Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine 2019 Issue 22

THE MAGAZINE

2019 - Issue 22

Woman To Woman With Joanne celebrates the 3rd Annual Mississippi Legends Ball Honoring Judge Tomie Green

Sandra Griffin McCall

Ethel Dr. Mamie Gavin Ballard Brooks Crockett

Cynthia Goodloe Palmer

Angela Stewart

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •3

CEO, Publisher & Editor Joanne Bell Consulting Editors Katie Oldham Cover Photo Joanne Bell Contributing Writers Dr. Timothy Quinn Roikensha Craig Dr. Talya Straughter Ashanti Barnes Layout Design Michelle Zischke Facebook Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine Website womantowomanwithjoanne.org Subscribe!

Visit: bit.ly/joannemag Contact us at: woman2woman.joanne@ yahoo.com 601-398-6733 622 During Avenue Jackson, Mississippi 39216 All rights reserved. No portion of Woman to Woman with Joanne may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Woman to Woman with Joanne is not responisble for opinions expressed by its writers. Woman to Woman with Joanne maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Woman to Woman is funded by advertising and sponsorship.

Joanne’s

Desk

BY JOANNE BELL, FOUNDER

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ost times, life is about choices. You choose who you want to hang around, you choose what kind of food you want to eat, what kind of car you want to drive, what house you want to live in, the neighborhood, you choose all of that. But, in this issue, we celebrate a group of people who, not too long ago, didn’t have the right to choose. In this issue, we celebrate African American History. We talk about and share the stories and highlights of women who fought for our Civil Rights and

won. We share stories of women who have suffered through so many things, but have prevailed and come out on the other side.

Take a minute to read and digest these women and their tenacity to continue to fight and move forward no matter the circumstance. We also share a love story that has stood the test of time and all the trials that time brings along with it.

We hope you enjoy the read.

In This Issue

Love ya much!

Joanne

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Ask Joanne.................................................................................................................................5 Dr. Quinn: Relationships......................................................................................................7 Dr. Talya Straughter: My Legend...................................................................................8 Roikensha Craig: A Mother's Perspective.......................................................10-11 Spotlight: Officer Cheryl Price Childs...............................................................14-15 Spotlight: Julene Taylor Stewart..........................................................................16-17 Spotlight: LaTanya DeLoach....................................................................................18-19 Feature: Cynthia Goodloe Palmer........................................................................22-23 Feature: Angela Stewart............................................................................................24-25 Feature: Judge Tomie Green ..................................................................................26-27 Feature: Dr. Mamie Ballard Crockett................................................................28-29 Feature: Ethel Gavin Brooks ..................................................................................30-31 Feature: Sandra Griffin McCall.............................................................................32-33 Ashanti Barnes: The Facts of Life......................................................................36-37 Love Story of Shay and Ted Greenwood......................................................40-42 Mya Bell Photography...............................................................................................45-47 Upcoming Events for 2019............................................................................................50

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Ask Joanne T his is a new addition coming in February 2019. This is an advice column where you can ask questions or for advice on a specific subject. If there are any questions you would like to ask Joanne, please email woman2woman.joanne@ yahoo.com or you can inbox our Facebook page Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine. Your questions will be answered in the following issue of the magazine.

Questions are asked anonymously,

with the signature assuming the problem that is being expressed.

You can sign your question for example, “Confused, Mississippi.”

Advice Columns generally have a limited capacity and are unable to answer all the requests they receive. In the case we are overloaded with questions and can’t answer them all in the next issue, we will answer the questions through email.

I look forward to getting to know you hearing your concerns.

Love ya much!

Joanne

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •5

The Knights Of Pillar NURSES ASSOCIATION

EPHESIANS 6:10-18

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PNA was established in January of 2015 under the leadership of Bertha McGruder, who had a mission and purpose to support nurses in need with health problems and to invite other nurses to be a support for each other. All too often, we as nurses were witnessing too many Homegoings Celebrations of our co-workers and peers due to health related issues. We, as nurses always take care of other people.

I felt like it was time for us to take care of each other.

Within a year, we had accomplished all the necessary paper work to be classified as a 501-C non-profit group. As the years go by, we not only take care and assist our peers, but we’ve managed to assist thus far seven students with JCASF to further their studies in nursing.

JCASF was established in April 2015 in honor of Joyce Conway Adams, one of our peers who passed away on the morning of our first banquet. The night was cherished in her honor.

We also hold a Memorial event each year for those who have passed on to a new life for all their years of service as nurses and nursing assistants. We host an Angel Tree event each year for gifted child/ren or family/ies in need. Each year we have our Nurses Banquet (JCASF) to award students in their 2nd year of nursing to assist with their studies. “We do our best to give back to the community.”

Bertha McGruder, President

Photo Credit: Thomas Douglas 6 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 22•February 2019

Relationships

By Dr. Timothy Quinn

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t is truly amazing how much of an impact we can have on a situation just by focusing on changing ourselves. The biggest change should be in our attitudes.

I have been in so many situations that seemed impossible but were Ms. Jones shared how she always the difference in the world. Many made possible when I changed maintained the better attitude my attitude. I often share with my people say that they wish they knew when it came to her husband. She patients that my first marriage then what they know now. As we failed. I credit a large percentage of told of scenarios which included age, we make better decisions due her husband coming home late this failure to both parties having to a better understanding of the from work, and not getting angry, an attitude that was significantly consequences of our decisions. instead, she thanked less than optimal.

Some of the consequences are She shared that attitude him for working hard good, and some are not. Early I now excitedly tell is more important for a my patients that I in life, I learned to look in the successful relationship than to provide for the family. She honestly am engaged to be mirror and see the person truly any other asset. disclosed how she married again. responsible for most of my life’s identified certain things about her I feel a great deal of optimism due outcomes. I am aware that some husband that were less than perfect things are uncontrollable, but I also to my improved attitude. I admit that this attitude is a result of years but focused on helping him to understand that exhausting every become the better man. She added of experience. resource will give that this was her Early in life, I learned to me the best chance approach which look in the mirror and see of a more favorable Ms. Jones was a patient that was the opposite the person truly responsible outcome in these recently shared wisdom from her of someone that for most of my life’s successful marriage of thirty years uncontrollable repeatedly tears outcomes. with me after I told her about my situations. the man down. recent engagement. She listened She reiterated that loving a man, to me talk about my fiancé. She supporting a man, encouraging a observed the words I spoke and man, feeding a man, making love the excitement in my voice. She stopped me while I was talking, and to a man, and giving that man every reason to be a man results told me that she was so happy that in a much higher likelihood of a I had the right attitude. She shared successful relationship. that attitude is more important for a successful relationship than The person in the mirror can any other asset. She told of how be your best friend or your worst disappointed she was in the new generation, and the overwhelmingly enemy. One of the most wonderful gifts of life is the ability to choose. large percentage of people that We have far more power over our have the wrong attitude in their lives than we realize, and gaining an relationships. understanding of the impact of our decisions on our lives can make all WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •7

Aunt Ruthie- My Legend

By Dr. Talya Straughter

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s we gear up to celebrate the 3rd Annual Mississippi Legends Ball, I would like to honor a legend that helped shape me into the woman I am today. My great Aunt Ruthie Lee Leach Lindsey had a hand in my molding. She was the youngest of ten children born to very proud parents Pa Pa Prince and Mama Dora.

Aunt Ruthie was a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, friend and a servant of God. As it relates to the Leach family, she was the matriarch until just a few weeks ago. Aunt Ruthie lived 99 years and 7 months. From my encounters with her and the stories that I have heard over the years, I can say that all the days of her life, the Lord was the strength that guided her journey.

As I reflect on our relationship, I am reminded of the 23rd Psalm. This passage of scripture is a living witness of who God is. King David did not just talk about God, but he demonstrated that he knew Him personally. My Aunt Ruthie demonstrated this same passage of scripture with her life. She,

just like King David, got personal with God. I can remember her humming hymns, reading her Bible, sharing her experiences and encounters of God with others and quietly offering and sharing her wisdom with me. Aunt Ruthie was in touch with the shepherd because, in her own rights, she was a shepherd herself. As the matriarch of the Leach family, she covered us with prayers and sound guidance. Just as she allowed her soul to be restored, she would offer that to me by being a source of support. She had a way of providing a safe space for me to release my innermost thoughts and not feel as if I would be judged or made to feel ashamed.

Aunt Ruthie lived in Yazoo County in Mississippi during her formative years and was educated in the Yazoo County Public School System. After leaving Yazoo County, she lived in Fazendeville, an early settlement on the outskirts of New Orleans and later in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans for more than thirty years. Some of my fondest memories were going to visit her as a child. I could feel the love as I walked into the door of her home. As her love would wrap around me, the aroma of a dish was also lingering in the air.

