Huami Magazine Triad Nov./Dec. 2023

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Nov./Dec. 2023 Vol. 9 Issue 4

Woodard Broadnax Funeral Service Triad - Nov./Dec. 2023

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4344 Blackerry Road Greensboro, NC 27406 www.loveandfaith.org

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521 Cinema Drive Kernersville, NC 27284 (336)632-0205

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The Love and Faith combined Praise Team, and The Love and Faith Company of Dance will also perform.

Pastor John Goins will share an uplifting message also. We practice safety guidelines for your protection, please wear a mask. For more information, please call 336-632-0205 HuamiMagazine.com Triad - Nov./Dec. 2023

Your Voice is Your Ticket A Letter From The Editor

Everything that will come to us in life is connected to our voice. The word of God shares there is power in what we speak.

We can speak about things that can change our outlook and circumstances: greatness, healing, abundance, prosperity, deliverance, victory, etc. With the same voice, we have the option to speak of detriment and destruction.

I am reminded of what my mother told me as a young boy, “Be careful what you say”. When faced with adversity throughout my life, the outcome has always been connected to what I said.

Whatever thought I allowed to reside in my mind about a situation, my actions would align with it. If I believed that I could win, I won; if I thought I couldn’t, I did not. It all came down to what I spoke to myself.

Imagine the challenges and adversity Brain Surgeons face within their profession. They are asked to care for patients who have suffered trauma to their head that involves bleeding, swelling, and ultimately life-threatening conditions. The degree of difficulty in their actions within the operating rooms is off the meter; still, they must remain calm and complete their assignment. If the surgeons spoke doubt and were unable to care for their patients, they would fail. They would fail if they allowed fear and disbelief to dictate their actions. Instead, they must speak with assurance, and by doing so, their confidence in their abilities will arise. It all comes down to what they speak to themselves.

God speaks to us, and He doesn’t expect us to be quiet.

Whatever you want and need, open your mouth and speak. Your body language should speak for you. How we treat others speaks for how we feel about ourselves. You will only go as far in life as your voice will take you.

www.huamimagazine.com Terry L. Watson

Publisher

Dorjae’ McClammey Monica Montgomery Terry L. Watson Dr. Marrissa Dick

Writer Writer Writer Writer

Tamara Smith

Snuggs Photography Photographer Alphonso Albott Photographer Still Shots Photography Photographer Howard Gaither Photography Todd Youngblood Photographer

Email or Telephone Email

terry.editor@yahoo.com 336-340-7844 Mykel Media Company LLC Greensboro, NC 2023 All Rights Reserved

Your voice is your ticket to the greatness that God promises. Speak about what you expect to happen in both moments of gaining and relinquishing and giving and receiving, as the impact effect is the same. We must use the voices God gives us, as it pleases Him when we do.

Terry L. Watson

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A New Voice For North Carolina

Tanneshia Dukes

On The Cover

Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services Tiffany and Bryant Broadnax

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Greatest Homecoming Parade

NC A&T State University

Also Featured Pensacola, FL

Dejure Life Notes Tiffany Gina Atkins

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Little Rock, AR

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Hearne Fine Art Garbo and Archie Hearne

Greensboro, NC

Seventeen Years of Black Excellence Huami Magazine Turns 17

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Feeding The Community Continues

Love & Faith CF

A Legacy of Service

Percy B. Lawson

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Career Fair at Bluford

Nashville, TN

Broken Men Foundation Dr. KL Burns

NOV./DEC. 2023

TRIAD EDITION

CONTENTS

The Stem Academy at Bluford holds its Annual STEM Career fair. Learn more about it.

Greensboro, NC

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The Unwind Festival

The Unwind Music Festival takes place with a long list of talent and performers. Learn more about the event.

High Point, NC

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Cutest Baby Photo

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She is a real cutey.

Introducing Autumn Thornton. She is featured as Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby

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Bluford STEM Academy Hosts Career Fair

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Mykel Media Company

On the 20th day of October 2023, The Bluford Stem Academy in Greensboro, NC, hosted its annual Career Fair for the bright minds and scholars who learn there.

Led by Dr. Johnita Readus, the career exploration event offered the students a variety of STEM-related careers (Science, Technology Engineering, and Math) ranging from first responders (Greensboro Fire Department), media professionals, artists, and more. The career fair aims to give students an idea of how these professions tie into what they learn in the classroom.

Local artist James Raleigh was on hand to share his artistic talents with students.

Huami Magazine also had the opportunity to engage with students and introduce them to some of the steps involved in producing the publication. There were representatives from Food Lion, radio station 97.1 WQMG, and news station WGHP FOX8, as well. “I really appreciate the opportunity to meet the students and share with them what is involved. This is our third time participating, and we look forward to coming back,” Terry Watson shared.

For more information, please contact the administration team at Bluford Stem Academy. h

Bluford STEM Academy 1901 Tuscaloosa Street Greensboro, NC 27401

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MAGAZINE

Established November 2007 Greensboro, NC Time really flies by when you are having fun! That is exactly what the experience with Huami Magazine has been like for the past 16 years. What began by having a one-on-one conversation with God has grown into a national publication that specializes in recognizing black excellence.

