Huami Magazine Greenville/Spartanburg May/June 2026

God is Still Working

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

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L.

Watson

A Letter from the Editor

I believe most people, when asked to describe the best thing that has ever happened to us, our answers are readily available. They are accompanied by smiles and exuberance, possibly because the word “best” triggers feelings of goodness and happiness. On the other hand, when asked to describe the worst thing, our responses are the opposite. This might be a result of how our emotions are directed by the laws of human nature, which is similar to how members of a church choir are to their director. We connect good with happiness, and bad with sadness, two emotions on different ends of life’s spectrum.

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.

Throughout my journey of walking with God and trusting His leadership and direction, I have learned that I am never alone. Through every hurt and pain, through every hill and valley moment, God has always been there. Even during the times when I have walked away, He was there, providing grace, even when I didn’t deserve it. God has shown me through each experience that there is a lesson to be learned, and without the experience of joy, pain, and heartache, I wouldn’t know. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to win and conquer my giants. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to see mountains move in my life, and to see strongholds come down. Without the low moments, how would I know what it feels like to see the Holy Spirit work on my behalf, during moments when I have no words to explain my pain.

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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.

As children of God, I believe that we should never stop striving to get into alignment with what God has purposed us to do. We all have assignments, unique and specific, and accompanied by a clear list of instructions that God provides. He instructs us to pray without ceasing. He instructs us to follow Him and to trust His word. God instructs us to repent and turn from our wicked ways.

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.

While our journeys can be difficult, we must be mindful and know that trouble doesn’t last always, and joy does come in the morning. Get up for your morning, and know that regardless of what it looks like, good or bad, God is still working.

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Juneteenth

BEC Freedom Gala

AJ and The Cool Kids is committed to spreading awareness about Autism. Learn more about the founder and his vision. Antonio Tolson

NC

Greenville, SC

Honoring Students and Leaders NCNW Scholarship Gala Awards

He is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. His name is

Spartanburg Juneteenth: BEC FREEDOM GALA

Information obtained from Online Source

Join us to celebrate freedom at the BEC FREEDOM GALA! Community Awards, Stunning Runway Experience, Music and More. Don’t Miss Out!

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Freedom Gala, where we celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth while honoring individuals and organizations that help make our community thrive. The festivities begin at 6:45 PM with a glamorous red-carpet event, followed by the BEC Awards.

After the Awards, continue celebrating with us at the Gala Party, where you can mix and mingle with fellow attendees and awardees. Enjoy music from DJ Kurious George, Runway Experience powered by Carolina Urban Fashion Week, dancing, and more as we celebrate Juneteenth and the contributions of our community’s shining stars!

The Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Freedom Gala is the perfect opportunity to show your support for the local community, learn about the importance of Juneteenth, and have an incredible time. Don’t miss out on this memorable evening!

Spartanburg Juneteenth Inc.’s mission is to educate the Spartanburg community about African American history primarily through an annual Juneteenth celebration. We exist to educate, commemorate, and celebrate African American history, freedom, and achievement, with a special emphasis on the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth. Through education-focused programming and community-centered celebrations, we work to preserve history while inspiring unity, understanding, and progress for future generations.

At Spartanburg Juneteenth, we continue this tradition with vibrant cultural events in Spartanburg, including educational exhibits, historical presentations, and community celebrations. Juneteenth represents more than a moment in history—it reflects the ongoing journey toward freedom, equity, and recognition. In Spartanburg, this celebration holds unique meaning as we honor local African American history, acknowledge past injustices, and create space for shared learning and reflection.

By grounding Juneteenth in local stories and cultural contributions, we help ensure history is remembered, respected, and passed forward.

Spartanburg Juneteenth: BEC FREEDOM GALA

Chapman Cultural Center

Fri, Jun 19, 2026 6:45 PM - 11:00 PM (EDT)

200 E St John Street Spartanburg, SC h

The NCNW Scholarship Gala Awards

June 6, 2026

Information obtained from Online Source

Join us at The NCNW Scholarship Gala to honor outstanding students and support future leaders!

The Greenville County Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is proud to present our 2026 Scholarship Gala, taking place on June 6, 2026. This elegant black-tie affair will celebrate the presentation of the prestigious Peggy B. Baxter Community Service Scholarship while advancing our ongoing commitment to empowering students in Greenville County through education and opportunity.

Guests will experience a refined and memorable evening featuring a formal dinner, live entertainment, and inspiring remarks from distinguished community leaders. More than a celebration, the gala serves as a meaningful gathering of professionals, advocates, and changemakers united in their shared commitment to uplifting the next generation.

Since our chartering in September 2019, the Greenville County Section of NCNW has worked diligently to promote education, equity, and community service. Proceeds from this event will directly support scholarships for deserving local students, helping to remove financial barriers and open doors to higher education.