Going to enjoy the sights and sounds of New Orleans with her was always a highlight of our visits. She returned to Yazoo City in 1996 to care for her sister, my Aunt Katie. During that time, I moved back home from Florida, and she became my eldest daughter’s babysitter. She treated Talia as if she was her own. During their bonding, Talia became the apple of her eye and could do no wrong in Aunt Ruthie’s eyesight.

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Aunt Ruthie understood the nourishment that she had for not only her family but all that she encountered.

She knew that no matter where she was or what she was going through, she had something to offer to others.

Just as King David declared that God had prepared a table before him in the presence of his enemies, his head was still anointed with oil and his cup ran over. Aunt Ruthie’s cup ran over as well, and it was displayed in her love for God, her family, and friends. It showed as she would astound others with her memory and recitation about God and prayer.

Although there is an ache in my heart because she is no longer at her earthly home, I know that she served us well. Her life was a testimony to the trust that she had in God and the love that she gave to others. I am forever thankful for her time and the space that she provided to me. I would challenge each of you to cherish those legends that you have in your life. Just like my Aunt Ruthie has given with so much compassion to mold me, allow your legend to mold you. Take heed of the sound wisdom that they have to offer and be blessed by their presence.

Talya Straughter is a licensed professional counselor in private practice in the Ridgeland, MS area. She can be reached at, 601-952-0515, ext. 4 or talyastraughtercounseling@gmail.com.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •9

My Words and The Meditation of My Heart:

By Roikensha Craig

A Mother’s Perspective

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t the beginning of the year, I always find myself seeking God for “my” scripture for the year. While in prayer one morning, the scripture was revealed. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”

Psalm 19:14 (KJV) Wow! As I reflected more on this scripture, I began to see how powerful it was. It also commands discipline. Yet, all I could say was thank you, Lord. I will obey.

unto God? Have you ever not liked This scripture lets me know that I someone secretly? The thoughts that can “choose” to make sure the words I are in my heart towards my children’s am speaking are acceptable unto Him. school teacher, bus driver, dance It is not enough for me to appear or teacher, friends or parents of friends….. be seen as “a good mother.” My goal is that the words that My grandmother used to they too, must be proceed out of my always say, “There is life acceptable unto God. mouth are acceptable and death in the tongue.” At some point in time, the words that unto God. This has proceed out of my mouth must be in changed my perspective in reacting alignment with my heart. Until then, it and responding to my children. I am not perfect. There are times I still mess is merely empty, non-productive talk and thoughts. up, but I am beginning to “mess up” less. Also, this does not mean I do not “Oh Lord, my strength and my “Let the words of my mouth”…… discipline my children. Appropriate Honestly, I try to be conscious of the forms of discipline are acceptable unto redeemer”….. The good thing about our Lord is that He is our strength words that proceed out of my mouth.

God. He, himself chastens us because Who am I kidding? There are times I He loves us. We are to do the same for and redeemer. He gives us strength to “practice and implement” letting our simply lose it! Having two little girls our children. words and meditation of our hearts who are five and three-years-old can be acceptable unto Him. He has the sometimes place you in tumultuous However, it goes deeper. My power to redeem us….reclaim the situations. Have you ever been in a words have power. Words have a words and meditation in our heart, hurry, and your children are moving lasting impact. Words can be final. which was once acceptable to Him. I at the mighty speed of a snail? Have My grandmother used to always say, can rely on His strength to empower you ever arrived at your destination “There is life and death in the tongue.” me to be a mother whose every only to discover that your children It took me a while to understand, but word and meditation of the heart are have removed their socks AND shoes? now I understand completely. As a Have you experienced a child that is mother, I have an opportunity to speak acceptable unto Him. What words of your mouth or meditations of your obsessed with writing and coloring? “life” into my children. Regardless of heart do you need to lay at His feet?

Have you experienced a child that the situation, I can speak strength, Regardless of the situation, do your takes a little longer than average to peace, love, joy, happiness, honesty, words speak life to your children? perform a task? kindness and wisdom My goal is that the words into the lives and hearts And finally, have that proceed out of my of my children. After all, There are times when I think to you experienced a sleepy toddler? The mouth are acceptable who is the best person to myself, “God allowed me to become a mother, and He did this for a atmosphere, as well model this behavior for unto God. reason.” God entrusted me with His as events, can spiral them? ME. children. Everything I need to raise out-of-control so fast...so quick….the them is within me. What exactly is wrong phrase of words can flow from “The meditation of my heart”….. being a “good” mother? Is it saying your mouth into the ears and hearts of What am I pondering in my heart? your children. It happens to the best What are the thoughts I ponder? What the right thing at the right time? Is it not forgetting the important dates of us. At times, we simply lose control are the hidden thoughts, secrets, and milestones? Or is it being full of and say damaging words. I’m guilty; desires I have hidden in my heart? energy and happy at all times? I do however, one look in my child’s eyes What scriptures and positive quotes not know the definition of a good and I am convicted immediately. I am do I ponder within my heart? Have mother. However, I do know that it is convicted to do better.... to do better I hidden negative thoughts within every mother’s intention to be good. quickly. my heart? Do I ponder only on the It is every mother’s intention to speak negative things in my past? Is what I good things to their children, as well as, have hidden in my heart acceptable

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We all face challenges.

Life can be harsh.

Life can contain periods of instability.

The one thing in our life that will consistently be stable is the love, strength and merciful, redeeming power of God.

You can follow Roikensha on Facebook @TheMLife, Twitter @TheMLife1, Instagram @themlife_ managingeverything.

Website: www.themlife.org.

Email: yourmlife@gmail.com.

speak wisdom and guidance. I believe it us for not always taking the title of is every mother’s intention to provide Mother, which you have given us, constant support and unconditional seriously. Forgive us for not realizing love to their children. We all face the impact of the words that proceed challenges. Life can be harsh. Life can out of our mouth. contain periods of instability. The one thing in our life that will consistently Father, we ask for your help. Help be stable is the love, strength and us to please you through the words merciful, redeeming power of God. that proceed from our mouth. Help The more we as mothers remain in us to search our hearts daily to gain Him, our words will be your approval and The good thing about acceptable unto Him. our Lord is that He is our acceptance of the The more we rely on strength and redeemer. things we have hidden Him, and think on the in our heart. O’ things He has instructed us to think Father, redeem us! We long to reclaim on, the meditations of our heart will be everything we have lost! Forgive us acceptable unto Him. Lord for the times we have spoken words that were not acceptable unto Finally, believers, whatever is true, You. Forgive us for the thoughts, in whatever is honorable and worthy our heart, that are not acceptable unto of respect, whatever is you. O Create in us a clean heart and right and confirmed by God’s word, renew with us a right spirit! Regardless whatever is pure and wholesome, of the situation, help us to speak life whatever is lovely and brings peace, into our children, our home, and our whatever is admirable and of good community. In your name, Jesus, we repute; if there is any excellence, pray. Amen. if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Roikensha Craig is the Founder Philippians 4:8 (AMP) and President of “The M Life,” Inc. Roikensha is available to speak at your Give it to God, mommy. Nothing next event. The M Life is a non-profit is too big or embarrassing. Give all organization committed to enhancing your expectations, short patience, and strengthening the lives of mothers frustrations, addictions, profanities, from all walks of life. The M Life’s and insufficiencies to Him. He is the motive is to honor God’s Holy word as Almighty Redeemer. He alone can reset the foundation and ongoing source of and restore us to His factory settings! everlasting strength for mothers.

Remember…..love yourself.

Prayer: Father God, we come before you in total adoration. We adore You. We bless your Holy name. We exalt You. There is none like you. We can search the world all over, only to find there is none like You.

Roikensha is married to Keith Craig. They have two daughters – McKenzie Brooke and Madison Grace. She resides with her family in the Washington, DC area.

Father, forgive us for the times when words proceeded from our mouth that were not acceptable unto You. Forgive us for the thoughts, in our heart, that are not acceptable unto you. Forgive WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •11

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •13

Spotlight Officer Cheryl Price Childs

Women In Law Enforcement

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heryl M. Childs was born and raised in Jackson, MS. She graduated from Forest Hill High School in 1988, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University in 1992 and a Master of Arts degree (also from JSU) in 1997. Both degrees are in Criminal Justice.

She is married to Rev. Johnny W. Childs, and they have been married for 2 and a half years. Together they have a blended family of 9 children and 6 grandchildren. She is also a recent breast cancer survivor (for a little over a year).

Commander of the Internal Affairs Division where I oversee complaints and allegations of misconduct against JPD officers.

As a woman in law enforcement, I can honestly say that I’ve been blessed not to have encountered any problems or obstacles during my journey. I have not been given any special treatment just because I’m a woman and I believe that through my hard work, I’ve earned the respect of many within the department. When I first began, there were only 1 or maybe 2 female officers on a shift dominated by men. Now, on any good day, you may have just as many (if not more) female officers patrolling the streets of Jackson Mississippi as male officers.

that I could muster up the strength and energy to do so. I’ve always been a “busybody,” so I wasn’t going to sit around the house and lay in bed too long! I HAD to get back to work!

