Huami Magazine Raleigh/Durham - Feb./March 2026

Feb./March 2026

Vol. 3 Issue 1

St. Paul Church of Christ

Disciples of Christ

Raleigh-Durham

Managing The Weight of Waiting on God

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

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L. Watson

According to the definition provided by www.dictionary.com, the word hospital is defined as an institution in which sick or injured people are given medical or surgical treatment. In my personal experience, a hospital has been a place where I have received treatment for a few bumps and bruises I received as a young boy, as I remember my mother taking me to the hospital quite frequently. I was all boy, with the scars to prove it.

A Letter from the Editor

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?

Fast forward to today, after a recent visit to the hospital, specifically the emergency room, something that was familiar from the last time I was there was a crowded emergency room. Regardless of the time of day, it always seems like there are many people waiting to be treated. Even more, their frustration with waiting to be treated was quite noticeable; in some instances, it appeared to be burdensome. I am very appreciative of the efforts and service that our hospitals and medical staff provide.

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.

When I try to imagine God’s waiting room, I think about the number of those who are waiting along with me. It doesn’t feel as crowded as the emergency rooms in a hospital, and I wonder if that is because there is a lack of patience in waiting for God to move. Have others lost hope in God’s promises? Have believers stopped believing and lost faith in what Christ accomplished on the cross? The word of God in the book of Numbers 23:19, says: God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? This passage confirms that if God said it, that means He has already done it before, and that He will do it again. I believe that He will.

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.

With life and waiting for God to move, the process has often felt heavy. I have learned that there is weight involved with waiting on God, and a load that I must endure during the process. God has and continues to test me, often to show me how strong or weak I am. Gods’ tests are accompanied by a few punches and jabs, and they hurt, really bad. “A hard head makes a soft bottom,” as I have been told. Sometimes they last longer than I wish; however painful, they have also been revealing. My greatest achievements in life have only happened as a result of my waiting on God. On the other hand, I have always found myself at my lowest when I didn’t.

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.

There is purpose in waiting, and winning requires believers to spend quiet time with God; to be patient and trust in His word. If you find yourself being weighed down while God is testing you, be encouraged and know that God is preparing something amazing for you while you wait

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

General Inquiries

Durham, NC

Raleigh, NC Black Business in Durham

He was born with drumsticks in hands. OK, maybe. Learn more about Marvan Alexander. Houston, TX

The Greater Durham Black COC

NC’s First Black Owned Bookstore Liberation Station

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

The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce (GDBCC) is a nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to invest in the growth and development of the Black entrepreneur, the Black business, and the Black business ecosystem. Our vision is Black economic freedom. We execute our mission via our 5 pillars of service, advocacy, access to capital, access to contracts, entrepreneurial training, and ecosystem development.

The GDBCC is led by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic guidance and oversight in key areas, including but not limited to development, finance, marketing, membership, and programming. Our current Board leaders include Chair Larry Borders, Vice Chair Thomas Whitehead, and Treasurer Cheryl Hodge. The work of the chamber is executed by our staff, contractors, consultants, and volunteers. This effort is led by President/CEO CJ Broderick.

The GDBCC offers a wide array of strategic consulting services in economic development (marketing, business recruitment and retention, policy audit and recommendation), workforce development (educational training workshops and webinars), and supplier diversity development (program evaluation and recommendation). We also provide business and entrepreneurial development services such as business coaching, business development, mentoring, technical assistance, and other services. Additionally, we design and execute networking events to promote collaboration and innovative problem solving in our community. Our clients and partners include our membership, the community at large, small businesses, corporations, governmental agencies, and individuals.

The GDBCC continues to have a tremendous effect on the Greater Durham community. Over the last 15 years, the GDBCC has been a strong advocate for Black entrepreneurs, Black businesses, and the Black business ecosystem. We have trained, counseled, or provided technical assistance to over 12,000 entrepreneurs, supported over 1,700 businesses, and provided policy recommendations for the equitable growth of Durham’s economy. We have designed and introduced events like Durham’s Annual Black Business Gala, which honors Durham’s history of Black business achievement, highlights the outstanding contributions of our current Black business community, and inspires the future of Durham’s Black business ecosystem. We have played a leading role in annual events like Durham’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.

