Huami Magazine Dallas/Fort Worth July/August 2026

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God Does Wonders With Our Impossible

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!

A Letter from the Editor

Recently, while listening to a sermon online, one thing that was spoken reminded me of the kind of discipline required for the believers in Christ. “When God wants to increase our faith, He reduces our sight,” the minister shared. He also reminded me that we must walk by faith and not by sight. Walking by faith and not by sight has always been a challenge for me, as I typically trust what I can see. If there is money in my bank account, then I believe that my ends will be met. If there is food in my cupboard, then I believe that I will eat. On the contrary, when I have not been able to see what I need, those are the moments where God has asked me to trust that He will provide, and I must confess that He always has.

What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?

I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11.1 (NKJV). That is the written word of God, and when I speak those words over my life, they become my reality. While it doesn’t always feel good during the trusting process with God, I have learned that it is necessary. In all things and every part of our lives as believers, God desires to be glorified.

When we are faced with obstacles as large as Mount Everest, and there appears to be no end in sight, God is there. He specializes in moving mountains out, and by faith, as believers in Christ, we have the power to move them also. The word of God tells us to speak to the mountain, and it shall be moved. “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.” Mark 11:23 (NKJV). By our faith in what God said He will do, situations are changed. By our faith, we can overcome. By our faith, we are able to break generational curses and see God move on our behalf.

The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.

Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.

God specializes in making a way out of no way. He is also sovereign and does what He desires, and when He desires to. He also wants to bless us, yet without faith in His word, it is impossible to please Him. Try God and allow Him to do wonders with your impossible.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

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Author Talk with Vanessa MillerIn Conversation with Michelle Stimpson

Information obtained from Online Event Posting

Step into The Dock Bookshop for a special conversation with acclaimed author, playwright, and motivational speaker Vanessa Miller, one of today’s most celebrated voices in historical fiction. Known for her powerful stories of redemption and her compelling portrayals of strong Black women at pivotal moments in history, Miller has earned national recognition for award-winning novels including The American Queen and The Filling Station.

In her newest novel, The Ladies Hall, Miller brings to life the remarkable friendship and courage of three trailblazing women—Mary Church Terrell, Anna J. Cooper, and Ida Gibbs—whose time at Oberlin College in the 1880s helped shape their lifelong fight for civil rights, women’s suffrage, and equality. Through themes of friendship, resilience, education, and social justice, The Ladies Hall illuminates the extraordinary impact of Black women whose voices helped transform America.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of contemporary fiction’s most inspiring storytellers as she discusses history, faith, literature, and the enduring power of women who dared to challenge the status quo.

- Presented by The Dock Bookshop in partnership with the Traphene Hickman Library

- Cedar Hill & Fort Worth appearances - Free and open to the public

Come discover the stories behind the women who helped change history—and meet the author bringing their legacy to life. h

Mayor Eric L. Johnson: Leading The City of Dallas, TX

Information obtained from www.dallascityhall.com

Eric L. Johnson is the 60th Mayor of Dallas, Texas. First elected in June 2019, he was re-elected in May 2023 with 98.7% of the vote, breaking a 114-year old record for the highest vote percentage garnered by a mayoral candidate facing any opposition in Dallas history. Prior to becoming mayor, Johnson served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, where he represented the City of Dallas from April 2010 to June 2019. During his tenure in the Texas Legislature, Johnson served on several legislative committees, including Appropriations, Ways and Means, Higher Education, and Natural Resources. He also served as chairman of the Dallas Area Legislative Delegation. In addition to his service as mayor of Dallas, Johnson also serves as counsel for the international law firm Troutman Pepper Locke LLP.

Johnson was born in Dallas and attended Dallas Independent School District schools through first grade before earning a scholarship to Greenhill School through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. He attended Harvard College, where he graduated cum laude with a degree in History. Johnson also holds a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. He is an alumnus of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. h

Jamiil Boyd

Crown Jewel Interiors

By Terry L. Watson

According to Webster’s Dictionary Online, the definition of Interior Design is: the art of decorating and furnishing the interior of a building.

Jamiil Boyd of Dallas, TX, is the owner and Principal Designer of Crown Jewel Interiors. Crown Jewel Interiors is a residential and commercial full service interior design studio that covers all aspects of interior projects, whether it’s furnishing or renovation, from concept to completion. Jamiil says she actually started a decorating business in 2007 and was pretty successful. Still, she wanted to go to school and learn the more technical aspects of the job and design, as well as decorating.

In addition to being a very talented designer, Jamiil is a mother and a karaoke connoisseur. Originally from Washington State, she moved to Texas after being recruited for a design position in Austin. Now fully operating in Dallas, in her free time, Jamiil enjoys discovering new things around the city and volunteering with various organizations that allow her to utilize her gifts and talents.