During my 23-year career, I’ve been through a lot and seen a lot. I’ve managed being a mother, a wife, a student, and I’m currently the full-time caregiver of my elderly mother who suffers from dementia. As a woman in any profession, our jobs never end.

We work to make life comfortable for our families at home, then go to our respective jobs for 8 or more hours and come home to continue working.

God has truly designed women to be amazing creatures!

“I didn’t set out to work in law enforcement. When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor, but the thought The advice I would give to young of seeing blood terrified me. While in ladies desiring to become law Some of the hardest junior high school, Stay focused, have good enforcement officers is to not focus things I’ve experienced I visited the FBI morals, integrity, and during my career was the so much on your gender, but just be Academy and was character. Treat others the best PERSON you can be. Law fascinated at how as you would want to be deaths of two very dear friends, Detective Sheresa enforcement is a stressful job for forensic science treated. anyone, man or woman! Stay focused, Sparkman, and Detective helped to solve have good morals, integrity, and crimes. I had my eyes set on doing that Eric Smith. We all started our careers character. Treat others as you would around the same time and patrolled but became discouraged after I was want to be treated. And even while together for many years in Precinct told that type of work would probably taking care of others, One. I think of them include me seeing blood and deceased Once at home, focus on don’t forget to take often and reminisce bodies too. Not willing to totally what matters the most, your care of yourself too! about “the good old give up my crime solving dreams; I family and yourself!

Having Leave your work at days.” Another was decided to shift my focus to more of a balance is the key! work and don’t take it the death of my infant a law enforcement aspect. So, after home! Once at home, daughter who passed high school graduation, I enrolled at focus on what matters the most, your away at 28 days old. And the third was Jackson State University and majored family and yourself! Having a balance is going through my battle with breast in Criminal Justice. the key! cancer. When I was first diagnosed, it felt like I had been handed a death I began my career with the Jackson Even with all I have going on, I’ve sentence. But with my faith, lots of Police Department (JPD) as a learned that I can’t be of service prayer and the support of family and Police Recruit at the Jackson Police to others if I don’t first take care friends, I beat it!

And even while going Department’s Training Academy in June of 1995. I graduated in September through chemotherapy treatments and of myself. In my spare time, I love to travel, read and I’m active with a five different surgeries, I never let my 1995 and in the 23+ years I’ve been cancer keep me down or away from my women’s empowerment group called with JPD, I still ended up seeing LOTS Power to Exhale. I also enjoy spending job. Even when the Chief encouraged of blood and deceased bodies! I have me to stay home for the entire duration time with my family and working in the risen through the ranks in JPD from church. of my sick leave, I couldn’t. I insisted being a Patrol Officer to Sergeant and on coming to work on those days Commander. I currently serve as the

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •15

Spotlight Julene Taylor Stewart

Women In Real Estate 16 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 22•February 2019

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working at their family law firm after ulene Stewart was born in school each day. Fortunately for me, the small town of Port Allegany, she declined. Of course, me being me, I Pennsylvania but she was raised jumped into the conversation and said, in an old farmhouse in Hamlin, New “I’d love to take the job.” I spent my York. Hamlin is one of the smaller senior year of high school working half suburbs of Rochester, New York. Being raised in upstate New York allowed me days opening files, typing deeds, and ordering title searches. to enjoy Summers on Lake Ontario, fall surrounded by beautiful apple After working over 20 years (at orchards, and winter wonderlands. various law firms) as a Real Estate She graduated from Brockport Closing Paralegal, I had witnessed High School in 1995 and attended just about anything and everything college part-time for over ten that could happen in a real estate years. Spending the first few years transaction. I knew my job inside out obtaining a dual Associates Degree at and began to feel like I was in autopilot Monroe Community College she then mode most days. Knowing I needed a transferred to SUNY Brockport and new challenge in my obtained a Bachelor’s Knowing I needed a new life, the mortgage Degree in Criminal challenge in my life, the originating side of the Justice. mortgage originating side of real estate transaction the real estate transaction truly intrigued me.

“I met my husband I do have to admit, right after I graduated truly intrigued me.

I did have some high school. Jason concerns over making the transition had just finished serving six years in into the mortgage originating position. the US Army and returned home to When we first moved to the Jackson Hamlin. We’ve since shared over 23 Metro Area, I had initially taken a job at years together – 18 married. We’ve one of the local banks. I found myself been blessed with two astonishing children who both continue to make us in a job that did not challenge me nor keep me busy all day. Therefore, after more and more proud every day. Tyler watching three men, all who started is our eldest at 16 years of age and is currently planning a career in the trade after me get promoted before me, industry. Victoria “Tori” is our youngest I readdressed my need for a more at the age of 14 and has currently found challenging role with my manager. I was quickly advised that I had to be in my her passion playing volleyball. current position for over a year before We moved our family to the Jackson seeking another one. Of course, I was quick to point out the three others and Metro Area 13 years ago and are now was promptly told that they were all happy to call Mississippi our home. “exceptions.” While not being sure how Real Estate truly found me. Ironically to take the response – I chalked it up to it all started in high school. My business big Corporations not being for me. class teacher approached my friend When I finally made the choice to inquiring if she’d be interested in

start my mortgage origination career - I made sure the company I worked for was family oriented, supportive, and welcoming. I knew Fidelity Mortgage, LLC was the right fit for me and actually approached the owner and asked for the job!

Immediately after announcing my new career, I was approached by an owner of another company letting me know how surprised he was and that he never knew I was looking to make this move. My initial thought was, you’ve worked alongside me for years – if you had seen potential, wouldn’t you have approached me. I kept my thoughts to myself as he offered me a supporting staff position not originating.

Traditionally speaking, in our market, most of the mortgage originators are male. I’m not particularly sure why this is; however, in the past few years I’ve seen more and more women moving into this field.

I would advise any women looking to get into this field to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Ask for the things in life that you want. Your ultimate job, goal, or dreams don’t always come to you.

Relationship building is essential.

Join community groups, attend functions being hosted around town, grow your network. Never be afraid to seek a good mentor. Take the job you can get – you never know when it will lead to your dream job.

Lastly, work for someone you respect and someone who respects you.”

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Spotlight LaTanya DeLoach

Women In Finance 18 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 22•February 2019

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aTanya was born and raised in Crystal Springs, Mississippi and graduated from Crystal Springs High School.

“LaTanya “Mrs. Coach” DeLoach is what many have called me over the years in my history of being a mastermind in the basketball world.

Now, I can boast a new title- “Queen of Credit” due to my proven success in the financial and credit industry. Aside from sports, one of my many passions is helping people improve their fiscal livelihoods while increasing their cash and credit flow.

In May of 2018, after spending thousands of dollars in divorcing my spouse of 15 years, and not being financially prepared for my only child’s upcoming college expenses, I decided that I needed to make some drastic changes in my life. With my divorce I lost my husband’s supplemental income, and I in turn inherited a world of joint debts that were then my responsibility. My credit took a nose dive for the worst, so I had to utilize my God given talent and ability of understanding credit restoration and cash flow strategies to improve my fiscal health. When I began seeing results from the methods I was applying to my own life, I decided that I could use my newly acquired knowledge to help others.

Starting out, my focus was to only help divorcees learn how to “dump debt and create positive credit and cash flow after divorce”. Quickly after, the need began to arise from people from all walks of life and a multitude of situations, nationwide. There were people from all over who had experienced unexpected life changes and needed real, rapid, results.

I have helped people restore their credit profiles by eliminating damaging joint debts after divorces, removing

bankruptcies within as little as 40 days, and arranging it so that clients have paid as little as $0 towards medical bills and collection agencies. I also have saved my clients thousands of dollars through my “Destroying Medical Bills & Collections Debt Disputing” methods.

I have also helped restore credit, many are only familiar with and pursue removal repair. Restoring credit is the art of reversing negative credit history to magnify and reflect the positive aspects rather than simply deleting the negative mark.

attended networking events can relate to this scenario: You walk into a crowded seminar and can count the number of women there on one hand. When women entrepreneurs talk business with primarily male executives, it can be unnerving. So always seek to be an expert in your field and a high achiever in that area and the universe will attract the right mentors and clients to you. Always keep in mind that working for yourself will probably always allows more freedom than working for someone else in the event I have helped people restore you are seeking My cash flow to start a family their credit profiles by strategies include and have children. eliminating damaging joint “W4 Wealth” debts after divorces, removing If this is the plan, #paycheckpayraise be self-sufficient, bankruptcies within as little by showing harda self-studier, as 40 days, and arranging it so and self-reliant working people that clients have paid as little on yourself so how to stop as $0 towards medical bills and you can leave an living paycheck collection agencies. to paycheck and inheritance to your destroy their children’s children. acquired debt by teaching strategies to find up to an extra $200-$600 out Also use the many social media of their paychecks without working platforms available in this age as a overtime or getting a second job. tool to advise, promote and to be professional. Use positive pictures that I would advise any young lady display you as a business woman, and desiring to work in the financial arena attraction marketing techniques. to never give up, don’t take anything personal, and don’t take no for an Seek mentors who are successful answer. Social changes over the last 25 and doing what you desire to do. I years have added to women’s choices, consider LUCK as Learning. Under. and with those choices there are new Correct. Knowledge. Success leaves financial needs to consider. More clues, so even if you have to volunteer, women are graduating from college or offer assistance in other areas and have the potential to land higher that your mentor may need, position paying jobs as a result. They are also yourself to connect with success. I getting married less or looking to believe this would be a great arena to return to work after time off rearing be in business. I highly advise young children. Increasingly, women are also women to get a financial education, putting off having children until they’re save and invest thinking as if you in their late 30s and 40s. Life is not might not find a partner who can help linear and often doesn’t go according contribute to retirement funds, to plan, and that’s something young child-care and a home; it’s the best of women should be mindful of. both worlds.