Liberation Station, North Carolina’s First Black Owned Bookstore Reopens It’s Doors in Raleigh

When Liberation Station closed, the community responded with action. Families, readers, and supporters from near and far rallied together, raising more than $70,000 through grassroots efforts to bring the bookstore back.

In December 2025, Liberation Station reopened in Washington Terrace Shopping Center, a historic Black-owned business hub near St. Augustine’s University. Surrounded by generations of Black excellence, the bookstore stepped into a space that reflected its values—resilience, cooperation, and longevity.

Liberation Station, the state’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, reopened its doors at its new location, 430 Hill Street in Raleigh. Closed for only a year, Victoria Scott-Miller and Duane Miller the founders, are excited to welcome the citizens of Raleigh back. Alongside books, Liberation Station expanded its role as a community resource, offering programming and access to essentials through a food and pad pantry.

St. Paul Church of Christ Disciples of Christ Bishop

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Bishop Chester

L. Aycock

Bishop Chester L. Aycock was born in Faison, NC. He is a graduate of Douglas High School and later attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, where he studied Business Administration. For over 32 years, he worked as a Manager for a Food Processing company. During his time working, Bishop Aycock pastored three churches: Running Branch in Clinton, NC; Rouses Chapel in Kinston, NC; and The St. Paul Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ in Wilson, NC. As of October 2025, Bishop Aycock has served as St. Paul’s pastor for over 50 years.

The mission of St. Paul Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ is the same mission Jesus gave his followers: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. The vision of St. Paul Church of Christ Disciples of Christ is to create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life-changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Bishop Aycock leads the spiritual and community mission of St. Paul with deep commitment. He is dedicated to fostering faith, guiding our outreach efforts, and ensuring that the church remains a constant pillar of hope and stability in the Wilson community.

At the age of 27, Bishop Aycock received his call to ministry and began pastoring at 30. “I am so grateful for what the Lord has allowed me to do in His kingdom. I have worked really hard in ministry for many years. I have established churches in West Africa and Panama. It has always been my focus to never leave anyone behind. The only time I advise anyone to look down on a person is to reach down and lift them up. That has been my policy for 50 years,” he says.

Bishop Aycock says that what he enjoys most about ministering is helping others. Whether someone needs help during a financial crisis, when they are sick, or even the less fortunate, Bishop Aycock has always had a heart to serve. “Helping others who may have fallen to get back to their original state is what our ministry stands for. Restoration,” he shares.

“It has always been my focus to never leave anyone behind. The only time I advise anyone to look down on a person is to reach down and lift them up.”

Bishop Aycock shares his life with his wife, Tina. They have been married for 17 years, which is their second experience of marriage for both of them. Bishop Aycock’s first wife passed, and Tina’s first husband also passed, and they both were able to find love yet again. They share this love with their blended family of four children.

Many individuals have played a significant role in shaping the life and ministry of Bishop Aycock. These outstanding individuals include Bishop E. L. Uzell, Bishop James Melvin, and Bishop L.M. Forbes, whom Bishop Aycock called his Godfather. Additionally, Bishop Aycock served as the Bishop of the Goldsboro-Raleigh Assembly and retired from there after 20 years of devotion to that ministry.

Serving God and being a devoted disciple for as long as Bishop Aycock, there are, understandably, some challenges he must have encountered. Yet, he squared his shoulders and faced them all, just as one would expect him to. One such challenge happened while he served as Bishop of the Goldsboro-Raleigh Assembly. In his first year of leadership, the building that served as their headquarters burned down. Bishop Aycock was then faced with the responsibility of a new meeting place. “I went to neighboring churches seeking a place for our ministry to meet. Other churches were very supportive, but it was still challenging, because we never knew where we would meet next. The Lord eventually blessed us with a new building that is worth close to four million dollars,” he says. Another challenge he faced happened at St. Paul Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. “We had to build a new sanctuary due to the prior one being too small. We were able to successfully build a new one, and we continue to enjoy it today.”