As a child, Jamiil became obsessed with a popular television show called Trading Spaces. She says that the production set designs on the show weren’t great most of the time, but she loved watching the transformations and the reactions. From there, her intrigue with interior design expanded to other shows, books, and magazines, and soon enough, as her peers started having their own places, Jamiil started getting requests to help set up their homes.

Jamiil is also a woman of faith and says that God has impacted her life and career more than anything. She says, “How can you not be inspired by the creations and combinations that He comes up with? Whether it’s a sunset, a landscape, a plant, or a creature; His creativity, compositions, and color combinations are unmatched.” When asked what she loves most about interior design, she says it’s the problem-solving that is involved. “Most people only recognize the aesthetic part of interior design, but that’s really the least part of what I do. People hire me because something isn’t working or they need it to work a certain way. My job is to figure out what they need, what they want, and how to make it work within the space and budget they provide,” she says. Jamiil also prides herself on being able to translate what clients aren’t able to articulate into a tangible concept that represents them and their lifestyle, and also being able to make it look good, too.

Like most business owners, whether small or big, Jamiil has encountered a few challenges along the way. One, she says, has been social media. “Unfortunately, social media has become a necessary cost of doing business, but I just don’t really like it. I’m not a natural sharer, and I don’t like having to think about what other people would like, or how the algorithm wants me to deliver it. I just want to design. I’m hoping to be able to hire someone else to take over that aspect of my business soon,” she says. Another challenge Jamiil has faced involves networking. “When you start a business, your network determines your net worth. I started a business in a new place, where I had no network, and so I’ve had to do a ton of networking to get my name out there.”

In spite of her challenges, Jamiil has persevered and remained focused on building Jewel Crown Interiors into a household brand. There aren’t many things she would have done differently, as they all have played a role in what she has become. One thing she readdresses is how she began. “I got off to a very busy start when I opened my business, and I was building a lot of momentum and had a steady stream of clients and projects. I soon had a huge project that took years to complete, and by the time it did, I was exhausted. I took a break from working and marketing, and by the time I was ready to get back to work, I basically had to start all over again, in a much different economy,” she says. In the future, Jamiil hopes to be able to get support with running her business, which will provide her with more flexibility.

What is next for Jamiil and Crown Jewel Interiors? Jamiil hopes to build a team. She is also focused on becoming more involved with custom builds. She adds, “They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As much as I love renovations, I’d like to create homes from the ground up and see them done well from the beginning. This involves better layouts, better materials, better craftsmanship, etc. I don’t think there’s a greater luxury in design than having a space that works exactly the way you need it to and represents you and your lifestyle effortlessly.”

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Faith, Life & Real Estate

By Terry L. Watson

Sharpley

David Sharpley of Athens, AL, knows something about overcoming adversity. Born in the midwestern city of Detroit, MI, David moved to Decatur at a young age. He graduated from West Morgan High School before later attending college for a brief period. Life threw him a few curveballs. At the age of 21, David found himself sitting inside a prison cell, convicted of Robbery, serving an eight-plus-year sentence. Yet, he held onto his faith in God. Once released, David allowed his life lessons to serve as a reminder of what he didn’t want to do with his life. He soon enrolled in school to study to be a Machinist.

Due to his unsuccessful attempts to find employment in that field, David pivoted and started his own business, an automotive detailing service, while continuing his education. Eventually, he found structured employment working in the shipping department of a local manufacturing company, later becoming a chemical operator. In 2022, life would change again for David. He was diagnosed with Appendicitis and spent a few months in and out of the hospital because of his illness. Once healed, David knew there was something more he wanted to do with life, and that is where the idea of being a Real Estate Agent came to mind.

The feeling I get when someone that I have helped buy a home is indescribable, especially for those who believed they would never become a homeowner.”

I got off parole and received a full pardon from the State of Alabama. That allowed me to get my license, and I have been practicing real estate since 2023.”

Becoming a Real Estate Agent posed a challenge for David, as he was a convicted felon and was still on parole. “I got off parole and received a pardon from the State of Alabama. That allowed me to get my license, and I have been practicing real estate since 2023,” he says.

Today, David works as a Real Estate Agent with Linda Blue Real Estate LLC. He serves the communities of Madison County, Athens, Huntsville, and the surrounding areas. “My goal is to help other families achieve the American dream of homeownership,” David says. “This is something that I have a passion for. My speciality is new construction. I enjoy helping buyers navigate through the process of purchasing a home. The feeling I get when someone that I have helped buy a home is indescribable, especially for those who believed they would never become a homeowner. I can relate to that experience, as I never thought I would be a homeowner. As a child, my family lived in a single-wide trailer, and to be a homeowner now, after all that I have experienced in life, the feeling is truly amazing.” In addition to Real Estate, David works full-time as a Chemical Operator for a local Aerospace company in Huntsville.

David shares his life with his wife of nine years, Alexis, and they were able to experience the thrill of homeownership in October 2025. Additionally, David is very active in his community. He often volunteers at the community center in Athens, as well as donating his time and resources to worthy causes there.