Defy social expectations. Most female business owners who have

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •19

Cynthia Goodloe Palmer

C

ynthia was born in Los Angeles, California and is the daughter of Flonzie Brown-Wright and the late Edward Goodloe, Sr. She was raised in Canton, MS and attended Holy Child Jesus Catholic School and Canton High School. After her family relocated to Jackson, MS, she attended Brinkley Jr. High School. She then attended Callaway High School where she excelled in all areas. Cynthia was chosen as “Miss Callaway High School,” a member of the HALL OF FAME, listed in “Who’s Who among High School Students” and was elected the first black female “Student Body President” in 1977 among many other honors. She attended Tougaloo College and majored in Business Communications and was listed on the Dean’s List.

Music has been a passion of Cynthia’s from a very early age. She was a member of The Voices of Faith Choir, Inc., Johnson Jubilee Singers, a founding member of the Canton Community Fellowship Choir (The Ship) and the New Heights

Sanctuary Choir. Throughout her career, Cynthia has received wide acclaim while participating in various local, state, national and international events.

Cynthia has toured in more than 36 of the 50 United States and has performed in the following places: Alaska, Canada, Bermuda, Trinidad, Tobago, England, Germany, France, Brazil, and Holland. She has traveled twice to Cape Town, Umtata and Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA, conducting music workshops and singing for over 10,000 persons.

Cynthia toured in London, England, where she performed at the famous Royal Albert Hall and at the Lincoln Center in New York City alongside Grammy award winner, Kirk Whalum. In 2003, Cynthia was featured on the “Bobby Jones Gospel Show” on The Word Network as one of 25 new artists. She is a 3-time award winner at the Mississippi Gospel Music Awards as the winner of the “Album of the Year by a Local Artist” and “Song of the Year by a Local Artist” in 2003 for her CD, “Just Enough Faith To Try” and in

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2004 for “Album of the Year,” “Heaven Is the Place to Be.” In 1999, she was named “Traditional Soloist of the Year” by the Inner-City Survival Coalition of Columbus, Ohio.

One of the blessings of her career was being able to sing to women who are currently on Death Row at the Alabama State Prison among ministering at many other prisons. She has appeared on radio and television stations throughout the United States and abroad. In 2003, Former Canton, MS Mayor Alice Scott presented the ‘Key to the City’ to Cynthia and proclaimed October 3rd as “Cynthia Goodloe Palmer Day.” She was the first gospel singer to sing at the Jewish synagogue in Dayton, Ohio. Cynthia has participated in concerts featuring such artists as Mary Mary, Byron Cage, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, Bishop Paul Morton, Bishop Rance Allen, Maurette Brown Clark, Dottie Peoples, Daryl Coley, Evelyn Turrentine Agee, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, The Williams Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, Lamar Campbell,

Pastor Marvin Sapp, Tramaine Hawkins, Myrna Summers, and Peabo Bryson just to name a few.

Palmer has recorded and SELFPRODUCED 5 CD’s, entitled “JUST ENOUGH FAITH TO TRY,” “ANOINTED PSALMS OF PRAISE,” “A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS,” “HEAVEN IS THE PLACE TO BE” and “THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION.” Cynthia produced the highly successful CD for MESSAGE MAGAZINE, “Gospel Praises, Vol. I” which is the oldest black religious magazine in the country.

Cynthia was the featured soloist for the grand opening of the 2011 FBI Federal Building named in honor of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. She was also 1 or 2 singers who performed for the groundbreaking of the new Two Mississippi Museums, which opened in December 2017.

Palmer has sung in the presence of a long list of nationally known persons, including Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Attorney Johnnie Cochran, Rev. Jessie Jackson, President of Nigeria Aliyu Hamman, Harry Belafonte, Clifton Davis, Alice Walker, Rep. John Lewis and numerous mayors, governors, judges and other political and social figures.

Organizations that have featured the music of Palmer include the National Baptist Convention, National Conference of Black Mayors, National Council of Negro Women, National Catholic Congress, Message Magazine, NAACP, Congressional Black Caucus, National Community Service Association, Jubilee Jam, National Gathering For Black Catholic Women, Gospel Music Workshop of America, North American Division Prison Ministries, Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Conference, Mission Mississippi, the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, United Prison Ministries, SCLC, and SNCC. She has received numerous awards from many organizations including Miss Voices of Faith and Female Soloist of the Year from the Voices of Faith, Christian Women Coalition, Empowering Progressive Women’s Association, Southern Human Rights Organizers’

Conference, Women For Progress, Inc., United Voices in Christ, Robinson-Watson Book Company, Project Unity, Sweet Harmonies Production, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Perico Institute for Youth Development and Entrepreneurship, Inc., Operation Starting Line and Love and Unity Ministries and more.

After relocating back to Mississippi in 2000, Cynthia was impressed by the wealth of musical talent in her hometown of Canton. Thus, the CANTON GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CGMA) was formed in April 2004, which consists of choir directors, choir presidents, musicians, ministers of music, recording artists, soloists, praise and worship leaders, radio announcers, and pastors.

The focus of the organization is to award music scholarships to pay for music lessons for up and coming musicians in addition to awarding music scholarships to graduating seniors. The organization also honors musical legends in addition to recognizing the incredible talent of Madison County. Because of Cynthia’s leadership, the CGMA has awarded music scholarships to 129 students.

Another activity includes bringing in guests who give workshops and offer tips and pointers on different subjects such as praise and worship, traditional music, contemporary music, praise dance ministry, and information on the recording industry.

Cynthia has served on the following committees: Jackson State University’s Church Music Workshop of America, Mississippi Bicentennial, Mission Mississippi Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, and Governor’s Prayer Luncheon, and the Commemorative Stamp Ceremony honoring Medgar Evers & Fannie Lou Hamer among others. In 2005, she served as Executive Producer for “The Gospel at Colonus,” presented by the Mississippi Opera, which was the first time that the Mississippi Opera presented a “gospel opera.” As a result, it was a sellout crowd at Thalia Mara for both performances, which had not been realized by the Mississippi Opera in quite some time prior.

United Christian Artist Association, and Women For Progress Inc., and has also been a member of MADDRAMA Performance Troupe. Cynthia has been a contributing writer to The Mississippi Link Newspaper, The Jackson Advocate, the Jackson Family Christian Magazine, the Canton Newspaper, and the Metro Christian Magazine, where she was featured on the cover. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women.

In November of 2012, Congressman Bennie Thompson presented a Congressional Record recognizing Cynthia in the United States House of Representatives for her extensive musical accomplishments.

She is listed in the Inaugural Edition of “Who’s Who in Black Mississippi.”

Most recently, she served as Executive Director for the 2014 Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary Reunion, Operations Director for the 2011 Freedom Rider 50th Anniversary Reunion, Committee Member on the 2015 Selma 50th Anniversary Bridge Crossing and a committee member of the 2013 Medgar Evers 50th Anniversary Commemoration, the 100th birthday commemoration of Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer and the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Meredith March Against Fear.

Palmer produced the Canton Gospel Fest Homecoming from 2011 thru 2016 on the Historic Square in Canton on July 4th. Most recently, she served as the music coordinator for the gala and the opening of the two Mississippi Museums in connection with the Bicentennial Celebration of the state of Mississippi in December 2017.

Cynthia currently serves as the Executive Director of the Veterans of the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement, Inc., located on the campus of Tougaloo College. She is a member of the New Heights SDA Church and currently resides in Jackson, MS. She is a singer, producer, entrepreneur, friend, humble servant and a lover of people. Her testimony is “In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.”

Palmer has done extensive community service, serving on the boards of the WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •23

Angela Stewart

A

ngela Stewart is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Jackson Public Schools and is a graduate of Callaway High School. She received her Master’s Degree in Public History from Kent State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Alcorn State University. She received additional training from the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C., the Modern Archives Institute.

In addition, she served as a summer intern at the National Museum of American History Smithsonian Institution.

Growing up in Mississippi, Angela Stewart was fortunate to have exceptionally conscious parents; nowadays we would say woke parents.

