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Memphis author Shelia Sewell’s authorship debut has been nothing short of remarkable

KEEPING IT 100

HOLDING IT DOWN — A native of Natchez, Mississippi — a rural town that rest on the mighty Mississippi River and is comprised of roughly 15,792 residents, according to the latest U.S.  census — Shelia Sewell is a Memphis-based writer who authored the eloquent and compelling book entitled, “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies.”

Don’t get it twisted.

Shelia Sewell isn’t merely boasting or bragging.

Because as she often tells it, she didn’t just aspire to become an author for the sole purpose of saying she’s one.

Rather, she delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of authorship so that she could — you know — make a notable name for herself.

Not to mention, have a massive impact in the process.

MORE ON AUTHOR SHELIA SEWELL: https://www.facebook.com/authorsheliasewell/

“I feel that I received the vision to write many years ago. As an avid reader, I have always wanted to be an author,” Sewell told Making Headline News this week. “But not just an author; I wanted to be a published author and be able to share my work with as many readers as possible.”

Much to her delight, she’s doing just that, considering she’s enjoyed sustained success as an accomplished writer now that she’s nearly two years removed from having made her authorship debut.

SHE’S JUST WARMING UP — Now that her first book is savoring a considerable amount of success, Sewell has announced that other written projects are forthcoming.

A native of Natchez, Mississippi — a rural town that rest on the mighty Mississippi River and is comprised of roughly 15,792 residents, according to the latest U. S.  census — Sewell is a Memphis-based writer who authored the eloquent and compelling book entitled, “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies.”

A book that was officially released in October 2017 and is comprised of 174 pages in length, Sewell’s “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies” depicts the assortment of developments involving one of its featured character, Sheree, whom this writer describes as “the outspoken teacher.”

ALL IN — “I feel that my book’s message is that life happens,” Sewell, a lifetime member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, said. “There are situations that we put ourselves in and there are those that are caused by other people. Also, each chapter of my book has a quote or saying that can be useful to what you might be experiencing in your life.”

Meanwhile, this book also introduces us to Shaina, whom Sewell deems “the unhappily married housewife and mother,” and, Morgan, a career-driven attorney, not to mention Maven, whom Sewell refers to as “the bonafide hood-girl-turned-business-owner.”

In essence, they all have been best friends for over two decades and, every Friday night, you can find Sheree, Shaina, Morgan, and Maven sitting at their reserved VIP table at Rico’s, the most popular 30’s-plus lounge in the city, according to detailed breakdown of Sewell’s book at Amazon.com.

“The girls enjoy exquisite cuisine and specialized cocktails while dishing about life, love, and relationships,” said an Amazon spokesperson for Sewell’s “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies.”

YOU GO GIRL!!! 

A book that is nearing the second anniversary since its ceremoniously release, Sewell’s “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies” has been nothing short of remarkable.

“There’s usually no room for secrets among these friends, because they’ve shared everything: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the downright scandalous and illegal. But that is all about to change.”

As Sewell explained, amongst her reasons for composing “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies” is that she’s aiming to dismiss the array of the ongoing stereotypes connected to African-American women.

“I wrote this book, because I felt that as a black mother with so many labels — daddy-less daughter, single-parent household, teenaged mother, survivor of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence survivor, sister, friend, and more — I had a unique way of being able to channel all of my experiences into one great work of fiction. I also know that the lives of the characters are real. The challenges that they face in their personal, professional, and family lives are ones that women face every day.” — Author Shelia Sewell

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Sewell began writing her latest book approximately a decade ago, during which she had written sparingly.

“When I moved to the Memphis area in 2013, I had only written about 10-to-12 chapters,” Sewell recalled. “Every time that I would try to write over the years, life got in the way.”

As Sewell acknowledged, it took a freak accident to transpire, which, as a result, fueled her desire to get the book finished.

