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Former TCU football player Charles Jones advancing the kingdom mightily as Senior Pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)

TOUCHDOWN JESUS

GOD’S RED ZONE — Former Texas Christian University football player Charles Jones is savoring his rightful and well-deserved place as the Founder and Senior Pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church, the awe-inspiring ministry he organized in February 2011 amid deep concern for his family, friends, and the community.

FORT WORTH, Texas — There’s nothing like a praying mother.

If anyone can greatly attest to this notion, it’s Charles Jones.
Consider, for instance, how during his youth, Jones recalls vividly the days during which his mother had steadfastly gone to great lengths to ensure her family’s single-parent household was covered, both in the natural and the spirit.
“I learned how to be strong watching my mom battle through some difficult seasons in life,” Jones told Making Headline News during a recent interview. “There were many times as a single mother she made sacrifices to ensure we were covered. She went without to make sure we had.”
For what it’s worth, it is due in large part to those valuable, life-altering lessons Jones had embraced as a young lad that, by all accounts, have greatly shaped the overall landscape of his life, a life that has catapulted him to the divine purpose for which God created him.
Fast forward a few decades later, and here’s Jones, savoring his rightful and well-deserved place as the Founder and Senior Pastor of New Creation Fellowship Church, the flourishing ministry he organized in February 2011 amid what he described as “a deep concern” for his family, friends, and the community.

MORE ON NEW CREATION FELLOWSHIP: http://www.ncfcogic.org/home.html

Located at 2126 Amanda Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas, New Creation Fellowship is a Church of God In Christ-affiliated institution which, since its inception, has emerged as a thriving, progressive church by which God is manifesting Himself through the evidence of signs, wonders, and rapid ministry growth, according to a detailed introduction at http://www.ncfcogic.org/home.html.

For Jones, 42, his rise to finding his niche in what has become a commendable and well-respected Pastoral tenure had surfaced amid humble beginnings. It was, in fact, because of the influential impact of his mother, coupled with the strict Christian-based principles of his grandmother that essentially had paved the way to the former Texas Christian University football player shifting his focus from the gridiron to the pulpit.

For what it’s worth, it is due in large part to those valuable, life-altering lessons Jones had embraced as a young lad that, by all accounts, have greatly shaped the overall landscape of his life, one that has catapulted him to the divine purpose for which God created him.

“I witnessed her struggle, felt her pain, but every day was another opportunity for her to go out and do what was necessary to provide and survive,” said Jones, recalling his mother’s massive impact on his life during his youth. “We had nothing, but she refused to allow us to look like what we were going through. She pushed my dreams of being an athlete, while praying that the streets, gangs and drugs wouldn’t swallow me up.”

Interestingly, as Jones explained, even when recurring injuries reduced his effectiveness to play for a high-profile Division 1 football program — thus “halted my aspirations as an athlete,” he acknowledged — there was that one person besides God who had — for a lack of better words — proven to his ride or die soulmate.

That one person: Elect Lady Jennifer Jones (or “Lady J”), Jones’ beloved companion to whom he’s been married for 19-plus years. The couple share five daughters (Katelyn, Kylah, KaLeah, Kendall and Charlize), each of whom like their parents, are actively involved in ministry.

THE LEADERS OF NCF: http://www.ncfcogic.org/leadership.html

“I started preaching in the latter part of 2000, and he was called to ministry shortly after, if I’m not mistaking,” said Jones, whose first sermon was given at church of his wife’s father, Superintendent Ray Lee Smith the Greater Rose Hill Church in Terrell, Texas.

“It’s crazy,” Jones said, explaining the constant pursuit of his wife back during his undergraduate days. “I chased her for two years on campus and she wouldn’t give me the time of day, but in my moment of isolation and when I was battling suicidal ideations, God used her to minister to my brokenness.”

And just like that, not only did Jones witnessed what apparently was a spiritual makeover, of sorts, but God had ultimately blessed him to find his good thing in the process — all because, well, this young preacher had demonstrated enough meekness to embrace a process he appropriately likens to the Biblical character Jonah.

“She took me to church and I saw God clearly,” Jones said of his first real encounter with his wife. “Everything I had gone through had been my belly of the fish experience. All my life, God had been navigating and ordaining things to spit me out on the banks of my destiny.”

IN THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY

The Joneses share five daughters (Katelyn, Kylah, KaLeah, Kendall and Charlize), each of whom like their parents, are actively involved in ministry.

It wasn’t long thereafter that Jones had officially hung up his helmet and cleats and subsequently commenced to calling audibles for God.

“I accepted my call a few months after that,” Jones explained. “This is the PG (parental guidance) version of my testimony.”

Regardless of how Jones labels his testimony, what matters, really, at this stage in his life is that such an intriguing and tear-jerking memory is what essentially had spearheaded his quest to press and navigate toward a destiny that was accompanied by his heaven-mandated assignment — the birthing of his ministry.

“New Creation Fellowship Church is a vision inspired by God,” Jones said. “In essence, (it is) a Macedonian call that was necessary on my way to heaven…one that was birthed with the purpose of strengthening the nucleus of family, community and the total man, first naturally then spiritually.”

“My wife and children have been awesome supporters of the ministry. It can be a burden at times because they have to share me with so many people, but we’ve learned to balance well over the years. Elect Lady Jones has been very instrumental and an intricate part of what we’ve accomplished. She is a phenomenal visionary and has an eye for development and design. Everything you see, walking into our ministry, she designed it. She took an old school baptist church and modernized it.” — Pastor Charles Jones

 

Since erecting his ministry, Jones undoubtedly has made his presence felt, not just throughout his congregation, but his family, considering his father is now serving in the ministry.

Since erecting his ministry, Jones undoubtedly has made his presence felt, not just throughout his congregation, but throughout his family, considering his father is now serving in the ministry.

“I started preaching in the latter part of 2000, and he was called to ministry shortly after, if I’m not mistaking,” said Jones, whose first sermon was given at the church of his wife’s father, Superintendent Ray Lee Smith the Greater Rose Hill Church in Terrell, Texas. “(My biological father’s) ministry wasn’t a result of mine. I thank God he got saved and (God) called him, though.”

Ironically, Jones served fervently in Smith’s ministry for a little more than a decade which, to his credit, essentially served as a sign of things to come.

For Jones, 42, his rise to finding his niche in what has become a commendable and well-respected Pastoral tenure had surfaced amid humble beginnings. It was, in fact, because of the influential impact of his mother, coupled with the strict Christian-based principles of his grandmother that essentially had paved the way to the former Texas Christian University football player shifting his focus from the gridiron to the pulpit.

“Superintendent Smith nurtured my gifts and instructed us in the way of holiness,” Jones said. “I’ve never known anyone like him. It has always been a pleasure to sit at his feet and much of the favor I have is a direct result of my connection to him. If we serve well, God will bless us.”

For Jones, God has surely blessed his family and exalted his ministry for such a pivotal time as now.

Eight years and counting to be exact.

“My servitude transcended the pulpit and Sunday morning services,” Jones said. “God told me to make His life easy, hold Him up and do whatever was necessary in order for Him to facilitate vision.”

Just as his praying mother had taught him back in the day.

If anyone can greatly attest to this notion, it’s Charles Jones.

AT LAST — “It’s crazy,” Jones said, explaining the constant pursuit of his wife back during his undergraduate days. “I chased her for two years on campus and she wouldn’t give me the time of day, but in my moment of isolation and when I was battling suicidal ideations, God used her to minister to my brokenness.”