We are honored to welcome Mrs. Babette Jones, entrepreneur and owner of Six Nineteen of 1865, as our featured speaker for the evening. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable night of elegance, purpose, and impact.

Peggy Baxter is a respected and devoted community leader from Greenville, South Carolina. She is the immediate past chair of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Greenville and formerly served as Vice President for Community Health and Ambulatory Services at the Children’s Hospital Research and Medical Center in Oakland, California. A deacon at Long Branch Baptist Church, Mrs. Baxter has also held numerous leadership roles in civic and service organizations throughout Greenville. A proud graduate of Sterling High School, she went on to earn degrees from Hampton University and the University of Denver. Mrs. Baxter is a Lifetime Member of the National Council of Negro Women and was honored to spend time with the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who served as NCNW’s National President for four decades. h

Taste of Black - Spartanburg

By Jay Tolbert

Photos Provided by Jay Tolbert

Jay Tolbert of Spartanburg, SC, is an entrepreneur, visionary, and community builder dedicated to creating platforms that generate impact, opportunity, and legacy. He is the founder of Cornbread Hospitality Group, a dynamic umbrella company that houses a portfolio of business, hospitality, innovation, consulting, and community-centered brands. His work is rooted in culture, ownership, service, and economic empowerment, with a strong focus on building ecosystems that help people and businesses grow.

Jay is also the owner of Cornbread Hospitality Group. Cornbread Hospitality Group is a multi-brand umbrella company comprising ventures that span hospitality, innovation, consulting, business development, cultural experiences, and economic empowerment. Some of the products and services they offer are Euphoria Kitchen + Cocktails, The Epicenter Workspace + Innovation Hub, The Tolbert House, Cornbread Consulting Firm, Taste of Black Weekend, RestaurantAi, Tolbert Consulting Group, Black Hollywood Travel, and Black Economic Mobility Coalition.

Collectively, the brands mentioned offer a wide range of services and experiences, including hospitality concepts, workspace and innovation opportunities, consulting, business credit and funding solutions, sales automation, travel experiences, technology solutions for restaurants, and community-centered cultural events. At the core of everything we do is a commitment to helping people build, grow, connect, and thrive.

Jay shares that Cornbread Hospitality Group began with a larger vision to build more than just one business. “I wanted to create an umbrella that could house multiple ideas, brands, and initiatives that all work together around one common mission: creating opportunity, impact, and legacy.

The vision came from understanding that business can be a vehicle for transformation. Whether through hospitality, innovation, consulting, culture, or community work, I wanted to build brands that solve problems, create memorable experiences, and open doors for others,” he says.

Most recently, Jay and his team produced The Taste of Black Spartanburg. This event is a cultural and community experience designed to celebrate Black culture, Black entrepreneurship, youth achievement, and culinary excellence. “It is more than just an event — it is a platform that creates visibility, opportunity, and economic impact for Black-owned businesses and the broader community,” Jay says. “Taste of Black Weekend brings together food, music, business, creativity, and culture in a way that is both festive and intentional. It creates a space where people can not only celebrate, but also directly support the businesses, organizations, and young people who are helping move the community forward.”

The vision for The Taste of Black Spartanburg came from a desire to create something that was both culturally meaningful and economically impactful,” Jay says. “I wanted to create a platform that did more than entertain. I wanted it to elevate Black-owned businesses, celebrate Black excellence, support youth, and give the community something powerful to rally around. Too often, there are talented entrepreneurs, food vendors, creators, and young leaders who deserve more visibility than they receive. Taste of Black was created to help change that by bringing together culture, commerce, and community in one intentional experience.”

Taste of Black Spartanburg 2026 was a full weekend experience centered around celebration, impact, and community. It began with The Black Ball on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Indigo Hall in Downtown Spartanburg. The black-tie benefit gala was the official kickoff to Taste of Black Weekend. Hosted by Ricco Ross, known for his role as Horace in Tyler Perry’s hit Netflix series Beauty in Black, The Black Ball supports Black-owned businesses and celebrates the accomplishments of Black young men through our partnership with My Brother’s Keeper of the Upstate.

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, they hosted the Taste of Black Food Festival at Barnet Park in Downtown Spartanburg. This was their signature event and one of the biggest cultural food experiences in the Upstate. During their inaugural year in 2025, the festival welcomed more than 4,000 attendees and generated over $50,000 in direct vendor sales. The festival features food vendors, food trucks, artisans, creators, and service-based businesses, all brought together in a vibrant atmosphere centered around food, culture, and community.

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the weekend closed with Johnny Sizemore’s Monologue Slam at Indigo Hall, bringing a creative and performance-centered finish to the weekend.