Bishop Aycock reminds us that the sole purpose of ministry is to serve others. He adds that over the 50 years he has served, there isn’t much he would change about how things have happened. “We have accomplished our goal to serve, and we have done that well. Maybe I would have reached out to more people and brought them into the fold. I truly believe that I have given my best, and I pray that God is pleasedm” he says.

What is next for Bishop Aycock and St. Paul Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ? Expansion! Presently, the ministry is discussing what to do with the 28 acres of land they were able to purchase. Bishop Aycock shares that there are plans to build senior citizen homes on the land. He also plans to retire in the not-too-distant future, and he has been working with a young man, Dr. Ronny Wiggins, Jr., whom he hopes will succeed him. “I think I will remain as the Senior Pastor, but will allow him to preach most of the time,” he says.

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The Ambitious Legacy Firm, P.C.

By Terry L. Watson

K. Franco

Sabine K. Franco, Esq., is an estate planning and business attorney and speaker. She is also the founder and lead attorney of The Ambitious Legacy Firm, P.C., formerly known as Franco Law Firm, P.C. Through her platform, “Sabine the Purpose Lawyer,” she empowers families and entrepreneurs to protect their assets, build generational wealth, and design legacies rooted in faith and purpose. She is passionate about helping clients steward what they’ve built and prepare future generations for success.

The Ambitious Legacy Firm provides comprehensive legal services centered on estate planning, asset protection, business succession, elder law, and wealth preservation. The services offered include Wills, Trusts, and Full Estate Plans, Lifetime Asset Protection Strategies, Business Formation, Contracts, Succession Planning, Medicaid and Elder Law Planning, LegacyFocused Consulting for Entrepreneurs and Families, Digital Tools and Educational Resources for DIY Estate Planning, Speaking, Workshops, and Webinars through Sabine’s Purpose Lawyer brand. Sabine also creates digital frameworks, such as the Legacy Prep Workbook and the Legacy Blueprint, as well as other tools that help people understand wealth and organize their lives. Additionally, she has authored “You’re Richer Than You Think”, which is a step-by-step guide to building a lasting legacy.

Sabine describes herself as a woman deeply committed to purpose, legacy, and family. In addition to being an attorney, she is an entrepreneur and creator. “I’m a wife and mother, and everything I build is grounded in my desire to protect, uplift, and empower my family and my community,” she says. Sabine earned her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. Over the years, she has become known as “The Purpose Lawyer”—someone who guides individuals, families, and business owners in protecting what matters most.

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“There’s nothing like watching someone realize that they can protect their family, build wealth, and leave something meaningful behind.”

Sabine grew up in Queens, New York. Both her parents immigrated to the United States from Haiti in their 20s and worked hard to build a better life for their family. Sabine says her parents taught her to understand the value of hard work and responsibility. Later in life, Sabine deepened her relationship with God, and she shares that her faith carried her the rest of the way. Those same values continue to guide Sabine’s work today.

Sabine shares that her journey in law began when she noticed an overwhelming gap in how families—especially Black families and first-generation wealth builders—were being educated about wealth, ownership, estate planning, and long-term protection. “In my early years of practicing law, I saw too many families losing assets because they didn’t know the rules. That lit a fire in me. I launched my firm in 2014, originally as a general practice, but soon realized that legacy, business, and estate planning were the areas where I felt most called and most impactful. The vision came from my own family roots, my faith, and my desire to shift generational outcomes—not just for my clients, but for entire communities,” she says.

“I love the transformation.” That is Sabine’s response when asked what she loves most about her career and practicing law. “There’s nothing like watching someone realize that they can protect their family, build wealth, and leave something meaningful behind. I love the impact—the fact that the work I do today will outlive my clients and me by generations. Even more, I love educating my community so they can walk confidently into wealth, not fearfully.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Sabine has faced challenges with scalability, managing growth, navigating seasons of overwhelm, and balancing motherhood with leadership. She countered these by learning to embrace systems, building a strong team, investing in technology, and giving herself grace in the process. Another challenge has been shifting from traditional firm demands to a more modern, tech-enabled, and lifestylealigned model. “I overcame that by getting clear on my purpose, refining my offerings, and leaning heavily into innovation—particularly AI, digital education, and community-centered services,” Sabine shares.