For more information about Dallas/Fort Worth-area Pastor Charles Jones New Creation Fellowship Church, or to schedule him for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 817.707.8445, or connect with him via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CDJones23/. Also, send email to: cdjonesministries@ncfcogic.org.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Andre Johnson: Memphis will briefly keep it close, but Penn State ultimately wins in a Cotton Bowl rout

As No. 17 Memphis prepares to square off against No. 10 Penn State Saturday morning at 11 a.m. CST at AT&T Stadium, longtime sports journalist Andre Johnson chimes in on whom he predicts will emerge as the winner of the beautiful Cotton Bowl Classic trophy.

DALLAS — According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, No. 10 Penn State has a 72 percent chance to beat No. 17 Memphis as the Tigers will play in arguably the biggest bowl game in school history. Unlike Memphis, the Nittany Lions boast a tradition-rich program that’s accustomed to playing in major bowl games dating back to the Joe Paterno era.

The Tigers, meanwhile, boast a high-powered offense that customarily scores in bunches. They will need to jump out to an early two or three touchdown margin against Penn State’s potent defense if they are to have a real shot at upsetting a Nittany Lion team that stayed in the College Football Playoff discussion for a majority of the 2019 season.

Memphis’ defense has been lethargic for most of the season and the Tigers had to rely mostly on their resilient offense to bail them out of trouble in close games. Most importantly, the Tigers will need to force turnovers and capitalize off Penn State’s mishaps as a way to dictate the flow and pace of this game.

By and large, I see Penn State heading into the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead and extending that margin midway through the final frame, thus putting this contest out of reach and winning this one in relatively easy fashion.

The Nittany Lions are playing for respect heading into next season. The Tigers, meanwhile, are just happy to be on a massive stage for a change. Therefore, for Memphis, the party ends after today’s pregame tailgating and pep rally.

Pick: Penn State 40, Memphis 17.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Long before his personal encounter with Shaq, young Mekhi Welch has become a gifted sports buff

MEKHI’S MAD SKILLZ

HE’S THE TRUTH — For the child who’s widely known as “Mekhi,” a rather distinctly unique thing occurred some three years or so ago, according to his mother, Tawanna Chamberlain. “Mekhi has been a sports buff since the age of three,” Chamberlain told Making Headline News this week. “But when he started to read around five years old, he asked me to read books to him about the history of basketball and great players.”

DALLAS — Mekhi Welch is just eight years old, meaning for a kid his age, one would think he’s essentially in the beginner’s stage with regards to his knowledge about sports.

For the child who’s widely known as “Mekhi,” a rather distinctly unique thing occurred some three years or so ago, according to his mother, Tawanna Chamberlain.
“Mekhi has been a sports buff since the age of three,” Chamberlain, a Clearwater, Florida resident, told Making Headline News this week. “But when he started to read around five years old, he asked me to read books to him about the history of basketball and great players.”
And just like that, a rising young sports historian, of sorts, was born, considering Mekhi’s sports knowledge is such that he could perhaps teach these old vets a thing of two about arguably some of the celebrated athletes of our generation.
Thanks in large part to his mother routinely reading his autobiographies of Lewis Alcindor, Jr, (famously known today as Kareem Abdul-Jabar), Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality,” “When The Game Was Ours,” featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Phil Jackson’s “Eleven Rings” Sam Smith’s “The Jordan Rules,” Mitch Albom’s “Fab Five,” Dick Devenzo’s “Stuff Good Players Should Know,” LeBron James’ “The Boy Who Became King,” Stephen Curry’s “The Boy Who Never Gave Up,” “Michael Jordan: The Life,” and “Little Shaq” by Shaquille O’neal,” among others, and it’s no wonder little Mekhi boasts lofty aspirations of someday emerging as household name in what has become a multi-million dollar sport industry, particularly for some the world’s most prominent sports journalists.

LOOK! IT’S DA BIG DIESEL!

GOTTA LOOK AT THIS THIS — “Then it happened,” Chamberlain said. “Three days later, I received a personal video message from Shaq to Mekhi and I almost lost it. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a surreal moment in time. I couldn’t wait to show Mekhi that his hero, Shaq, had sent him a personal message. When Mekhi saw the message from Shaq, he was overjoyed. He was smiling from ear-to-ear and he talked about the video message all the way to school that morning.”

“We absolutely love to read in our home,” Chamberlain said son’s newfound gift as a sports enthusiast. “In fact, it’s our favorite pastime. We literally own more books than we can count, and when Mekhi would become disinterested with me reading countless of books to him, he would pick up his iPad and Google interesting basketball stats and facts.”

To his credit, the more he deems it essential to become knowledge about sports opposite those up-to-date scores that customarily scroll across SportCenter’s Bottom Line, the more it seems that Mekhi essentially broadens his journalistic mechanics that figure to set him apart mightily from his peers much more sooner than later.

Never mind that he’s only eight years of age.

“Over the last five years, he has become a real life NBA basketball Wikipedia,” said Chamberlain, trying the best she could to assess her young and gifted son’s amazing gift that centered on big time sports. “You can ask him any question you want to about players from Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Tracy McGrady, Charles Barkley, Step Curry, Kevin Durant, Kwahi Leonard, Clay Thompson, Ben Simmons to Zion Williamson.”

Once someone picks Mekhi’s brain about any major professional athlete — past or present — they might as well brace themselves for what essentially will be said next.

“Amazingly, he can recall their height, what cities they were born in, all the teams that each player played on, what year they were recruited and drafted to the NBA, who their rivals were, their current stats, their highest scoring games in a season, the years they were injured, and how the injury impacted their careers,” Chamberlain said. “You should hear him tell the story about Yao Ming.”

And then there is Mekhi’s personal encounter with O’Neal, five-time NBA champion and former LSU All-American.

According to Chamberlain, her son and Shaq established friendship during which an awe-inspiring encounter took place, a development that resulted in her son being the beneficiary.

“Mekhi has always loved Shaq,” Chamberlain said. Since he was five years old, he would tell me that his dream was to play a game of one-on-one with Shaq. To Mekhi, Shaquille O’Neal is larger-than-life. The other day I was in the living room watching something on TV and a commercial for a national pizza chain came on. Just as the commercial came on, Mekhi walked out of his room and was mesmerized by the fact that Shaq was going all around the town delivering pizzas to people.”

Much to his delight, the young sports buff had become even more attentive to the commercial ad featuring his hero.

“Over the last five years, he has become a real life NBA basketball Wikipedia,” said Chamberlain, trying the best she could to assess her young and gifted son’s amazing gift that centered on big time sports. “You can ask him any question you want to about players from Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Magic, Kobe, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Tracy McGrady, Charles Barkley, Step Curry, Kevin Durant, Kwahi Leonard, Clay Thompson, Ben Simmons to Zion Williamson.”

“Mekhi could not believe his eyes…he thought that was the coolest thing ever,” Chamberlain recalled. “Right after the commercial went off, Mekhi asked me to call or text Shaq and ask him to bring him a (Papa John’s) pepperoni pizza. I just looked at him with a blank stare—I honestly didn’t know what to say to him regarding his request, because I was thinking to myself, “Yeah right. I don’t know Shaq’s telephone number—so I can’t call or text him and ask him to bring a pizza over here.