David credits many experiences and individuals for having a meaningful impact on his life. One person he acknowledges is his father. “Before my father passed away in 2014, he put the seed in my brother and me, and showed us how to be a man. He was a man’s man. Regardless of what I did, my father showed me the right way to do things. He went to work every day and held our house together. Witnessing how my father lived was the best example for me, and when I made the decision to get my life together, I went back to what I already knew,” David says.

Understandably, David has faced a few challenges in his career as a Realtor. One, he says, is trying to produce a steady flow of clients. “Because I work a full-time job, I am not technically considered to be a full-time Realtor. However, I am always trying to help someone purchase a home. I counter this challenge by increasing my social media presence and looking for more ways to connect with prospective buyers. Due to being a plethora of Realtors in our area, the element of competition is always there. I counter that by being personable with all of my clients, focusing on ways to make each experience unique and enjoyable,” he says.

Real Estate itself is a very challenging profession. David shares that a lot of people complete the course of getting their license, but due to the business having its share of peaks and valleys, many Realtors give up and fail to renew their licenses when the time arrives. “I got into Real Estate while looking at it as a hobby, so that I would not get frustrated. Now it’s fun. It’s fun to take others to look at houses. I don’t feel the pressure of not closing the sale, and that has truly allowed me to love the art of what I do,” he says.

What is next for David? He shares that he plans to continue to assist others with the homebuying process. He also has aspirations to be a broker. Additionally, David plans to continue serving his community by way of volunteering and business. “I really want to get the information on homeownership out to the African American community, as I have learned there are so many of us that are unaware of how the process works,” he says.

Doreen Gardner

The

Legacy Keeper

By Terry L. Watson

She is the keeper of the legacy.

Doreen Gardner of Kalamazoo, MI, doesn’t just talk the talk; she is a woman of action. She is a wife, mother, ordained minister, and a devout woman of God. She is also a successful businesswoman and the keeper of the legacy for Papa’s Brittle.

Launched in 2021, Papa’s Brittle is one of the besttasting peanut brittle brands available, and on this side of heaven. Founded by Doreen, who also serves as the company’s CEO, Papa’s Brittle is truly a family affair, with Doreen’s sister, niece, grandson, and granddaughter all playing key roles in keeping their incredible brittle in the family for yet another generation. “Together, we are preserving our family tradition and creating something special that we can pass on, ensuring that the love and care in every batch endure for years to come,” Doreen says.

Doreen’s family tradition of making peanut brittle has spanned more than 64 years. Doreen shares, “Every holiday, we were in the kitchen as young kids, helping my mother make peanut brittle to give to family and friends. Her list was for over 200 people, and they would start calling her in August to place their orders for the holidays.” In 2020, Doreen’s mother got sick, and Doreen was voluntold she had the responsibility of continuing the tradition of making peanut brittle for their family and friends. Doreen refused initially, but that didn’t last long. Her mother talked to Doreen’s daddy, and his response was, “You’re going to help your mama!” That was that, and the rest of the story, well…….. here we are today.

When Doreen started out delivering her peanut brittle, she was often asked why she wasn’t selling it. She had a conversation with her mother, and she was adamant about not selling the brittle. Doreen shares that something got into her, and claims that it had to be God. “I awoke one morning around 2:00 am and posted something about selling peanut brittle on Facebook. The response was positive and confirming. “I had over 250 orders within three days of posting on Facebook. I took the post down, and I made a promise that I would never make another batch of brittle as long as I live,” she says.

Soon after the experience with the Facebook post, Doreen’s father became terminally ill. Doreen was invitied to be in the first cohort of the Black Entrepreneur Training Academy in Kalamazoo. It was there that the name of her company was conceived. “I couldn’t come up with a name, and one of the girls in the cohort suggested that I call it Papa’s Brittle, as my father was always in the kitchen with my mother while she made her brittle. That connected with me, as my father’s dying words to me were that he always wanted to leave a legacy. I reminded him that he did leave a legacy. He was a great provider, and he truly loved his family,” she says. Doreen continued to build the business, and in 2022, she won the Catalyst Maker’s Mart competition and received the prestigious NAACP Powershift Grant, giving her $25,000 and mentorship from Shark Tank’s Daymond John. Papa’s continues to win awards. Michigan Women’s Foward, Battle Creek Reimagine, and MMSDC awarded Doreen a scholarship to attend Tuck Executive Education Program at Dartmouth.

“When I was 16 years old, someone told me that I would never amount to anything. It was an adult, and I will never forget them telling me that. Yet, my life has been anything but what they spoke. I am actually grateful for them, and I have used that as a reminder. I know who I am. I am a winner and survivor, and I do not lose, I learn. More importantly, I love God, I love myself, and I love people,” she says. Doreen shares that she has been surrounded by Godliness her entire life. Her grandmother, mother, and father all lived their lives in service to God. She shares that it was their examples that had the biggest impression upon her, and is something she continues in her life today.