Over the next twelve months, we invite our readers and supporters to assist in celebrating this monumental accomplishment. We will share some of the experiences, the highs, and lows and highlight key individuals who have helped Huami Magazine become what it is today.

Below, we are showcasing the cover of the very first edition of Huami Magazine, which was launched in Greensboro, NC, on November 7th, 2007. Featured on the cover is Evan Chisholm, one of Greensboro’s homegrown talents. He is a fashion designer and aspiring entrepreneur. In this edition, we also showcased Pastor Lee Stokes of Destiny Christian Center in Greensboro and shared some information from the 2007 North Carolina A&T State University’s Homecoming Celebration. If you are fortunate to possess a printed copy of this treasured edition, hold on to it and share it with others.

Dena Harley

Jackie B. Williamson

Professional Massage Therapist LMBT#14690 Services That Are Offered

Swedish, Hot Stone, Sports, Prenatal Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Myofascial Release Hydrotherapy, Refelexology and Rom

We thank everyone for their constant support, and we couldn’t do any of this without you! h

Terry L. Watson, Publisher & Founder

By Appointment Only

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Woodard Broadnax Funeral Service

By Monica Montgomery Photos Provided by Alphonso Abbott

For the tight-knit community of Greensboro, reputation is everything. Tiffany Woodard-Broadnax and her husband, Alex Bryant Broadnax, understand all too well how being known for providing quality service can take your business to the next level.

Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services was established in November of 2022. Just shy of the first anniversary of the business, the Broadnax have no regrets about their not-so-new business venture.

In 1998, Lester Woodard, his wife Annie Woodard, son Reginald Woodard and Family, including Tiffany Woodard started Woodard Funeral Home in their hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Putting her business degree from A&T to work, Tiffany started as a bookkeeper. “I studied business in college because I’ve always wanted to be a business owner. Even as a child, I was excited about the idea of being an entrepreneur,” Tiffany explained.

A member of the Woodard family business, Tiffany made a lot of connections as she served her community alongside her family.

When tragedy struck in 2013, she was sent into a tailspin. “In 2013, I lost my mother, Annie Woodard, and my brother, Reginald Woodard,” Tiffany said with a sigh. “I was so lost. My family is everything to me, and to lose both my mother and brother in the same year took its toll.”

Tiffany, struggling to find her footing after the massive loss, decided to step away from the funeral business for about a year to pursue education. “The grief was overwhelming, and I felt like I needed a change. I thought maybe I could teach on a community college level while working full-time with my father at Woodard,” she explained.

Tiffany returned to school in 2014 and in 2016, graduated with her master’s of arts in teaching. “At the time, I felt like I needed to do something different. I saw education as another way to serve my community.” But after one semester post-graduate, she realized that working with her family and servicing the community the way they did was not just a job; it was a passion and a calling.

“If it had not been for Bryant encouraging me and guiding me along this process, I don’t think I would have been able to do it.”

Tiffany Woodard Broadnax

In 2000, Tiffany received her funeral director’s license and went from the back office to the front. “Providing exceptional service to the families in my community was our mission. Our motto was, ‘Family serving Families,’” she said proudly.

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Applying a formula based on a community of caring, professionalism, and an eye for detail, Woodard became the standard of excellence in the funeral industry in Greensboro and the surrounding areas. “We took pride in being a household name. My dad instilled that entrepreneurial mindset in me and my siblings. This means that you do everything with excellence because your reputation will either open doors or close them. The legacy he created is based on that premise.” Tiffany explained.

Tiffany met Bryant in the line of duty. In 2017, Bryant lost his son as a result of mental illness and self-harm. In his time of need, Woodard Funeral Home was there to help him and his family grieve. “It was difficult for me, as a father, to lose a son,” Bryant explained. Tiffany, who knows the pain of losing a child, having lost twins shortly after birth, understood the level of grief Bryant was going through. “We bonded and became good friends. Our friendship grew into something even we didn’t see until years later,” Bryant explained.

Over the years, the Woodard Family business continued to grow. With her father at the helm and Tiffany by his side, Woodard Funeral Home became more than just a business to the people of Greensboro, it was a staple and pillar of stability in the community.

Over the years, other family members had come on board, and the future looked bright.

“Before 2021, I saw myself in this industry, working alongside my family forever. Sure, there were issues that sometimes happened in business, especially when you are in business with family, but I never doubted where I would be or what I would be doing,” Tiffany shared. After over twenty years of serving their community, Pastor Lester Dean Woodard passed away. The founder of Woodard Funeral Home was gone. While losing her father was difficult, it was what followed that was almost unbearable for Tiffany. “My father

passed away in June of 2021. In September of that same year, I was let go from the family business,” she explained solemnly. “The grief of losing my dad and then my job three months later was devastating. I was in a place where I questioned if I was emotionally ready to be there for people. Let’s be honest. Almost thirty years of putting your heart and soul into something and then to have it taken away was an unimaginable pain.”

Tiffany went back to teaching in 2021, but she continued to mourn the loss of her father and being cut off from what she loved, which was being there for her community in their time of need. “It was so hard to move on,” Tiffany shared. “How do you recover from being separated from your family business? It’s something that’s hard to bounce back from. Add to it that I was still receiving calls from community members asking for my help,” Tiffany shared. “At the time, I saw it as the blessing and the curse of being part of a well-established legacy. I wasn’t just an employee. I worked as a manager, and I met with clients. I was out front and visible. It felt like I was their connection to what the Woodard name meant in my community. Then, in an instant, I was gone.”