Jay shares that what he loves most about what he does is creating opportunities that matter. “I love building platforms that bring people together, help businesses grow, and pour back into the community in meaningful ways. There is something powerful about watching a vision come to life and knowing it is creating real impact for other people. I also love the fact that what I do sits at the intersection of culture, business, and purpose. Whether it is through hospitality, consulting, innovation, or community events, I enjoy building things that leave people better, stronger, and more inspired than before.”

As the weekend continues to grow, Jay says he hopes to see even more strategic support, sponsorship investment, and lead time in place earlier in the planning process. That would allow them to increase their marketing reach, deepen partnerships, and elevate the production even more. At the same time, every year provides lessons that help strengthen the next one. “Growth comes with learning, and we are committed to continuing to refine and expand the experience,” he says.

Looking ahead, Jay says his focus is on continued expansion, deeper impact, and greater scale. For Cornbread Hospitality Group, the vision is to continue growing the brands under our umbrella and building a portfolio that creates opportunity across hospitality, business, innovation, culture, and community development. For Taste of Black Spartanburg, he says his goal is to continue growing it into one of the most recognized and impactful cultural weekends in the region — one that not only celebrates Black excellence, but also produces measurable results for businesses, youth, and the community as a whole. Everything we are building is about legacy. It is about creating platforms that last, empowering people through business and culture, and making sure our work leaves something meaningful behind.” h

Tia Morris Dr.

Purpose + Presence Coaching, LLC

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Dr. Tia Morris

As a mental wellness coach, Dr. Dr. Tia Morris focuses on helping high-achieving and high-performing women shift from self-pressure, imposter’s syndrome, and burnout to embodied presence, confidence, and sustainable success. She is the owner of Purpose + Presence Coaching and TJM Therapy & Wellness. In her capacity, she currently offers one-on-one 90-minute intensives, which provide clients with a strategic roadmap of how to begin the process of identity and lifestyle recalibration. With the 3- month Purpose+ Presence Program, which has 12 one-on-one 60-minute sessions, she provides a boutique, customized coaching experience. Additionally, she works with women who are in C-suites, academia, who have leadership roles, business owners/entrepreneurs, community leaders, and movers and shakers of their ecosystems.

At her core, Dr. Tia shares that she is Kenneth and Carol’s daughter and Devon’s proud big sister. A St. Louis, MO, native, she describes herself as someone who loves to laugh and has never met a carb she didn’t like. “I’m insightful, purpose-driven, authentic, and deeply curious about people, relationships, and the human experience,” she says.

That curiosity has guided Dr. Tia throughout life. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Human-Community Services and Religious Studies-Family Ministries, and followed that feat with a Master’s in Social Work. She also has obtained her Doctorate in Human Services- Leadership & Organizational Management. She was inducted as a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success during her doctoral studies.

Dr. Tia has worked for more than 20 years as a social worker and 16 years as a licensed clinical social worker, serving across a wide range of settings. These include the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the American Red Cross, community mental health, school social work, and nonprofit leadership.

However, Dr. Tia’s commitment to her community extends beyond her direct work. With FamilyForward, the Missouri Association of the Deaf, and the Missouri Society of Clinical Social Workers, she has poured into countless individuals. She currently serves on the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and was honored to be inducted into the Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society.

Dr. Tia is licensed as a mental health therapist in Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and New York. She is a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and works with this population as well. “Traditionally, therapy has been heavily influenced by the medical model, which is necessary for a great majority of my clients. However, there are individuals who want and need help, but do not fit this category. This is why I’ve decided, at this point in my career, to expand into coaching,” she says.

So how did Dr. Tia’s journey begin? She says, “When I was younger, I always knew I wanted to help others. I thought of being a doctor, but math and science weren’t my strongest points. I wanted to understand people, relationships, the mind, and society, so social work made more sense. I do believe growing up as a child with severe hearing loss also impacted how I saw myself and the world.” During the Covid 19 pandemic, Dr. Tia experienced a period where she realized I needed to pivot as I wasn’t content with my life overall. I decided to quit my job, sell my house, and make plans to move overseas. Though the move didn’t come to fruition, that season gave me the reset I needed to decide to bet on myself. In February 2021, I decided to open a virtual private practice and have been doing that full-time ever since.”

With the work Dr. Tia has done in the past five years, she says it was a natural progression to become a mental wellness coach. “With coaching, it allows me to make a greater impact, something that is very important to her, as she moves further into her 40’s and womanhood. “Most of my clients are women who are high-achievers, A-type, perfectionists, who constantly show up for others. One of the things I noticed is that women are conditioned from a very young age to put others first. When putting others first, they sacrifice their own needs and wants.

As one who has made it my life’s work to do my part in empowering those I work with, I provide my clients with permission to think, speak, and move differently, especially when what they’ve been doing isn’t working for them anymore,” she says.

