Huami Magazine Huntsville Nov./Dec. 2025

When It’s God, You Will Know It

A Letter From The Editor

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

A Letter from the Editor

Thank God for the praying mamas, grandmamas, aunties, daddies, granddaddies, uncles, and others, as without their covering, I don’t know how it would have made it. I can imagine that this can be a testament for many others, especially for us who share similar cultural backgrounds. Throughout my life’s journeys, my path has often been littered with peaks and valleys, and roads full of twists and turns. So often that it felt normal. However, I eventually learned that there was more to life than what had been presented to me, a whole lot more.

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?

On one occasion, while hanging out with some friends, I had an encounter with a total stranger that was eye-opening and changed the trajectory of my life. A stranger this person was; I had never seen or met them before, as was the case for them. They had one question for me: What am I doing here? The “here” they were speaking about was a nightclub where many people my age were partying. Though it was my first time at the club, it wasn’t my first rodeo, and I felt as if I had a sense of belonging there. I would go on to party, no excitement, nothing out of the ordinary, and make it home safely, but those few words from the stranger had done their job. My mind was opened, and the course of my life changed.

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.

Fast forward many years, and I have come to realize that it was God speaking through that stranger to reach me. God had so much more planned for me, and for His purpose to be fulfilled in my life, my approach needed a realignment. I was obedient to what God spoke to me, and over the years, my eyes and heart have been opened to doing what God has called me to do.

General Inquiries

More than anything, God needed to get my attention, and I thank Him for his grace and mercy. Having my attention brought me back to a place where I asked God for direction and guidance in my life. As I was trekking off course, He sent an angel to remind me of my purpose.

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.

When God spoke to me, I knew it was Him, mainly because I had established a personal relationship with Him. One of the benefits of having a personal relationship is being able to discern God’s voice amid all other noise. I encourage you to seek God and allow Him to speak in your life, because when it’s God’s voice, you will know it.

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.

Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

On The Cover

Huntsville Psychotherapy & Counseling Services

Dr. Monretta Vega

Madison, AL

ConfirmOK Daily Check-In Madison Police Department

Montgomery, AL

Maxine Mackenzie Donation Alabama State University

Janet Viers is the founder of Women Inspiring Women to Flourish Together. Learn more about her. Decatur, AL

She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Siya Loryn Stevens

Madison Police Department Launches Pilot of ConfirmOk Daily Check-In

The Madison Police Department is proud to announce the launch of a new pilot program in partnership with ConfirmOk, an automated daily check-in service designed to promote community safety, especially for residents who live alone or may be vulnerable. The program will be rolled out initially to a limited number of local residents; additional households will be placed on a wait-list and admitted as capacity allows.

The ConfirmOk system enables participating residents to receive automated daily phone calls at a time of their choosing. Each check-in simply requires the participant to press “1 #” to confirm they are safe. If a check-in is missed, the system will make two additional attempts. If there’s still no response, the call is forwarded to the Madison Police Department so officers can conduct a welfare check. If they believe someone may be in danger or unable to respond, they are permitted to enter the home to make sure the resident is safe. Users do not need a smartphone or special app; ConfirmOk works with any touch-tone phone.

Madison Police Chief Johnny Gandy noted that this program aligns with the department’s ongoing strategic priorities around community policing and preventive outreach. “By leveraging ConfirmOk, we can proactively monitor the well-being of residents without sending officers out on every non-emergency call,” Chief Gandy said. “This gives us another tool to look after our residents and respond to their needs more quickly and strategically.”

Residents interested in participating in the pilot should call Officer Shane Kyker at 256-692-5435. Enrollment will be on a firstcome, first-served basis, subject to pilot capacity. Those who apply after the initial slots are filled will be placed on a wait-list and notified when space becomes available.

If the pilot proves successful, the Madison Police Department plans to expand ConfirmOk enrollment to more residents. h

Janet Viers - Women Inspiring Women

Information obtained from online source

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” -Psalm 91:1 (KJV) Janet Lightfoot Viers is a native of Courtland, Alabama, and currently resides in Decatur, Alabama. She is the mother of two children and three grandchildren. Janet and her groom, John Viers, were united in marriage on November 27, 1982, and have many wonderful years of marital bliss.