Bryant, an entrepreneur, saw what tears and grief had blinded Tiffany to. It was time to spread her wings. “I was working as a teacher, and I continued to receive calls from people asking where I was and why I wasn’t there to help them. In many ways, the people were just as devastated as I was that I was no longer working at the family business. They felt like I had abandoned them, and that couldn’t have been farther from the truth.”

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Annie & Lester Woodard

Tiffany’s mother and father (both deceased), and the original founders of Woodard Funeral Services of Greensboro

Veronica Bingham Broadnax

Bryant’s mother who is also an exceptional and professional team member of Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services

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The Staff of Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services

James Baker

Crystal Davis

Ronald Goins

Veronica Bingham Broadnax

Uronda Mckay

Willie Meadows

Like everyone who is living and working in their purposed and called place, when she was separated from her passion, Tiffany had no peace. “The year she worked in the school, she complained every day. She was miserable,” Bryant explained. With Bryant encouraging her from behind and her passion pulling at her, Tiffany decided it was time to move forward. “In 2022, I decided to connect with another funeral home in Asheboro so that I could service the families from my community who were reaching out,” Tiffany explained.

Charles C. Hodges of CC Hodges Funeral and Cremation Services, located in the neighboring community of Asheboro, a family friend offered to help. “Hodges, who was my mentor in the business for years, saw what had happened and allowed me to work under his business license to service families in Greensboro,” Tiffany shared. “There were others in the industry who witnessed what had transpired, but Hodges was the only one who reached out to me. I will forever be grateful to him for that.”

As Tiffany began reconnecting with her community through the funeral service industry, she and Bryant realized it was time for her to start her own business. Being the sole owner and proprietor of Broadnax Transport Trucking Service LLC, Byrant had the experience and knowledge it took to get a business up and running. “If it had not been for Bryant encouraging me and guiding me along this process, I don’t think I would have been able to do it,” Tiffany confessed. “I know the funeral industry, and Bryant knows how to set up a business. That combination has been the key to our success.”

Tiffany and Bryant remained friends since meeting in 2017, but in 2021, they finally accepted what friends and family had told them for years. They were a perfect match. “We didn’t start dating until 2021 and were married in May 2022,” Tiffany explained. This merger in life and business has been a fruitful one.

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In November 2022, the power couple gave birth to Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services. “I would love to say it was a smooth process, but it was everything but,” Tiffany said with a laugh. “We had to find a suitable location and a bank willing to lend us the start-up money. We met obstacle after obstacle, but we kept going,” Bryant shared.

“Despite our great credit rating and proof that we had a solid business plan, nobody would give us a loan. So, after much consideration, we decided to use our own savings,” Tiffany shared. “We agreed that who better to invest in our business than us.”

With the finances in place, all that was needed was a location. “We looked at eight different locations before we finally found the one for us,” Bryant shared. “I must admit I needed some convincing,” Tiffany said, shaking her head. “The building was old and just about falling apart.

The business I helped build with my family was polished, neat, and well-kept. I was used to things being a certain way and couldn’t envision myself working in a building that was part of a strip mall. I will be honest and say the snob in me came out,” she laughed. “Thankfully, Bryant had a vision,” she said, smiling.

“We got an app that allowed us to do a blueprint overlay showing us what the building could be. There was one or two things the app couldn’t project, but I could see it as clear as day,” Bryant explained. “Once she saw all the possibilities the space held, it was easy to get her on board.”

The legacy her father started lives on in the name of Woodard, but Tiffany’s professionalism, kindness, and genuine love for her community are just as well known.

When deciding on a name for the new business, most people, including Bryant, insisted that she use her family name, Woodard. “It’s the legacy her father left her. The name carries something special and lets people in the community know that the traditions and level of excellence Lester Woodard lives on through his daughter,” Bryant shared.

Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services 1207 4th Street - Greensboro, NC 27405 (336) 331-5237 woodardbroadnaxfuneralservices.com

Understanding what her connection to the Woodard name meant to the community, Tiffany agreed, but she had one major requirement. “I insisted that we name it Woodard Broadnax,” she said firmly. “Bryant has been so instrumental in this process that I would have been remiss not to share the moniker with him. He believed in me when I was struggling to believe in myself. Bryant encouraged and supported me through one of the darkest times in my life. He used his knowledge and skills to help me realize my dream of becoming a business owner. We’re in this together, and I wanted to ensure everyone knew it.”

With the establishment of Woodard Broadnax Funeral Services, Tiffany has accomplished something that very few African-American women have in this industry. She started a Funeral business from the ground. It wasn’t inherited or bestowed on her. “Knowing what I was able to accomplish gives me great pride,” Tiffany explains. “You are starting to see more women in the funeral industry, but it is still pretty much male-dominated.”

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Another passion of Tiffany’s is opening doors for women that have previously been closed or unobtainable. “Women bring so much to this industry that can’t be overlooked. One of the things I learned from my mother was how to be compassionate.