“At Papa’s Peanut Brittle, we specialize in crafting the finest, old-fashioned peanut brittle made with love and the highest quality ingredients,” Doreen says. In addition to Peanut Brittle, they also offer Cashew Brittle and Pecan Brittle, all of which are available in various sizes and bundle options, gift boxes, and fundraisers, and ship nationwide.

It’s a legacy of love, where legacy and love connect. My mother and father set the standard for my siblings and me. They were good role models for us and were always giving back to their community.”

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Doreen says it is the opportunity to be the legacy keeper for her family. “It’s a legacy of love, where legacy and love connect. My mother and father set the standard for my siblings and me. They were good role models for us and were always giving back to their community. They also established righteousness in our household and stressed the importance of living a righteous life. I also want to give back as they did, but also build a facility in the community where I grew up, which is the North Side of Kalamazoo. I want to help the marginalized and overlooked by creating a place they can work and develop skills. I also want to help them with getting adequate childcare, as well as become college graduates and homeowners. Ultimately, my goal is to assist others with obtaining a fresh start in life,” she says.

In addition to her parents, Doreen credits a few others for inspiring and having a positive impact on her life. This includes her husband, Clarence, her daughters, Dr. Deveta Gardner, and Deyette Gardner, her circle of family and friends, and her pastor and first lady. “My husband has been a great supporter of everything that I do. Under my pastor’s leadership, I discovered who I am. He is a great leader, and many of the leadership skills that I have learned under him, I also model in business,” she says.

When I started, things took off like fire. I didn’t see where the business was going, but my pastor saw what I couldn’t see. He told me that I couldn’t continue to work at the church and do brittle, and within six months of starting my company, I submitted my resignation.

Pictured with Doreen is her husband, Clarence

Understandably, while building her company, Doreen has faced her share of challenges. One, she says, with being a black, minority female, we don’t always know where to get access to the necessary resources to start, run, and maintain a business. I have navigated and pushed my way through those spaces with the hope of opening doors for others who look like me,” she says. Another challenge has been funding. “I used a portion of my 401K retirement plan to fund my business, but having access to additional funding would have helped me, and I know that other entrepreneurs need it also. That is why I remain committed to helping others by sharing my experiences and what I learn.”

While she has faced a few obstacles, Doreen says there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened since launching her company in 2021. “When I started, things took off like fire. I didn’t see where the business was going, but my pastor saw what I didn’t see. He told me that I couldn’t continue to work at the church and do brittle, and within six months of starting my company, I submitted my resignation. Additionally, I wish I had prepared for rapid growth. In the beginning, I didn’t have all of the necessary systems and foundation in place, such as bookkeeping, finance, and others. If I could do anything different, I would get everything structurally set from the beginning,” she says.

Looking ahead, Doreen plans to continue to find ways to manage the rapid growth of her company. “I have so many business opportunities, and that is something that keeps me awake at night. There are many stores and markets requesting our products, but I need more help to produce enough to meet that need,” she says. Under Doreen’s leadership, Papa’s Brittle remains committed to providing exceptional service and quality. They are always seeking ways to partner with others. For those who are interested in being a trusted supplier of Papa’s Brittle, please reachout to them to learn how to sweeten your shelves with Papa’s delicious peanut brittle. “Whether you’re a retailer, specialty shop, or event planner, our wholesale program offers the perfect opportunity to bring a classic treat to your customers.”

Queani Johnson

The EmpowerPath Initiative

By Terry L. Watson

Who is Queani Johnson? Well, If you ask her that question, she probably won’t begin by talking about her accomplishments. She wouldn’t start with the internships, the awards, or even her future plans.

While those are all meaningful parts of her journey, they aren’t what define her. Instead, Queani defines herself by one simple image—a lotus flower. Queani shares that the lotus has become the symbol of her life, mainly because it grows in muddy water. It begins beneath the surface, surrounded by darkness, yet somehow it rises above everything around it and blooms into something beautiful. “Most people admire the flower without ever thinking about what it had to push through just to reach the light. Every time I see a lotus, I see my own story. My life hasn’t been free of hardship, disappointment, or moments of uncertainty, but I’ve learned that difficult seasons don’t have to determine your destination. Sometimes the places that seem the darkest produce the greatest growth,” Queani says.

Queani was born and raised in Franklinton, North Carolina, a small town that taught her some of life’s biggest lessons. It was there that she learned the value of hard work, faith, humility, and community. Her parents taught her that success isn’t measured by what you have, but by how you treat people and how willing you are to serve others. Those values have remained the foundation

of everything she does. “Growing up, I often questioned whether I belonged. I was the quiet girl who observed more than she spoke. People sometimes mistook my quietness for weakness, but over time I realized there is strength in listening. Listening allows you to understand people before judging them, and it allows you to see what others often overlook. That ability to truly listen has shaped the leader I am becoming and the attorney I hope to be one day.”