“In the summer of 2015, I ended up with a hurt back,” Sewell said. “I literally sat in my living room and wrote 22 chapters. I finished the remaining eight chapters for my 40th birthday in October 2015.”

HOT READ — A book that was officially released in October 2017 and is comprised of 174 pages in length, Sewell’s “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies” depicts the assortment of developments involving one of the featured character, Sheree, whom this writer describes as “the outspoken teacher.”

And the rest, as they say, was history.

A book that is nearing the second anniversary since its ceremoniously release, Sewell’s “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies” has been nothing short of remarkable.

“I feel that my book’s message is that life happens,” Sewell, a lifetime member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, said. “There are situations that we put ourselves in and there are those that are caused by other people. Also, each chapter of my book has a quote or saying that can be useful to what you might be experiencing in your life.”

MORE ON AUTHOR SHELIA SEWELL: https://www.facebook.com/authorsheliasewell/

WHAT’S DA 411 — As Sewell explained, amongst her reasons for composing “Love, Lies, & Loyalty: Rico’s Girls’ Philosophies” is that she’s aiming to dismiss the array of the ongoing stereotypes connected to African-American women.

Now that her first book is savoring a considerable amount of success, Sewell has announced that other written projects are forthcoming.

“I am currently working on my second book,” she said. “It will be published in the fall.”

One that, in all likelihood, figures to be nothing short of remarkable upon its much-anticipated release.

So don’t get it twisted.

For more information on Mid-South-area Author Shelia Sewell, or to schedule her for a public appearance, a book signing, or speaking engagement, connect with her via social media at: https://www.facebook.com/shelia.l.sewell. Also, send email to:  shesewell1922@gmail.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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Memphis’ Reverend Sheilah Easterling-Smith deemed a fixture in Body of Christ as the face of WOPP

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. (Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV)

GOD’S WOMAN OF PROMISE 

GOD’S LEADING LADY — More than anything, it is because Reverend Sheilah-Smith, this beloved Mid-South-area preacher, is walking diligently in her divine purpose as the Founder and President of Women of Promise and Praise, her inspiring, spiritually-enhancing ministry that has become a constant fixture in the Body of Christ.

DALLAS — To her credit and much to her delight, Reverend Sheilah Easterling-Smith can be appropriately described as a Proverbs 31 kind of woman.

Not just because she’s a devout woman of faith.

Not just because she’s steadfastly on fire for God.

Not because she’s found her spiritual niche as one of God’s most dedicated and resourceful spokespersons.

More than anything, it is because Easterling-Smith, this beloved Mid-South-area preacher, is walking diligently in her divine purpose as the Founder and President of Women of Promise and Praise, her inspiring, spiritually-enhancing ministry that has become a constant fixture in the Body of Christ.

WHAT ABOUT WOPP? https://www.facebook.com/Women-of-Promise-and-Praise-268424283208351/

Established in 2007, Easterling-Smith’s Women of Promise and Praise (or WOPP) is comprised of a group of women dedicated to helping uplift and encourage other women.

“We also concentrate on educating young ladies,” said a spokesperson for WOPP in a detailed introduction of this ministry on its Facebook business page.

A notable ministry that is widely known for aiding and empowering women mightily to discover and reconnect with their God-given worth and purpose, WOPP is making preparations to hold “It Takes A Village” conference, its annual one-day event that will be comprised of a variety of workshops.

Powered by WOPP, this year’s “It Takes A Village” conference will take place on August 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST at Memphis’ Impact Baptist Church & Ministries, located at 2025 Clifton Avenue.

Tickets for this event are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling 901.210.7235 or by emailing Easterling-Smith at seasterl@comcast.net.

SAVE THE DATE

During Easterling-Smith’s “It Takes A Village” conference, an assortment of pertinent topics will be discussed, most notably opioid epidemic, sickle cell disease, childhood trauma, domestic violence, and bullying, just to name a few.