“Mekhi wholeheartedly believed that I would know how to contact Shaq and he was very persistent, so he went as far as to go pick up my cell phone and he handed it to me and said, ‘Here mom, please go ahead and call or text Shaq.’”

Interestingly, things would eventually become even more interesting for Mehki.

“Mekhi wholeheartedly believed that I would know how to contact Shaq and he was very persistent, so he went as far as to go pick up my cell phone and he handed it to me and said, ‘Here mom, please go ahead and call or text Shaq.’”

“Not wanting to let my child down, I grabbed my phone and sent a ‘Hail Mary’ DM to Shaq on Instagram, because my son was standing right there watching me type the message,” Chamberlain said. “No pressure…and I hit, ‘send,’ never thinking that Shaq would actually see the message or read it.”

Boy, was she wrong — wrong for all the right reasons to put it more precisely.

“A few days passed, but everyday Mekhi would ask me, ‘Did Shaq text you back yet?’” Chamberlain said. “While looking for his pizza, he truly believed his favorite player wouldn’t let him down. So I would just remind Mekhi that Shaq is a very busy man, but told him that perhaps when he isn’t so busy, he would make time to respond to my message.”

Once someone picks Mekhi’s brain about any major professional athlete — past or present — they might as well brace themselves for what essentially will be said next.

Suddenly, the long-awaited and figurative slam dunk for which Mekhi had waited was finally executed.

“Then it happened,” Chamberlain said. “Three days later, I received a personal video message from Shaq to Mekhi and I almost lost it. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was a surreal moment in time. I couldn’t wait to show Mekhi that his hero, Shaq, had sent him a personal message. When Mekhi saw the message from Shaq, he was overjoyed. He was smiling from ear-to-ear and he talked about the video message all the way to school that morning.

“That same day, I was contacted by the National Pizza Chain via Twitter and they made it possible for Mekhi’s entire class to enjoy a pizza party, which made everyone’s day,” Chamberlain continued. “This is the stuff that dreams are made of.”

Much like the wealth of knowledge Chamberlain’s son has garnered as such a young age.

Stay tuned. This kid seems well on his way to making major moves in the sports world, something that, well, perhaps even Shaq has sensed.

REMEMBER THE NAME 

STAR WATCH — To his credit, the more he deems it essential to become knowledge about sports opposite up-to-date scores that customarily scroll across SportCenter’s Bottom Line, the more it seems that Mekhi essentially broadens his journalistic mechanics that figure to set him apart mightily from his peers much more sooner than later.

“It was so very thoughtful of Shaquille O’Neal to take a few moments out of his busy schedule to send Mekhi a message,” Chamberlain said. “It meant the world to him and it is something that he will never forget.”

With all of the sports knowledge he’s acquired in recent years, how could he?

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Georgia single mother of three, Kenyatta Bell confident ‘justice will be served’ amid home-buying deal gone bad

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you; But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV)

THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS

BUT GOD — For Kenyatta Bell and her family, it seemed that buying a home by Freddie Mac had been a mostly discomforting and disheartening experience, to say the least. In 2018, Bell was informed that her home was sold to her illegally through Freddie Mac.

Terry Jermaine Compton and Kenyatta Nichelle Bell enjoyed a mostly healthy marriage, a union that lasted nearly two decades — 19 years and two days to put it more precisely.

Even when the coupled deemed it essential to go their separate ways, amongst the things Terry and Kenyatta agreed is that they wanted what was best for their children, particularly a safe and comfortable place to call home.
“I was so excited for getting my dream home for Mother’s Day from Terry,” Bell, during a recent exclusive interview with Making Headline News, said, recalling the joy and splendor that essentially had overtaken her family when the Comptons moved into their 2,700-square-feet dream home years before the untimely passing of her former husband at the age of 44.
While savoring their home at 20 Fairway Oaks in suburban Waverly, Georgia undoubtedly was a dream come true Bell and her children, such an awe-inspiring fantasy was all but shattered amid an unlikely discovery, one that, by all accounts, essentially haunts Bell and Co. to this day.
While savoring their home at 20 Fairway Oaks in suburban Waverly, Georgia undoubtedly was a dream come true Bell and her children, such an awe-inspiring fantasy was all but shattered amid an unlikely discovery, one that, by all accounts, essentially haunts Bell and Co. to this day.

In 2018, Bell was informed that her home was sold to her illegally by Freddie Mac.

A government-owned corporation that buys mortgages and packages them into mortgage-backed securities, Freddie Mac’s official title is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (or FHLMC). According to a report at https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-freddie-mac-3305985, banks typically use the funds received from Freddie Mac to make new loans to homebuyers.

As a result, that essentially boosts the housing market and allows more Americans to become homeowners.

WE ARE FAMILY — “I was so excited for getting my dream home for Mother’s Day from Terry,” Bell, during a recent exclusive interview with Making Headline News, said, recalling the joy and splendor that essentially had overtaken her family when they moved into their 2,700 square feet dream home years before the untimely passing of her former husband, Terry Jermaine Compton (far right in image) at the age of 44.

Generally, the report cites, FHLMC gives banks the ability to create 30-year mortgages, and without Freddie Mac, the banks would have to keep the loans on their books for 30 years, thus tying up too much money — something mortgage experts say is “too risky.”

Bell and her then-husband purchased their home in May 2011 and were represented by longtime licensed realtor Kimberly Watson of Magnolia Realty, which is owned by Cecily Hill.

“We purchased our home from Freddie Mac, which was represented by a local realtor…whom I cannot recall,” Bell said.

The closing attorney for the home was former attorney and current judge, Robert Sweat, and the home was financed by Silverton Mortgage, which sold to BB&T and is considered guaranteed by the VA, Bell said.

‘IT’S ABOVE ME NOW’

Asked what was her initial reaction upon learning that a certificate of occupancy never emerged, Bell said: “I didn’t understand how this could happen to us, because we hired professionals. Our real estate company was owned by a previous state representative.

“We had all of these licensed and/or licensed professionals representing our family in the purchased of our home which was not inspected, did not have a final inspection, did not and currently doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy, has always and remains to be unlivable, and has been and currently illegal to live in,” Bell acknowledged.

For Bell and her family, it seemed that buying a home through Freddie Mac had become a mostly discomforting and disheartening experience, to say the least.

“Freddie Mac sold us the home without a certificate of occupancy and didn’t tell us,” Bell told MHN. “To make it worse, they are trying to hide behind (this ordeal), but (they’ve) put my family’s lives in danger for seven years.”

According to Bell, Heritage Bank officials executed the construction loan and that the Bank of Georgia in Augusta was the first lending institution that was responsible for having originated the mortgage without a certificate of occupancy.

As Bell explained, the rash of issues surrounding her home purchase was initiated by Heritage Bank, located at 392 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway in nearby St Mary’s, Georgia.

According to Bell, Heritage Bank officials executed the construction loan and that the Bank of Georgia in Augusta was the first lending institution that was responsible for having originated the mortgage without a certificate of occupancy.

Bell recently met with John Myers, an attorney for Camden County, about the ongoing issues surrounding her home. To no avail, she senses that things are at a constant standstill.

Calls by Making Headline News to Myers on Monday and late last week weren’t immediately returned.

As if the ongoing and seemingly insurmountable problems surrounding the certificate of occupancy weren’t enough to frustrate Bell and her family, they began to discover a variety of damages inside of their residence.