Janet has been a member of The Living Way Apostolic Church for over 30 years, under the leadership of Bishop Ernest Clay. Janet is no stranger to encouraging others. She has spoken at many empowering women’s conferences. Janet is a behind-the-scenes servant of God who enjoys lending a helping hand to others and uses her own life experience with deep transparency to bring you laughs and inspire you to come into the knowledge of God’s love and Grace. Janet Viers is the founder of Women Inspiring Women to Flourish Together, a non-profit organization that equips women to pursue their dreams and flourish together.

She leads mainly by example, always doing her best and encouraging others to do the same. Janet is a woman of integrity and the ability to make tough calls when necessary. While easygoing by nature, no one doubts her authority – she is direct and decisive when she needs to be. She is recognized for her ability to balance the spirit of women and girls through life circumstances and difficult situations, by fasting, praying and being that listening ear. Her love and patience are impeccable in serving women and girls as well as families. Janet is distinguished by her ability to identify, leverage, and develop talent in women and girls from all walks of life.

She has a contagious smile, enthusiasm, and passionate belief in people that inspire them to become better, stronger, and more valuable contributors to our families, communities, schools, and churches. She has also led innovative initiatives for young girls to pursue their dreams as teen entrepreneurs. Her background includes Youth Director, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent, Human Resources Coordinator, and a Health and Safety Technician. Janet is also the author of “Stay the Course God is Making Something Beautiful in His Time “available on Amazon.com. h

Dr.

Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services

By Terry L. Watson

Dr. Monretta Vega is a woman of action.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, Monretta and her family relocated several times due to her parents’ military requirements. During her transitions, she was able to transfer to different schools and eventually landed in Huntsville, AL, while in elementary school. She has remained there even today. Monretta is an auntie and enjoys spending a lot of time with her parents, who have been married for 45 years. She also likes to cook, write, and read, and has published two books of her own. One of her mottos that she recalls often is “to remember that life is about quality versus quantity”.

Monretta would later receive an Academic Scholarship to attend Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. There, she also obtained her Masters Degree and continued, acquiring her Doctoral Degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has a certification as a Life Coach and a Hypnotherapist, a tool she utilizes as the owner of Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services located on South Memorial in Huntsville.

Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services began in 2016. Monretta says, “I started as co-owner and took over full ownership of Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services in 2023. My vision for private practice has always been a part of me since a very young age. I knew as a child that my ultimate goal was to become a Psychologist and work in the Mental Health field. Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services is an elite group of mental health professionals who provide services within the community and throughout the State of Alabama, as well as across the United States. We provide an array of mental health services to the community. At Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services, we understand your concerns and are here to provide you with compassionate and professional services. Counseling is effective because it offers you the opportunity to talk directly with a skilled professional who can be objective and supportive. You will begin with an initial assessment to determine the specific challenges you may be facing. Working together with your therapist, you’ll establish goals and a general timeline for your progress. You will have access to a variety of individualized treatment options tailored to your unique needs. You’ll find a diverse menu of care options to assist with your needs. These services are designed to assist individuals, couples, and families in pursuit of their personal goals.”

Some of the services offered by Monretta and her team are: Relationship Counseling, Individual Counseling, Group Therapy, and Support Groups. With Individual Counseling, they offer one-on-one sessions and focused attention to their clients’ situations. Their therapists bring years of experience and education to each session, guiding clients to discover their true selves and to live their best lives.

Monretta says what she loves most about what she does is having the opportunity to help others enhance, advance, and evolve in their day-to-day life. “I am inspired by seeing growth and insight in my clients. Having the opportunity to plant seeds for a client to process and provide strategies/techniques they can implement, and to see them evolve into a better person, is what inspires me daily. That is truly my inspiration,” she says.

One can imagine that running a business can be quite challenging. Managing the day-today operations, staff, addressing the needs of customers, and so on. For Monretta, she shares some of the biggest challenges she has faced is the fluctuation in the economy, along with the stigma associated with Mental Health in different communities. Fortunately, Mental Health has become less taboo and more acceptable in the communities she serves, which has assisted in advancing her business. She has managed her challenges by remaining consistent and staying the course. “My vision is to support others in their growth, and that has been a consistent factor throughout,” she says.

While there have been challenges, Monretta continues to enjoy her journey. She also has some advice for others who may have a similar interest in addressing Mental Health. She says, “Stay passionate about what you’re doing and find your internal and external motivation. Know your “why”. Knowing your “why” and your purpose as you continue through entrepreneurship and creating a business will help keep you grounded in different environments and in different situations. This insight is essential because you will know what motivates you each day to wake up and continue to endure the different facets of having a business.”