Also, door prizes will be given away during this fun-filled, community-wide fellowship.

Interestingly, WOPP will be hosting what is known as the “Seven Last Words Service” Friday night at 7 at Memphis’ Gifts of Life Ministries, located at 3381 Raleigh Millington Road.

This service, which is powered by WOPP, is a pre-Good Friday celebratory event and will be highlighted by a “preached word, drama, and music,” Easterling-Smith wrote in a Facebook post earlier this week.

Hosted by Pastor Andre and Lady Lisa Johnson in conjunction with WOPP, the “Seven Last Words Service” will feature a gallery of at least a half dozen Mid-South-area preachers, as well as a musical presentation by Crystal “SaxLady” Brown.

For Reverend Easterling-Smith, she has managed to assemble what is widely regarded as an immeasurable body of word throughout the year, particularly as a clergywoman.

A notable ministry that is widely known for aiding and empowering women mightily to discover and reconnect with their God-given worth and purpose, WOPP is making preparations to hold “It Takes A Village” conference, its annual one-day event that will be comprised of a variety of workshops.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Easterling-Smith is a graduate of Cleveland’s historic John F. Kennedy High School, where she was devoted to academic excellence while being active in several extracurricular activities, most notably editor of the school’s newspaper.

One of the “First Ladies” (and captains) of what was known as the  Highsteppers, Easterling-Smith was named a Who’s Who in Cleveland Public High Schools.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN — A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Easterling-Smith is a graduate of Cleveland’s historic John F. Kennedy High School, where she was devoted to academic excellence while being active in several extracurricular activities, most notably editor of the school’s newspaper.

Consequently, she enrolled at Indiana State University on an academic scholarship, where she earned an undergraduate with degree in Journalism, a feat that eventually landed her a job in public relations in nearby Chicago. Her professional work experience includes having worked as an R&B promoter for Malaco Records, during which she represented entertainers Z. Z. Hill, Johnnie Taylor, Denise Lasalle, and Little Milton, among others.

Upon relocating to Memphis, Easterling-Smith worked at The Commercial Appeal in the Composing/Make-Up department before she discovered a spiritual detour, of sorts, after she had become a member of Memphis’ historic Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.

THE LORD’S DOING — For Reverend Easterling-Smith, she has managed to assemble what is widely regarded as an immeasurable body of word throughout the year, particularly as a clergywoman.

After having served in a variety of ministries at the church known as “The Boulevard,” Easterling-Smith had ultimately accepted her call to ministry. She enrolled at Memphis Theological Seminary, where she graduated cum laude with a Master’s Degree in Divinity.

While operating as the President of WOPP, she is a member of the Fellowship of Black Disciples Clergywomen, North Stakeholders & Clergy Group, the Frayser Exchange Club, as well as the Church Developers Network.

For more information about Mid-South-area Minister/Businesswoman Reverend Sheilah Easterling-Smith, or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, or connect with her via social media at: https://www.facebook.com/sheilah.easterlingsmith. Also, send email to: seasterl@comcast.net.

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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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Dr. Tresie Lopez’s The Counselor Café becoming a fixture in Memphis, surrounding areas

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3 KJV)

GOD’S LEADING LADY

MEMPHIS MADE — A native of Memphis who has strong ties to New Delhi, India, Dr. Tresie Menise Lopez, 48, is owner and CEO of The Counselor Café Ministries, a Mid-South area institution where she specializes in behavioral therapy, grief bereavement counseling, and marriage and individual counseling.

DALLAS — Dr. Tresie Menise Lopez’s ministerial track record is such that she’s accustomed to esteeming others highly than herself.

Heck, as far as she is concerned, that is what Christian-based counseling is all about.

“The competitive drive in life propelled me for my business venture knowing I am providing help to those who seek a balance with a healthy lifestyle for themselves as well as their families,” Lopez told Making Headline News this week.