“Both of my parents, Peter and Dorothy Stewart, were active in the local Civil Rights Movement. My father inspired young people at Brinkley High School. My mother helped students at Lanier High School to become first line activists in the movement. In the

United States Supreme Court decision of Alexander v. Holmes, states in the American South were ordered an immediate desegregation of public schools. This decision created the generation I was privileged to grow up in; it allowed us to be the first Blacks to integrate Jackson Public Schools.

While attending Callaway High School, I was often the only African American student in the class. That meant being willing to speak up and speak out for black issues. Because of the inequity in school, this aided in forming my ideas about the way things “should be.” The ratio of Black was 60 percent. Though whites were a minority I observed that they were placed in mostly white classes, leaving Black kids to be in mainly Black classes.

Though at the same institution, we seemed to still be separated and learning in two different schools, in two different buildings.

One of the things I dealt with was with white students who thought

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we shouldn’t celebrate Black History Month. They felt it was like promoting religion. I heard their opposition to affirmative action and the many other things that people discuss today. When Ronald Regan was elected President of the United States in 1980, the conservative movement was inspired to push back against the progress the Civil Rights Movement had gained.

As a student at Alcorn State University, I was President of the Mississippi NAACP Youth and College Division. I have worked with Women for Progress since my mother founded it in 1978. I’ve worked on campaigns from City Council to campaigns when Barack Obama ran for President. I have also served as the first Interim Project Manager for the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. In that position, I was responsible for coordinating eight (8) statewide community meetings to discuss the museum prior to its actual construction as part of the planning phase.”

What were your thoughts about having two Museums as opposed to just one?

“That question was raised during the community meetings. The idea is that there is so much rich history, in terms of Mississippi Civil Rights, that you can’t contain it all in the Mississippi History Museum. It’s not an idea of separating African American history and Mississippi history. It’s about there being such an overabundance of Civil Rights history that it just made sense to have a Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. You can easily see the importance of that. In the first year of existence, the museums have had over 240,000 visitors. Our projection was 150,000.

many stories that are yet to be told.

I’m inspired by the words of James Weldon Johnson. In particular, what people call the Negro National Anthem. He called it Lift Every Voice and Sing. Johnson said, “Let us march on till victory is won.” That’s what we still have to do. We have not won and we can’t rest. We have to continue to march on and remember what he says in another part of the song. “We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered.” Those are the reasons we have to keep moving.

Vernon Dahmer, who never had the opportunity to vote in Forest County, What is significant about the MS, said it like this. “If you don’t vote, Mississippi Civil you don’t count.” He It’s not an idea of separating put his life on the line Rights Museum is that it tells our local African American history to protect his wife and and Mississippi history. children. When those story. When you go to Memphis to The against civil rights fire It’s about there being National Civil Rights such an overabundance of bombed and continued Museum (which Civil Rights history that it shooting into his house, is a wonderful just made sense to have he took a rifle and museum) they have a Mississippi Civil Rights covered his wife and a broader mission. young children so they Museum.

They’re trying to could get out to safety. tell the entirety of African American He died in the hospital from injuries history from 1619 to 1970. What gets related to that incident. Sadly, his voter lost in that, is you have to almost go registration card didn’t arrive until on a behind the scenes tour to find after he died. His older sons all served out the rich Memphis Civil Rights in the United States Military. There is history as well as Tennessee Civil Rights a beautiful portrait of his sons, in their history. Their broad mission doesn’t various branches of military uniform, allow enough space to tell their local standing around the burned-out hull story. With the Mississippi Civil Rights of what had been their family home.

Museum, you get to learn about the Today, people say, “Don’t try and guilt Mississippi movement. There are so me into voting.” I tell them it is not

about guilting you to vote, it’s about understanding from where we have come, and how far we have to go.”

In 2015, Angela received the Documenting Mississippi’s History Award for Excellence at the MHRAB Awards Luncheon in Long Beach, Mississippi.

“The Award recognizes effectiveness in improving the documentary record of Mississippi through identifying and preserving records and making this documentary record available to a broad public audience,” said the MHRAB. “It also honors the documentation of under-documented communities and topics, innovative approaches to identifying and acquiring information and records, and a demonstrated success in raising public awareness of Mississippi’s history.”

As the Margaret Walker Center’s only archivist since 2004, Angela is responsible for the preservation of close to 40 paper-based manuscript collections, nearly 2,000 oral histories, and hundreds of pieces of art and artifacts. In her role, she manages graduate students who receive training in archives and records management, and she has even taught a course on archives at Jackson State University. In addition, she was at the heart of a fiveyear, $200,000 effort to digitize half of the Margaret Walker Personal Papers, totaling 35,000 items.

He called it Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Johnson said, “Let us march on till victory is won.” That’s what we still have to do.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •25

Judge Tomie Green Senior Circuit Judge 7th Circuit Court District (Hinds County) -State of MS

J

udge Tomie Turner Green is a product of the Jackson Public Schools System. After completing the 11th grade, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Tougaloo College, a Master of Science Degree from Jackson State University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from the Mississippi College School of Law. She completed further studies at the National College of Trial Advocacy and later completed judicial studies at the

University of Nevada’s Judicial College at Reno, Nevada.

On January 4, 1999, Judge Green became the first woman Senior Circuit Court Judge of the Seventh Circuit Court District (Hinds County) of Mississippi. She is the first African American and the first woman to hold the chief judge position in her circuit district.

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In November 2014, she worked with the Mississippi Supreme Court and the Circuit Clerk of Hinds County to establish mandatory online electronic court filings of pleadings in all civil and criminal cases in the Hinds County Circuit and County Courts. Under her leadership, all four (4) circuit courtrooms were retrofitted with 21st Elmo Systems for the presentation of evidence to juries during trials. These innovations save taxpayers, litigants,

lawyers, and Hinds County hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

A jurist for more than 33 years, Judge Green has served two terms on the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Rules and has also served on the Supreme Court’s Committee on Media and the Courts. On July 1, 2003, media coverage in Mississippi’s courtrooms became a reality. The first fully televised case in the State of Mississippi originated in Judge Green’s courtroom on court TV for a week in 2004.

Judge Green continues her efforts to increase accessibility, efficiency and public safety in Hinds County by reviewing and modifying court rules and procedures to increase monitoring of pretrial indictees and thereby prevent unconstitutional detainment resulting in county liability and sanctions. Judge Green has also promoted the expansion of the circuit drug court and indigent representation, Judge Green served several years increased judicial security on and as an adjunct law professor at the off court premises, the more timely Mississippi College School of Law, disposition of civil and criminal matters where she taught law students the and the establishment of digital procedures for successful litigation and conferencing, internet streaming and/ trial court practice. Formerly, Judge or closed-circuit television for selected Green was a partner in the law firm of civil and criminal Walker, Walker & Green She also instigated efforts proceedings. of Jackson, Mississippi. in Hinds County to organize She has served as a behavioral health program an Assistant District Currently, Judge to timely evaluate detainees Attorney for Hinds and Green co-chairs to determine competency Yazoo counties, and as the Hinds County and direct appropriate Criminal Justice a judicial clerk for U.S. Coordinating monitoring and treatment. District Court Judge Council (CJCC) Henry T. Wingate. A mandated by the U.S. Department of seasoned litigator, Judge Green has Justice pursuant to a 2016 compliance tried numerous cases before juries with the U.S. and Mississippi across the State of Mississippi. constitutions regarding persons From 1992-1999, Judge Green was arrested and charged with crimes. a mentor of the Mississippi House She also instigated efforts in Hinds of Representatives. There she was County to organize a behavioral appointed as Vice Chair of the Ethics health program to timely evaluate Committee, and as sub-chair of the detainees to determine competency JudiciaryA committee. She was also and direct appropriate monitoring appointed to serve on the Elections, and treatment. Judge Green’s bold Insurance, Managed Health Care, Local initiative in empaneling a grand jury & Private Legislation, Constitution to review and inspect Hinds County’s and Investigation of State Offices jails after multiple riots and deaths, committees. Judge Green’s legislative unmasked deplorable jail conditions record attests to her supportive efforts and numerous constitutional violations. to bring honor and efficiency to the Consequently, the Department of judiciary. As a subcommittee chairman Justice, along with the Hinds CJCC of the House Judiciary Committee, now monitors jail detentions, timely she sponsored laws that created the indictments, and prosecutions of Administrative Offices of the Courts, cases by prosecutors, reasonable bond the Mississippi Court of Appeals and setting and appropriate placement the MS Torts Claim Board. and treatment of those diagnosed with mental and/or behavioral health Judge Green has received numerous illnesses. honors and awards, to include: the Professionalism Award from the

Women Student Bar Association; Woman of the Year Award MS Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women; the Government Service Award and the R. Jess Brown Awards of the Magnolia Bar Association; the Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Award of the Mississippi Democratic Party; the Jack Young Legal Award of the NAACP; the Outstanding Government Service Award – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; the Freedom Fighter Award – Nation of Islam; a U.S. Congressional Record Citation; the Phenomenal Woman Award – Smith Robertson Historical Museum; a Tougaloo College Meritorious Leadership Citation; the Brown, Young & Hall Award – Jackson Branch of the NAACP; the Thurgood Marshall Drum Major Award – ML King Day Celebration – City of Jackson, MS; and the IMAGE Award in Law-Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. Judge Green’s professional memberships have included the Magnolia Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Charles Clark Inns of Court, and the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. Other memberships include: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), National Association of Black Legislators, MS League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, the Central Mississippi Coalition of 100 Black Women, Women for Progress, and the National Council of Negro Women.