The future looks pretty bright for Monretta and Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services. Monretta says she has a lot of different plans moving forward that are geared toward addressing the different aspects associated with mental health. She says her ultimate goal is to assist others and remove the stigma associated with Mental Health in the African-American and Hispanic communities.

Publack Library Publishing Antonia Royal-Whitmore

“As a child, I was reserved and quiet, distracted by my thoughts, observations, and questions of the world. Despite my reservation, I inherited my forwardness and bluntness from my Grandfather and spoke up for causes I believed in, or spoke against things I disagreed with.”

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Antonia Royal-Whitmore

Reading is soaring to new heights in the city of Chicago, IL.

Publack Library Publishing is home of complete representative literature; publications written by African American authors that feature African American characters, for African American Readers. At Publack Library Publishing, they write and publish inclusive media that showcase Black culture in an authentic and accurate manner. Their catalog consists of projects for children, young adults, and adults. They also help other African American writers publish their work.

Publack Library Publishing was conceived by Antonia Royal-Whitmore. Born and raised in Rockford, IL, and surrounded by a village of love and support, Antonia shares that her environment modeled to her the importance of family, faith, and loyalty. “As a child, I was reserved and quiet, distracted by my thoughts, observations, and questions of the world. Despite my reservation, I inherited my forwardness and bluntness from my Grandfather and spoke up for causes I believed in, or spoke against things I disagreed with. Early on, I was introduced to various forms of creativity. Ellis Arts Academy introduced me to theater, dance, art, and music. I studied tap dance, jazz, ballet, sang Broadway musical pieces, explored artists like Andy Warhol, and performed in dance concerts for an audience full of students, teachers, and families,” Antonia says.

Macedonia Baptist Church shaped her spirituality and provided leadership skills. She took on roles on the usher board, choir, praise dance team, and as the Sunday school treasurer. Antonia also excelled in school, graduating a year early from Auburn High School and going straight to Highland Community College on a bowling scholarship. At Highland, she studied Psychology, and would later attend Midland University in Fremont, NE. There, she continued to bowl and study psychology, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelors in Business and Psychology. Antonia says initially her goal was to earn her Master’s degree to become a therapist, however life had other plans. “Luckily, anytime people are involved, psychology is present. Psychology also presents in business rather it’s marketing (persuasion), understanding the body language of buyers, or classically conditioning your customers to salivate when they see a big yellow arch, convincing them to order a Happy Meal,” she said.

So how did Publack Library Publishing get started? Antonia provides a very vivid recollection. “I had a dream, no Martin Luther King, back in 2016, that I was an author. In this dream, there was a long line of people waiting for me to sign their books. This particular dream seemed out of place because being an author wasn’t on my Pinterest board; it never even crossed my mind. Partly because English was my least favorite subject and I struggled with spelling and grammar. However, this dream was so vivid and memorable, I started writing my first book, that morning. I didn’t know what I was doing but I knew I had to do it. I eventually wrote the first draft to an urban fiction novella, Nine Inches, which collected dust in my hard drive for three years.In those three years, I switched gears and explored children’s literature and published three projects (You Are: Tu Eres, Thanksgiving with the Bully, and Boys Wash Their Hands Too: ). By the end of 2019, I published five projects, including Nine Inches. Nine Inches was revised and republished December 2024 and has been the most sold book in our catalog, ranking top ten for Urban Erotica and Romantic Erotica on Amazon, for consecutive weeks.”

As of 2025, there are sixteen in house books in Publack Library Publishing’s catalog, written by Antonia Royal Whitmore. Publack Library Publishing has also helped dozens of African American authors through their publishing process.When asked what she loves most about what she does, Antonia’s response aligns with the change that she has sought to bring to publishing. She says, “The literary industry has had a particular look for a while, as only 5% of published authors are African American. In addition, there are seven times more children’s books that feature animals than Black children. I love that I’m able to disrupt the monotony of the current literary industry and add more inclusive and representative literature to readers. I love seeing the faces of my readers light up when they realize our books were made for them, by them. I also love watching the lightbulb turn on for individuals who may have had a book idea but needed confirmation or resources that I could provide. Learning myself through my business and seeing my continuous progress brings me great joy as well.”