So, who and what has Sabine relied on to become who she is today? Her first response is family. “My family has been the greatest influence. This includes my husband, my children, and the generations before me whose sacrifices taught me why legacy matters. My mom, whose strength, resiliency, and tenacity gave me the opportunities I have today. My faith has also shaped everything about my purpose and how I show up in the world. Professionally, my clients have deeply impacted me. Their stories, their struggles, and their trust have refined my mission. I also draw inspiration from strong, purpose-driven women, entrepreneurs overcoming obstacles, and anyone who is building something meaningful for their family. I’m inspired by my clients, my community, and by the idea that every generation has the power to shift the next.”

Looking ahead, Sabine has set her sights on further expanding The Ambitious Legacy Firm through a streamlined, tech-enabled model. She also plans to release more accessible digital resources that will allow estate planning to be within reach for every household. “I plan to grow my educational platform under Sabine the Purpose Lawyer, continue speaking, and create programs that blend purpose, faith, wealth, and empowerment. I’m also developing new tools for entrepreneurs and families—templates, courses, and systems that help people protect more, build more, and live more intentionally,” she says.

Don’t wait to feel ready. Purpose unfolds through action. Build with intention, and protect what you’re building. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and above all, remember that success is not just about achievement, it’s about alignment, impact, and legacy.”

Her journey has been a life-learning experience. It has also allowed Sabine unique opportunities. When asked if there is anything she would change about the way things have happened, Sabine shares that she would have trusted herself sooner. “I would have embraced my niche earlier and leaned into legacy and estate planning from the beginning. I also would have implemented systems and boundaries earlier—they’ve been life-changing for my growth and peace.” Gleaning from the same perspective, Sabine offers some advice from others who may possess aspirations such as hers. “Don’t wait to feel ready. Purpose unfolds through action. Build with intention, and protect what you’re building. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and above all, remember that success is not just about achievement, it’s about alignment, impact, and legacy. I have a friend who always says, “If you feel in your heart God is calling you to do something, it’s bigger than you and takes more than you.” So build your village.”

Marvan E. Alexander

DrumHeadProductions

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Marvan

E. Alexander

Even at a young age, it became very obvious that Marvan possessed a special gift. While most kids have memories of playing with pots and pans in their parents’ kitchen, often using them as toys and musical instruments, for Marvan, there are no exceptions.

Born and raised in Houston, TX, Marvan describes himself as an entrepreneur, God-fearing, kid prodigy who grew up in a beautiful and loving household that promoted and encouraged him to be the best person that he could be every day. His parents, Glenda Davis, a native of Louisiana, and Ivan Alexander, also a Houston native, taught him the importance of being structured and following through on everything he starts. Though his parents weren’t married, they both have played a huge role in his life. While his mother worked, Marvan was tended to by his grandmother and grandfather, Jerrly and Stanley Manuel. When he was only six months old, Marvan made his first set of drumsticks out of his grandmother’s curtain rods. “Every morning, my grandmother would get up, drink her coffee, and play her Gospel music. Whether it be James Cleveland or John P. Kee, she always played her music and drank her coffee. One morning, my grandmother noticed that I had pulled her pots and pans out and was beating on her pots and pans with the sticks I had made from her curtain rod. She asked me what I was doing. After the third or fourth occurrence, she told my mother about it. She told my mother that I had a beat. The rest of the story is still being written,” he says.

One morning, my grandmother noticed that I had pulled her pots and pans out and was beating on her pots and pans with the sticks I had made from her curtain rod. She asked me what I was doing.”

When he was six years old, Marvan was able to learn more about drumming and play at his grandmother’s church, Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in the Fifth Ward area of Houston. “This is where I got an opportunity to play on the drums. When my grandmother moved to another church, I moved along with her.” His next move was to Smyrna Baptist Church. His next move, which happened during the age of (7-9), Marvan was invited to play drums at Forest Lawn Church. He stayed and played there for 10 years.