Presently, Queani is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and African American Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also aspires to become the first person in her family to attend law school. “That dream is bigger than earning another degree. It represents generations of sacrifice, perseverance, and hope. It represents every person who believed in me before I fully believed in myself,” she says. At her core, Queani is simply someone who wants people to know they matter. Whether through law, mentorship, leadership, or community service, she desires to see every person that she encounters leave feeling seen, heard, and valued.

Queani’s greatest accomplishment has been becoming the woman she once doubted she could be. Professionally, she’s had the privilege of interning with the United States District Court Eastern District of Virginia and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Those experiences gave me her inside look at our legal system and strengthened her desire to pursue a career rooted in justice and service. They also introduced Queani to judges, attorneys, probation officers, and public servants who demonstrated that leadership is about integrity, humility, and treating every person with dignity. She shares that at Virginia Commonwealth University, she was honored to serve as Freshman Noblity Homecoming Court and Miss 1906. “Those recognitions meant much more than receiving a crown. To me, they represented growth. They reminded me that the quiet young woman who once questioned whether she belonged had grown into someone trusted to represent an entire community. It wasn’t about popularity; it was about purpose.” Queani has received numerous scholarships throughout her academic journey, experiences that she says have reminded her that hard

work, perseverance, and faith never go unnoticed. More importantly, they reinforced her responsibility to continue opening doors for others. Queani says the accomplishment that means the most to her is co-founding the EmpowerPath Initiative with her mother. “Building an organization dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening families has allowed me to transform my own experiences into opportunities for someone else’s growth. Watching young people begin to believe in themselves reminds me why we started this work in the first place,” she says.

“My testimony is one of God’s grace, healing, and purpose. There was a season in my life when I faced significant mental health challenges and struggled to recognize my own worth. From the outside, life appeared to be moving forward, but internally I was carrying burdens that very few people knew about. I questioned my purpose, battled self-doubt, and wondered whether I truly belonged in this world. Looking back, I now understand that God never stopped working, even when I couldn’t see it. While I was questioning my future, He was preparing it. Every opportunity, every mentor, every encouraging conversation, and every open door became another reminder that my story was not over,” she shares.

Healing, Queani says, taught her that faith doesn’t always remove the storm, but it gives you the strength to walk through it. “I learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is courage. I learned that healing is not a destination but a lifelong journey of choosing hope, choosing faith, and choosing to believe that your life still has purpose. Today, I share my testimony because I know there are people quietly carrying burdens they believe no one understands. I want them to know they are not alone. My story is not about the pain I experienced, it is about the purpose I discovered because of it. I believe God allowed me to walk through those difficult seasons so I could remind someone else that healing is possible, hope is real, and your current circumstances do not determine your future.”

I learned that asking for help is not weakness, it is courage. I learned that healing is not a destination but a lifelong journey of choosing hope, choosing faith, and choosing to believe that your life still has purpose.”

Queani credits her parents with having the greatest impact on her life. She adds, “Long before I understood sacrifice, they were living it every single day. As a young student, I knew they worked hard, but I didn’t fully understand the weight of those sacrifices until I became older. Looking back now, I realize every extra shift, every long day, and every sacrifice they made was an investment in my future. They chose to carry additional burdens so I could focus on building the life they dreamed for me. Their example taught me that success is never achieved alone. Every accomplishment I celebrate belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me.”Queani’s experiences within the federal court system, she states, transformed the way she viewed leadership and justice. Working alongside judges, attorneys, probation officers, and legal professionals showed her that justice is about far more than laws and courtrooms. It is about protecting people’s dignity, advocating for fairness, and ensuring every individual has the opportunity to be heard. One individual who left a lasting impression on Queani was Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory. Watching his humility, wisdom, and compassion, she shared, demonstrated that leadership is measured not by power but by service. His example reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in law rooted in integrity, empathy, and justice.

The EmpowerPath Initiative is more than a nonprofit organization, it is a reflection of Queani’s purpose and the heart behind everything I hope to accomplish. Founded by her mother and Queani, EmpowerPath is rooted in family, faith, service, and community. Together, they recognized that empowering youth means supporting the entire family. Queani says that it was founded on the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, regardless of where they come from or the obstacles they face. “Growing up in a rural community, I experienced firsthand how limited access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities can influence a young person’s future. Too often, talented young people don’t lack ability, they lack exposure, guidance, and someone who believes in them. EmpowerPath was created to help change

that narrative. That’s why our work extends beyond mentorship to include advocacy, health literacy, family wellness, leadership development, workforce readiness, youth justice, and educational programming. We want to equip young people and their families with the knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to build stronger futures. Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower every voice, strengthen every path, and help young people recognize that their circumstances do not define their potential. We believe that when youth are supported, families become stronger, and when families become stronger, entire communities thrive. More than anything, I want every child who encounters EmpowerPath to leave knowing they are seen, valued, capable, and created with purpose,” she says.