Dr. Tia says she loves the opportunities she has to serve others. “I love seeing my clients experiencing their ‘ah ha’ moments. To me, that’s the moment of breakthrough,” she says. She also credits her parents for having the greatest influence on her life. “My parents shaped who I was in my younger years, but also gave me the tenacity, resilience, and confidence I have today. They provided me with the foundation I needed to expand into the woman, coach, and therapist I have become,” she says. Dr. Tia also shares that while hearing loss definitely had an adverse impact on her life while growing up, she did not allow it to stop her. “Today, I see my deafness not as a limitation, but as a gift that has given me the empathy and perspective that shape my work. This was something as a young Black girl, I had to navigate on my own, as being seen as “too hearing” for the Deaf community. I grew up oral, but also feeling isolated in many environments, as I didn’t hear everything that everyone else around me did. Having my deafness be a part of my intersectional identity, it wasn’t something I appreciated in my younger years. However, as a woman, evolving into my fullness, I appreciate the richness of my life experiences and impact. It’s something I wouldn’t trade.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Tia has plans to scale her practice into group coaching and provide a space for community and peer support. She also plans to write a book and create a curriculum around identity, self-awareness, nervous system regulation, and leadership presence. In addition to consulting, Dr. Tia plans to develop corporate partnerships, leadership intensives, and involve herself with speaking engagements specifically focused on the intersectionality of identity and ambition. “My clients are women who are living and walking with purpose and intention. I believe that women are naturally creators. If you notice anything about nature, nature is able to do what it does by creating and bringing things forth when they rest and allow themselves to just be. My role in my client’s lives is to disrupt what they’ve always done and realize there is another way of living,” she says.

Antonio Tolson Dr. Tonya Arnold A Father’s Voice

“Raising A Son With Autism”

By Terry L. Watson

When two great minds come together, the results will be even greater. This is the case for Antonio Tolson and Dr. Tonya Arnold. The pair has teamed up to raise awareness about autism, and educate others about what the condition is all about, and how it affects families.

Antonio is a native of Washington, DC. He moved to Charlotte, NC, in 2013, and would eventually marry the love of his life, Tonya. Together, they share one son, AJ, who was diagnosed with autism in 2019. “It all started with a lady from the AVA Clinic. She told us that our son has autism, good luck, and then walked out of our home,” he says. Antonio shares that moment left him and his wife speechless, but he realized that he needed to do something about his son’s diagnosis.

In response to his son’s diagnosis, they launched a nonprofit organization, AJ and The Cool Kids. Some of the services provided by their organization include Occupational and Speech Therapy to their clients. They also conduct an annual walk at the Caramont Health Center in Gastonia, NC, during the first week of April. They also conduct an annual gala during the first week of August. “We try to give other families as much support as possible, and let them know that life isn’t over just because their child has autism.”

Dr. Tonya Arnold is originally from Greensboro, NC. She attended North Carolina A&T State University and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University. There, she was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant, serving for a total of 22 years. She retired in 2015 and moved to Charlotte, which allowed her to be closer to her mother’s side of her family, and also experience what it’s like to live in a big city. In Charlotte, she began working on her Masters in Public Administration. She says, “Since being in Charlotte, when compared to living in Greensboro, and being active in various community service-based organizations, including working with small businesses and being in the military, I’ve noticed that our nonprofit doesn’t get the necessary amount of funding and equity that most other businesses receive. I believe a lot of it is due to what has been coined “the hustle”. What I am trying to do with businesses and nonprofits, for-profits, and community-based organizations, is to make sure that they are legitimate, operationally sound, and are in compliance on the federal, local, and state levels.” Additionally, in her capacity, she initially began working as a consultant from a pro-bono perspective. Dr. Arnold has worked with sororities and with the Ben L. Smith High School Alumni Association in Greensboro. She is also a member of the Cobra Sports Foundation. “In these roles, I have been able to understand processes,” she says. She also has a media and publishing arm with her brand. With this, she gives opportunities to others to share their stories, which are relevant to them; their history and struggles told from their perspective.

Amazingly, with all that she has done, Dr. Arnold created a consulting business, Arnold Consulting Group. She says that Antonio has greatly inspired her. “Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book. He was open to the idea, and we met a few times to discuss the structure of what the book would be, until the idea became a reality,” she says.

“Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book.”

The book, A Father’s Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, is about Antonio’s son, AJ, but it also reaches fathers who have children with different disabilities and disorders. A soft launch was held in March of this year. During that event, Antonio shared what the vision and intentions are for the book, and he also realized that a workbook should accompany it. On June 13, 2026, Antonio and his team will host a Dads Discuss Group at Amerihealth Carnitas NC on Wilkerson Boulevard in Charlotte. The time for the event is 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

“I can’t thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author.”

Since publishing his book, Antonio’s schedule has become very busy. He has been interviewed and made appearances on several television stations in Charlotte. He has been a guest on a podcast and is scheduled for a few others. During the month of July, he will attend an Autism Dad Weekend event in Atlanta, GA. On August 8th, they will host their annual gala and most significant fundraising event, themed Under The Cherry Moon. It will be held at Caramont Health Park in Gastonia, NC. In September, he’s been asked to speak at The Autism Strong event, called Field Strong that will take place in Charlotte.