Marvan attended Forest Brook High School in Houston. There, he participated in the student council. He was a drum major, played in the Jazz Band, and clarified that he did anything that pertained to the band. That included classical, marching, drumline, solo, and ensemble. After graduating from Forest Brook in 2003, he attended Prairie View A&M University on an Architectural Scholarship and minored in Music and Fashion. Marvan shares that he wanted to play music full-time and soon left Prairie View to further explore his passion.

Some of the musicians Marvan draws inspiration from are Ladell Abrams, Calvin Rogers, Chris Day, Shawn Martin, Mark Simmons, and others. He says that his most memorable experience happened when he was challenged by John P. Kee during a rehearsal at an event in Atlanta, GA. “My mom was there, and John needed a drummer, due to his scheduled drummer running behind. He asked if there were any drummers in the house. I raised my hand, but he ignored me. I told him again that I could play. I bet him $100 that I could. He allowed me to get on the drums and play, and he was convinced. I got the $100 also,” Marvan says.

Today, Marvan has an ever-growing love for drumming. He shares that it’s not just about the rhythm; it’s also about the colors that come with playing. That love is often accompanied by a few pains and challenges. Some of the challenges, Marvan says, involve working with people who do not understand the full potential of his skillset. “I take everything as an opportunity to grow,” he says. Another huge challenge Marvan points out is finishing the album he began nearly seven years ago. It is scheduled to be released in March 2026.

Looking ahead, Marvan is promoting his clothing line, working on his band, and setting up a small music shop where others can purchase custom-made items and accessories. He also plans to visit other countries and work with different artists. “I desire to stay healthy, take care of my body and mind, and ask God to allow me to continue to see the days ahead,” he says.

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I desire to stay healthy, take care of my body and mind, and ask God to allow me to continue to see the days ahead.”

Prominent Youth of America

By Terry L. Watson

Photos

Provided by LaVon Clack

“Seeing a young person who once doubted themselves step into leadership, master a new skill, or tell their story through media is powerful.”

LaVon Z. Clack, of Louisville, KY, is a community advocate, educator, coach, and creative strategist who believes deeply in the power of young people when they’re given access, opportunity, and trust. LaVon is also the Founder of the nonprofit organization, Prominent Youth of America (PYOA). His organization provides free, high-quality youth development programs centered on arts, multimedia, technology, leadership, and social impact. Its programs serve elementary through high-school students, with a focus on youth from under-resourced communities. Their key offerings include media and film production, digital content creation, graphic design with AI, performing arts, youth leadership development, and social-action projects that help young people use their voices to address real issues in their communities.

One of the programs offered by PYOA is Art of Music Education & Entertainment, a program that immerses young minds in the world of music, offering them hands-on experience in music production, performance, and the entertainment industry. Another one is Youth Multimedia Network, which equips participants with cuttingedge skills in digital media, broadcasting, and content creation, allowing them to express their voices in a rapidly evolving media landscape. They also have the Arts & Culture Summer League, which provides a vibrant atmosphere for young artists to explore and celebrate diverse artistic traditions, fostering cultural appreciation and creative expression.

LaVon says that PYOA began with a simple but urgent vision: create safe, creative spaces where young people can discover their talents and see a future for themselves. “I saw too many youth with potential but limited access to resources, mentorship, and platforms to express themselves. The organization was built from community needs— listening to families, schools, and youth—and designing programs that meet them where they are while preparing them for where they can go.”

Family is LaVon’s foundation, and he shares that it has shaped his values of service, accountability, and resilience. His educational journey includes leadership development and nonprofit capacity-building, with formal training in board development, sustainability, fundraising, and grant writing. Beyond the classroom, LaVon says he’s learned by doing, and working alongside youth, parents, schools, and community partners to turn ideas into impact. While leading the way at PYOA, LaVon shares he enjoys watching confidence grow in youth. “Seeing a young person who once doubted themselves step into leadership, master a new skill, or tell their story through media is powerful. I love building partnerships and bringing schools, nonprofits, businesses, and families together around a shared goal, which is to help youth thrive.”