As if the ongoing and seemingly insurmountable problems surrounding the certificate of occupancy weren’t enough to frustrate Bell and her family, they subsequently began to discover a variety of damages inside of their residence.

“Actually, we couldn’t see damages, but we started experiencing problems with the HVAC unit and other small things within a few months, but we thought it was because no one had ever lived there,” Bell said.

All things considered, the entire matter surrounding Bell’s home purchase was a bad deal that apparently had become worse.

Asked what was her initial reaction upon learning that a certificate of occupancy never emerged, Bell said: “I didn’t understand how this could happen to us, because we hired professionals. Our real estate company was owned by a previous state representative.

“Our closing attorney is now the probate judge,” Bell continued. “Our lender had the inspection completed and our loan is a VA loan. After all we’ve been through and now we can’t live in our home. I began begging for help, but I had to research and get knowledge and understanding myself.”

While Bell believes that something will ultimately be done about an ordeal that resulted in her and having her family having to live at a local hotel and then with her “spiritual sister,”  Gina Fernandez Beverly, this accomplished Georgia businesswoman is confident “justice will be served” and that she will eventually reap some much-anticipated beauty for all of her ashes.

While Bell believes that something will ultimately be done about an ordeal that resulted in her and having her family having to live at a local hotel and then with her “spiritual sister,”  Gina Fernandez Beverly, this accomplished Georgia businesswoman is confident “justice will be served” and that she will eventually reap beauty for all of her ashes.

“I want to bring awareness to what happened to our family, but I also want to encourage people to trust God, keep the faith, and be strong no matter what their situation looks like,” said Bell, whose has two sons, both of whom are college football players. “My daughter was writing her book while our family was going through this situation and my boys were fighting through producing on the field and all three in the (college) classroom. During this storm is when Epic Life was birthed.”

“I want to bring awareness to what happened to our family, but I also want to encourage people to trust God, keep the faith, and be strong no matter what their situation looks like,” said Bell, whose has two sons, both of whom are college football players. “My daughter was writing her book while our family was going through this situation and my boys were fighting through producing on the field and all three in the (college) classroom. During this storm is when Epic Life was birthed.”

A native of Gay, Georgia, Bell is the catalyst for the Epic Management Group, an Atlanta-area ministry that was spearheaded on an area radio station and is aired by way of a slew of airwaves.

Widely regarded as Epic Life Ministry, this company has also launched a social media teaching — a segment that’s collectively conducted by Epic Life staffers: Gina Beverly, Danielle Sunderhouse and Corey Watts — whereby it has garnered a global audience.

Interestingly, Epic Management Group has partnered with St. Marys radio station to host an array of what company officials describe as “epic life experiences,” most notably for middle and high school students.

A RELATED STORY:

Atlanta-area businesswoman Kenyatta Bell displaying agape love for millennials as catalyst for Epic Life Ministry

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Texas prep football player Elijah E. Harvey: ‘I just don’t wanna stop playing after high school’

CRUNCH TIME AUDITION 

LOFTY GOALS — The catalyst of a Sandcrab offensive unit as one of the team’s featured rushers, Elijah Harvey said his primary focus is centered largely on helping propel Calhoun to a region title and, most importantly, a lengthy postseason run.

DALLAS — Just recently, Elijah Harvey was asked to assess the overall landscape of his performance as a member of the Calhoun High football program.

As usual, he was rather forthright and straight to the point.
“I think I’ve done pretty good since the coaches switched me from linebacker to outside linebacker for last season,” Harvey told Making Headline News this week.
For Harvey, a speedy 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior, he’s certainly proven to be an integral part of a Calhoun defensive unit that has emerged amongst Texas 5A-2 Region IV District 15’s finest.
The catalyst of a Sandcrab offensive unit as one of the team’s featured rushers, Harvey said his primary focus is centered largely on helping to propel Calhoun to a region title and, most importantly, a lengthy postseason run.
The Sandcrabs enjoyed a 10-4 campaign last year, which ended in a 48–17 loss to district rival Calallen in the region final in San Antonio.
ON THE CLOCK — Fortunately for Elijah, he’s certainly got time — six more regular season games and hopeful a satisfactory postseason run, to put it more precisely — to emerge as a late bloomer amongst college scouts, this after a summer in which his schedule did not allow for him to attend any football camps. (Photo by Kellie Whitaker)

With Calhoun carrying a 2-1 mark into Friday night’s region opener at Gregory-Portland, Harvey also doesn’t shy away from the notion that this undoubtedly is a crucial time in his final prep season.

That’s because Harvey admittedly is auditioning for the chance to play football at the collegiate level. He especially remains hopeful he does the necessary things that would subsequently draw the attention of scouts and recruiters.

Surely, there’s still a lot of football left to play, although he’s approaching every week as if he’s got something to prove.

In actuality, he does. And he knows it.

“Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning,” said Harvey, alluding to his arguably his crucial days of the week during which he enhances his conditioning schedule.

Besides playing on the amateur circuit years ago, Elijah’s older brother, Malik also is amongst a few fellow family members who have inspired him to stick with football.

According Harvey’s father, Leonard Harvey, he sensed that dating back to his son’s amateur playing days, he was destined to go a long ways on the gridiron.

“When he was small, he used to carry a football are a basketball everywhere he go,” Leonard Harvey recalled. “When he was five years old, what we have called CCYFL is like Pop Warner. I knew he was good, but as a parent, you always think your kid is good.”

The more Elijah’s parents began to sign him up to play at the competitive level, the more his football mechanics were noticed by people outside of the Harvey household.

“When other people start telling you how special your kid, is my first response was (I was) happy that he found something he loves so early in life,” Leonard Harvey said of his son’s football skills. “But then as a parent, I was scared every game, hoping and praying he doesn’t get hurt.”

All things considered, placing his son on field has been a risk worth taking, in large part because as far as Elijah is concerned, he simply could go on without football.

Now we know why, given he diligently boasts lofty aspirations of playing beyond high school.

So far, so good for this multi-sport athlete who, much to his delight, has drawn interest from at least school: Southwestern University in nearby Georgetown, Texas.

FOR STARTERS

According Harvey’s father, Leonard Harvey, he sensed that dating back to his son’s amateur playing days, he was destined to go a long ways on the gridiron.

Could other schools come calling with so much football left to play, with so much more to prove by a kid who’s been playing competitive football for nearly all of his young life?

“(They will be getting a) hard-working player who’s always ready to practice and have fun,” said Elijah Harvey, when asked what kind of player would a college inherit if it extends to him an offer. “I’m as serious as I can be and I will be ready for any moment they need me in.”

Besides playing on the amateur circuit years ago, Elijah’s older brother, Malik, is amongst a few fellow family members who have inspired him to stick with football.

With Calhoun carrying a 2-1 mark into Friday region opener at Gregory-Portland, Harvey also doesn’t shy away from the notion that this undoubtedly is a crucial time in his final prep season. (Photo by Kellie Whitaker)

Fortunately for Elijah, he’s certainly got time — six more regular season games and hopefully a satisfactory postseason run, to put it more precisely — to emerge as a late bloomer amongst college scouts, this after a summer in which his schedule did not allow for him to attend any football camps.

“I always tell him that there is no limit and that anything is possible,” Leonard Harvey said of his son’s display to this point. “I tell him he can do anything and that he has to work for it, has to be coachable.”