“Things are moving. I am a person who puts high expectations on myself. I do not like to do things halfway. I can’t thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author. I have learned since writing the book that there are a lot of men and fathers who feel like me, but just didn’t know how to express themselves,” Antonio says.

To purchase a copy of A Father’s Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, please contact Antonio directly. You may also find it on Amazon and Kindle. To purchase tickets to attend their gala and to learn more about AJ and The Cool Kids, please visit their website.

LamekiaDavis

Lamekia Davis Global Enterprise

By Terry L. Watson

Lamekia Davis of Chicago, IL, is a nonprofit executive, financial literacy advocate, elected official, speaker, and entrepreneur. She is also dedicated to empowering communities through education, mentorship, and economic opportunities. Lamekia serves as the Founder and CEO of the Heyy Girl Foundation and Lamekia Davis Global Enterprise. She is the visionary behind several initiatives focused on youth development, financial literacy, leadership, and wealth building.

Through the Heyy Girl Foundation and LDG Enterprise, Lamekia provides mentorship, youth empowerment programming, financial literacy education, leadership development, workforce readiness training, and community outreach initiatives. One of her signature initiatives is Wealth Warriors, a financial literacy platform and curriculum designed to teach children and teens about saving, budgeting, entrepreneurship, investing, and building generational wealth in an engaging and culturally relevant way. Lamekia also leads Lamekia Davis Global, which focuses on leadership development, financial literacy education, speaking, consulting, and wealth strategy initiatives.

In addition to the products and services mentioned, she also offers Financial literacy workshops and assemblies for schools, youth mentorship programs, parent and family engagement programs, leadership and empowerment conferences, coaching and consulting, community partnership initiatives, and speaking engagements and training sessions. “Our mission is to equip individuals with the tools, confidence, and knowledge necessary to thrive personally, professionally, and financially,” she says.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning banking, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and business development, Lamekia has built a reputation as a transformational leader and “solutionist”. In her capacity, she has successfully developed pipelines to prosperity for underserved communities. She currently serves as a Board Member for Rich Township High School District 227. Additionally, she has served as Chair of the Park Forest Youth Commission.

Lamekia is a proud mother whose passion for legacy, faith, and service deeply influences her work and mission. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting from Robert Morris College. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Leadership. Throughout her journey, she has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the Peggy A. Montes Cook County Unsung Heroine Award, and recognition as a Woman of Excellence honoree.

Lamekia shares that her journey in business began from a personal experience. “As a teen, I experienced homelessness, instability, and adversity firsthand. Those experiences shaped my heart for service and gave me a deep understanding of what many young people and families silently endure. I knew early on that if I ever made it through those difficult seasons, I wanted to help others do the same. The vision for the Heyy Girl Foundation was born out of a desire to create safe spaces, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to success for young girls and underserved communities.”

Building something meaningful requires resilience, patience, and the ability to continue moving forward even when people do not initially see the vision.”

She adds that her background in banking and finance further revealed how many families lack access to financial education and wealth-building tools. That realization inspired Lamekia to merge mentorship with financial literacy, which ultimately led to the development of Wealth Warriors and other empowerment initiatives. “Everything I build is rooted in legacy, impact, and creating opportunities that I wish existed for me growing up,” she says.

Lamekia says what she loves most about what she does is watching people transform. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person discover their confidence, a woman realize her potential, or a family begin to break generational cycles. love being able to inspire people while also giving them practical tools to change their lives. Motivation without strategy only goes so far, so I take pride in creating programs that not only encourage people emotionally but also equip them financially, mentally, and professionally. I also love creating. Whether it is building programs, developing curriculum, mentoring youth, speaking, or launching new initiatives, I enjoy bringing vision to life in ways that create lasting impact,” she shares.

Accomplishing what Lamekia has in her career hasn’t come without some challenges. Yet, she has pressed her way through and kept her sights on completing her mission. She says that one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit and community-based work is sustainability. “Often, the need is far greater than the resources available. Balancing vision, funding, staffing, programming, and growth can be challenging,” she says. Another challenge has been navigating spaces where innovation and bold ideas are not always immediately embraced. “Building something meaningful requires resilience, patience, and the ability to continue moving forward even when people do not initially see the vision,” Lamekia shared.

She has managed these challenges through faith, strategic partnerships, consistency, and a willingness to continuously learn and evolve. “I believe strongly in collaboration and community. No major vision is built alone. Most importantly, I have learned that setbacks are often preparation for greater opportunities,” she says.

