empowerment groups. Our organization implements an evidence-based curriculum from the Council for Boys and Young Men and The Girls’ Circle to give participants a chance to learn meaningfully about themselves and the world around them.” When describing who ReZsaun is, there are a number of adjectives to choose from. He is a husband, father, sports fanatic, hip-hop head, and child of God. He is also a veteran of the United States Army and a proud native of the North Charleston community. He came on board as a member of Lowcountry Youth Services in 2016 and became the Executive Director in 2019. “Our goal is to help youth get attached to the village. An old African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child”. The village is our community. We take a lot of pride in building the village around the people in our community,” he says.

“Our goal is to help youth get attached to the village. An old African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child”. The village is our community. We take a lot of pride in building the village around the people in our community.”

Before coming to Lowcountry Youth Services, ReZsaun worked as an elementary school’s fourth- and fifth-grade teacher. He also worked with the afterschool program at the same school. ReZsaun soon learned that the students needed more, particularly the young men in his school. He would work with other educators to create a program for young men called the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Society at St. Stephen Elementary School. The program would become a success, and ReZsaun knew there was more work for him to do, particularly in the realm of mentorship. This is how he would arrive at Lowcountry Youth Services. Today, Lowcountry Youth Services has established a Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club and several other programs, including Queens’ Being, Young Men Rise, Girls On The Rise, and the Young Leaders Institute. When asked what he loves most about what he does, ReZsaun says he loves the relationships that he is able to build in his community. “I love being able to see the city in which I grew up in a different light. I love the kids and the relationships that I have with them. Our organization serves over 500 kids on an annual basis, and I have a hand in each and every activity. Being able to see those kids go from as young as third grade up to graduation and beyond is really dope. I can’t do it without the help of our amazing staff. We have six paid staff members and 40 volunteer staff members. These include teachers, military members, engineers, entrepreneurs, news anchors, and more. They are so humble and inspirational. They keep me grounded and drive me to keep going,” he says.

In addition to having the support of his staff, ReZsaun credits a few others who have greatly impacted his life and career. “I had a teacher named Mrs. Mary Ann Williams. She was my sixth-grade chorus teacher. She took this kid (me) who had no guidance and no direction and really helped me to find something that I really loved, which was music, and taught me how to cultivate that skill. She also taught me the importance of leadership and why it is important to stand out even when you stand alone and to create spaces for other people.” ReZsaun also credits his wife, Angela, for inspiring him. “My wife encourages me to be a better version of myself each day.” He also finds inspiration in the lives of his four daughters and two sons, along with many others. It sounds like there is never a dull moment in ReZsaun’s household.

HuamiMagazine.com

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

As the Executive Director of Lowcountry Youth Services, he has faced a few challenges. One is funding. “Funding for organizations led by Brown and Black people is very hard to find. Not having the funds can be very frustrating because there is so much that we want to do. I manage these challenges by maximizing whatever is in my capacity. If we can’t do it yet, then we can’t do it yet, but we keep it on our dream board. Many kids who can benefit from an organization like ours are being left behind, but we can’t reach them due to a lack of funding. That is very frustrating,” ReZsaun shares. Looking ahead, ReZsaun appears to be focused on positioning Lowcountry Youth Services for success. “We have just launched a statewide mentor network organization called South Carolina Mentors, which is working to bring the entire state on to one accord in terms of what mentorship is. This network will allow us to advocate on a state level for more dollars to go towards preventative measures and more,” he says. For youth in North Charleston and the Lowcountry, ReZsaun is looking to work with you. “If you’re a young person looking for structured support and guidance, we’ve got you covered. We’re confident that every child can reach their full potential with the right opportunities and support. So why wait? Join us today, and let’s unlock your full potential together!” h

Lowcountry Youth Services 5675 Woodbine Avenue Hanahan, SC 29406 www.lowcountryyouth.org 843-375-6474

Huami Magazine Community Awards 2025 Charlotte Marriott Center City - Charlotte, NC June 7th, 2025 We are coming to the Queen City of Charlotte, NC. Please mark your calendars for June 7th, 2025, as the Huami Magazine Community Awards will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center. Following up on our first gala of 2023, we are excited for the opportunity to present Black Excellence from various parts of the Huami Magazine network, which covers more than 23 states around the country. Community Leaders, Business Leaders, and NonProfit Organizations will be honored and recognized for the great work they have done and continue to do in their respective communities. There will also be some great speakers, good food, and entertainment. This a formal, black tie event, and one that you don’t want to miss.