The vision for EmpowerPath didn’t begin with a business plan, it began with lived experience. As Queani reflected on her own journey, she realized that many of the challenges she faced could have been easier to navigate if she had greater access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities. She often thought about the young people growing up in communities like the one she grew up in, and wondered how many of them were carrying incredible potential without anyone helping them recognize it. That question stayed with Queani. She says that she and her mother began talking about what it would look like to create something that not only encouraged young people but also strengthened families and communities. Those conversations eventually became EmpowerPath. In November 2025, they officially launched the organization with a vision of creating stronger pathways for youth and families, particularly in rural communities where opportunities can often feel out of reach. “We wanted to build an organization that addressed more than one need. We wanted to create a place where advocacy, education, leadership, health and wellness, workforce development, and mentorship could come together to help people build lasting futures,” she says.

As the future unfolds, Queani says the next chapter of her journey is one that she has dreamed about for years, and one that she approaches with excitement, gratitude, and humility.

“Right now, my primary focus is preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and applying to law schools as I continue pursuing my lifelong goal of becoming an attorney. I know this next season will require discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance, but every step brings me closer to the purpose I believe God has placed on my life. My hope is to earn my Juris Doctor, pass the bar examination, and dedicate my career to advocating for justice, serving communities whose voices have too often been overlooked, and ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity, fairness, and compassion. I want to use the law not only as a profession, but as a tool to create meaningful change and expand opportunities for others. Alongside my legal journey, I remain deeply committed to growing the EmpowerPath Initiative. My vision is to expand our impact by creating more opportunities for youth and families through mentorship, leadership development, educational programming, workforce readiness, health and wellness initiatives, and community partnerships. I believe meaningful change doesn’t begin only inside a courtroom, it begins within our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. As I reflect on this chapter of my life, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the Virginia Commonwealth University community. VCU has been more than a university; it has been a place where I have grown academically, professionally, and personally. I am especially thankful to the professors who challenged me to think critically, encouraged me to believe in my abilities, and invested in my success both inside and outside the classroom. Their mentorship, guidance, and belief in my potential have played an important role in shaping the leader I am becoming. I am equally grateful to the judges, attorneys, probation officers, mentors, classmates, family, and friends who have poured into my journey. Every opportunity I’ve received has been possible because someone took the time to encourage me, teach me, or open a door. No matter where life leads me next, my mission will remain the same: to honor God, serve others with humility, advocate for justice with integrity, and leave every place I enter better than I found it. I truly believe the best chapters of my story are still being written, and I look forward to embracing every opportunity that lies ahead with faith, purpose, and a heart committed to making a difference,” she says. h

Marcus Martin Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc.

A Legacy of Service

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by DeMarion Newell of C WHITT PR

Marcus Martin of East Chicago, IN, is the face and founder of Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. Founded in 2013, Grace Beyond Borders NWI, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides temporary housing and assists clients with securing long-term housing. It also meets the physical and spiritual needs of those impacted by homelessness and drug addiction. They accomplish this by providing food, long-term housing, and a safe space to help neighbors get back on their feet. They also provide resources for a hand up and not a handout. As a program to end homelessness, life-changing services are given to transform and restore lives. The program’s mission is to offer hope, love, care, and the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“I come from a very humble beginning. I grew up in a melting pot, diverse community. Most of the opportunities available for the youth involved sports. There was limited transportation, and we became accustomed to walking to get to where we wanted to go. As a young boy, I delivered newspapers,” he says. After graduating from high school in East Chicago, Marcus graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. He later returned to East Chicago and worked part-time in the public school system. That experience, he says, he learned a lot about working with young people and individuals. He would also work with the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana for twenty plus years, before choosing to work with the homeless population in his community.

In the beginning, Marcus worked with the Homeless Outreach Ministry at his church. “At first, I thought I would stand behind a table, serve food, and help clean up. I found that it was much more,” he says. After working with the Homeless Outreach Ministry, Marcus says he began to feel a calling to work with the homeless population. That was around 2010. “I remember being at a leadership retreat at our church. It was being held at a major shopping mall, and I recall having a free afternoon. That was when I heard a voice telling me to do what I was called to do, which was work with the homeless population.” When Marcus returned to work on Monday, he says that he was offered a chance to resign from his job with the Boys and Girls Club. By that Friday, he accepted a severance package and stepped out into what he called the “unknown”.

Soon, Marcus would launch Grace Beyond Borders. It began on the streets, appropriately, as the issues they strive to address are found there, being the homeless population. In his first year, Marcus came in contact with nearly 100 homeless individuals, primarily in East Chicago, but also in neighboring communities such as Gary, Hammond, Merrillville, and others. “Being outdoors, and being on the front line, I was able to learn that not all homelessness is connected to substance abuse. I learned that some people are homeless for various reasons, many of which can be reversed,” he says. Fast forward to 2018, through news broadcasts and radio promotions, Marcus announced that he would be staying out 30 different nights in 30 different locations where the homeless population was known to inhabit. Marcus shares that it was during the winter months, and these were some harsh conditions that people were living in, and it was extremely difficult for him. On the bright side, that event was very successful for Marcus and the homeless community, as he was able to raise over $70,000. He used the money to purchase a building that is now a temporary shelter for women and their children as well as a center for resources for the homeless in East Chicago, Indiana.