Especially long before Friday nights under the lights.

For Harvey, a speedy 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior, he’s certainly proven to be an integral part of a Calhoun defensive unit that has emerged amongst Texas 5A-2 Region IV District 15’s finest.

“(I tell him) when others are at home watching games, you have to be outside practicing, getting better, always wanting to get better and never being satisfied where you are.”

Talk about being rather forthright and straight to the point to his son, a kid who boasts a never-say-die attitude on and off the field, a trend he’s confident some college program will ultimately embrace.

“I love the game,” Eiljah Harvey said. “I just don’t wanna stop after high school. I wanna see how long I can keep this going for myself. Everything about it, I know I can do it, so why stop now when I can prove myself to more people?”

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Winners BBQ has been nothing short of remarkable since its 2015 Dallas/Fort Worth inception

“The highest human act is to inspire.” — Late superstar rapper Nipsey Hussle

WINNER’S CIRCLE 

DOING IT BIG IN TEXAS — A former Iowa State football standout, DeAndre Jackson had ultimately delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of entrepreneurship as the proud founder of Winners BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has established three franchises since its inception in 2015.

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — If there’s one thing that DeAndre Jackson has learned as a former athlete, it’s how to make good on a seemingly unfavorable situation.

Consider, for instance, how when Jackson’s bid to land on an NFL roster spot fell short amid a career-ending ACL injury, he diligently had become resourceful in that he miraculously found his niche, both as an athletic trainer and real estate agent.
Much to his delight, things for the Garland, Texas native would only get better.
A former Iowa State standout, Jackson had ultimately delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of entrepreneurship as the proud founder of Winners BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has established three franchises since its inception in 2015.

MORE ON WINNERS BBQ: https://www.facebook.com/winnersbbq/

https://m.facebook.com/winnersbbqaustin/

THEY ARE LIT — Winners BBQ, in fact, has become a fixture throughout North Texas, in large part because consumers have come to enjoy — and embrace — its delectable meat plates, meat by the pound, its assortment of sandwiches, not to mention its smoked turkey legs, as well as its distinctly unique meat loaded potato that’s famously deemed “The G.O.AT.”

Winners BBQ’s original location is housed at 3200 14th Street in nearby Plano. A popular Dallas/Fort Worth restaurant that Jackson owns along with his cousin, Tevin Jackson, Tevin’s wife, former University of Texas and professional track and field star Nichole Denby-Jackson, Winners BBQ has since added two locations — one in Cedar Hill and in Austin.

Following what the Jacksons described as “massive success” of the Plano location, DeAndre opened Winners BBQ Cedar Hill in 2017, and in less than three months ago, Nichole, Tevin, and Nichole’s sister, Nichale,  opened the Austin location. 

For DeAndre Jackson and Co., it’s been all good ever since.

RED ZONE EFFICIENCY 

To their credit, the Jacksons have gone to great lengths to form what has become an All-Star lineup of Winners BBQ CEOs.

“We pride ourselves on bringing flavorful craft BBQ with having a one-of-a-kind menu and delivering exceptional customer service,” Nichole Denby-Jackson told Making Headline News this week.

Winners BBQ, in fact, has become a fixture throughout North Texas, in large part because consumers have come to enjoy — and embrace — its delectable meat plates, meats by the pound, its assortment of sandwiches, not to mention its smoked turkey legs, as well as its distinctly unique meat loaded potato that’s famously deemed “The G.O.AT.”

Following what the Jacksons described as “massive success” of the Plano location, DeAndre opened Winners BBQ Cedar Hill in 2017, and in less than three months ago, Nichole, Tevin, and Nichole’s sister, Nichale,  opened the Austin location. For DeAndre Jackson and Co., it’s been all good ever since.

And then there are Winners BBQ’s mouth-watering sides and its kids menu, not to mention its sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and its flavor-packed dry rub, which takes all of its smoked meats to “another level of flavor,” DeAndre Jackson acknowledged.

Interestingly, Winners BBQ has earned mentions in a slew of food publications, trends that have given way to this star-studded restaurant chain having garnered a host of food awards and magazine honors.

“As high profile collegiate and professional athletes, we are highly competitive by nature and this competitiveness and drive spill over into every faucet of our lives,” DeAndre Jackson explained. “Sports is what we all have in common, and the discipline, dedication, perseverance, mental toughness, sacrifice, motivation, and determination that athletics have instilled in us has taught us very valuable life lessons and how to never quit, no matter what curve balls life throw your way.”

To their credit, the Jacksons have gone to great lengths to form what has become an All-Star lineup of Winners BBQ CEOs.

Surely, their competitive drive as former athletes has contributed mightily to their sustained entrepreneurship success.

For starters, DeAndre and Tevin Jackson, both were legitimate hopeful to land NFL contracts before injuries reduced their effectiveness, thus bringing their careers to unceremoniously ends.

ON A MISSION — As for the Jacksons’ mission for having delved off into entrepreneurship, what it all boils down, they said, is devising ways to leave a legacy for their children — and their children’s children.

Both, in fact, had sustained torn ACL’s, and were forced to tackle — and sack — what they label as the “real world” for the first time in a long time.

And then there was Nichole, a Los Angeles native, who was the catalyst of Texas’ track and field program that captured a national championship before she enjoyed a professional stint with Nike and Adidas that spanned a decade.

Interestingly, Nichole maintained a top-10 world ranking and represented the U. S. on its World Championship Team, as well as served as an alternate on the U. S. Olympic team.

Winners BBQ’s original location is housed at 3200 14th Street in nearby Plano. A popular Dallas/Fort Worth restaurant that Jackson owns along with his cousin, Tevin Jackson, and Tevin’s wife, former University of Texas and professional track and field star Nichole Denby-Jackson, Winners BBQ has since added two locations — one in Cedar Hill and in Austin.

As for the Jacksons’ mission for having delved off into entrepreneurship, what it all boils down, they said, is devising ways to leave a legacy for their children — and their children’s children.

“My personal mission is to be able to pass down something for my children to own and start them off at an even better place in life than I was,” Nichole said. “I would also love to use my platform to motivate and inspire others, whether that be on speaking panels, through a published book, public appearances, and various events or seminars.

“Another mission is to have enough financial freedom for me to give back to many communities through charitable acts of kindness and build water wells in certain parts of Africa for those without clean water,” Nichole added. “We are all big on philanthropy and are big advocates for our community.”

DeAndre and Tevin Jackon both were legitimate hopeful to land NFL contracts before injuries reduced their effectiveness, thus bringing their careers to unceremoniously end. Both, in fact, sustained torn ACL’s, and were both forced to tackle — and sack — the real world for the first time in a long time.

In addition, the Jacksons announced strategic plans to create what they call the “WINspiration Foundation,” an organization that would allow them to display their notable philanthropy efforts.

“Something that I learned from the late great Nipsey Hussle is that the highest human act is to inspire,” Nichole said. “If I can use my platform to reach at least one person — I would love to inspire many — I would be happy.”

Said DeAndre Jackson: “It is important to pass down knowledge and wisdom to better those around you and make them want to become the best versions of themselves and to be able to pass down and instill these things in the next generation which will pick up the baton as it will be their turn to run the world.”

Just as the Jacksons are presently doing as successful entrepreneurs — this after having made good on seemingly unfavorable situations.

Talk about true Winners.