When people are grieving, sometimes a kind word or a soft hand can make all the difference in the world.”

Tiffany is working to make inroads for women in every aspect of the funeral industry. She’s determined to show that women can do more than say, “There, there.” Woodard has a female embalmer and other female employees in key positions within the company.

Having worked in a family business for almost thirty years, surrounding herself with family in the new business is second nature. “Since the launch of the business, we have been super busy, and it’s all hands on deck,” Explained Tiffany. “Bryant hasn’t worked the transporting business since Woodard Broadnax opened. He’s gotten his insurance broker’s license and became a notary. His mother helps by answering phones, and his sister is studying to get her funeral director’s license.”

Pictured above are members of the blended Woodard Broadnax family.

Family and legacy are equally important to both, Bryant and Tiffany.

Between Bryant and Tiffany, they have four daughters and two granddaughters. Although they say the girls haven’t jumped headfirst into the family business, they believe that the girls chosen fields will become an intricate part of the future of Woodard Broadnax. “We have a daughter who wants to be a veterinarian and one working on a psychology degree,” the couple shared. “We see the business expanding to provide aftercare and grief counseling for our families,” Bryant explained. “One thing Tiffany is always cautioning me of is not to become overwhelmed. But it’s hard not to. We know what these people are going through, and you can’t pretend that you don’t notice or that you don’t feel it.

Offering them support beyond the memorial service would be invaluable to the families and community.”

As Tiffany and Bryant look to the future, they have taken stock of the past. This journey has been rough, but as they emerge stronger and wiser, they acknowledge the hand of God moving on their behalf.

“God gives beauty for ashes, and I’m grateful that I have someone by my side who was able to help me see that God had something better in store for me.”

Losing her mother, brother, and father wasn’t something Tiffany could foresee, but her parents and brother prepared her for a future where the legacy Lester Dean Woodard built would live on. h

Pictured above is one of the fleet vehicles owned and operated by Broadnax Transportation LLC.

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TANNESHIA DUKES A New Voice For NC House District 59

By Terry L Watson Photos Provided by Darrius Campbell Tanneshia Dukes has called Greensboro, NC, home since 2012. Tanneshia is a native of Decatur, GA, and attended DeKalb High School.

After graduating high school, she set her sights on changing and impacting the lives of others.

That landed her in Greensboro, and in 2016, she graduated from Greensboro College with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education (K-6). At that time, she was newly married to her husband, Justin, and while education was important to Tanneshia, there was more she knew she could do to serve others.

She sought to learn more about school leadership and the impacts that stakeholders in the community experience through educational shifts. Through her curiosity, Tanneshia enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro to earn a Master’s in School Administration.

Tanneshia’s next move was to teach. She landed at Bessemer Elementary School in Greensboro. She stayed there for three years before commuting for eight months Danville, VA’s Woodrow Wilson Elementary. Next, she returned to North Carolina for her principal internship at Jamestown Elementary and the STEM Early College at North Carolina A&T State University. Given the competitiveness of administrative roles, Tanneshia began

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her leadership journey as a Behavior Coach and Regional Teaching and Learning Coach in Alamance- Burlington Schools Systems.

Shortly after she received an Assistant Principal Position at Triangle Lake Montessori with Guilford County Schools.

Besides being a wife, mother, and educator, Tanneshia is an advocate. Advocacy is really important to Tanneshia. She shares that having personal disparities with the cost of school pushed her to become the voice of those who face life challenges and disparities in silence.

Tanneshia took ownership of putting her thoughts into action and became an advocate to represent her family, friends, and neighbors.

Tanneshia admits that politics was not her original plan. As a woman of faith and a believer in God’s plan for her life, she followed her spirit. Years would pass, and Tanneshia wanted to do more. Her interest focused on educational policies. She soon enrolled in an educational policy fellowship program with the North Carolina School Forum. “We spent an entire school year developing an Ask-For policy.

I was able to advocate before politicians. I fell in love with that experience. Soon, I was traveling to Raleigh and the General Assembly and even traveled to Washington, D.C., and Capitol Hill, and I began to realize this was where I wanted to be,” she says.

There was one experience that confirmed things for Tanneshia. She had an encounter with NC House Representative Lindsey Prather.

Prather was speaking and shared that she was just a teacher before joining the NC House of Representatives. Tanneshia says she was inspired by Prather and knew what to do next.

The platforms that Tanneshia is campaigning on are Voting Rights, Education, and Maternity Rights. “As community members, we desire to ensure that the North Carolina laws reflect the reality of our lives and speak for those who feel their voice has been silenced. It is my passion to advocate for democracy, not just to live in the state of North Carolina but to thrive. In order for our state to discontinue the experience of oppression through voter suppression laws, we must create solutions and vote for solutions that make it easier for our communities to exercise their constitutional right to vote,” she shares.

Regarding education, Tanneshia’s message aligns with the disparities in North Carolina’s educational system, which has 1​ ,442,736 students. “I believe that in order to advance our K-12 education in North Carolina, we must

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“I believe that in order to advance our K-12 education in North Carolina, we must provide all students and families with access to high-quality early childhood centers with equitable teacher pay within those facilities and fair funding that ensures all students, regardless of their zip code, find safety in public schools.” provide all students and families with access to high-quality early childhood centers with equitable teacher pay within those facilities and fair funding that ensures all students, regardless of their zip code, find safety in public schools.”