Antonia draws inspiration from her spirit and her environment. One word, song, color, or sound can trigger an entire project for her. She also draws inspiration from different modalities, whether it be fashion, education, art, or music. Her family, she says has truly impacted Antonia’s life and been constant supporters. “My parents, Tiffiny and Christopher Whitmore kept me on track as a child and showed me how to navigate life as an adult. My grandparents, Morris and Gloria Royal, generously funded my first book and remained a constant investor in all of my endeavors. My Grandfather, Morris Royal, spoke life into me as a child. He reminded me over and over that I was important, that I was going to be abundant and prosperous in life, that with the right mindset, anything was possible,” she says.

Antonia says she honestly believes reading is a basic necessity, like food and water, and should be free to children, and funded by the government. She also realizes children’s literature isn’t a priority. “One would think distributing children’s literature would be easy but it has been quite the opposite. Reading and comprehension have been overlooked by busy parents and overworked teachers, and replaced because of book bans and technology. One way I have been able to fight back against this is by allowing individuals, organizations, and businesses to donate to help fund books for classrooms, schools, and even entire neighborhoods,” she says.

“One would think distributing children’s literature would be easy but it has been quite the opposite. Reading and comprehension have been overlooked by busy parents and overworked teachers, and replaced because of book bans and technology.”

Antonia recently co-authored a book with her younger siblings, Darby Whitmore and Royal Whitmore, Before You Go to Heaven, that pays tribute to their late Grandfather, Morris Royal, who passed away earlier this year. Before You Go to Heaven celebrates the bond between generations and reminds young readers to cherish their elders while they are still here.

For other aspiring authors who may follow in a path similar to Antonia, she offers the following advice and encouragement. “There are no rules to this thing. Of course there are a few grammar rules you may have to follow as a writer, but other than that, it’s free game. I’ll spare you your first author heartbreak; not everyone is your target audience, and not everyone will like your work. Now that that’s out of the way, do what feels good, what feels right. Create and write for yourself and share it with the world how you see fit. Release the need to be perceived, release the fear of judgment, and give yourself permission to evolve.”

Antonia has set her sights on the future. She says the next few years involve her mastering her pen game as an autnor and eventually transitioning into screenwriting. “I believe my work will land better on the big screen through TV shows, commercials, and movies. I would love to work with legends like Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, and Quinta Brunson,” she says.

The Self Inside Where Black Women Heal Hollistically

By Terry L. Watson

Latania Franklin, of Chicago, IL, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology from Northern Illinois University and followed that feat with earning her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Latania was born and raised on the North Side, while her family is from the West Side . Latania is one of three kids and the youngest born into her family. Latania currently lives on the far South Side of Chicago with her husband and their three-year-old son.

Today, Latania utilizes her gifts and talents to lead The Self Inside, a space designed for Black women to heal from intergenerational trauma and racism. At The Self Inside, education is valued, as well as support, empowerment, and healing. They also believe in creating spaces where Black women feel seen, heard, and guided toward reclaiming their wholeness. Latania shares that these values shape every interaction and decision women make. She adds, “My brand is all about making people comfortable. As a therapist, I show up as my full, authentic self. You may not catch me in very business-professional clothes, as I dress more relaxed, often in jeans and hoodies. My brand and image are about creating a space where Black women feel like they’re talking to a friend or writing in their diary. I strive to foster an environment where women can be vulnerable, open, and trust the person they’re talking to.”

While everyone is welcome at The Self Inside, Latania emphasizes that the space was curated for Black women. Most of her clients are between the ages of 18 to 45, but she does accept clients who may be out of that range. Some common interventions she utilizes are Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reiki, and other somatic approaches. Latania supports Black women by providing individual therapy, group therapy, and other holistic practices such as Reiki. She also sells spiritual tools like sage, incense, and selenite crystals, and offers The Self Inside therapy journal and merchandise featuring their logo on t-shirts.

“A lot of the work I do through The Self Inside stems from my own childhood trauma and healing journey. This work is very purposeful for me, and I use my experiences to support the healing journeys of the Black women I support,” she says. “We are decolonizing therapy. We bring in conversations about our roots, our ancestors, and spirituality because doing so enhances Black women’s self-worth and personal power. It helps them tap into their purpose, gifts, and inner wisdom. We know that healing one Black woman helps heal generations both before and after her — our work is not just personal, it’s ancestral and collective.”

