Huami Magazine St. Louis May/June 2026

God is Still Working

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

A Letter From The Editor - Terry L.

Watson

A Letter from the Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder

Tia Morris

Louis, MO

13th Amendment Freedom Week NIC Juneteenth 2026-Soulard Park Better Family Life Inc.

Louis, MO

Darryl G. Grimes

S. Byrd Greensboro, NC

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

13th Amendment Freedom Week Movement at NIC Juneteenth 2026 - Soulard Park

Information obtained from Online Source

The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Movement is joining The Henlor Foundation’s Mister Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant and Neighbors Impacting Communities for their FOURTH annual Juneteenth Celebration in Soulard Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Soulard Market Park in St. Louis, MO. Free and Open to the Public. Lafayette will be closed between 7th and 9th Streets for the entire day.

This year’s event is being co-sponsored by The Henlor Foundation’s Mister Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant (Click here by May 5, 2026, for Contestant Registration) and The 13th Amendment Freedom Week Movement (Booth registration for 13th AFWM coming soon at https://13thAFWM-JuneteenthSoulard.eventbrite.com.)

While the full entertainment lineup is still in the works, this year’s event will include a Battle of the Bands and an important panel discussion exploring the connection between the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment, as well as the 14th and 15th Amendments. Guests of all ages can also look forward to a DJ, live music, local art, and plenty of food.

The park area inside the fence will be reserved for tent vendors only. Half will be dedicated to NIC vendors and the other half to 13thAFWM vendors.

Limited food and booth, and registration closes on May 16, 2026. If spaces are still available after May 16, the late registration fee will be double the rate posted below until all spaces are filled or June 6, whichever comes first.

All food vendors (tents & trucks) will be on Lafayette between 7th (Broadway) and 9th Street, on the southwest side of the park. Set-up begins at 6 a.m. Festival opens to the public at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. (ALL vendor vehicles must be off the park grass no later than 7:30 a.m.) City ordinance requires all vendors to vacate the park and street by 6 p.m. The entertainment/Activity schedule will be available at NICSTLMO.org closer to the event date.

For other general event questions, please contact Joyce Hughes, event coordinator and president of NIC at neighborsimpactingcommunities@gmail.com. Event Sponsor/Donors: Please use the “donation” ticket tab and provide your organization’s name and contact information. Ms. Joyce will follow up with more details. For more information about NIC, visit www.NICStLMO.org or Facebook @NICStLMO.EB

Darryl G. Grimes Leads The Way at Better Family Life Inc.

Established in 1983, Better Family Life Inc is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community development corporation that works to stabilize inner-city neighborhoods. Even during these unprecedented times, we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community.

Each year, BFL serves more than 50,000 low-income children and adults, including the underemployed, unemployed, and skill-deficient, with various programseconomic, housing, workforce development, educational, youth, social, cultural, and artistic.

Led by CEO Darryl G. Grimes, the organization operates on four values: Family, Culture, Social and Economic Growth, and Integrity and Accountability. With Family, they believe a cohesive family is a foundation for every human being’s development. It endeavors to rehabilitate individuals on a complete cultural, educational, social, and economic level by helping them become self-sufficient and contributing members of society.

With Culture, their belief is that the self-conscious means by which people create, celebrate, and introduce themselves to history and humanity is the primary route to personal, family, and group growth and sustainability.

With Social and Economic Growth, they place a high degree of importance on the social and economic elevation of low and moderate-income families, disadvantaged populations, and those who are financially stable, as proven by their record of achievements since 1983. In regard to Integrity and Accountability, the organization has an unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability in our endeavors.

Tia Morris Dr.

Purpose + Presence Coaching, LLC

By Terry L. Watson

Provided by Dr. Tia Morris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the work Dr. Tia has done in the past five years, she says it was a natural progression to become a mental wellness coach. “With coaching, it allows me to make a greater impact, something that is very important to her, as she moves further into her 40’s and womanhood. “Most of my clients are women who are high-achievers, A-type, perfectionists, who constantly show up for others. One of the things I noticed is that women are conditioned from a very young age to put others first. When putting others first, they sacrifice their own needs and wants. As one who has made it my life’s work to do my part in empowering those I work with, I provide my clients with permission to think, speak, and move differently, especially when what they’ve been doing isn’t working for them anymore,” she says.

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

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

LamekiaDavis

Lamekia Davis Global Enterprise

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr.