What is her stance on Maternal Rights? “As a parent, one of the main challenges my husband and I faced was choosing between working and caring for my newborn. I believe that mothers should have access to affordable care and statewide education to help cultivate a solution to the rising mortality rate of women of color during childbirth,” Tanneshia shares.

Currently, Tanneshia is a doctoral student at High Point University, pursuing a Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership. She is slated to finish in Fall of 2024 Tanneshia asks that everyone exercise their right to vote. Choosing her as the elected candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 59 should be a good choice. h

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Percy B.A Legacy Lawson of Service

By Terry L. Watson Photos provided by Demetris Lawson

When defining the life of Percy Lawson, there is actually one word that can accurately capture what it is: service. At 84 years of age, Percy is still quite sharp. His memory and ability to reference life’s experiences are quite impressive. He also dotes on his family whenever he gets the opportunity and shares his love for God without hesitation.

In 1938, Percy was born in Caswell County, NC. As a child, he was raised with two brothers and one sister by his mother and father. Percy served in the United States Navy for 12 years, with four of them on active duty and the remaining serving in the Reserves. He was honorably discharged from his duties in December of 1968. He has been married to his wife, Syretha, for 65 years and recently celebrated their union in September of this year. Percy and Syretha have two children.

Percy quit school in eleventh grade and joined the military against his mother’s will. He initially tried to join the Marine Corps, but that didn’t work out. Percy returned home, and his mother advised him to return to school. He stayed at home with his parents, but his father continued to encourage him to do something with life. Percy’s mind was set on the military, even though his first attempt at enlisting failed. In 1956, he successfully joined the US Navy and began serving his country.

After leaving the US Navy, Percy returned to Greensboro and worked as an NC Mutual Life Insurance insurance agent. He also worked with the North Carolina Department of Corrections until he became unable to walk. Percy graduated from Rutledge College in Greensboro, NC, with an Associates Degree in Business Management in 1980. He continued his education by attending Greensboro College, majoring in Accounting, and graduated with honors.

In 1982, he went into business and opened the Lawson Accounting Firm. His company provided accounting and bookkeeping services to churches and businesses in Greensboro for over 30 years. He has also worked for the Internal Revenue Service. Until 2021, Percy managed Lawson Accounting Firm, but due to his disabilities, he passed the responsibilities along to his daughters, and the name was changed to Lawson Accounting and Associates.

Regarding accounting, Percy says it is a very technical field. “Most people believe you should be a mathematician to be an accountant. That part is true, but it’s not a requirement. I’ve had quite a bit of training in math, but being a mathematician isn’t required. You must also be sharp in business, have sharp morals, and be pretty exact,” he says. Percy admits that his accounting career and his career with the US Navy shaped his life.

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Family is very important to Percy. He has conducted extensive research on his family and found photos of his family members dating back to five and six generations from him. He has photos of his GreatGreat-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandfather. “I had a strong father figure as a child. He instilled the importance of working for what we want in life. I feel like men have an obligation to set the trend for their families. Your family’s name is something that every man should be proud to carry on. In my 84 years of life, I have never been to prison, and I don’t intend to go now.

I have also worked really hard to support my family,” he says. “I don’t have any sons, only three daughters. My only grandson was killed in Washington, DC, in 2002, and before he passed, I tried to instill things into his life that would be important to his survival. When I meet young men, I want to know what kind of work they do and what their interests are. My obligation is to let them know how important it is to have a job or find ways to support themselves. I pride my life on being honest with others,” he says.

“I had a strong father figure as a child. He instilled the importance of working for what we want in life. I feel like men have an obligation to set the trend for their families.”

Pictured above is a young, Percy B. Lawson. He served in the United States Navy for 12 years.

In addition to all of his other accomplishments in life, Percy is also an accomplished author, having written two published books, “From The Bottom To See, A Brand New Me” and the other “From Slavery to Ownership”.

More than anything, Percy shares that he has loved the opportunities he’s had to serve his country and others through his business. While his journey has had many challenges, he shares that it has been all worth it.

Percy’s advice to others is to live life to the fullest.

“Never give up on life. Life isn’t over until it’s over,” he says. There is truth to what he said, as Percy is currently working on publishing his third book. h

Pictured with Percy B. Lawson are members of his family and wife of 65 years.

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The Corporate Transparency Act – Preparing for the Federal Database of Beneficial Ownership Information Information Provided by T/E Accounting & Tax Services, Inc Beginning January 1, 2024, new corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other entities that file formation papers with a state’s Secretary of State’s office (or similar government agency) must file a report with the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) providing specified information regarding the entity’s “beneficial owners.” Entities in existence prior to January 1, 2024, must begin filing these reports on January 1, 2025.

Why are things changing? According to T/E Accounting & Tax Services, Inc., this is part of the federal government’s antimoney laundering and anti-tax evasion efforts and is an attempt to look beyond shell companies that are set up to hide money.