A native of Memphis who has strong ties to New Delhi, India, Lopez, 48, is owner and CEO of The Counselor Café Ministries, a Mid-South area institution where she specializes in behavioral therapy, grief bereavement counseling, and marriage and individual counseling.
WALKING IN HER CALLING — Much to her delight, Lopez’s sustained success — both in ministry and in her profession — have come full circle throughout the years, in large part because of her solid supporting cast.

In addition, Lopez functions as a motivational speaker, all the while engaging in spiritual leadership, as well as a wedding official and premarital counselor.

An accomplished minister who’s widely known as “Pastor Tresie Lopez,” her kingdom-based achievements have garnered a national presence, in large part because Lopez’s ministerial contributions have been put on display in a variety of establishments — most notably Sikeston, Missouri, Nashville, Mason, Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Santa Rosa, California, Dalton, Georgia, Columbus, Mississippi, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Tunica, Mississippi,  Collierville, Tennessee, Germantown, Tennessee, Springville, Missouri, and her native establishment of Memphis.

Dr. Lopez’s ministerial track record is such that she’s accustomed to esteeming others highly than herself.

“My personal mission is to provide spiritual counseling and leadership to those who seek help from a license counselor and ordained minister,” Lopez said.

Much to her delight, her sustained success — both in ministry and in her profession — have come full circle throughout the years, in large part because of her solid supporting cast.

For what it’s worth, Lopez credits her father, the late Albert C. Rushing — “May he rest in peace,” she said — her mother Beatrice Rushing, her sons, Julious J. Thomas and Joc Lopez, as arguably the notable individuals who have contributed mightily to her quest to full the purpose for which God created her.

“And of course my husband,” said Lopez, paying homage to her beloved companion, Rogelio Lopez.

DESTINY STEPS 

NATIONAL PRESENCE — An accomplished minister who’s widely known as “Pastor Tresie Lopez,” her kingdom-based achievements have garnered a national presence, in large part because Lopez’s ministerial contributions have been put on display in a variety of establishments — most notably Sikeston, Missouri, Nashville, Mason, Tennessee, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Santa Rosa, California, Dalton, Georgia, Columbus, Mississippi, Olive Branch, Mississippi, Tunica, Mississippi,  Collierville, Tennessee, Germantown, Tennessee, Springville, Missouri, and her native establishment of Memphis.

To her credit, Lopez is certainly armed with the immeasurable skills, which have greatly enabled her to reach her destiny, courtesy of her present calling.

A 1990 graduate from Hillcrest High, Lopez completed her undergraduate studies from Phoenix State University.

She also earned a Master of Science Degree in Pastoral Counseling from the Missionary Chaplain and Seminary in Hemet, California.

A business that went into full operations in 2002, Lopez’s The Counseling Cafe is widely known for strategically providing help, particularly for urban communities in Memphis and surrounding areas.

For more information about Mid-South-area Minister/Businesswoman Tresie Menise Lopez, or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 901-969-4546 or connect with her via Facebook at:  https://www.facebook.com/PastorTresieLopez/. Also, send email to: tresielopez@yahoo.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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Daughter of Memphis Pastor receives double transplant, erases memory of 22-year-long battle with kidney failure, diabetes

DALLAS — One single phone call over the weekend had ultimately given way to Ivory Jackson Sr.’s daughter, Tamara, violating traffic laws for all the right reasons.

Surely, he didn’t seem to mind.

“She drove 94 (miles per hours) all the way to Jackson,” Jackson Sr., during an interview Tuesday morning with Making Headline News, said, alluding to his daughter’s three-hour commute from Memphis to the capital of Mississippi.

MISSISSIPPI MIRACLE 

DADDY’S LIVING MIRACLE — During a phone call from the University of Mississippi Medical Center Friday evening, Ebony — who was in dire need of kidney and pancreas translates, or a “double transplant,” according to her father — learned that perfect matches had been cited for both, news that jumpstarted her life’s long-awaited comeback.