The success of PYOA relies totally on the support of the team that LaVon has organized to carry out his vision. This includes Dee Brown (Program Director, Andrea Angelini (Program Coordinator), Anthony Stoner (Audio & Video Director), Emmanuel Clack (Video & Production Manager), Matthew Brown (Audio Production Director), Edward Clack (Audio Production Manager), and Lorna Clack (OST Program Facilitator).

Like many grassroots nonprofits, PYOA has encountered a few obstacles along the way. LaVon says some have included funding sustainability, staffing capacity, and balancing growth with quality. The organization has weathered these by staying mission-focused, diversifying funding through grants and partnerships, investing in strong planning, and remaining flexible. “Community trust and transparency have been essential, and I believe that people support what they believe in and understand,” he says.

In the midst of still growing PYOA, LaVon reflects back on where he began. His journey has been fruitful and challenging, yet he says he wouldn’t change anything about the way things have transpired. He adds, “I wouldn’t change the journey, but I would tell my “earlier” self to ask for help sooner and protect time for rest and strategy. My advice to others who may follow a similar path as the one I have traveled is to stay rooted in your “why”. Build systems early and measure impact, not just activity. Also, don’t be afraid to start small and think big. Most importantly, listen to the people you serve, as they will guide your growth.”

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The next chapter for Prominent Youth of America includes expanding its Youth Multimedia Network. That involves deepening school and community partnerships and increasing access to technology, creative spaces, and paid youth leadership opportunities. LaVon says they are also focused on long-term sustainability, scaling their impact while staying true to their mission of empowering youth to become confident creators, leaders, and changemakers.”

Duckett Law LLC Dione Duckett Attorney

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Dionne Duckett

Attorney Dione Duckett serves as the leader at Duckett Law LLC. Based in Atlanta, GA, Duckett Law LLC focuses on wills, trusts, and estates, as well as elder law and special needs planning. Additional areas are probate, guardianships, and conservatorships.

Dione is licensed to practice law in Georgia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In addition to practicing law, her professional experience includes corporate, private firm, government, and nonprofit work. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Dione was raised in Atlanta and has called the southern mecca home since 1972. She is the oldest of seven children, and a big sister to six siblings, an aunt to 13 nieces and nephews, and two great nieces. She is also the parent of two fur babies, standard poodles, Oliver and Caroline.

Dione has enjoyed success on various fronts, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Before Law School, she worked as an Accountant for the US Department of Defense Air Test Station in Lexington Park, MD, and as an Accountant for General Electric Company in Bridgeport, CT. Remarkably, she has earned a total of five degrees. These include a BA in Computer Science from Goucher College in Towson, MD (she attended Goucher College after the eleventh grade in high school). She acquired her MBA in Accounting from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, and her JD from Howard University School of Law. She has an MS in Managerial Science and an LLM (Master of Laws) in Elder Law and Estate Planning, which she acquired from Western New England School of Law.

After Law School, Dione made it her focus to pour into others and serve, doing so in various capacities. She was an Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Howard University School of Law (2006 – 2015), the Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Howard University School of Law (2003 – 2005), the Director of Development Services for Health Sciences Development at Emory University, and the Staff Attorney for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta, GA. She also managed her family’s business—Oakland Park Townhomes in Atlanta, GA, and served as a Corporate Associate Attorney for a major law firm in Baltimore, MD. Amazingly, she continued to find ways to serve, including as an adjunct professor for the University of the District of Columbia School of Law and Howard University School of Law. She also served as an Academic Support Professional for Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

Dione considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys educating. She also has a huge heart and remains active in her church, alumni associations, and her community. Duckett Law promotes a family environment, which includes some members of Dione’s immediate family; One of her brothers and one of her nieces. She adds, “My family is most important to me. We are very close, and I also see my mom every day. My office is nestled in a neighborhood setting, and is less than two miles from my house and less than two miles from my mother’s house.”

If we are going to close the wealth gap, our community needs to understand why estate planning is important and what is involved. There has to be a shift in mindset. It is not enough to get a will or a trust.”