Life experiences, Lamekia says, have impacted her tremendously. She also says that her son and daughter have been one of her greatest motivations. “My children remind me daily why legacy matters and why it is important to build something bigger than yourself.” Lamekia has also been impacted by mentors, community leaders, educators, and women who led with strength and grace despite adversity. “Their examples showed me what leadership, perseverance, and service truly look like,” she says.

Lamekia shares that she draws inspiration from people who create impact beyond themselves. This includes individuals who use their gifts, influence, and platforms to change lives and open doors for others. “I am inspired by visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, and community builders who continue showing up despite obstacles. I especially admire people who are committed to building generational wealth, strengthening communities, and leaving meaningful legacies,” she says.

While she has encountered some hurdles along her journey, Lamekia says there isn’t much she would change about the way things have happened, because every challenge taught her something valuable. “Some seasons stretched me, humbled me, and forced me to grow in ways success alone never could. If anything, I would have learned earlier to trust my vision more, move with greater confidence, and not underestimate the value of my voice, expertise, and ideas. I would have prioritized rest and balance sooner. As entrepreneurs and leaders, we sometimes spend so much time pouring into others that we forget to care for ourselves.”

Looking ahead, Lamekia plans to continue to grow the Heyy Girl Foundation and Wealth Warriors into nationally recognized platforms focused on financial literacy, mentorship, and youth empowerment. She is also working on larger community development initiatives that will provide educational programming, leadership development, and supportive resources for families and youth. “Moving forward, I plan to continue expanding my speaking, consulting, and educational platforms while pursuing opportunities in public leadership and policy advocacy. Ultimately, my goal is to build institutions, programs, and opportunities that create lasting change for generations to come,” she says. h

Real Love Music

You have most likely heard and seen them in the Triad. Perhaps you may have witnessed one of their performances somewhere around the country. What Kim and Ray Larkin share in marriage, love, and life transcends onto every welcoming platform.

Known as the faces and voices of Real Love Music, Kim and Ray have shared 19 years of marriage, a union that has also produced two amazing sons, Raymond and Ray. Kim was born and raised on the south side of Winston-Salem, NC, with her mom and two sisters. She is an alumna of Robert B. Glenn High School, which is also located in the Twin City. Raymond was born in Grand Rapids, MI, and moved to High Point, NC at the age of 11. He would later graduate from High Point Central High School.

What is Real Love Music? In addition to sharing their anointing with the world, the power couple offers professional vocal performances for a wide range of events, including weddings, concerts, festivals, private gatherings, and sporting events. They also offer event-hosting services and vocal accompaniment services for other artists. Yet, there is so much more to Kim and Ray than just music. “We have a strong foundation of faith. We believe God, and that has impacted our lives and careers more than anything else. He gave us our purpose and vision, which is “Bringing fun back to love through music and entertainment,” Kim says.

When asked what they love most about what they do, they share, “We love singing as a duet. Being able to meet and/ or connect with a diverse community of people through the music we share is very rewarding. We are inspired by various artists and the audience of people who enjoy live music. The love and encouragement we continue to receive are incredibly special.”

“We have a strong foundation of faith. We believe God, and that has impacted our lives and careers more than anything else. He gave us our purpose and vision, which is to bring fun back to love through music and entertainment.”

Singing comes naturally to Kim and Ray; that’s what they do, and though they are operating in their gifts, it does come with its own unique set of challenges. Kim says the main challenge they face is learning to balance work life and performing, especially when their desire is for singing to be their sole profession. Another challenge, she says, is not having the funds readily available for the creative projects we want to present such as live shows, business products, and collaborations. She says, “We manage our challenges by prayer, planning, and patience. We also do it by understanding that God’s timing is extremely important. We never want to try and force a goal that may not be in His plans yet.”

With life, family, and music, the journey has been amazing, they shared. They also state there isn’t much they would change about the way things have happened and occurred. “From the small beginnings to the monumental moments and everything in between, we believe that it has all played a significant role in shaping our development, our growth, our professionalism, and our reason,” they said.

Renee Rowe Unifour One

If We Empower Our Youth We Empower

Our Communities

Information and Photos Provided by Unfour One

For nearly 25 years, Unifour One has stood as a trusted voice, advocate, and hands-on service provider for underserved communities across North Carolina. What began as a vision rooted in justice, opportunity, and community empowerment has grown into a strong, multi-service nonprofit organization with offices in Greensboro and Hickory, North Carolina.