The Dawn Alzheimer Research Study

By Terry L. Watson - Photos Provided by Donna Bradby

Dr. Goldie S. Byrd is a Professor of Public Health Sciences and a Principal Investigator of the DAWN Alzheimer’s Research Study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. The study is an international initiative whose focus is to build a resource that will expand Alzheimer’s disease genetic studies in 13,000 people of African ancestry and Hispanic/Latinx groups. This work also addresses nonmedical drivers of health and hopes that it will lead to new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease.

The collaborative group includes the University of Miami, Columbia University, Case Western Reserve University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), and 11 other sites across the African Continent. This study is one of the first to examine interactions between ancestry and the non-medical drivers of health. Both factors can contribute to the risk and age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and studying both types of risk factors will help researchers understand how they interact in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Participation of diverse individuals assists in addressing inequalities and medical disparities in Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention.

Dr. Byrd shares that over the years, they have built a trusted bi-directional relationship with social, civic, and faith networks across the country and internationally. These relationships have helped spread the word about Alzheimer’s in diverse populations, close research gaps, and reduce disparities. We partnered with our Triad Pastors Network, housed at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, whose goal is to address health disparities by creating or advancing health ministries. Faith Leaders in the Network recently completed a year-and-a-half-long project in Alzheimer’s, involving small churches and mega churches across the country. With the support of a senior Pastor, Dr. Kelvin Lamonte Williams, and the leadership of an Ecclesiastical Advisory Council, the Network has addressed major health disparities, such as heart disease, the COVID pandemic, physical activity, pastoral care, and Alzheimer’s disease for the past seven years.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, it is the sixth leading cause of death in America, and the numbers of those affected are expected to triple in less than ten years. It occurs twice as often in African Americans as in Whites. In addition, African Americans experience a higher caregiver burden and are less likely to get a diagnosis. Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disease with a pronounced genetic component with an estimated heritability of 60%-80%. That means it often affects multiple people in the same family and across generations. Understanding the genetic basis of this disease, as well as the social and environmental effects of the disease, is critical to understanding Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans and why there are such disparities in this community. Although the disease affects individuals of all ethnic and ancestral backgrounds, efforts to understand it in African Americans have suffered due to a lack of participation in studies. Most genetic-based studies in Alzheimer’s disease have been performed in non-Hispanic white populations of European ancestry, with communities of Hispanic and African ancestry largely excluded.

The ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s include memory loss that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; and changes in mood or personality. Recognizing these signs earlier can make a meaningful difference for families navigating this disease. My experiences have fueled a deep and lasting passion— not only to help find answers, but also to support families and raise awareness so others can recognize the signs sooner and take action.

Dr. Goldie S. Byrd grew up in Magnolia, NC, a small rural town in Duplin County. Her parents, Jessie and Bertha Smith, were her greatest influencers and supporters. She shares that they taught her brothers and sisters to be decent, to work hard, and to have faith. Not only did they support Dr. Byrd and her siblings by providing shelter, food, and a safe home, but they also supported their efforts. “We were brought up in church and in Sunday School. You can only imagine what my parents experienced while trying to own their own farm, raising six children, and assuring that all six went to college, during the Jim Crow era. Though they both are deceased, they live within each of us, and we honor them.”

Dr. Byrd’s work in Alzheimer’s disease began while she was on sabbatical at Duke University School of Medicine, beginning in 2002. Though she was trained as a Microbiologist with a concentration in genetics, she changed her research focus to human genetics to address Alzheimer’s disease. The disease was wreaking havoc in the African American community, yet there was little talk about it due to stigma and embarrassment. Even more, there was less research being done on how this devastating disease was affecting this population. Learning in the early 2,000s that this disease was more burdensome in African Americans (twice as much as in Whites), and yet there was hardly any research being done with this population to understand the huge disparity, Dr. Byrd was convinced early on that she should do something in this field of research. “I not only wanted to conduct genetics research, but I also wanted to be a resource for families who experienced Dementia. I wanted to contribute something much more impactful than my initial research goals,” she says.

I was 19 when I noticed a startling change in my grandmother’s behavior. She began using profane language, something I had never heard her do in my life. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant...... It felt out of character but not yet connected to something larger in my mind.”

Takiyah

Starks Broadnax

Dr. Byrd was awarded grants with Dr. Margaret Pericak Vance at Duke for a sabbatical and for research projects to conduct the largest Genome Wide Association study in Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans, the first of its kind. At that time, Dr. PericakVance was and remains one of the top geneticists studying Alzheimer’s disease. In 2002, however, she had not begun to do this work in African Americans. Now working at the University of Miami, Dr. Pericak-Vance and Dr. Byrd have continued to work together for 24 years to diversify Alzheimer’s research. They are currently working on a $54 million dollar study, the DAWN Alzheimer’s Research study, which will create one of the largest cohorts, mostly community based, of African, African American, and Hispanic ancestries to understand the genetic architecture of Alzheimer’s disease in these populations.