To accomplish the goals she’s set, Latania has hosted workshops on various topics, including how trauma can manifest as disease and disorder in Black women’s bodies. She has also discussed the benefits of earth medicine and how different herbs can aid in healing, and held discussions on love for Black women based on bell hooks’ book, All About Love. Her efforts also involve a monthly healing support group to create community among Black women on their healing journeys. “We understand that this journey can be isolating, so we aim to provide a supportive space where women can connect with like-minded individuals who are doing similar work,” she says.

“My brand and image are about creating a space where Black women feel like they’re talking to a friend or writing in their diary. I strive to foster an environment where women can be vulnerable, open, and trust the person they’re talking to.”

Latania says her love for social work began at the age of five. Even as a child, she felt a strong desire to help and be kind to others who needed support. Back then, she would pretend to be a social worker, asking her mother to come to her office to fill out paperwork. This playful role-playing stemmed from witnessing how social service workers interacted with Latania’s family, she recalls, often with rudeness and disrespect, when support was what they were truly seeking. “Growing up, I developed a passion for horror films and documentaries, and I was fascinated by understanding the minds of serial killers. At the time, I thought I wanted to work within prisons and jails. This interest led me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Criminology. While I was still passionate about criminology, it was during my last year of undergrad that I completed an internship at a courthouse working with probation officers. This experience introduced me to the field of social work, which I hadn’t fully understood before. My supervisors, all Black women who were Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), informed me of the work I could do as a social worker and how it would help me understand the minds of others. This is when I decided to pursue a career in social work,” she says.

After graduating from college in 2014 with her masters degree, Latania landed her first job as a school social worker on the West Side of Chicago. Working with students who had similar experiences encouraged Latania to start her own therapy in 2015. In 2018, she decided to leave school social work due to changes in the school system and leadership, and she was left with feelings of depression, suicidal ideation, and vicarious trauma. In 2019, Latania joined an all-white practice as the only Black therapist. There she faced many microaggressions and questioned her self worth “They criticized how I talked and made comments on my hair once I decided to go natural. After three months, I decided to leave that practice. I coined this as the year I became “black”. I became more proud of who I am and showed it proudly in how I dressed, wore my hair and advocated for us,” she says. Shortly after she left the white practice, Latania had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable Black woman with her private practice. It was there that she began to build her confidence as a therapist and deepen her passion for supporting Black women. The Self Inside would soon follow.

Latania says what she loves most about what she does is seeing Black women take their lives back. “Over the five years of The Self Inside and my ten years as a therapist, I’ve seen Black women reclaim who they are. I’ve also seen Black women start businesses, take control of negative thoughts, and boldly show their full, authentic selves, demonstrating just how dope and powerful we really are. Seeing this mission come to life in the women I talk to, over the years and still today, brings so much joy to my heart. It truly feels like I am doing God’s work and fulfilling what He wants me to do.”

“A lot of the work I do through The Self Inside stems from my own childhood trauma and healing journey. This work is very purposeful for me, and I use my experiences to support the healing journeys of the Black women I support.”

Latania’s personal healing journey and understanding where she comes from have impacted her life. “My healing journey has helped me understand that all the pain and hurt from my childhood, and how I have and continue to heal from it, can be used as a testimony. My healing has actually given me my purpose, and now, with a deeper understanding of my roots and family, I recognize the strength and resilience of the women in my family. Despite limited resources or the absence of husbands, they carried the entire family forward. Even when faced with adversity or being told they weren’t good enough by society, they moved forward. Knowing that these are the women I come from, I realize that I can embody that same worth,” she says.

Building her brand has come with a few challenges. One she says, has been getting past her thoughts that tell her she’s not good enough. She counters this by setting aside time to remind herself who she is. “I sit at my altar, I pray, and I maintain a vibrant spiritual life that helps me stay grounded. Again, the work I’m doing around my healing and understanding my roots helps me remember who I am.” Another challenge is being a business owner. “Naturally, I know how to be a therapist, but I’ve had to learn, and am still learning, how to be a business owner and a leader. I’ve hired and worked with different coaches, and I currently have a wonderful business coach. I also talk to other women who own practices and other businesses that I look up to, asking them questions and seeking guidance,” she says.

As Latania continues to grow, she also has aspirations to expand he Self Inside. She’s recenlty hired a new clinician, who is currently accepting new clients. “I’m excited about filling her caseload and how her presence is allowing us to serve even more black women in Chicago,” Latania says. With all of her services virtual, she is looking to do in-person events. “We plan to collaborate and partner with other Black-owned businesses to rent their spaces and host in-person workshops and events. We are ready to build community outside of the therapy space. We have our first in-person event taking place January 17th, 2026.”