To grasp a thorough understanding of why Tamara Jackson had gone nearly 25 miles above the speed limit for an extended period of time, look no further than the challenging, sometimes tempestuous occurrences involving her sister, Ebony Jackson.

At the tender age of 10, Ebony was diagnosed with kidney failure. As if that wasn’t enough to send shock waves throughout her family, she was also diagnosed as a Juvenile Diabetic Type 1.

According to a report at https://www.mayoclinic.org/, this type of diabetes is a condition in which a child’s body no longer produces an important hormone (or insulin).

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER — At the tender age of 10, Ebony was diagnosed with kidney failure. As if that wasn’t enough to send shocks waves throughout her family, she was also diagnosed as a Juvenile Diabetic Type 1.

As a result, the child would customarily need insulin to survive and would have to replace the missing insulin. Also, Type 1 diabetes in children is commonly known as “juvenile diabetes,” or “insulin-dependent diabetes.”

Type 1 diabetes in children, in fact, requires consistent care. However, advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved the daily management of the condition.

For Ebony Jackson, 33, her diagnosis, which lasted a little more than two decades, had come to what appeared to be a ceremonious end over the weekend.

During a phone call from the University of Mississippi Medical Center Friday evening, Ebony — who was in dire need of kidney and pancreas translates, or a “double transplant,” according to her father — learned that perfect matches had been cited for both, news that jumpstarted her life’s long-awaited comeback.

FAITH ON TRIAL 

GOD’S CO-PILOT — One single phone call over the weekend had ultimately given way to Ivory Jackson Sr.’s daughter, Tamara, violating traffic laws for all the right reasons. “She drove 94 (miles per hours) all the way to Jackson,” Jackson, during an interview Tuesday morning with Making Headline News, said, alluding to his daughter’s three-hour commute from Memphis to the capital of Mississippi.

“I felt like I was floating. My thoughts are still all over the place, as are my emotions,” Ebony wrote in an 8:52 a.m. CST Facebook post before her 1,300-plus social media followers on Saturday. “But I do know that God answered my prayers.”

He didn’t just answer the fervent prayers of this courageous, yet sometimes animated PK — or Pastor’s Kid, according to those in the church world — but that Ebony underwent surgery the next day, during which she was the beneficiary of a new kidney and pancreas essentially had given way to a testimony service orchestrated by her father Sunday morning within the walls of the church her grandfather founded nearly 50 years ago.

“I guess God had something to do with the timing of it,” Ivory Jackson Sr., the Senior Pastor of Memphis’ Faith Temple Ministries Church of God In Christ, said, alluding to his daughter’s surgical procedure that took place the day before his father’s 83rd birthday and 12 days before what would have been his mother’s 84th birthday. “The call happened on Friday as far as making preparations. The transplant happened on Saturday, and I wanted to get to church on Sunday to bring back good news.”

SEASON OF THE REBIRTH 

THE ROMANS 8:37 AFFECT — God didn’t just answer the fervent prayers of this courageous, yet animated PK — or Pastor’s Kid, according to those in the church world — but that Ebony underwent surgery the next day, during which she was the beneficiary of a new kidney and pancreas essentially had given way to testimony service, of sorts, unfolding Sunday morning within the walls of the church her grandfather founded nearly 50 years ago.

For Jackson Sr., it was the kind of “good news” that ironically seemed synonymous to the sermon he had given hours after returning from Jackson. The topic: “What’s In Your Heart?”

For what it’s worth, it’s safe to assume his daughter whom, months leading to her double transplant, had kept her social media followers abreast of her journey, already answered such an inquiry long before her father had posed the question to his congregation.

Having described his daughter as a “fighter” much like her late grandmother, Lottie Jackson, who passed away in October 2012, Ebony’s surgical breakthrough comes a little more than 22 years after her unlikely diagnosis.