Judge Green is currently a member of the St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church of Jackson, Mississippi. She and her late husband Cornelius are parents of a daughter, Dr. Nikisha (Dr. David) Ware; a son, Synarus Green and two (2) grandsons: Solomon and Asa Ware.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •27

Biographical Sketch of

Dr. Mamie B. Crockett

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amie Ballard Crockett is the sixth child of Herb Doctor Seth Ballard and Lucile Palmer-Ballard of Pocahontas, near Flora, MS. She attended Piney Woods School (at that time K-Jr. College) where she was graduated valedictorian of her high school class at the age of 16. She was challenged and awarded a scholarship by the President Laurence C. Jones of Piney Woods to enroll at Jackson State University. She received her MA in English Education from Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart (Purchase, NY) and

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a cognate in literacy from Jackson State University (JSU). She is certified in Reading Interventions, Language Arts, and Social Studies.

She was the only black enrolled in the newly established Master’s degree program at Manhattanville. While at Manhattanville College, in 1965, she was chosen along with one of her Catholic classmates to attend a United States celebration for Pope Paul when he was visiting America. She also received tickets to see Leontyne Price

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at the Metropolitan Opera House; both were amazing experiences for her. She did her educational internship at a Montessori school (the Children’s House). She explained that Montessori is a way of teaching children to be independent learners. It was started

by Maria Montessori in Switzerland.

Nancy Rambusch, who studied with Maria Montessori, came to America and started the National Montessori Society; then wrote the book, Learning How to Learn. Crockett felt blessed to have Dr. Rambusch as her supervising teacher.

She returned to Mississippi and was immediately hired in the Language Arts Department at JSU. Later was promoted to Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at Jackson State University. She was instrumental in developing and designing the initial Early Childhood Education program at Jackson State University along with Mrs. Lottie Thornton. JSU’s School of Education still utilizes the clinicallike facility for college and graduate students in early education.

Dr. Crockett has taught students from kindergarten to the graduate level, and is motivated by making a difference in the lives of youth everywhere. To focus more on the development of the whole child, she took a leave of absence from JSU in 1976 and co-founded the Learning Tree Child Development Center that operated for 15 years. After public kindergartens were made available in Mississippi, she returned to JSU as Program Director for Youth Enhancement for Success. Through this program rural high school students were introduced to academic expectations by visiting the eight state universities and providing study strategies for success. She was later invited to serve as an Instructional Specialist for eight schools in the Jackson Public Schools. In this position, she conducted professional development sessions for elementary teachers including strategies for identifying and accommodating the learning styles of students with characteristics of dyslexia. She has presented at state, regional, and national conferences. addressing topics like “Helping the Late Bloomer Blossom” and “Teaching Math and Reading Skills to the Young and Restless.”

she attempted to have lunch in the Dr. Mamie Ballard Crockett retired downstairs Morrison Cafeteria, but was as educator/administrator from the asked to leave because she was black.

Jackson Public School System in 2010.

She is married to her soul mate, Dr. • In 1964, Mamie Ballard (Crockett) was Walter L. Crockett, visiting Professor attempting to get to the main campus at Jackson State University’s Executive from the newly Ph.D. Program. They Dr. Crockett has taught erected Alexander are the proud parents students from kindergarten Hall when she was hit of four successful to the graduate level, and by a car while trying adult children: Fonya C. Scott, Walter L., is motivated by making a to cross 4 lanes of Jr., Robert Seth, M. difference in the lives of traffic that divided the Jackson State Campus.

D. (now deceased), youth everywhere.

This incident led to a and Crysenthia C. Jackson State student demonstration Stewart. Mamie currently serves as and protest on John Roy Lynch Street. the Cofounder and Executive Director February 4, 1964 was the first major of the Learning Tree Academic and demonstration at JSU. The request was Community Development Center, to have a crosswalk and a traffic light. a non-profit agency that offers The city responded with a crosswalk. scholarships to struggling readers and Students kept demonstrating and summer camp opportunities for needy protesting annually for this and and deserving children. various other reasons until the street Political and Civic Milestones became a part of JSU. After the • Mamie Ballard (Crockett) was the protest of 1970 that led to the deaths first African American to integrate of Phillip I. Gibbs and James F. Green, a Federal Business in Jackson, then President Dr. John A. Peoples Mississippi. Previously, the large requested funds to repair and enhance agencies like the Internal Revenue the plaza as well as memorialize these Service and Social Security hired no two young people (Gibbs, a pre-law professional blacks, only blue-collar workers. Following the assassination of major at JSU and Green, a Jim Hill High School community sympathizer).

Medgar Evers, the federal government Finally, with national attention, that required all federal offices to hire portion of Lynch Street became what blacks in white-collar positions is now known as the Gibbs-Green (e.g., secretaries, managers, and Memorial Plaza. But it all started administrators). With the support with the accident of Mamie Ballard, a and encouragement of family and sophomore at JSU. The story of the President Jacob L. Reddix of JSU, Lynch Shootings is currently displayed Mamie, a sophomore at JSU, was in the Civil Rights Museum. interviewed, tested and hired at the Federal Crop Insurance Company (Milner Building) in downtown Jackson in the summer of 1963, one week after Evers was assassinated. While there

To further support teachers of children who struggle to read, Mamie and husband, Walter, authored a book entitled, Dyslexia Is Not a Disease—It’s a Learning Difference (Amazon, 2015).

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •29

Ethel Gavin Brooks

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Retirement Benefits Specialists; Supervisor Employee and Labor Relations; as well as being promoted to Assistant Chief, Human Resources Management Service. She was the first African American female to hold this title.

E

thel Gavin Brooks was born On July 1, 1989, after a great career and raised in Bigbee Valley in with the Corps of Engineers, she Mississippi in Noxubee County. transferred to the Department of At the age of five her family moved Veterans Affairs, Regional Office to Nashville, Tennesse for a few years as a Personnel Assistant. She was then moved back to Noxubee County. afforded the opportunity to assist She attended school in Noxubee many applicants seeking employment County and Lowndes County in opportunities with the VA. During her Crawford Mississippi. She attended tenure with the VA Regional Office, she Moore High School also held the position So many people come into of fiduciary Accounts from 9th grade through 11th grade. our lives then leave the way Representative they came. But there are responsible for After schools were those precious few who administering desegregated, touch our hearts so deeply accounts of Disabled they were bused to Caledonia High we will never be the same. Veterans, appointing School where she guardianship, auditing graduated. After high school, she accounts of guardianship records. attended Alcorn State University and received her Bachelor of Science On August 3, 1997, she transferred Degree in Elementary Education. She to the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA taught school for one year and then Medical Center as Chief Processing moved to Nashville, Tennessee where and Records Section. She changed she began her federal career. to a Lower Grade because of the desire to return to Mississippi to be Mrs. Ethel Gavin Brooks began her closer to her parents. This position federal career on December 1, 1980 as was her first-time supervising a Clerk-Typist, GS-3 at the Department employees. The position was very of the Army, Corps of Engineers, challenging and rewarding as she Nashville, TN. She was promoted to received much opposition even from the GS-4 after a year in that position. her own ethnicity. She has held many In 1982, she was promoted to the positions while working at the VA position of Secretary, GS-5 in the Medical Center: Retirement Benefits Natural Resources Management Specialists; Supervisor Employee Branch. She enjoyed her position and Labor Relations; as well as being as a Secretary because she was the promoted to Assistant Chief, Human center of attention working in an Resources Management Service. office with all male Civil Engineers.

She was the first African American She was afforded the opportunity female to hold this title. She received of accompanying the engineers on numerous awards during her tenure site visits to inspect various dams as a federal employee. She assisted throughout TN and KY. many employees in the area of human resource management programs as

well as helping them to advance their careers.

In March 2013, she was detailed to Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service to provide administrative support.

She asserts that this has been the most rewarding of her federal career.

She was afforded the opportunity to gain knowledge from the clinical side.

God truly saved her best years for last. There have been many people that she has met over the years that have changed her life forever. Their roles in her life have been unshakable, impactful and resilient. So many people come into our lives then leave the way they came. But there are those precious few who touch our hearts so deeply we will never be the same.

Her greatest “Champions” have been her wonderful husband George and lovely daughter Laschandra.