Unfortunately, this will impose burdensome reporting requirements on most businesses, and the willful failure to report information and timely update any changed information can result in significant fines of up to $500 per day until the violation is remedied or if criminal charges are brought, fines of up to $10,000 and/or two years imprisonment. These penalties can be imposed against the beneficial owner, the entity, and/or the person completing the report.

According to T/E Accounting & Tax Services, Inc., Beneficial owners are broadly defined and involve owners who directly or indirectly own more than 25% of the entity’s ownership interests or exercise substantial control over the reporting company (even if they don’t actually have an ownership interest). While this may seem to only impact a few significant owners, it can encompass many senior officers of the business as well as those individuals who are involved in any significant business decisions (e.g., board members). Given the severity of the fines, it may be safer to err on the side of overinclusion rather than underinclusion”.

For entities formed after 2023, information will also have to be provided about the company applicants (the person who actually files the formation/registration papers and the person primarily responsible for directing or controlling the filing of the documents).

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T/E Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. says the types of information that must be provided (and kept current) for these beneficial owners include the owner’s legal name, residential address, date of birth, and unique identifier number from a nonexpired passport, driver’s license, or state identification card. The entity will also have to provide an image of any of these forms of documentation to FinCEN for all beneficial owners.

Most entities must file these reports by January 1, 2025. However, entities formed in 2024 and later years must file the report within 30 days of the entity’s formation, although there is a proposal to extend this to 90 days for entities formed in 2024 only.

Should any of the reported information change or a beneficial ownership interest be sold or transferred, the entity must report this information within 30 days of the change or face the potential of having the penalties described above imposed.

Changes include: Reporting a beneficial owner’s change of address or name.

A new passport number when a passport is replaced or renewed.

Providing a copy of a renewed driver’s license.

Exemptions apply to large operating companies, inactive entities, or specified entities otherwise required to file information with the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) or other governmental agencies. Business owners should now talk with their Tax Professionals about these new reporting requirements. h

Information contained in the article is credited to the following: Department of Treasury Department of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) www.fincen.gov Small Entity Compliance Guide, update FAQs https://fincen.gov/boi/small-business-resource

T/E Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. 1105 East Wendover Ave, Suite D Greensboro, NC 27405 (336) 265-8348 - (336) 235-1912

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By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Tiffany Gina Akins

Tiffany Gina Akins of Pensacola, FL, is a seasoned professional. She has over 26 years of experience in business, law, and finance. As the CEO and Founder of De’Jure Life Notes, LLC, she has provided countless clients with top-notch services.

De’Jure Life Notes, LLC is a consulting service “Our experienced team of legal consultants offers sound legal advice and strategies to help you navigate the complexities of family law. We specialize in handling various family law forms such as divorce decrees, time-sharing, parenting plans, child support, modification, financial affidavits, and many more,” Tiffany says.

Tiffany’s impressive background includes a Degree in Computer System Analysis.

She is also an Alumni of PHI Beta Lambda and a nomination for Who’s Who Among Junior College Students in America. She has gained expertise in various areas, such as criminal justice, financial advising, and legal consulting. She has also held internships as a paralegal and IRS tax preparer. She has become a Florida Notary, Certified Remote Notary Public, and Certified Loan Signing Agent under the National Notary Association.

Additionally, she is a Certified Mortgage Field Service Inspector, IT Network Expert, and Certified Graphic Designer.

TIFFANYGINAAKINS De’Jure Life Notes LLC 28

“I bring an entrepreneurial mindset to every project. With my passion for fashion, and as the owner of a record label, Graphic Design & Branding Studio, I have a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in a variety of industries,” she shares.

Tiffany says running a business is hard enough for her business clients without worrying about legal issues. That’s where she comes in. “Our legal consultation firm specializes in a full range of business law forms, including bank forms, business licenses, titles/bill of sale, building permits, real estate closing, travel documents, and more.

We also pride ourselves on providing top-notch financial services, including financial affidavits, IRS taxes, financial counseling, and tax preparation.”

With her Notary Team, all aspects of notary services are covered.

Moving ahead, Tiffany says her ultimate goal is to help individuals and businesses of all sizes achieve a brighter future. To accomplish this, she offers a variety of resources such as community training workshops, seminars, monthly televised segments, and a new podcast show that focuses on keeping individuals and businesses updated on the legal issues that matter the most to them. Her services are available in West Florida and surrounding states. To learn more about Tiffany and De’Jure Life Notes, LLC, please visit their website. h

In 2022, Tiffany founded De’Jure Life Notes, LLC, to provide practical solutions for individuals and families facing legal and financial challenges.

She shares, “My own struggles with these issues, as well as those experienced by my loved ones, motivated me to create an agency that prioritizes education, compassion, and personalized guidance. I understand the difficulties and challenges of going through legal battles, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like abusive relationships and divorce where children are involved. Waiting for years for your case to be heard or starting the process all over again due to lack of finances can be demotivating. Our team strives to rectify problems caused by incorrect, incomplete, or missing information on legal and finance forms. As a dedicated Legal Consultant, I am committed to helping my clients create a better future for themselves and their loved ones.”

Overcoming the challenge of obtaining a consistent clientele can be difficult for any legal professional, but De’Jure Life Notes, LLC. has implemented various marketing methods to reach its target audience. Their efforts have resulted in significant growth and a more defined client base.