Though Alzheimer’s disease was discovered in 1906, a significant amount of what is known about the disease was discovered in the past couple of decades. More than 50 million people around the world and over 7.2 million Americans have been diagnosed. That number is predicted to double in the next 30 years, without intervention, since the number one risk factor for it is age and we are living longer. “We are now aware of the stages of disease, from pre-clinical (where there are no symptoms), to severe and eventual death. Most people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in their 60s or 70s. However, a person can have the disease over 20 years before the first symptom. In the last couple of years, drugs have been discovered that actually slow the disease rather than just treat symptoms. This is a major advancement. In addition, we know that our everyday life can impact the risk of Alzheimer’s. Having enough sleep, reducing blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and getting a good education all impact the possibility of getting the disease. These social and environmental factors suggest that living a healthy and active lifestyle reduces people’s risk of Alzheimer’s, even if there is a history of it in your family.”

Since the inception of Dr. Byrd’s work, she has been intentional about listening to her community. She says, “I watched caregivers struggle from lack of information and resources and the inability to care for themselves as they cared for others – essentially suffering in silence. Families were forced to make the difficult decision to put a loved one in a facility. After learning from the community, we were able to create a resource to support communities that had been under resourced as it relates to Alzheimer’s disease. I knew our team could make a difference when we had the opportunity to bring a comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease awareness project to North Carolina A&T State University, where I served as the chair of biology, endowed professor, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. With the support of the administration, Merck Foundation, AARP, alumni, and friends, we created the Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s Aging and Community Health, to provide a physical space and a resource for families burdened by Alzheimer’s. We provided lunch and learns, support groups, workshops, seminars, symposia, a caregiver college, and, for 10 years, a caregiver conference that drew hundreds of people annually from around North Carolina and nearby states. Being at an Historically Black University we were able to create a campus hub for including African Americans in awareness, education, support and research opportunities,” Dr. Byrd says.

We still do not have a cure or a way to prevent Alzheimer’s. The goal is that all people from all backgrounds will be equitably represented in research studies and clinical trials in order to contribute to new knowledge, new therapies, and ways to prevent AD.”

Dr.

Goldie S. Byrd

At Wake Forest we continue to support caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s disease through a Dementia Caregiver College that is led by Dr. Allison Caban-Holt. There have been numerous recognition and lifetime achievement awards for the work, including from the United Nations, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, and AARP. However, our greatest reward comes in knowing we have made a difference in reducing disparities in this disease.

The Family Based Study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s is co-leading a major initiative to identify genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease in families of African ancestry. This research takes a family-centered approach, focusing on African American families in which two or more members are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as relatives who are unaffected. By analyzing DNA and blood-based biomarkers, researchers aim to uncover rare genetic variants that may cluster within families and increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease. This work is especially critical, as African American populations have historically been underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research, leaving significant gaps in scientific understanding and care.

Americans in awareness, education, support and research opportunities,” Dr. Byrd says. The Center, now directed by Dr. Travonia Hughes, continues to do this work and is doing a fabulous job. Through their grassroots community work, they have supported families who have multiple people affected by the disease in their Family-Based study where they look for genetic and environmental factors that affect the disease. There have been numerous recognition and lifetime achievement awards for the work, including from the United Nations, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, and AARP.

The DAWN study has benefited significantly from the commitment and dedication of an outstanding clinical research team led by Program Manager, Takiyah Broadnax Starks. She also has a deeply personal connection to the disease as her paternal grandmother was diagnosed in her late fifties and lived until the age of 97. Takiyah says that watching her grandmother’s long journey shaped her understanding in ways she didn’t fully recognize at the time, and it would be years before she truly grasped the signs she had witnessed firsthand. “I was 19 when I noticed a startling change in my grandmother’s behavior. She began using profane language, something I had never heard her do in my life. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant, and I didn’t mention it to my father or my aunt. It felt out of character but not yet connected to something larger in my mind. Years later, as I became more deeply involved in Alzheimer’s research and learned the ten warning signs of the disease, everything began to come into focus. By then, my grandmother had already been living with Alzheimer’s for several years. One of the warning signs—changes in mood or personality— immediately brought clarity to that memory. I realized that what I had witnessed at 19 was not random, but a symptom of the disease.”