For more information about Texas entrepreneurs DeAndre Jackson, Nichole Denby-Jackson, Tevin Jackson and Nichale of Winners BBQ, call 972.424-2400 (Plano), 205.572-0256 (Cedar Hill), 512.861.5066 (Austin), or connect with Winners BBQ via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/winnersbbq/. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Thanks to a former NFL player, Duncanville’s Barak Gurnell has found his niche and passion in football

TEXAS CLASS 6A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Tamara Gurnell was going on and on Wednesday morning about how her son, Barak Gurnell, doesn’t routinely watch football.

“He doesn’t watch a whole lot of football,” Tamara Gurnell told Making Headline News. “I could turn it on a game and he’ll go in another room. He’s just not into watching football like that.”

EYE OF THE PANTHER 

HEART OF A CHAMPION — A little more than two years removed from having become thoroughly active in competitive football, Barak Gurnell has made some pretty immeasurable strides for a Duncanville High team (15-0) that has re-emerged as a national standout and will square off against Houston’s North Shore (15-0) for the Texas Class 6A championship Saturday at 7 p.m. CST at AT&T Stadium.

That certainly isn’t the case for her son on the field.

A little more than two years removed from having become thoroughly active in competitive football, Barak Gurnell has made some pretty immeasurable strides for a Duncanville High team (15-0, ranked No. 8 nationally by MaxPreps.com) that has re-emerged as a national standout and will square off against Houston’s North Shore (15-0, ranked No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps.com) for the Texas Class 6A championship Saturday at 7 p. m. CST at AT&T Stadium.

Led by former Dallas Skyline coach Reggie Sample, Duncanville is ranked No. 1 in Texas Class 6A, according to MaxPreps. North Shore is ranked No. 2.

A 6-foot-3, 285-pound senior defensive tackle, Gurnell has practically held his own and made a name for himself as a marquee player for a Panther defensive unit that denied perennial power Allen of a second consecutive state title with a 44-35 win in the state semifinals.

“Football has become a very important part of my life in a very short period of time and I honestly can’t see going to college without it. It pushes me to be a better version of myself every day.” — Duncanville senior defensive tackle Barak Gurnell 

STOCK IS RISING — What a difference two years have made for a young, gifted kid whom, to his credit, has managed to attract interests from a host of college, a trend he expects to increase much sooner than later.

Football alone isn’t the only factor that has greatly inspired Gurnell to maximize his potential as he continues to lobbies for a full ride scholarship as a member of a nationally-ranked Duncanville team that’s loaded with Division 1-caliber players and is back in the state championship for the first time in two decades.

Amongst those who essentially spearheaded Gurnell’s quest to consider football is former NFL player Roderick Lewis.

A former Dallas Bishop Dunne Catholic and University of Arizona star, Lewis, 47, played four professional seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans from 1994-1997.

PIVOTAL EXTRA POINT — Amongst those who essentially spearheaded Gurnell’s quest to consider football is former NFL player Roderick Lewis. A former Dallas Bishop Dunne Catholic and University of Arizona star, Lewis, 47, played four professional seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans from 1994-1997.

As Tamara Gurnell recalled, Lewis was rather direct when suggesting that her son — who already exhibits the size of an NFL defensive lineman — should serious consider giving football a try.

“My friend, Rod Lewis, hadn’t seen Barak for some time until his daughter’s 17th birthday party,” Tamara Gurnell explained. “Rod’s face lit up with excitement and he began to pat Barak on the back and chest, commenting on how big he had gotten.”

As it turns out, it seemed that divine intervention essentially couldn’t keep Barak Gurnell off of Lewis’ mind days after the two had crossed paths.

MOM KNOWS BEST –— Come Saturday night, amongst the things that will likely come to mind for Gurnell when he sets foot on Texas high school football’s biggest stage is how his willingness to embrace wise counsel has ultimately allowed his gift to make room for him.

“A few days later, Rod called me to discuss Barak’s future, highly encouraging (him) to consider football as a viable option to add to his high school portfolio,” Tamara Gurnell recalled.

And the rest, as they say, was history.

That’s because not only did Barak Gurnell heed the pertinent advice of Lewis but, much to his delight, it’s safe to assume that competitive football, by all accounts, has become an integral part of his life.

Come Saturday night, amongst the things that will likely come to mind for Gurnell when he sets foot on Texas high school football’s biggest stage is how his willingness to embrace some wise counsel has ultimately allowed his gift to make room for him.

Yep. What a difference two years have made for a young, gifted kid whom, to his credit, has managed to attract interests from a host of college, a trend he expects to increase much sooner than later.

“I have spoken to Lyon College over the phone and Texas State University (scouts) in person,” said Gurnell, adding that Oklahoma State and SMU have expressed interests in his services.

REMEMBER THE NAME — A 6-foot-3, 285-pound senior defensive tackle, Gurnell has practically held his own and made a name for himself as a marquee player for a Panther defensive unit that denied perennial power Allen of a second consecutive state title with a 44-35 win.

Surely, Gurnell’s short list of schools, in all likelihood, will expand, considering just this past summer, he attended camps at SMU, OSU, Baylor, TCU, the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas A&M Commerce, among others.

“There will be no problems off the field,” said Gurnell, when asked what direct message he’d like to send to college scouts and recruiters. “I always make sure to conduct myself in a respectable fashion and that my grades are never a problem. Right now, I’m preparing for the state final game against North Shore, and I plan to continue to lift weights through the winter and do some conditioning once it gets warmer.”

If nothing else, for a youngster who’s a relatively newcomer to football, Gurnell certainly has become knowledgeable of the prerequisites essential for landing an athletic scholarship.

“The coaches give honest feedback,” Tamara Gurnell said of her son’s constant progression to the sport. “Essentially, Barak is a diamond in the rough. Because he is so new to the sport, the learning curve is massive.”

All things considered, one would be hard-pressed to discover just how “massive” of a curve it is, given the sustained success Gurnell has enjoyed in such a brief timeframe.

“He is a quick study, and in football, intellect is key,” said Tamara Gurnell, sounding very much like a prep football insider. “(The Duncanville coaching staff) believe he will be offered a (partial) scholarship, if not a full one, mainly because there is limited film due to his late start in the sport. They believe he will surely be an asset, because of his character and great grades.”

PUTTING IN WORK — If nothing else, for a youngster who’s a relatively newcomer to football, Gurnell certainly has become knowledgeable of the prerequisites essential to landing an athletic scholarship.

Something even a former NFL player had recognized at a birthday party.

Speaking of party, expect the Gurnells to host one if the Panthers upend North Shore Saturday night in Arlington, which is roughly two towns over from Duncanville.

Heck, expect them to throw an even bigger party if Barak Gurnell pulls off the unthinkable by signing a National Letter of Intent in the foreseeable future , which undoubtedly would be a massive, remarkable feat for a relatively newcomer to the sport.

“I will be proud (if he earns a football scholarship), because he is one step closer to his independence,” Tamara Gurnell said. “I am enjoying the man he is becoming.”

A youngster who already exhibits the frame of an NFL defensive lineman.

Talk about impressive.

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Collierville offensive lineman Kendarius Malone’s mother writes him an open letter as he lobbies for football scholarship

MEMPHIS — Kendarius Malone can be appropriately described as an opportunistic student athlete.