For other aspiring business owners, Tiffany’s advice to you is to remember that every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

She also says, “Be kind to yourself and take care of your well-being, both physically and mentally.

Invest in relationships that inspire and encourage you and pursue your passions with confidence.

Keep learning and expanding your horizons, and never stop striving for success. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities, and when the going gets tough, keep pushing forward, because success is just around the corner,” she says.

850-860-8058 www.dejurelifenotesllc.com

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Changes to Our Meals To Go Program

Love & Faith Christian Fellowship Information Provided by Love & Faith Christian Fellowship

Love and Faith Christian Fellowship in Greensboro, NC, has faithfully served its surrounding communities for over 30 years. The ministry has been committed to providing the word of God on Wednesdays, twice daily, with Noon Day bible study and Free Meals To Go at both locations, in Greensboro and Kernersville.

Pastor Goin points out that attendees of the Noon Day Bible Study in Greensboro can enjoy their meal in the Fellowship Hall while watching the program on screens provided in the Fellowship Hall. There will also be an option for attendees to enjoy their meals in the Fellowship Hall after the conclusion of the Noon Day Bible Study.

To learn more about Love and Faith Christian Fellowship, please visit their website. h

Before the Covid 19 pandemic, they’ve consistently fed attendees of their Noon Day and Evening Bible Study programs. Once Covid happened, they knew the need would be more significant. For the last three years, they have provided over 2200 meals each Wednesday to anyone in need. “It has been such a blessing to serve our community.

I want to thank each person who came out to get meals and even those who came by to get meals for others who couldn’t make it to the church. We also appreciate our chefs, kitchen staff, and volunteers who have served,” Pastor Goins shares.

Beginning in January 2024, Love and Faith will return to the previous schedule for serving meals. With the Community Bible Study at 12:00 pm at the Greensboro location, a free meal will be provided. Free meals will be provided at the Kernersville and Greensboro locations before the Evening Bible Study program, beginning at 4:30 pm and ending at 5:30 pm. Pastor Goin says attendees are asked to stay for Bible Study.

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www.loveandfaith.org 336-632-0205

Autumn Thornton The daughter of

Armani Thoirnton and Gregory (Feva) Bonds

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Hearne Fine Art

By Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Ebony Blevins

Garbo and Archie Hearne III are leading the arts community for Black Americans in Arkansas.

Garbo Watson Hearne is a native Arkansan, born and raised in El Dorado, but currently lives in Little Rock. Her parents were both educators and stressed the value of education and reading. Garbo received a BSN in Nursing from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in 1983. Her better half is Archie Hearne III, MD, and together they have four children and three grandchildren.

Dr. Hearne is a native Californian and has been a family practice physician in Arkansas since 1983.

He was the impetus for opening a Black art gallery in Arkansas. He was educated on collecting by Chico State University professor and printmaker Marion Epting. Kenneth Williamson, a Memphis artist, challenged Archie and Garbo to open a gallery in Little Rock to fill a niche. He answered the challenge, and in doing so, Garbo put her aspirations to become a nurse anesthetist on hold to open and manage the gallery’s day-to-day business and provide their children a cultural haven to be exposed and nurtured.

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Hearne Art Consortium is an umbrella for Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing, Hearne Fine Art, and Hearne Fine Art Consulting & Appraisal Services. It provides a platform for local, regional, national, and international Black artists and authors to sell and share their talents.

The platform allows all people to explore Black culture using literature and the fine arts. Through each entity, they provide the community, the artists, and the authors with a voice in the arts community on every level. “We provide retail services of books, decorative art, and fine art with a focus on Black culture. We also offer community programming, including book signings, artist talks, and community lectures, as well as decorative and conservation custom picture framing, fine art appraisal, and consulting services,” he shares.

1001 Wright Ave. Ste C - Little Rock, AR 39577 501-372-5824 - www.pyramid1988.com

In 1988, the Hearnes’ opened the Pyramid Gallery. Pyramid was a print gallery with a focus on fine art by local artists. “In 1988, there was limited access and opportunities for Black artists to show and sell their works in Arkansas, so we filled a niche in the visual arts and literary community. Frank Frazier, a Dallas-based collage artist, introduced us to many regional and national artists. He also encouraged us to host fine art exhibitions and programming to include artists talks and workshops. Soon, we began offering custom framing, books, fine art, and fine art appraisal and consulting services. In 1998, we moved to our third location and changed our name to Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing and Hearne Fine Art. We created a definitive space for fine art and owned it by adding our surname, Hearne. In 2008, after 20 years of renting, we took a leap of faith and purchased real estate in the historic Dunbar community and built The Hearne Centre,” they shared.

The Hearne Centre houses Dr. Hearne’s family practice clinic, the bookstore, the custom frame shop, and the fine art gallery. It is also located across the street from the Dunbar Middle School, which was established in 1929 as a Junior College, High School, and Junior High School for Black students. Even more, the Dunbar community is the oldest Black community in Arkansas.