They have and always will be her phenomenal supporters because no matter what challenges she faced in her career or throughout life, their love and support never wavered. Her spiritual motivator – her Pastor, Dr. Jerry Young has provided spiritual encouragement and motivation in every difficult circumstance. His famous phrase “God is Able” and yes God is able has truly blessed her 35 years of Federal Service.

Her motto has always been, we must always do the right thing, even when no one is watching.

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •31

Sandra Griffin McCall

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andra Griffin McCall was born and reared in Jackson, Mississippi.

She is the daughter of William and Robbye Griffin. Sandra is a product of the Jackson Public Schools, attending Johnson Elementary and graduating from Lanier High School.

Sandra shares her personal story on her upbringing and experiences as an activist and believer in equity and justice for all.

“I was 13 the year Mr. Medgar Evers

was killed. My parents and the Evers Sovereignty Commission released the were friends; so, we received the call White Citizens Council’s papers. I went that night.” My mother worked in the to research my parents’ names. Their NAACP office and we received many names were listed; however, I was told death and bomb I never hid my struggles as a that there were threats. I admit that certain pages that at the age of thirteen, single parent from my son. they would not be We grew together.

I did not understand releasing. everything my parents were doing. After Mr. Evers As teenagers, during the summer was killed, I did worry if the same thing months, my brother Bill and I worked would happen to my family. Years after in the NAACP Office. My job was to my parents’ death, the Mississippi State type and file the voter registration

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I would read Langston Hughes’s poem to him: “Mother to Son.” One of my favorite lines: ‘Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

But all the time I’se been a-climbing on.’

cards of all the people we registered.

Bill’s job was to go stand on the county courthouse steps to encourage people to register. One day we received a call that we needed to come to get him or he would be killed. We were given fifteen minutes to pick him up. This threat did not deter us. We continued registering voters. I think the most exciting experience for me working at the NAACP Office was meeting Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Everyone knew that I admired him and loved to hear him speak. When he visited that summer, they brought him over to speak to me.

I was in awe. I admit I also was a little disappointed. Here stood this small statue of a man. In my mind, he was a giant. When he shook my hand, he became that giant again. The following April, Dr. King was killed in Memphis, TN. I rode the bus with other NAACP members to his funeral in Atlanta, GA. I was a student at Lanier High School when President John Kennedy was killed. Not long after that, a student wore a “freedom” button to school.

The principal told him to take it off. He refused. That was the beginning of the student uprising at Lanier High. We were angry.

For a while, I backed away from the civil rights movement and voters’ registration. I began to think nothing would change. After all, they had killed everyone. It was discouraging.

I attended Alcorn State University, married, began working for Jackson Public Schools, and had a child. After

my divorce, I concentrated on being the best parent I could be. When my son was in kindergarten, I became the PTA president. That decision lead to my becoming an advocate for all children. From the time my son attended kindergarten until he graduated from high school, I served as the PTA president at the school level, for the Jackson Council and as the State PTA president.

During my tenure as State PTA president, I initiated the Teacher Education Scholarship Program to promote teacher recruitment for schools in Mississippi. In 1997, the Mississippi State PTA Board named the initiative “Mississippi State PTA Sandra McCall Teacher Education Scholarship Award.” Scholarships are given annually during the MS State PTA Convention.

When my son left for college, he hugged me and said “Sweetie pie, I love you. But I am so glad there is no PTA in college.

You can’t visit college every day.”

My son and I lived in Medgar and Myrlie Evers’ home for four years.

Mrs. Evers asked me to move in until she could decide what to do with the home. How could I refuse? She was a friend of the family and she had done her best to teach me to play the piano.

That first night was difficult. I stared at that bullet hole in the blinds all night.

I remember Mrs. Evers visiting from California after I moved in, walking up the driveway and falling into my arms crying. The day Beckwith was found guilty of Mr. Evers’ murder, I rushed to

the Courthouse and stood crying and smiling with others. Living in the Evers’ home afforded me the opportunity to teach my son about our people’s history and the challenges he would face as a young black man. I taught him about life. I would read Langston Hughes’s poem to him: “Mother to Son.” One of my favorite lines: ‘Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. But all the time I’se been a-climbing on.’

I taught him how to cook. We would have cooking contests on Saturday mornings. We still do when he comes home. My grandson is the judge now.

I never hid my struggles as a single parent from my son. We grew together.

After retiring, I felt something was missing in my life. Sure, I had been named outstanding PTA Parent of the Year many times. However, my family was always involved in politics and civil rights. I needed to return to my roots. My brother and I met Bennie Thompson when we all were young children. Working with my brother in the Congressman’s Campaign was a start. After my brother’s death, I became Congressman Thompson’s Campaign Coordinator for the Jackson area. Through this work, I have become a political consultant for other candidates. I still register people to vote; I help candidates get elected; I serve as secretary for the Hinds County Democratic Executive Committee; and I was recently named to represent Ward 3 on the Jackson Public Schools’ Bond Oversight Committee. I am back to my roots. “I’se still climbin”.

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •35

The Facts of Life “

By Ashanti Barnes

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32 (NIV)

Y

ou take the good. You take the bad. You take them both and there you have the facts of life, the facts of life. There’s a time you got to go and show you’re growing. Now you know about the facts of life, the facts of life. When the world never seems to be living up to your dreams, and suddenly you’re finding out the facts of life are all about you. It takes a lot to get them right when you’re learning the facts of life. You’ve got the future in the palm of your hand. All you have to do to get you through is understand. You think you would rather do without. You’ll never muddle through without the truth. The facts of life are all about you.”

– The Facts of Life Theme Song Growing up, one of my favorite television programs was The Facts of Life. This 1980’s American sitcom featured the coming of age experiences of young women from various backgrounds, particularly: the wealthy and entitled Blair; the sassy and precocious Tootie; the spunky, peoplepleasing Natalie; and the tough-as-nails Jo. Each episode presented a set of problems in which the characters had to make determined efforts to deal with and find solutions in order to develop life skills. So, it is the same with our lives. We face trials and tribulations. Obstacles somehow seem to find us. Issues are regularly occurring. How then, do we tackle these challenges? Well, we face the facts!

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Those trials, dear one, are perfectly orchestrated to make you strong and useful for His service.

These are the facts:

• F – Fidelity is defined as faithfulness to a person, cause or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. In order to be successful on this journey called life, one must remain connected to the True Vine. The Bible truth declares, in John 15:5 (NIV), that your loyalty to the One, True Living God gives you the ability to be productive. The opposite is, also, true. A disconnection will result in failure in that one can do nothing without Him. • A – Accuracy is conformity to truth or to a standard or model; exactness. The truth is, we should do that which is right simply because it is the right thing to do. We represent the Kingdom. With God in all of His righteousness, as our model, we are called to holiness because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16 NIV). It is written, You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the LORD swore to give your fathers (Deuteronomy 6:18 NIV). Blessings are attached to righteousness.

• C – Consistency is explained as firmness of constitution or character.

The prerequisite to this outstanding character trait is persistency or the firm continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

The best strategy I can offer is to constantly pursue God and His wise counsel. The Word decrees that you shall seek the LORD and His strength

useful for His service. This is confirmed in 1 Peter 5:10 where it states, The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. God affirmed • T – Transparency can best His Word when He decreed that all be described as allowing light to things work together for the good of shine through so that objects can be those who love Him and are called distinctly seen. You are the light of the according to His purpose (Romans world, dim down for nothing and no 8:28 NIV) and even when the enemy one. You see, God has entrusted you to attacks, He will thwart illuminate this dark and Obstacles somehow seem those evil tactics dying world, to provide to find us. Issues are and make it good clarity and a clear path regularly occurring. How (Genesis 50:20 NIV). to Him. You are not to hide your light but then, do we tackle these Here’s what I know rather let your light challenges? Well, we face for sure – you must implement fidelity, shine before others, the facts! accuracy, consistency, that they may see your transparency, and sustainability into good deeds and glorify your Father your daily life. Then, you will reap a in heaven (Matthew 5:16 NIV). As you harvest if you do not give up (Galatians matriculate through life, people should 6:9 NIV) and that’s a fact! see the God in you, your motives, your words, and your actions.

About the Author Ashanti Barnes is a servant leader who • S – Sustainability is the ability operates with a Spirit of Excellence in to be maintained at a certain rate or all her endeavors. Celebrating 15 years level. As you grow and develop on this as a licensed and ordained minister trajectory called life, the expectation and the release of two personal is that the lessons you have learned development books, Relentless and become sustainable. This means that Resilient, Ashanti is living an abundant once you decree a thing, it shall be life with purpose – on purpose. established. In other words, what She is committed to enriching the you decide upon will be done (Job lives of others through ministry and 22:28 NIV). God is faithful to fulfill His education, two passions that serve as promise to shine His glorious light on major platforms for this creative and your ways. compassionate soul.

God works through trials. Those trials, dear one, are perfectly orchestrated to make you strong and and to seek His face continually, do this without ceasing (Psalm 105:4 NIV).

Persistency yields consistency which is conducive to progress, success, and excellence.