Dione says it was never her goal to become an attorney. She says, “I got a law degree for options. I figured out what I wanted to do by process of elimination. I am an introvert and was very shy when I was younger. I was intentional about the degrees I pursued because I thought they would limit my interaction with people. I loved learning in those fields, and always enjoyed the positions initially because I was learning,” she says.

It has been nine years since Dione started her law practice, and her love for what she does hasn’t changed. “I am filling a need, as 55% of Americans have no estate plan at all, with 65-70% of black Americans without one as well,” she says. At Duckett Law, LLC, Dione shares that she takes an educational approach when addressing the needs of her clients. “If we are going to close the wealth gap, our community needs to understand why estate planning is important and what is involved. There has to be a shift in mindset. It is not enough to get a will or a trust. Plans need to be designed based upon each person’s unique set of concerns, desires, goals, fears, and objectives. Plans should evolve because life changes, laws change, and techniques change. Even more, plans should be reviewed and updated to respond to these changes. So many people who plan simply create one and usually put it on the shelf. At the end of the day, the plan does not work, maybe because it wasn’t updated and maintained, or maybe because a trust was not funded. It could also be due to the fact that the person who created the plan was a do-it-yourselfer or an attorney whose practice did not focus on estate planning.” This is why Dione regularly conducts seminars for churches, social organizations, and non-profit organizations.

Throughout Dione’s career, she has relied on her parents for inspiration and support. She says, “My parents were entrepreneurs and owned their own businesses. My dad was an anesthesiologist, and my mother was at home until we got older, then she owned an apartment complex. They always encouraged me to be the captain of my own ship. I didn’t think that I wanted to do that, but they were right. They met while they were both students at Howard University. Their focus was on education, and it was never a question of whether my siblings and I would go to college, but which one we would attend. More than anything else, God, my family, and my experiences have inspired me, and I believe that my steps were ordered.

Dione shares that her parents always took care of the older people in her family. She adds, “I watched them as caregivers, and I have been a caregiver myself. I understand the challenges that families face in caring for and protecting themselves and their loved ones in the event of illness, disability, or death. My father had Alzheimer’s Disease, and my youngest sister has Downs Syndrome. I also have a nephew who has Downs Syndrome and a niece who has Autism. They are the reasons for my chosen field of practice.”

Dione says, fortunately, her father did his estate planning. She adds that the attorney he hired was good, but did not educate or counsel. “They put documents in place, and they were effective, but documents don’t do the work; people do, and they need to be educated about what is happening and what needs to be done. Once we had the documents, we did not understand all that was required. We made some mistakes that could have been avoided. At that time, I was not practicing law and did not know everything that is involved in estate planning.”

Dione’s experience in building her practice has not been a straight line up. There have been highs and lows. Over the first few years, things were great, and she was steadily building. She had a great team, and revenues increased every year. She had developed a nice caseload, and referrals were constantly coming, and then Covid arrived. “My two paralegals decided to go back to school. One to law school and the other to college. Because I am an educator, I encouraged them to go. After they left, I had a lot of work and no one to help get it done. As a result of the pandemic, it was a challenge to find competent employees who were willing to work. The courts faced similar staffing challenges, and it took much longer to process cases. I didn’t hire any new employees out of fear of not being able to pay them. I got through those challenging times with a lot of prayer and a lot of help from virtual team members, family and friends, and especially my mother. She was there for every signing.

For others who may follow a similar path as hers, Dione offers the following advice. “Surround yourself with good mentors and a network of colleagues, and learn the business side of the practice. Also, when things get rough, stay the course.”

Looking ahead, Dione is implementing a Guided Legacy Maintenance and Education Program. She says the program’s purpose is to help clients create plans that work by providing the necessary education and training to ensure they understand their plans and how to maintain them. She concludes that Duckett Law LLC’s mission is to help clients protect their lifestyles, loved ones, and legacies. h

CEO Sales Agency

Unlock The Freedom

By Terry L. Watson

He’s a husband, father, grandfather, son, a caregiver, and a successful businessman. Despite all his titles, Che Brown of Washington, DC, finds his greatest joy in making a positive, significant impact on humanity.