Loryn Stevens

The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens

Charlton Hildreth & Laurinda Hildreth (Grandparents)

David Deener & Teresa Stevens (Grandparents)

Henley Shylia

Gratifying Smiles

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Shylia Henley

Shylia Henley of Huntsville, AL, is a devout woman of God who decided to give God her “yes”.

She is also the owner and founder of Gratifying Smiles. Her company offers services on her social media platforms as a disciple of God’s kingdom by sharing daily Bible app scriptures for individuals to hear or see. While Gratifying Smiles has yet to officially launch, Shylia has been making preparations for what is to come. In the interim, Shylia works as a life and health insurance agent for Wellstone Mental Health facilities as needed. Shylia works as a life and health insurance agent with Aflac and Hundley Batts and Associates. In her role, she helps individuals or groups secure life and health benefits to secure a meaningful impact through health, wellness, and financial security. Rather, it helps increase the business’s bottom line, retain employee, give peace of mind, create a legacy, or simply give their loved one’s peace of mind knowing they have something in place. Addiitonally, Shylia is a PRN mental health technician for Wellstone Behavioral Health Center.

Born and raised in Iuka, Mississippi Shylia grew up in Sheffield, AL where her mother, Margaretta Henley, still resides in the nearby town of Tuscumbia, AL. Shylia is the happy mother of Areila Summerhill and Adalee Henley. Shylia also comes from a big family, having three siblings (one sister and two brothers). She also has 14 nieces and nephews.

The motto for Gratifying Smiles is Live It. Fulfill it. Experience it. Shylia refers to the following scripture and aligns it with her vision. Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Where did the vision of Gratifying Smiles come from? Shylia says while facing the most difficult trials and tribulations of her life over again, she found herself homeless. “Having to move back home with my mom around August 2020, my mental health wasn’t always the greatest. In my free time, I would go on my daily walks, reading my daily scriptures as usual. I continued to attend church. I had good days, and bad days. At that time, I was working two jobs, and I commuted back and forth to work until around September, and my plans were to get a place back in Huntsville. I became exhausted and was losing hope. Then, the Covid pandemic began to hit hard. My niece caught Covid. I began to fall deeper into depression as my jobs began to lay off. Still, I continued to read my daily scriptures and made goals to start my own retail business, selling dental products. This is where the name Gratifying Smiles came from. One of my daily devotionals asked a question: Who can I go visit that and check on and share Gods word? I thought about a family member. I decided to visit them, and I experienced some childhood trauma that repeated over in my mind again. That day I was still happy, and in good spirits. I told them that they were forgiven,” she says.

“I love helping others build a relationship with God. God has increased my faith and helped me to build a solid foundation and attract opportunities that are divinely oriented. I love speaking life into individuals who may have lost hope.”

Shylia would soon lose her second job. Battling depression and anxiety, she attempted to keep going. She started her teeth whitening toothpaste with no money, only a plan and a Dental Assistant certificate that she obtained in 2018. Shylia would soon acquire over 30 customers and $600 in one day. Yet, Shylia shares she still didn’t feel as if she was enough. She didn’t work for about three or four months. “Stress started messing with my physical health. Digestive system began to have issues. Started visiting a place called Simply Healthy to get natural juices, and my healing journey, eating clean, working, and walking at the TVA trail began. Things started to feel normal, and I got a new job at a manufacturing company near the end of November 202,” she says. Life was looking brighter for Shylia, and she began dating again after being celibate for two years. She would soon give birth to her three-year-old and had a spiritual awakening while working one day. “I was journaling on my breaks to write a book. God gave me the title “The Birth of Gratifying Smiles”. From that day I made it my purpose of my brand. To uplift, inspire and encourage others who may have walked in similar situations and needed help mentally.”

More than anything, Shylia loves being a servant. She adds, “I love helping others build a relationship with God. God has increased my faith and helped me to build a solid foundation and attract opportunities that are divinely oriented. I love speaking life into individuals who may have lost hope. I also love being an example to my children and family,” she says.