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The Love Story Of shay and Roosevelt greenwood

S

hay and Roosevelt Greenwood are two of the most loving and compassionate people I know.

Woman To Woman With Joanne is so grateful to share a part of their beautiful love story with you guys.

Through all of the trials they have faced as a family, from their home being destroyed by a tornado to Shay almost dying after having Adam, to now journeying through Roosevelt being diagnosed with prostate cancer, their love has only grown stronger. Their story has inspired so many people

including myself and I am happy to say that I know such genuine people.

Shay and Roosevelt met at a baggage claim in Washington DC while both were on a business trip, and they ended up going to the same conference.

They first met eyes with each other at an airport in Atlanta and ended up on the same flight. When they got to Washington DC, Roosevelt being a shy and reserved guy, decided to get out of his comfort zone and meet this beautiful woman. Since the flight

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from Atlanta to Washington DC was so bad, it was the perfect way for him to strike up a conversation, after he checked her finger for a wedding ring.

His words were, “That was a really bad flight wasn’t it?” That question started their conversation and their relationship. Twenty-three years later, that conversation is still going strong.

Shay stated, “This is so important for young ladies to know and it was crucial to me. I used to wear a wedding ring on my wedding ring finger when I

was in high school and I would always get in trouble by an uncle. He told me that good guys look for wedding rings, and if you have a wedding ring on, they’re not going to talk to you. Six or seven years later, here I am at the baggage claim with no wedding ring on my finger and the good guy, Mr. Greenwood came up behind me just to see if I was wearing one.

I almost died having him. Roosevelt’s Dad helped us to understand that I was needed here and God spoke to me in the shower one day and asked, if I had cancer, would I take the treatment? So, I decided I would take this treatment and get my tubes tied.”

The Tornado Our son Jacob was two months old when the tornado happened.

We started having children soon Right before he was born, there was a after we were married. We had Bria the tornado warning in our neighborhood first year and Chandler two years after and Roosevelt is an ex-Army Reservist, that. Then, I started studying God’s so he wanted to start having tornado Word. I really didn’t know God’s word drills at home. I always tell women to before that because I wasn’t a Christian pay attention to what your husband until I was 23, right before I met him. I says because he’s the head of the was studying the book of Titus where household and the Lord is going to it says that women are to be keepers reveal things to him that He may not of their home. Well, I had no idea that reveal to you. But in this particular was even a thing. So, instance, I’m following I always tell women to pay this man around the I called Roosevelt on my way back from house, kind of rolling attention to what your Bible Study and asked husband says because he’s my eyes thinking, him if he knew that the head of the household this is never going to women are supposed and the Lord is going to happen, but if you to be keepers of think we should do reveal things to him that He their home? He was this then I’ll just go may not reveal to you. like, yeah. Then, God through the motions. started dealing with He decides that we’re me when it came to my home and my going to go in the hallway closet. So, we role as a wife and mother and what that practiced all of this. was supposed to look like. Because of that, I thought, why am I controlling One night, even before the tornado how many children I have when God warning and us practicing, Roosevelt’s said children are a blessing from Him, father called in the middle of the night and I want Him to bless us. So, we had and told him to get up and anoint Noah and 9 months later we had Jacob. the walls and pray because he was rebuking death over our house. That After Jacob we had two miscarriages was in September. November comes and then no pregnancies at all for about and we normally have a full house for five or six years. Then we had Adam and Thanksgiving, but for some reason

we just didn’t. The day before the tornado, we were at Walmart and I remember it was unseasonably warm and I remember saying, this is weird weather. The next day, we woke up at about five o’clock in the morning and Jacob had just finished nursing, so I was awake and aware. The sirens were going off and I came into the living room where Roosevelt was watching the news and they’re saying the storm is headed towards Madison, take shelter immediately. It said the tornado was going to hit Madison County at 5:20 am, it was like 5:19am. Roosevelt says go get Jacob and I grabbed the cordless phone on the way and I had put my shoes on. I never put my shoes on any time before we’ve ever had a tornado warning, but for some reason that morning, I put my shoes on because that’s what you’re supposed to do.

We had already talked to Dad earlier on the phone joking around. After we hung up, the lights went out. So, I called them back and on their end all they got was static, on my end, I heard them say hello, I just said pray and the phone went out. By the time I got to the closet with Jacob, Roosevelt had the kids in already. He had already cleaned out the closet and we hadn’t even talked about it, but we had practiced and I knew where to go. By the time he shut the door, we heard click, click, click, click.

That was the debris hitting the window.

You could hear the roof being torn off and glass shattering, then all of a sudden, we heard the wind in our house. Roosevelt was praying for God to save our lives and I was just holding

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •41

on to Jacob because, you see the documentaries where things are coming through the walls. I’m feeling the kids and they’re quiet, Jacob’s quiet, and you can feel the energy wanting to suck you in it. We could also see the lightening coming through the crease in the door. It was the most powerful and unreal thing.

ruin us. We won’t be able to run the race effectively... the one that has been set before us. 1 Corinthian 9:2324 says, “I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in Noah shaved his head to show how much he loved and such a way that you may supported his dad.

Roosevelt started thanking win.” Roosevelt has said, God because he could hear it regardless of the outcome business going...especially about the going away after it had done so much of this, “I win.” And he’s right. I was future. damage. We came out and the reason a sprinter in junior high...hated long why you need your shoes on is because distance. This is definitely going to be a Just stop it! I know that it’s just a of the glass. We pushed the door open marathon and not a sprint. And, I know trick to debilitate me. To make me feel and the roof had adjusted one way hopeless. To make me feel defeated and that God has great lessons for us along because it had taken part of the roof the way. I have a list of them already... discouraged. off one part of the house. The wall was memorials to His faithfulness...how he completely demolished. So, when we To combat it...I listen to the Pandora knits relationships to fulfill His purposes opened the door, we were outside, you in our lives...how he loves us with an app on my phone ...my station is set to could look up and see overwhelming kind of love...the kind Anthony Evans radio.

Nothing and no one the sky. We know that that we cannot comprehend.

I listen to The Fervent is perfect but, God is was the place we were book by Priscilla Shirer... supposed to be because We love you all so much. Thank faithful and He is just. it’s downloaded on the other part of the you for coming alongside and fighting my phone. I quote house was so badly with us! We need you. We all need each scripture. I talk to myself rather than damaged. But that closet stayed intact other. listening to myself. And, of course, I and God took care of us. It was an F-4 pray. And I have others praying for me, I’m not mistaken. for us. (Thank you!) I’m so thankful that Since that post, Roosevelt is now showing no signs of cancer. It is asleep my heart turns to those things!!

Please share with us about your and our prayer is that it stays that way.

(The other day I said out loud...“I need journey with Cancer. a drink!” And Adam said, “I need a drink God has been so faithful and we have To talk about our Cancer journey, we had so much support and love shown too!” It was so funny!! Then, he said, will first say, Cancer will either make to us during this time.

“Lord Jesus, I need a powdered donut!” you or break you. It doesn’t matter By the way, I don’t drink...the strongest how strong you may be. We found The Greenwood’s love story is one drink I drink is a Mountain Dew or a out Roosevelt had cancer because we that has encouraged me and helped White Chocolate mocha with an extra thought he had a weight lifting injury. me to believe that true love does exist, pump of White Chocolate. Ha!) Getting the cancer diagnosis was especially during the hard trials of life. like getting hit with a ton of bricks. It Nothing and no one is perfect but, God We have to practice taking our literally took our breath away. Below is is faithful and He is just. thoughts captive. If we don’t, it will one of the many posts that we made on Facebook as journaled through this cancer diagnosis. This quote was posted by Shay: The last few days have been difficult. I’ve been very teary. And I should be. We all should be.

Why wouldn’t I be? Not because there is anything new about Roosevelt’s diagnosis. But because my mind wants to take me places that it has no 42 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 22•February 2019

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MYA BELL,

a Sophomore at Germantown High School, is inspiring to be a photographer. She specializes in capturing God’s glorious creations of nature through her lense.

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Life Insurance If someone you love relies on your income, you need life insurance.

Call Joanne for a free quote at 601-398-6733.

Photo Credit: eugenesergeev/Adobe Stock

Woman To Woman With Joanne’s Let’s Talk Sessions provide a safe environment for women to come and share whatever is on their heart - burdens, struggles, joys. We invite women to share openly without fear of being judged, talked about, or broadcast all over social media.

Upcoming Events for

2019

Let’s Talk Sessions are held at the Mantle once a month.

March

March 16th - Woman to Woman with Joanne presents the Third Annual Mississippi Legends Ball March 21st - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

April

April 18th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

July

July 18th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

October

October 17th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

May

May 16th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

August

August 30th-31st - Annual Empowerment Conference, Friday Night-A Night of Worship 6pm - 9pm Saturday-Conference Speakers 1oam - 2pm Location To Be Announced

November

November 21st - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

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June

June 20th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

September

September 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

December

December 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

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