Che is the founder of CEO Sales Agency. His company focuses on helping other CEOs build a seven-figure sales department that enables them to generate the revenue necessary to execute the vision they have for the people they are called to serve. “Without the necessary revenue, companies can’t hire the right team, can’t get the right marketing, can’t implement the right systems, can’t reach all the people out there who need their help,” he says.

Che is a graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. He later attended Johns Hopkins University and obtained his MBA. He later worked for Verizon for the next nine years and never did sales. In 2004, he was laid off by Verizon. He decided to take his severance and start his company. After 90 days in business, he found himself frustrated and out of cash. “I had to learn how to sell,” Che says.

On the heels of a divorce, Che’s sons moved in with him. He recalls how difficult it was during that time. “One day, we got a knock on the door, and it was the repo man coming to get my Lexus truck. That was a low moment for me. I told my sons that the car was going to the garage, but I lied. It was then that I had a “never again moment”. Never again did I want to find myself in a situation where I had to lie to my sons. Never again did I want to be in a situation where I borrowed money from my family and couldn’t pay it back. Never again did I want to find myself in a situation where I was taking showers at the gym because the water was turned off at home. I decided to borrow $5000 from my brother and start a new business that focused on sales,” he says.

“Yes, we can build the sales department with automation. But what our clients really look for is for us to take the sales system and sell for them, generate cash for them, and put money in the bank.”

Today, Che is a globally renowned giant in the sales world. He has cracked the once elusive code of entrepreneurial success with a game-changing model that unlocks unlimited financial potential, power, and wealth. In just six short years, he has dominated the sales space, coaching thousands of rising business leaders to achieve exponential growth and success in their industries, to the tune of over $400 million and counting. His acclaimed 7-Figure Sales Team concept has forever erased the outdated notion that generating revenue in business is a solesource game – instead illustrating it is indeed a team sport.

CEO Sales Agency prides itself on having a sales team that sells for everyday entrepreneurs. “Yes, we can build the sales department with automation. But what our clients really look for is for us to take the sales system and sell for them, generate cash for them, and put money in the bank,” he says.

CEO Sales Agency caters to two types of audiences. One is a group of experts. Che says these are those who are in the self-education industry who are looking for help getting their messages out to the world. The other group is small business owners. These are those who need to generate leads. These could be plumbers, lawn care providers, fitness experts, and more.

While listening to Che talk, it becomes obvious that he is enthusiastic and loves what he does. He recalls an experience with a client who ran a coaching business. She had already laid the groundwork for her brand, but she was still challenged by others knowing about her business. We helped her to adopt our twelve rules for life. One of them is that systems beat goals every time. We helped her get paid more for what she does, without doing more of the labor involved.

change

“Dr. Jolley inspired me with his mindset. He told me that if I wanted to soar with the eagles, then I must howl with the owls. He told me that I have to work when no one else is working.” h

As a man of faith, Che often reflects on where he has come from and knows that it’s only by the grace of God that he’s alive today. “When I was in the third grade, I used to stutter. My mother was told that I had a severe stuttering problem, and they requested that I go to a different class. My mother told me that I didn’t have a stuttering problem. She told me that I was smarter than the other kids, and it took me longer to get the words out. I really believed that until I got to high school and the Bishop at church told me that I did have a stuttering problem, and that I talked really fast. I appreciate how my mother believed in me. She always did. Having a praying mother and praying family allowed me to be here today,” he says.

Someone that Che credits with inspiring and impacting his life the most is Dr. Willie Jolley. “Dr. Jolley inspired me with his mindset. He told me that if I wanted to soar with the eagles, then I must howl with the owls. He told me that I have to work when no one else is working. He believed that you could change someone’s life by changing the words they were using. I adopted his mindset,” he says.

When asked whether there is anything he would change about how things have happened to him in business, Che shares four words. “Do what you know. You already know what you should be doing.” Looking ahead, Che has plans to collaborate more with others. Collaboration crushes competition. I believe that if we outgive the competition, we will outearn the competition. I believe that we can achieve this through collaboration,” he says.

Asiah Apple