Co-Founded by Renee Rowe, Unifour One has remained committed to its mission of promoting educational achievement, social equality, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are too often overlooked, underserved, or counted out. As CoFounder and Co-Executive Director, Renee Rowe has dedicated her life’s work to serving justice-impacted youth, adults, families, and communities facing barriers to stability and success. Alongside her, Brian Rowe, Co-Executive Director, provides leadership, operational oversight, and organizational direction that helps keep Unifour One grounded, accountable, and moving forward. Together, Renee and Brian Rowe have helped build an organization that does more than talk about change; Unifour One shows up, does the work, and remains present in communities when families need support the most. As Unifour One approaches its 25th year of service, the organization continues to expand its impact through youth development, juvenile justice programming, violence interruption, civic engagement, employment support, and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Serving Youth Through JCPC Programs

One of the strongest pillars of Unifour One’s work is its commitment to youth development through its JCPC-funded programs, which include mentoring, life skills, vocational training, and structured support for justice-involved and at-risk youth. These programs are designed to help young people make better decisions, build healthy relationships, improve school performance, develop employment skills, and stay connected to positive adults and positive opportunities.

The JCPC team plays a critical role in this work. William Jones, Daquan Bryant, Sonya Smith, Cam Dula, and Brian Jemel Johnson serve youth and families through mentoring, life skills support, court involvement, transportation assistance, group sessions, and community-based guidance. Their work requires patience, consistency, compassion, and accountability. They are often the people standing in the gap for youth who need someone to believe in them before they fully believe in themselves.

Latoya Jones serves as the Intake Coordinator for all programs, helping families, youth, and referring partners begin the process of receiving services. Her role is vital because intake is often the first point of contact for families who may already be overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure of where to turn.

Interrupting Violence and Restoring Hope

Unifour One is also deeply engaged in violence interruption and violence prevention work. The organization understands that violence does not happen in isolation. It is often connected to trauma, poverty, unresolved conflict, lack of opportunity, grief, retaliation, and broken systems.

Through its violence interruption work, Unifour One responds to community conflict, supports young people and families in crisis, and works to prevent violence before it escalates. The organization uses credible messengers, mentoring, mediation, life skills education, and community engagement to help individuals choose peace, safety, and a different path forward.

Gavin Wharton, Employment Specialist and Certified Violence Interrupter, plays an important role in connecting individuals to employment opportunities while also helping address the root causes that often lead to violence. His work reflects one of Unifour One’s strongest beliefs: when people have real opportunities, support, and guidance, they are more likely to choose stability over survival mode.

Supporting the Unhoused Through Day Labor and Employment

Unifour One’s work also reaches individuals and families experiencing homelessness through its Day Labor Program for the unhoused. This program provides more than temporary employment. It offers a pathway toward dignity, income, stability, and hope. Through day labor opportunities, participants are connected to work, job readiness support, transportation assistance, and resources that help them begin rebuilding their lives. For many, having the chance to earn income is the first step toward housing stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed confidence.

Unifour One understands that homelessness is not simply the absence of housing. It is often the result of job loss, family instability, trauma, financial hardship, lack of transportation, and limited access to supportive services. The Day Labor Program meets people where they are while helping them move toward where they want to be.

Civic Engagement and Voter Registration

Another major part of Unifour One’s legacy is its long-standing commitment to civic engagement and nonpartisan voter registration. For years, the organization has worked across North Carolina to educate, engage, and register over 200,000 voters, especially in communities where people have historically been underrepresented. Unifour One’s civic engagement work is rooted in the belief that every voice matters and every eligible citizen should have access to the democratic process. The organization works in communities, schools, events, neighborhoods, and public spaces to help residents register to vote, update their voter registration, and understand the importance of civic participation.

The voter registration and compliance team helps ensure that this work is done with integrity, accuracy, and professionalism. Ashanti Bell serves as Voter Registration Quality Control for the Greensboro office. Melissa Scott serves as Voter Registration Quality Control for the Hickory office. Tiara Jones serves in the Hickory office as Voter Registration and Compliance Officer, helping support the organization’s commitment to accurate, nonpartisan voter registration work.

Myra Moore, Western NC Lead Organizer, provides leadership in the western region, helping strengthen Unifour One’s reach and presence in communities across that part of the state. Jullian Harrison, Disability Advocate for Civic Engagement, plays an important role in helping ensure that individuals with disabilities are seen, heard, respected, and included in civic participation efforts. His work strengthens Unifour One’s commitment to accessibility, representation, and equal opportunity.

A Team Built on Commitment

Behind every successful organization is a team of people who carry the mission forward each day. Unifour One’s staff reflects dedication, compassion, and a deep understanding of the communities being served. Laura Torres, who has served as a Spanish interpreter for 15 years, has been an important part of Unifour One’s ability to serve Spanish-speaking individuals and families with dignity and respect. Her work ensures that language is not a barrier to receiving support, understanding services, or being treated with care. The organization’s team continues to represent the heart of Unifour One: people serving people, not from a distance, but directly in the community.