The evening will begin with a Red Carpet Reception at 5:30 pm. The Gala Reception will start at 6:30pm For more information, please call 336-340-7844. Seating is limited and group packages are available. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the link listed below. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship information, please send a detailed email to mykelmediaco@gmail.com h

www.read-huamimagazine.com/awards-gala-2025

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Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

Willis-Dorsey

Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Neka Willis-Dorsey

Neka Willis-Dorsey, who is well known as “Neka,” is making quite an impression in the business sector within the city of Milwaukee, WI. As the owner and founder of Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services, she leads a team of dedicated professionals who are equally committed to serving families during one of their most difficult moments. Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services provides affordable, exquisite services executed with love, experience, and compassion. “We have several package options that celebrate everyone’s life and legacy. We offer Horse-drawn Carriages, custom caskets, elite vehicle options, saxophonists, hospice massages, and more,” Neka says. Neka shares that her testimony is one of perseverance. “My father was constantly incarcerated, and I was raised by my Mother, who was a single parent. I encountered difficulties early on in life, including teen pregnancy,” she says. Still, she found a way to persevere and continues to do so. Neka is a mother of seven, three biological children and four bonus children. Neka is also a proud “Yaya”, which means “Grandma” in Greek. Being a black woman in what was once a maledominated field, she says that many doubted she would survive. Neka obtained her Mortuary degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College for Mortuary Science. She adds, “I began my ministry in Funeral Service in 2007. I prayed and asked God to show me what I should go back to school for. I asked him to show me in a dream. That night, I dreamed I was standing in front of a group of people, wearing all black with a gold name badge on. The badge read, “Licensed Funeral Director”. I woke up and Googled the duties of a Funeral Director. It was a lot of Science, which I have always loved. I was immediately sold and began my journey in the field of Mortuary Science that week.”

“I began my ministry in Funeral Service in 2007. I prayed and asked God to show me what I should go back to school for. I asked him to show me in a dream.”

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

HuamiMagazine.com

When asked what she loves most about her profession, Neka says it’s the Science of Embalming. “It relaxes and humbles me at the same time. I love the people I serve. I also love that each one is uniquely complicated and different. I love getting the deceased to their place of rest, as well as helping the grieving get to their place of healing by executing a service for their loved ones. I’m inspired by those I serve. Watching countless families weep during some of the most trying times of their lives is empowering and a testimony to how God continues to trust in me with His people.” Understandably, Neka credits her Mother for having the biggest impact on her life. She adds, “I witnessed her strength on full display while battling heart disease for 20 years. She battled gracefully and sometimes quietly. She wore her heart on her sleeves and would be everything to anyone who needed her. She was strong, taught me to be strong, and helped me understand how to acknowledge weakness by taking my troubles to God,” Neka says. As she fully believes that she has been handpicked and chosen by God to serve his people, Neka also knows her assignment comes with a lot of responsibility. She says, “Unlike my competitors, my assignment is first to take care of His people instead of focusing on highprofit margins. I stay in constant prayer to remind myself of that. As long as I take care of God’s people with integrity and provide a firstclass service, God will add to the increase.” For others who are considering following in her path, Neka advises them to pray about it first. “I would also tell them to evaluate their hearts to make sure they have a servant’s heart. This is a demanding career. There are a lot of times you will feel tired in your body, mind, and spirit. Only what you do for Christ will last. After that, do the work and take the steps to learn how to serve.”

Neka’s Funeral & Cremation Services 4803 W. Burleigh Street Milwaukee, WI 53210 www.nekasfuneralhome.com 414-414-6352

HuamiMagazine.com

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

Moving ahead, Neka has plans to share with others what an overcomer looks like. She says, “I want to excite and encourage others who look like me to enter the industry that I am a part of. I also pray for the opportunity to leave a legacy filled with love and generational wealth for our people.” h

Rev. Dr. Gary L. Brown

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Gary L. Brown is the pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, located in Apex, NC. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church grew out of a small Sunday School which met in Brush Arbor. The first Sunday School teacher was Mrs. Josephine Williams. From her, Sunday School class grew the church. During the warm pleasant summer of 1866, the freed slaves sang, testified, and prayed to God who had delivered them from their own personal Egypt land. After cold weather began, they were allowed to meet down in the public school for Negro children in the community. This was a log building with heat, and it provided protection from the cold weather. Realizing that it needed a pastor, New Hope called Reverend Calvin Hackney who came to lead the people. It was typical in those early days for churches to select one Sunday per month as its pastoral Sunday. New Hope chose the second Sunday, but Sunday school convened every Sunday. Pastor Hackney led the first building program which resulted in the first church building.