In her young life and career, Shylia has acquired a lot of experience. With her gaining, her heart continues to pour out love to others. She also offers advice to others who may find themselves in a similar situation in life. She says, “I would tell them to do what God is calling you to do. There is purpose for your pain. Walk in excellence and expectation.” As Shylia continues to prepare for the launch of Gratifying Smiles, she remains committed to doing what God’s work. “My plans are to continue to walk in obedience and connect with individuals to see how I can be a servant. I also plan to collaborate, recommend resources for the community, and share my story. More than anything, I will continue to put God first.

Mothershed Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc.

By Terry L Watson

Michelle Mothershed of Little Rock, AR, describes herself as a compassionate leader, devoted mother, and proud grandmother whose life reflects service, faith, and community impact. Rooted in strong family values, Michelle balances her roles of being a dedicated family woman and a purpose-driven professional. Michelle is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, the same school where her aunt, the late Dr. Thelma Mothershed Wair, was one of the Little Rock Nine of 1957. Michelle says her aunt inspired her to always strive for justice and equity within her community. Michelle’s academic achievements include Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, earned at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. For the past 28 years, Michelle’s focus has been to empower others through education, mentorship, and outreach.

Presently, Michelle leads the way at Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc., fondly called CC4V Inc. CC4V Inc., a nonprofit organization, is committed to empowering veterans, low-income communities, and their families through a multi-faceted approach. Their core services include: The Compassion Pantry: operating a pantry providing healthy food options, hygiene and household items, especially servicing veterans, low-income individuals and families. They also provide Wellness and Mental Health Support, which offers mental health awareness events and programs like suicide prevention, and mindfulness and community support groups. Their Compassion Hub -Community Resource Center allows them to network with local partners and serve as a community access point for resources, empowerment, and outreach. Finally, their Youth and Family programs offer running youth-focused programs for teens (8th-12th grade) that emphasize self-love, community service, and peer mediation.

Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc. (CC4V Inc.) was founded on March 29, 2021, by Michelle and a serviceconnected veteran with a deep passion for serving those who have served their country. What began as a heartfelt vision to bridge gaps in care and support for veterans quickly grew into a thriving community-driven nonprofit. “CC4V Inc. was born into a concept of serving unsheltered veterans from my car. My friends, my children, and I would go to places where unsheltered veterans mainly found refuge. We would use 2-gallon Ziploc bags and fill them with items such as Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Sardines, breakfast bars, crackers, water bottles, body wipes, and hygiene items. The packages also included a word of encouragement. We continued bringing goods to central locations and noticed a need for consistent food security. In 2022, we moved into a 400 sq ft space, and our work continued. In February 2025, through faith, dedication, and strong community partnerships, we expanded our mission and impact and began operating from a 1,100 sq ft facility and offered wellness programs, empowerment initiatives, and holistic support designed to build a better tomorrow for the communities we serve.”

Michelle says what she loves most about what she does is seeing lives change through compassion, connection, and community. “Every week, I get to witness hope restored, whether it’s a veteran finding stability, a family receiving the help they need, or someone discovering their own strength and purpose. Being part of that transformation and knowing that love, faith, and service can make a real difference is what fuels my passion and keeps me moving forward,” Michelle says.

Michelle’s inspiration for CC4V Inc. is tied to the resilience and strength of the veterans, families, and communities the organization serves. “Their courage in the face of challenges reminds me every day of the power of hope, determination, and perseverance. I am also deeply guided by my faith, which gives me purpose and direction, and by the love and support of my family, whose encouragement fuels my commitment to making a meaningful impact. Together, these sources of inspiration keep me motivated to serve, uplift, and empower others,” Michelle says.

While running CC4V Inc. has been incredibly rewarding, Michelle admits it has not come without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles has been addressing food insecurity in a community with limited resources, ensuring that every veteran and family who walks through their doors receives nutritious options. “Due to the government shutdown, we have almost doubled the number of community members that we normally serve,” Michelle says. “However, the funding to keep us afloat is also being affected by the same shutdown and by the lack of grant funds available. Securing sustainable funding and ongoing support has also been a constant focus, as well as managing the logistics of a growing operation while maintaining a personal, compassionate approach,” she says. Something else she has faced has been raising awareness about the needs of those they serve and connecting with the broader community to form strong partnerships. Yet, she has remained persistent, creative, and faithful.

Despite these challenges, each hurdle has strengthened the mission of CC4V Inc. and reinforced why their work is so vital. They have managed those challenges by combining strategic planning, community collaboration, and unwavering faith. To address food insecurity, they have built continuous partnerships with Arkansas Food Bank and Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. They have also established community connections with local pantries, churches, businesses, and volunteers, and created a network of support to ensure consistent resources for those in need. Funding and sustainability have been met with a focus on grants, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising initiatives, while continuously exploring new revenue streams.