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“In 1988, there was limited access and opportunities for Black artists to show and sell their works in Arkansas, so we filled a niche in the visual arts and literary community.” Garbo Hearne

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Garbo says what she loves most about owning their gallery is the engagement with artists, authors, and their community. “I love when clients connect with artists and authors, and they become family. Everybody has a story to tell and we provide a platform that allows authors the freedom to be heard on their terms. I love that we are located in the heart of the Black community and the support we have had from local, regional, and national patrons over the last 35 years,” she says. Hearne Fine Art also has an expansive children’s area that houses a Baobab tree created by Atlanta artist Alfred Conteh. To date, they have hosted over 500 exhibitions and book signings.

Like any other business, the Hearne’s have faced some challenges in business. The biggest challenge they share is keeping up with technology and making sure they reach all the audiences to grow our business. “It is imperative to keep your brand fresh and innovative. With so many variables, juggling all the communications and social media efforts can be challenging,” they said. They have engaged in continuing education, communicated with peers, and constructed a supportive staff to manage such challenges. Their bookstore/gallery manager, Patrece Brown, has been a part of the business for 34 years, and their custom picture framer, Randy Taylor, has worked for them for 20 years. Their children have also been supportive, with the oldest daughter, Auna, coming on board to manage PR for both companies.

To learn more about Hearne Fine Art and Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing, please visit their websites. h

1001 Wright Ave. Ste C - Little Rock, AR 39577 501-372-6822 - www.hearnefineart.com 37

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Serenity Smiles Dental Care

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Dr. KL Burns

At Serenity Smiles Dental Care, everyone is treated as family. Led by Dr. KL Burns, Serenity Smiles is quickly becoming one of the top oral care providers in the Murfreesboro, TN, community.

Dr. KL Burns is the first dentist in her family. She attended Xavier University of Louisiana and obtained her undergraduate degree there before attending Dental School at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and acquiring her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2008.

She has over 15 years of experience working with adults and children and is focused on providing general and cosmetic dental care with a gentle touch and warm bedside manner.

Dr. KL Burns’s journey as a dentist began quite interestingly. She says, “I was the youngest worker in the chemistry lab at a local brewery in Memphis, TN. One night, the chemistry and microbiology lab people were talking, and I realized that all my co-workers had a story about what they wanted to do with their lives but didn’t follow their dreams for whatever reason. I didn’t want to be in my forties, unhappy with my job, ruminating on what I should have done. So, I decided to pursue my dream and apply to dental school.”

Dr. KL Burns firmly believes in healthy dental habits, creating healthy teeth and gums, resulting in beautiful smiles. Her practice offers a wide range of general dental care, including restorations, extractions, root canals, partials and dentures, teeth whitening, orthodontic braces, and clear aligners, and we will be offering Botox at our monthly Self-Care Saturdays starting in December.

After working for other practices for a period of time, the opportunity for Dr. KL Burns to have her own became a reality. She says, “I had a dream about what I wanted my office to look like and the atmosphere I wanted for anyone who walked in. I dreamt of an office that didn’t look, feel, or smell like your typical dental office.

As a result, when patients walk in my office, they’re first greeted by our aromatherapy, embellished in calmness and tranquility. The walls are a relaxing lavender gray, and when you’re in the chair, you are surrounded by either rainfall or ocean sounds and the visuals on the television screen. We also offer noise-canceling headphones for those patients who are more comfortable listening to music from their phones. I also treat patients who suffer from dental anxiety and phobias, as I intend to make everyone’s dental experience as pleasant and relaxing as possible,” she says.

“I didn’t want to be in my forties, unhappy with my job, ruminating on what I should have done.

So, I decided to pursue my dream and apply to dental school.”

What Dr. KL Burns says she loves most about her profession is the opportunities she has to restore smiles and confidence in her patients.

She also shares, “People don’t realize how important your oral health is until it’s too late and you find someone who hasn’t smiled or eaten properly in years. I love the looks on their faces after we’ve finished their treatment and given them the mirror to look at. It’s very fulfilling knowing that we have helped change how they feel about their appearance and provided them with what they need to live happier and healthier lives.”

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When not helping others in her practice, Dr. KL Burns enjoys spending time with her family, specifically her children. They inspire her, and she hopes they will look at their mama and see that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. “I got a late start for dental school and an even later start opening my dental practice, but it’s never too late to start. I wish I could have done this years ago, but mentally I don’t think I was ready, and that’s ok. There are no time limitations on when you start as long as you do. I always tell my kids that we believe in dreaming big in our house, so exhibiting that is a great feeling.”

Teaching yourself how to do things or hiring people who can help you do what you cannot do is a steep learning curve and has been a challenge Dr. KL Burns has faced. She is a first-time business owner, and juggling when to save money and add people to her staff is also challenging. She says, “I’ve had to realize that it’s okay to delegate because I can’t do everything by myself.” Her advice to others who may be faced with similar challenges or follow a journey similar to the one she has is very clear. “Anyone who is willing to be a business owner has a certain amount of bravery already, but I’d advise those who may be on the fence about making that jump into entrepreneurship to just do it. Ensure you’ve got all your pieces in order, but don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. Stay prayerful and grateful every step of the way, and never forget to take the time to stop and smell the roses along the way. Every step of this journey builds you into a stronger, more efficient you. You must embrace that.” h

513 N. Thompson Lane Murfreeboro, TN 37129 615-640-4697 www. serenitysmilesdentalcare.com

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