When asked what he loves most about what he does, Marcus says it’s the opportunity to work with the homeless population and help to meet their needs. Looking ahead, Grace Beyond Borders is seeking to partner with organizations and others who are interested in investing in the program. With helping the homeless population find permanent shelter being their ultimate goal, he says they want to ensure that need is met. “My vision is a larger expansion of where we are, that will allow us to take in more families with children, and then move into housing. We have to expand to meet these needs and it requires funding. We want to have everything in place to show our supporters that they are making a difference and impacting the lives of others. We don’t want children who are presently in a homeless situation to repeat the cycle. That is why our work is so important,” he says. I

While the main focus is to assist the homeless population, Grace Beyond Borders does a lot more. “We take every call that comes in. We work with families in getting placement. I recall working with a mother with six daughters, ranging in age of one and eleven. She was in a domestic violence situation with her kid’s father. We helped her get a hotel and food. We were also able to get her out of danger, and ultimately assist her with reestablishing her family. That is the kind of work that our organization does,” he says.

One Communicator Many Expressions AprilC.Evans

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by April C. Evans

“I like to think I’m the best version of myself yet, while fully understanding there’s still plenty of room for growth. I also hope that I never stop learning.”

That is a brief self-description of April C. Evans, the face and voice of April C. Evans, Limited Co. She is also a daughter, sister, friend, minister, student, teacher, communicator, and community builder, and she proudly proclaims herself to be a woman who is discovering more and more about how God has designed her. “At my core, I love people, and I’m endlessly curious about them. I love helping them connect the dots, find clarity, and leave with something they can actually use. Whether I’m speaking from a stage, leading a nonprofit, teaching in ministry, or sitting across from someone one-on-one, my goal is always the same: to leave people better than they came,” she says.

Born and raised in Greenville, SC, the tradition of family is deeply embedded in April’s being. She still looks forward to Sunday dinners at her parents’ house with her siblings and whoever else decides to pull up for the feast. She adds that there’s always enough food, plenty of laughs, and somehow room for one more. It is moments like those that April says her love for community first took root.

With her company, April C. Evans, Limited Co., she states that everything she does flows from one idea: One Communicator. Many Expressions. At the heart of her work, April helps people and organizations communicate with depth, humanity, and impact. She is a communicator whose work spans keynote speaking, leadership facilitation, event flow design, strategic consulting, moderating conversations, interviewing guests, and emceeing signature events. She also assists organizations with design experiences that don’t just run well, but communicate well. “From run of show design and event logistics to leadership development and strategic communication, I help bring order to chaos so people can focus on what matters most,” she says.

Additionally, April is a member of the Greater Greenville Mental Health Board and serves as Executive Director of Juneteenth GVL, Inc., whose mission is to honor Juneteenth through programs and partnerships that educate, equip, and strengthen the community. April shares that this same body of work takes on a broader expression through her role as Executive Director of Juneteenth GVL. “I lead strategy, cultivate partnerships, develop programs, secure resources, and help turn vision into meaningful community impact through education, wellness, and economic mobility initiatives. Whether I’m leading a conversation in a boardroom, standing on a stage, designing the flow of an event, or building community alongside incredible partners, my work always begins and ends with people. I’ve always been the person who could bring order to chaos, connect people who needed each other, and help ideas come to life. I eventually realized those weren’t just skills, they were gifts. The platform may change. The audience may change. The assignment may even change, but the calling remains the same. I don’t just communicate to inform people. I communicate to move people,” she explains.

While April has completed more than 100 hours of college coursework in Business Administration, she says her greatest achievement in the aspect of education has come through leadership, corporate America, ministry, entrepreneurship, and serving her community. She says that every season has stretched her, sharpened her, and taught her how to communicate with greater wisdom, compassion, and purpose. While reflecting on her journey, she realizes that her work began long before she had a business card. “I’ve always approached people, problems, and possibilities a little differently. While others naturally followed a more linear path, I was usually connecting dots that didn’t seem connected yet. I could see possibilities, patterns, and solutions that weren’t always obvious to everyone else. For a long time, though, I didn’t know how to harness my gift, and I wasn’t always sure if there was room to explore those ideas without fear of getting it wrong. Now I know those weren’t random instincts, yet it was God shaping the way I think long before I understood why.”

For a long time, I didn’t always feel like there was space to fully explore how my mind works. Today, I get to lean into my curiosity, think creatively, connect ideas that others may not immediately see, and solve problems in ways that feel authentic to how God designed me.”