The journey has been worthwhile for Michelle and her team. Michelle says if she could change anything about the way things have happened, it would be to have access to more resources and support earlier on. This includes both financial and community-based, which she says would have helped to accelerate the impact of CC4V Inc. and reach more veterans and families sooner. “While every challenge has been a learning opportunity, having stronger networks and guidance from the beginning could have made some milestones easier to achieve. Even so, the obstacles I’ve faced have shaped me, strengthened my resolve, and made the successes even more meaningful,” she says.

What is next for Michelle and CC4V Inc.? Michelle states she is prayerful that their future holds exciting growth and expanded impact for both herself and CC4V Inc. “We urgently need monetary donations, in-kind support, and a seed donor to sustain and grow our programs, continue serving veterans and families, and ensure that no one in our community goes without the support they need, especially being in a food desert,” she says.

By the end of 2026, their aim is to begin delivery services for up to 75 veterans and seniors who are unable to get to our Compassion Pantry due to a chronic illness or mobility issue; this initiative is called Compassionate Delivery Services. Additionally, they will strive to strengthen community partnerships, secure sustainable funding up to $250,000 to expand our reach so that more veterans, families, and underserved individuals can benefit from our services. Personally, Michelle is committed to continuing her journey of learning, leadership, and service, ensuring that CC4V Inc. remains a trusted, compassionate resource and a catalyst for positive change in their community.

“Every week, I get to witness hope restored, whether it’s a veteran finding stability, a family receiving the help they need, or someone discovering their own strength and purpose.” h

Alabama State University Receives $38 Million Donation from MacKenzie Scott

Alabama State University has announced a historic milestone: the largest single donation in the institution’s 158year history. The $38 million gift, from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, represents a monumental investment in the University’s future and a powerful endorsement of its mission, leadership, and vision for innovation. The unrestricted gift allows ASU the freedom to invest strategically in missioncritical areas — bolstering the University’s endowment, enhancing student success initiatives, expanding its research and technology infrastructure, and deepening ASU’s engagement within the Montgomery community and beyond.

“We are deeply grateful to MacKenzie Scott for her unprecedented generosity in supporting the vision of Alabama State University. The message here is clear: the work being done at this University is being held in high regard,” said Alabama State University President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “This investment allows us to continue to make a significant impact as an institution of higher learning now and for generations to come. This is a history-making moment at the place where history is made.”

Ross said Scott’s donation signals her confidence in Alabama State University’s role as a catalyst for change — a beacon of access, excellence, and equity in higher education. Alabama State University’s recognition by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s foundation came as an unexpected honor — the result of a quiet and selective process that identifies institutions making a meaningful difference.

Though details of the selection remain private, it’s evident that ASU’s steady progress in academic excellence, student success, and community advancement, key objectives of its Focus 2030 Strategic Plan, reflected the values the foundation seeks to support.

Ross shared that the University had no prior indication it was being considered.

“We’ve just been doing the work — staying true to our mission, our students, and our community,” said Ross. “You never know who’s watching, and to be recognized in this way reminds us that our efforts matter. Alabama State University’s impact is reaching farther than we sometimes realize.”

Ross said Scott’s investment also is a recognition of legacy and progress.

“Her gift not only honors ASU’s legacy as a leading historically Black university, but it also underscores our growing recognition as a forward-thinking institution, setting the pace for innovation and transformation in the South and across the nation.

“This is a game changer,” Ross continued. “Ms. Scott’s generous gift enhances Alabama State University’s ability to continue to compete, continue to lead, and to be the example of what’s possible when vision, purpose, and progress align. This investment will allow us to build upon our strategic priorities, strengthen our academic and research capacity, and most importantly, empower our students to soar.”

The $38 million gift comes at a time when Alabama State University continues to expand its national profile through initiatives in technology, global education, and community advancement — all core anchors of ASU’s Focus 2030 Strategic Plan.

Ross explained that with this historic donation, the University is poised to build upon its longstanding tradition of academic excellence, while reaffirming its place as one of the most influential HBCUs in the nation.

“This gift is transformative. It further reinforces Alabama State University’s commitment to innovation and excellence, setting the pace for the future,” he concluded.