Across all sights the clinical research coordinators and managers actively recruit and retain participants for the study. They provide talks, workshops and exhibits to African American communities across the country. They conduct assessments and collect genetic and environmental data to understand Alzheimer’s disease in persons of African and Hispanic Ancestry.

Predicting the future of the disease is a daunting task. Even more, funding for research has changed in recent years and is a bit more uncertain. This creates challenges for researchers and determines the extent to how much can be done in vulnerable and high-burdened communities and with people who are less represented in studies and trials. “We still do not have a cure or a way to prevent Alzheimer’s. The goal is that all people from all backgrounds will be equitably represented in research studies and clinical trials in order to contribute to new knowledge, new therapies, and ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Byrd says.

African Americans over the age of 60 are encouraged to join the DAWN Alzheimer’s study. “We are seeking African American individuals and their family members with memory loss, or who have dementia, or Alzheimer’s. We also need family members who are healthy and are not affected. For individuals who are experiencing memory loss, or not, and for families who wish to join or donate brain tissue after death, your participation is welcomed to help find answers to this devastating disease by joining our study. “My hope is that the disease as we know it will become a thing of the past,” Dr. Byrd says. To learn more about this study, please contact Takiyah Starks Broadnax at the email address that is listed below, or call 336-713-7600.

Real Love Music

By Terry L. Watson

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more about Kim and Ray, and to book them for your event or special occasion, please contact them directly.

Antonio Tolson Dr. Tonya Arnold A Father’s Voice

“Raising A Son With Autism”

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Demhaj Poetry Lounge

The Spoken Word Gem for the City of High Point

By Terry L. Watson

If you haven’t heard about Demhaj Poetry Lounge, then you’d better ask somebody.

Nestled away in the city of High Point, NC, Demhaj Poetry Lounge has been operating as a Black-Owned, Faith-Based business since 2022. Led by mother-son duo, Brigette Williams and Jahmed Williams, Demhaj Poetry Lounge has developed into a place that provides local and aspiring poets with a platform to showcase their poetic gifts and talents. It has also become a popular location for talented and accomplished poets, with many hosting private listening parties and events there. Each Thursday evening, they host Open Mic Thursday, and occasionally, yet with frequency, Demhaj hosts their Love Jones Saturday, which is a more intimate affair for both performers and guests.

Demhaj Poetry Lounge was founded by Bridgette Williams. She says that since her youth, she’s had a passion for the art of poetry. She also dreamed of opening a space for her community to freely express themselves. After years of planning, that dream eventually became a reality. Bridgette named the poetry cafe after her son, Jahmed (spelled backwards), as an expression of her love for him. Jahmed himself is an established poet, creative, and writer, and received a Bachelors degree in Business from Georgia State University.

Since 2022, Demhaj has experienced a great deal of popularity of growth. They have hosted more than 250 events in the Carolinas, with nearly 2500 confirmed guests. “I don’t really see it as popularity, I see it as people who come into our atmosphere. We are very diverse and offer everyone a chance to speak and be heard. I am very humble and thankful for what God has allowed us to do,” Bridgette says.

There are many other poetry lounges and cafes spread across North Carolina, yet what makes Demhaj different is its ability to connect with its poets and their audience.

“We are a mother-son management company, and it works for us. Jahmed loves what we do, and he goes above and beyond to ensure that everything is right to the best of his ability. We are different because of our authenticity. People can enjoy great spoken words and feel welcome. I believe that many people are dealing with many things, including trauma, and poetry offers a form of therapy. We provide a platform for others to come and share their stories. I have heard many people call our lounge a gem that is hidden in High Point. When people come in, they are often in awe, mainly because they didn’t know we existed,” she says.

While Demhaj has grown, Bridgette does ponder the idea of opening a second location. Their current High Point location holds a special place in Bridgette’s heart, as her mother, who passed away a few years ago, was a part of the opening season in 2022. “While we may open another location in the future, the small, yet intimate space we currently have allows me to continue to connect with my mother,” Bridgette says.

Some of the services and products offered at Demhaj include a variety of coffees and special drinks. They also offer merchandise such as t-shirts, cups, and accessories. The space itself is also available for rent for special events such as birthday parties, retirement parties, and more. Poets who are looking for a place to showcase their talents in a private event, that service is available as well. Looking ahead, Demhaj Poetry Lounge is excited to continue to offer poets a platform, as well providing a space for its guests to enjoy spoken word.

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