Looking Toward the Future

As Unifour One celebrates its 25th year, the organization is not simply looking back. It is also looking ahead. The work is still needed. Youth still need mentors. Families still need support. Communities still need peace. Individuals experiencing homelessness still need employment pathways. Residents still need access to civic participation. And underserved communities still need organizations that are willing to stand with them for the long haul. For Co- Founder Renee Rowe, this milestone is deeply personal. It represents 25 years of sacrifice, faith, service, leadership, and love for the community. It represents the youth who found direction, the families who found support, the adults who found work, the voters who found their voice, and the communities that found hope through Unifour One’s presence.

Unifour One’s story is one of perseverance. It is a story of service that did not stop when the work became difficult. It is a story of leadership rooted in purpose. Most of all, it is a story of what can happen when an organization remains committed to people, community, and the belief that transformation is always possible. After 25 years, Unifour One continues to stand strong with a clear message: the work is not finished, and the mission continues. h

Travis Woods Youth Impact RVA

By Terry L. Watson

Travis “Tee Jay” Woods of Richmond, VA, is a husband to Latasha, and father to three beautiful children, Destiny, Trinity, and Serenity. Travis and Latarsha have been married for 21 years. He shares that they met in Richmond at Praise City. “She is a gospel artist who sings for the Lord,” he says. His daughter, Destiny, is a rising freshman at Old Dominion University. Travis is also a minister and founder of Youth Impact Mental Health Services, a mental health company that assists those who may have substance abuse challenges, and youth who may have challenges in their home.

While Youth Impact Mental Health Services is a for-profit company, Travis also manages their nonprofit sector, Youth Impact. He serves as its founder and Executive Director. One of the services they offer is the Youth Entrepreneurship Workforce Development Program, of which they partner with the Northside Outreach Center, which produces a program called YINOC. That program is designed for at-risk teens who are going into the workforce development sector. Another program they offer is ATR Dance Experience, which is a dance school, along with Community Coffee-N-Conversations, where faith leaders and community members unite to assist RVA youth. Finally, their Human Trafficking Prevention Program is designed to educate, equip, and empower youth, their parents, and community members about the dangers of human trafficking. Travis also manages a third company, TJ Woods Ministries. With this he does The TJWM Outreach, produces The Good Father podcast, and has published a book.

Travis is a native of Richmond. When he was five years old, his parents were divorced, and that experience caused Travis to move, along with his dad to his grandmother’s home in Hanover, NC. Five years later, they relocated to Henrico County, Virginia. Travis would graduate from high school there, and later attended Virginia State University, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing in 2002, and a Master’s Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University in 2017. While at VSU, he also gave his life back to Christ and started the first Christian Club there. Travis’s sister also started a Christian club in Richmond, called Praise City. “That is where ministry really started for me,” he says. He would also join the Gospel Announcers Guild and other organizations to get the word out about their club and to make connections in the Gospel music industry.

After giving his life back to Christ, Travis became a devout member of Rock Hill Baptist Church in Richmond. He also attended Temple of Juddah, a ministry that had a significant impact on his walk with God. “Temple of Juddah sparked my interest to give my life back to God during a Watchnight Service,” he says. Travis would later become a member of Abundant Life Church of Christ, studying under the leadership of Apostle Steve I. Foreman and Lady Olivia Foreman. Today, Travis is a licensed minister under the leadership of Bishop Daniel Robertson, Jr. of Mt. Gilead Full Gospel International Ministries.

“Every company that I run takes me to different spaces and allows me to be around different people. I do not have to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

When asked what he loves most about what he does, Travis shares that it’s the opportunity to minister to people in many ways. “This is my life. This is all ministry. Through the mental health service, serving in my community, or at schools. Nobody can stop me from ministering my life to somebody, and for the majority of the time, people want what I have, which is Jesus,” he says. “Every company that I run takes me to different spaces and allows me to be around different people. I do not have to be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

While managing all of the things that Travis does, understandably, some challenges will arise from time to time. He shares that each experience offers a lesson to be learned. “When challenges pop up, it’s by the grace of God that I am able to survive them. I thank God for providing me with a wife who holds me accountable, who supports and understands me, and provides me with balance and wisdom. She knows there is a calling on my life. When challenges come up, we talk about them. We haven’t always done that, and I don’t always share everything because I know there are some things she can handle at certain seasons. I always share what is necessary and spare her from the distractions of the enemy,” he says.

Looking ahead, Travis is excited about the launch of The Good Father Podcast. “It will consist of being free of the guilt and shame of the past mistakes of fatherhood. The podcast will empower both men and women. We want to listen to women share their stories about the relationships they have with their fathers. I really believe the podcast will hit home with the black and brown community and allow us to discuss the challenges and find ways to overcome them,” he says. His wife also has a podcast in the works, called Love Found Me. A book and song will also accompany the podcast and share the same title. Travis is also planting a new church in the Richmond community. House of Restoration RVA will focus on restoring lives with the word of God and transforming hearts to evangelize the world. The church is scheduled to open in 2027.

To learn more about Travis “Tee Jay” Woods and his programs and ministries, please visit his website.

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