April shares that one of the most defining moments in her career occured when the co-founder of Juneteenth GVL, Rueben Hays, shared his vision for what was then called the MegaFest. As he shared the vision, God immediately began downloading another vision into her spirit, which would become known as the Royal Gala. “I had the privilege of giving birth to the Royal Gala, and four years later, it has become one of Juneteenth GVL’s signature events. That experience taught me that vision often builds upon visio, and sometimes God entrusts one person to plant the seed and another to help it flourish,” she says. Ironically, the same thing happened to April with April C. Evans Limited, LLC. She had stopped trying to fit into one professional box and embraced how God designed her, completely. “I realized that speaking, leadership, ministry, nonprofit work, event strategy, and media aren’t separate careers. They’re different expressions of the same calling.”

Every aspect of April’s life, business and personal, has been impacted by experiences and individuals which have helped to shape her into a successful businesswoman and humanbeing. One person she acknowledges is Pastor Wendell Jones of Changing Your Mind Ministries. She says, “Pastor Jones has had the greatest impact on both my life and my career. His teaching is practical, biblical, and lived. He doesn’t just preach scripture, he demonstrates it. He has challenged me to grow, trusted me with opportunities before I felt ready, and consistently reminded me that character will always sustain what talent alone cannot. Pastor Jones has also graciously allowed me to use his name to open doors in corporate spaces and beyond. That level of trust is something I’ve never taken lightly. His leadership has taught me that influence isn’t about having the microphone. It’s about serving people well, and that principle has become the foundation of how I lead,” she says.

April also credits her brother, Rico, for shaping her life in ways that words can’t hardly capture. “I don’t desire to do life without him. He reminds me that the people we love aren’t just part of our story. They’re part of our purpose. One of my greatest desires is for him to see himself the way I see him. My brother is one of the reasons I choose to live out loud. I want him to see what’s possible, and I want my life to be a reminder that healing, growth, purpose, and hope are all within reach,” April says. If there’s one thing that both Pastor Jones and her brother Rico has taught April, she says is that “Your greatest influence isn’t found in what you say. It’s found in how you live.”

When asked what she loves most about what she does, April shares that it is the opportunity to keep discovering who God created her to be. “For a long time, I didn’t always feel like there was space to fully explore how my mind works. Today, I get to lean into my curiosity, think creatively, connect ideas that others may not immediately see, and solve problems in ways that feel authentic to how God designed me,” she explains. As she continues learning more about who she is, her purpose and calling appears to come in alignment with God. “I’ve learned that every assignment teaches me something about the people I serve and something about myself, and I don’t take either for granted.”

Success, and maintaining a certain level of success understandably comes with a set of challenges that are unique for each carrier of purpose. April says that one of her greatest challenges has been giving herself permission to fully embrace how God designed her. “Receiving my ADHD diagnosis at 47 helped me understand myself in ways I never had before. It didn’t change who I was, instead It gave language to who I’d always been. Today, I no longer see those differences as something to overcome, but I see them as part of how God uniquely equipped me to serve others. More importantly, I’ve learned that some of the very things I once questioned about myself have become my greatest strengths. I’ve learned to stop fighting who God created me to be. I’ve also learned not to panic during transition, and learned that every season has invited me to know God more deeply and understand myself more honestly. That combination has given me the confidence to stop chasing someone else’s definition of success and start walking in the purpose that was designed specifically for me. Clarity doesn’t always come before the next step, and more often than not, it comes because I was willing to take it.”

For others whose journey in life or business may mirror April’s, she offers some sound advice that she hopes will help to make the experience more clear and understandable. “Don’t spend so much time trying to become someone else that you miss becoming yourself. Pay attention to what comes naturally to you. The things you’ve questioned, hidden, or even apologized for may be the very gifts God intends to use. Also, stay curious and teachable, and give yourself permission to grow, change, and evolve. Remember that you don’t have to have your entire life figured out to take the next faithful step, and whatever you do, don’t stop learning who you are. The more I’ve learned about how God designed me, the more confident I’ve become in how I serve others. If people leave inspired but don’t know what to do next, we’ve only done half the job. Whether you’re leading a business, a family, or your own life, always leave yourself and others with a next step. That’s where hope begins.”

Looking towards the future, April is excited about what is next for April C. Evans, Limited Co. Her plans are to grow it into a nationally recognized communication and leadership brand while expanding her work as a keynote speaker, trainer, interviewer, and Event Flow Maestro. She also remains equally committed to helping Juneteenth GVL continue to grow into an organization that creates lasting impact through education, wellness, economic mobility, and meaningful community partnerships. Personally, her focus is to continue to become the woman God designed her to be. “I believe the more I grow, the greater my capacity to serve others. As I have stated. the platform may change, the audience may change, and the assignment may change. But the calling remains the same. I don’t just communicate to inform people. I communicate to move people,” she says.

If people leave inspired but don’t know what to do next, we’ve only done half the job. Whether you’re leading a business, a family, or your own life, always leave yourself and others with a next step. That’s where hope begins.” h