Rev. Dr. Gary L. Brown was called to be the fifteenth pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on August 19, 2012. He accepted the call which was effective September 1, 2012. That was truly an exciting day in the history of this church. Pastor Brown has been ministering and has been responsible for casting the vision for the congregation and preaching and teaching in order to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ. Reverend Brown is a native of El Paso, Texas and a product of Prince George’s County Public School System in Maryland. While at N.C. Central, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a master’s degree in education, with a concentration in higher education administration. He later earned a doctorate in leadership studies from N.C. A&T University in Greensboro. h

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is located about twelve miles south of Durham, North Carolina, just one-half mile off Old Fayetteville Road (now NC Highway 751). The plot of land on which the church now stands was given by the late Carolyn Williams, sister of the late Josephine Williams, and Mathew Mitchell. The land was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Collie Mack Sears for the parking lot in 1996. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church strives to be loving, kind and compassionate followers of Christ who are spiritfilled, diverse but unified, and committed to meeting the needs of others. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church exists to give hope to a lost world through the word of God which expresses His love through the word of God which expresses His love through the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. We emphasize sound doctrinal teaching, living by faith and prayer, and expressing generosity through service. We hold as valuable all people, our personal relationship with God, and God’s ability to transform lives through His spirit.

581 New Hope Church Road Apex, North Carolina, 27523

Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

919-362-9209 www.nhmbc-apex.org

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Learn More About My Experience of Being A Caregiver For My Mother By Terry L. Watson

CHAPTER NINE: The Success of Caregiving Requires Unity For me, and I can only speak for myself, the impact of the stroke that my mother suffered has not only affected my mother, it has also affected many others. Its devastation has also pierced into the hearts of every member of my family, including myself. I have equated the word stroke with loss, meaning that the first things that come to mind when I hear the word stroke are all of the things that our family has lost as a result of my mother’s stroke. I must admit there are also some feelings of guilt that surface as well. I often ask myself what I could have done to prevent my mother from suffering such a catastrophic and life-changing event. Just as often as I ask that question, the answer that I often arrive at is not too much. My mother is her own person, and how she lived her life definitely played a role in her health. She was raised in a traditional food and diet culture, many of which I have learned are not good ones. In addition to bad eating habits, I believe she and we (our family) could have done more to prevent her stroke. Knowing this, I am very conscious about how I live and my food choices. While the medical community often states that many of the known health ailments are hereditary, I personally believe that most ailments can be eliminated and prevented by the decisions we make.

Now, I don’t want to mislead anyone by sounding like a critic of any particular diet. To be honest my food selections are quite interesting as well. Food is a pleasure that I love very much, and I wish I had all of the answers, but I do not. What I do know is the diet my mother enjoyed led to many other complications, and if she had been made aware of what she knew, well, things could have been different. As the holiday season wraps up, I have endured yet another season of not having my mother lead the way. The conclusion of this season also signifies the adjustment that our family continues to make. Amazingly, this year, I found myself in a happy place. I believe that my happiness has a lot to do with my mother being happy and her understanding that in spite of all the changes that have happened, love is still present. I thank God for that because it truly hasn’t been easy.

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Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

My advice to other families who may find themselves in a similar place is to never stop working to find love in the midst of the storm. The realization of what a stroke does can be a very daunting experience, and it can also create some division within families. I have seen this first hand, and through conversations with other families in the same situation, I learned that it does happen. However, that doesn’t mean that as a family, the effort to stay united and focused on caring for our loved ones should cease. On the contrary, it should encourage us to work even harder to find ways to love each other. Oh, if life could have been much easier. Each Christmas, since becoming my mother’s primary caregiver, I have tried my best to give her a memorable experience. This is a similar practice that I’ve repeated for every holiday, including her birthday. Getting each family member to participate isn’t always easy and has been frustrating. Ultimately, when everyone is around my mother while she is enjoying herself, it makes it all worth it. It is the opportunity to love on Mom and see her enjoy herself with her family that lets me know that she feels our love. While she has lost a few steps along the way, our ability to unite even for one day appears to make a huge difference. 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! Raleigh/Durham- Dec./Jan. 2025

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