STOCK RISING — Aside from helping steer the Collierville High to a third place finish in the always rugged 6A Region 7 district, Kendarius Malone enjoyed a resourceful, yet crucial senior season which, to his credit, had given way to at least one college thrusting him under its radar. According to the 17-year-old Collierville native, Mid-South Conference member Kentucky Christian University has expressed interest in Malone, who earned All-Region Honorable Mention for his valiant contributions.

Consider, for instance, how Malone, who recently wrapped up his prep football tenure for Collierville High, had gone about doing the necessary things to enhance his stock as he continues to lobby for a full ride scholarship.

A 6-foot, 260-pound left tackle, Malone made appearances — thus made his presence felt — this past spring and summer during camps at the University of Memphis, Belhaven College, Austin Peay State, not to mention the Team USA Camp.

“In the Team USA Camp, I made it to the final round to be able to play for the United States,” an enthused Malone told Making Headline News this week. “However, I had to withdraw so that I would not lose my eligibility to play for my senior year because of TSSAA rules.”

Although Malone didn’t savor the chance to showcase his football mechanics for his country, his immeasurable body of work, nevertheless, undoubtedly was nothing short of impressive.

For starters, he was the catalyst his senior campaign for a Collierville team that finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, but still managed to advance to the opening round of the TSSAA state playoffs.

EYE OF THE DRAGON

SOMEONE SIGN THIS KID — Malone, who recently wrapped up his prep football tenure for Collierville High, had gone about doing the necessary things to enhance his stock as he continues to lobby for a full ride scholarship.

Aside from helping steer the Dragons to a third place finish in the always rugged 6A Region 7 district, Malone enjoyed a resourceful, yet crucial senior season which, to his credit, had given way to at least one college thrusting him under its radar.

According to the 17-year-old Collierville native, Mid-South Conference member Kentucky Christian University has expressed interest in Malone, who earned All-Region Honorable Mention for his valiant contributions.

“I would say that I had an excellent season,” Malone said.

Much to Malone’s delight, no can attest to how great a season he enjoyed more than his mother, Jennifer Bogan.

ALL AMERICAN IN HIS OWN RIGHT — A 6-foot, 260-pound left tackle, Malone made it appearance — thus made his presence felt — this past spring and summer during camps at the University of Memphis, Belhaven College, Austin Peay State, not to mention the Team USA Camp.

Hours after the Collierville’s team banquet Monday night, Bogan took to her Facebook page, where she assembled an open letter to her son in relatively loving, emotional fashion.

Said Bogan in a spirited, tear-jerking, early morning post that was made public before her nearly-400 social media followers:

Congratulations to Kendarius on a wonderful time at the CHS football banquet. You didn’t receive the top award that you wanted, but baby, the champion lies within your heart. You fought a great battle, and to even see last night happen and for that, there is no trophy, certificate, banner, or plaque worthy enough to symbolize how blessed you are after all that you have been through. You didn’t lose sight of your dreams and didn’t lose your faith in seeing your senior football season happen! Your story is still unfinished. The reason of this path is still unknown, but what we do know is there is purpose behind every situation! The thing I love about you is no matter what, you have not gotten discouraged and still hours later, you looked on to what’s getting ready to happen in the next chapter and the next doors that’s opening, and for that I’m sooo proud of you! Again, congratulations on the award you did receive…keep going and keep having the heart of a champion in all the things you do…with God, ALL things are possible!!! Mama loves you! 

Talk about an encouraging, open letter for the ages — this from a mother whom, years ago, didn’t sense her son would become engaged in athletics.

“I never thought that Kendarius would play football, because he was never interested in sports growing up,” Bogan, a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor at Baptist Memorial Hospital, said. “He was in the shadows of his older brother’s basketball teams, being the water boy. I never thought he would play football until he started his eighth year at First Assembly Christian School and the coaches kept begging him to play and told me that they see so much potential in him.

HOLDING IT DOWN — Malone was the catalyst his senior campaign for a Collierville team that finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, but still managed to advance to the opening round of the TSSAA state playoffs.

“However, I didn’t think anything of it and had said ‘No’ to him playing football until one day he came home with pads, and a consent form.”

Malone, as Bogan recalled, was 14 years old at the time.

A little more than three years removed from having come home with a consent form to play competitive football, Bogan’s son now finds himself just one National Letter of Intent signing away from attending college free of charge.

What a difference having initially assumed the role as a water boy has made.

When asked what kind of player will a college be inheriting if he’s offered a football scholarship, Malone said, “A player that is passionate about the game of football… (one who is) ready to learn and be taught how to excel at the college level, a player that is open to all possibilities, and one the will give 110 percent on every snap and every down.

That, after all, practically sums up why he can be appropriately described as an opportunistic student athlete.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

 

 

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Memphian Gregory Lofton pleading with Penny Hardaway to possess copyrights of his music

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES GREGORY LOFTON

As Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway prepares to begin a new era as the new University of Memphis men’s basketball coach this week when the Tigers host a sold out Memphis Madness in FedExForum, one longtime U of M faithful has something intriguing to pass along to the Bluff City hoops legend.

Longtime entertainer Gregory Lofton, a native Memphian, the CEO of Silky International Records and the mastermind behind the hit song, “Tiger Fever,” doesn’t shy away from the notion that he’s determined to garner the attention of Hardaway, a former U of M star and four-time NBA All-Star.

“I want it to be known that a song by an unsigned artist and publisher is worth $250,000 per year to sample and with all monies due according to the copyright act under a master licensing agreement that covers The Penny Hardaway Show, Stadium use, performance and broadcast royalties, CD and DVD production, TV, Movies, Film, etc.,” Lofton told Making Headline News during a recent interview.

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS — Longtime entertainer Gregory Lofton, a native Memphian, the CEO of Silky International Records and the mastermind behind the hit song, “Tiger Fever,” doesn’t shy away from the notion that he’s determined to garner the attention of Hardaway, a former U of M star and four-time NBA All-Star.

“The University of Memphis, the Rebounders Club, and Highland Hundred Club know about this project, but I will not give my hard work away for exposure and season tickets,” Lofton continued. “Writing exposure instead of a dollar amount on a check will buy me nothing for my hard work.”

Lofton, meanwhile, was extremely complementary of one Mid-South radio personality, who deemed it essential to applaud his immeasurable body of work as an entertainer.

“My strongest supporter at the time I was trying to promote Tiger Fever was John ‘The Rainman’ Rainey,’ said Lofton, alluding to the sports media personality for WHBQ 56AM’s The Southern Sports Report.  If you want to know how powerful a theme song like ‘Jingle Tiger Fever’ is, talk to him.”

According to Lofton, Rainey had gone as far as to play Tiger Fever during Memphis’ NCAA Final Four run in 2008, a sequence that ended with the Tigers losing to Kansas in overtime, 75-68, in the championship game.

ANSWERING THE CALL? As Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway prepares to begin a new era as the new University of Memphis men’s basketball coach this week when the Tigers host a sold out Memphis Madness in FedExForum, one longtime U of M faithful has something intriguing to pass along to the Bluff City hoops legend. (AP Photo)

“(Rainey) used Tiger Fever to open his show and played several snit bits of it within the first hour of the show,” Lofton said.

Now with the Hardaway coaching era looming, coupled with all of the hoopla surrounding Tiger hoops, Lofton remains hopeful that the former Memphis Treadwell High star will follow Rainey’s lead and tune in to his compelling musical project.

Hardaway, 47, was hired as head coach by his alma mater on March 19, having replaced Tubby Smith, who was fired after two seasons at Memphis.

Lofton was rather forthright in his proposition to Hardaway. 

“I’m willing to transfer the rights over to you, Penny, to own it outright,” Lofton said. “You and I are North Memphis products and I support you. I only met you once when I was with Kevin Morrow.  I will do for you what I would do for the university administrators. You will own everything outright.  The whole collection promotes Memphis and the Tigers. I put my hard earned money and intellectual properties into this project and I deserve financial gratification.”

Besides Rainey, Lofton said that U of M Band Director Albert Nuguen is familiar with his popular hit that is “Tiger Fever.”

All of which is why he has extended a plea to Hardaway to strongly consider listening to what could very well become an enjoyable and fun trend for U of M sports fans.

“I was asking the one-year sampling rate of $250,000 as a buyout price that I knew they were going to try and juggle with price lowering strategies,” Lofton said. “The administration will not deal with me, because of my deep knowledge of the music industry game and knowing my worth when it comes to licensing. They will deal with (Hardaway) if (he) owns the rights in full for (his) program.”

Along with his direct proposition to Hardaway to assume copyrights of his work, Lofton is pleading with the local media to look into his music.

“The Memphis media — even though they never did a story on me — know about my work,” Lofton said.

For more information about Memphis Businessman Gregory Lofton of Silky International Records or to inquire about his music, call 901.474.9209. Also, send email to: gregorylofton@ymail.com. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Ex-spouse of NFL player, author Angela Marshall’s autobiography inspiring others to ‘get in the game of life’

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES ANGELA MARSHALL 

Every so often, Angela Marshall fields the question as if she expected it.

“After being asked numerous times about the supposed lifestyle of the rich and famous, I decided to pen my truth about reality, rags, and riches,” Marshall said.

During a recent interview with Making Headline News, Marshall, an Augusta, Georgia-based author and former wife of a professional athlete, spoke at length about her assortment of experiences as a devoted spouse to a wealthy NFL player in her latest book entitled, “The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife: Reality To Rags To Riches.” Reality To Rags To Riches: The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife.”

GAME CHANGER — During a recent interview with Making Headline News, Angela Marshall, an Augusta, Georgia-based author and former wife of a professional athlete, spoke at length about her assortment of experiences as a devoted spouse to a wealthy NFL player in her latest book entitled, “The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife: Reality To Rags To Riches.” Reality To Rags To Riches: The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife.”

A book that was officially released in November 2017, Marshall’s autobiography depicts what she appropriately describes as “this football life,” a life-changing trend that had afforded her extraordinary opportunities, exposure to life’s options, and blessings untold, according to a detail breakdown of her book at Amazon.com.

As Marshall vividly explained, such a unique life had filled what she has dubbed her “personal playbook,” one that was accompanied by the wisdom to call what she refers to as “an audible, pass, run,” even a proverbial “go for the two-point conversion as I lived each day,” she explained.

PURCHASE ANGELA MARSHALL’S BOOK HERE:  www.lulu.com/spotlight/ AuthorStone

FIRST QUARTER — A book that was officially released in November 2017, Marshall’s autobiography depicts what she appropriately describes as “this football life,” a life-changing trend that had afforded her extraordinary opportunities, exposure to life’s options, and blessings untold, according to a detail breakdown of her book at Amazon.com.

“Yes, I observed the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat from the stands and sidelines,” Marshall continued while sharing a synopsis of latest book. “Most importantly, I beheld strength, courage and purpose. And those qualities molded me into the person I am today. I got off the bench after merely existing and got into the game of living.”

A book Marshall began composing sometime in October 2016, this accomplished writer needed just shy of a year to complete an informative written document she says is a thorough perspective of how she felt while living what she describes as a “life of lack,” particularly through the public’s thought whereby she was, by all accounts, living a life of lavish.

MORE ON AUTHOR ANGELA MARSHALL:  www.inotherwordsbystone.com

PERSONAL SUPER BOWL — As Marshall vividly explained, such a unique life had filled what she has dubbed her “personal playbook,” one that was accompanied by the wisdom to call what she refers to as “an audible, pass, run,” even a proverbial “go for the two-point conversion as I lived each day,” she explained.

While some of the immediate feedback has been favorable, Marshall also acquired her share of backlash since the release of her second book.

“A handful of people have criticized me, saying I am exploiting my ex-husband’s former pro-career to make money,” said Marshall who, in November 2016, made her authorship debut with the release of Lust, Lessons, Love and Life. “A few had no idea that I was suffering in silence during that period in my life, and others have said they still want money, fame, and the experience.”

Despite the array of mixed reactions surrounding her latest book, Marshall doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s undoubtedly fulfilling her divine purpose through a newly-erected project, one that is accompanied by God’s endorsement.

After all, if God said it, that settles it.

“The Biblical scripture says that tables are prepared for us,” Marshall said. “I’m exhorting folks to feast daily from the tables of promises, potential, power, and prosperity from God. Also, to get off the bench and get in the game of life.

“Without giving too many details from the book, I had quite a few lessons that I needed to learn as well as continue growing through my struggles to strength,” Marshall continued. “Being able to tell my truth has and is setting myself and others free.”

FIRST AND 10 — A book Marshall began composing sometime in October 2016, this accomplished writer needed just shy of a year to complete an informative written document she says is a thorough perspective of how she felt while living what she describes as a “life of lack,” particularly through the public’s thought whereby she was, by all accounts, living a life of lavish.

Having announced that other books are forthcoming, Marshall describes her itinerary as mostly steady, thanks in large part to what she labels her “transparent platform” about her life.

“I have speaking opportunities or have author appearances at least three times a month for various businesses and organizations,” Marshall said.

In all likelihood, the possibility exist that more opportunities to share of and promote her book could very well come to fruition, especially considering the 2018 NFL season officially begins in the coming days.

Said Marshall: “Life has taken me on a journey, which took three major turns, each leading to a road of exploration and discovery, each crafting me into the person who would become skillful at using life’s compass in navigating new directions and negotiating what’s best for me:

IN THE RED ZONE — Having announced that other books are forthcoming, Marshall describes her itinerary as mostly steady, thanks in large part to what she labels her “transparent platform” about her life.

Reality is a place that forced me to face life early on as is. The seeds planted during that period are directly responsible for my growth. All of my core values were established. No matter how far I strayed, the experiences throughout that time, prepared me for rags and riches.

Rags taught me humility, agility and possibility. I learned to be grateful when I am served, but more importantly, to be willing to serve others. The events during this period instilled fearless faith that grounded me and prepared me for true Riches.

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW — In all likelihood, the possibility exist that more opportunities to share of and promote her book could very well come to fruition, especially considering the 2018 NFL season officially begins in the coming days.

Riches are not about what, it’s about whom. For me, that means family, friends and moments. They are true riches, which are irreplaceable. If I can replace it, it is not a true treasure.”

Well said by this brilliantly gifted author, fielding the question as if she expected it.

Once again.

For more information about Augusta, Georgia-based Author Angela Marshall, or to schedule her for a public appearance, a book signing or speaking engagement, connect with her via social media under: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wisewordswoman; Instagram: www.instagram.com/inotherwordsbystone; Twitter: www.twitter.com/wordsbystone.

CONNECT WITH THIS AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST FOR MEDIA EXPOSURE

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.