FAMILY FOCUS — For what it’s worth, it’s safe to assume his daughter whom, months leading to her double transplant, had keep her kept her social media followers abreast of her journey, already answered such an inquiry long before her father had posed the question to his congregation.

Because God was working diligently behind the scenes on her behalf, this wasn’t merely a proverbial Catch 22, mind you. If nothing else, the dramatic sequence of events surrounding Ebony’s condition is a testament of how she has steadfastly kept God the Focal Point during her immeasurable, yet sometimes stormy journey.

For her valiant efforts, coupled with her bend-but-don’t-break faith, she was finally able to erase of the memory of a two-plus-decade-long affliction, which could have potentially given way to a premature death.

But God…

LOTTIE’S LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN — All that matters at this point, really, is that Ebony, whose drawn much comparison to her late grandmother, underwent successful surgery and is on the road to recovery. Jackson posed for a postgame photo with former Oklahoma City Thunder and current Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant in 2013.

“I was very excited and it was actually surreal to me,” said Ivory Jackson Sr., recalling his immediate reaction after fielding a phone call late Friday night from Ebony, who shared with him the good news surrounding her condition. “I was in the middle of a business transaction and was about to stop and go (take her myself.)”

It wasn’t long after the phone call for which Ebony had desperately waited that she began to prepare to make the three-hour trip down Interstate 55 to Jackson.

Then came Tamara, Jackson Sr.’s other daughter whom, to her credit, not only replaced her father in the driver seat, but she put the pedal to the metal in relatively unorthodox and speedy fashion.

Never mind that she deemed it essentially to violate a few traffic laws in the process.

All that matters at this point, really, is that Ebony — whose spiritual music talents have drawn much comparisons to her late grandmother — underwent successful surgery and, for good measure, is on a much-anticipated road to recovery.

OK–COMEBACK FOR THE AGES

DESTINY STEPS — For her valiant efforts, coupled with her bend-but-don’t-break faith, Ebony was finally able to erase of the memory of a two-plus-decade-long affliction that could have potentially given way to a premature death. But God…

What a memorable journey it was, as evidenced by the good news her father disclosed before his congregation Sunday morning.

“The people told her to go ahead and pack her bags, because she wouldn’t have to wait long,” said Jackson Sr., whose daughter was added to the Mississippi transplant waiting list  roughly two months ago. “My daughter called (Friday night) and was crying. This was the best news I have ever heard.”

So much for that 94-mile-per-hour drive down I-55 for what unequivocally has emerged as the Mississippi Miracle.

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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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Mid-South couple wrote and produced an R&B song that’s igniting a buzz around Memphis

DALLAS — Christopher Wade and Kimberly King first crossed paths nearly three decades ago at John P. Freeman Jr. High, during which they were members of the school’s choir.

Today, their bond is as close as it’s ever been.

Having formed a courtship a little more than two years ago, Wade and King have collectively put their musical talents on display, courtesy of a newly-produced song entitled, “Love Is A Gift.”

LOVE AND MUSIC 

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD — Christopher Wade and Kimberly King first crossed paths nearly three decades ago at John P. Freeman Jr. High, during which they were members of the school’s choir. Together, the couple deemed it essential to write and produce a song they sense will reignite a positive outlook in a world they sense have become much more unattached and self-absorbed in recent years.
A native of Memphis, King has been an accomplished songwriter for quite some time, she told Making Headline News Friday morning.

Wade, also a native Memphian, has been writing and singing for the past 19 years.

Together, the couple deemed it essential to write and produce a song they sense will reignite a positive outlook in a world they sense has become much more unattached and self-absorbed in recent years.

PURCHASE ‘LOVE IS A GIFT’ HERE: https://swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com/releases

MAD SKILLS — Widely known as “Swade,” Wade also has an extended play available at Www.swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com.

Produced by Memphian Jonathan Davenport of EBJ Entertainment, the “Love Is A Gift” digital track has been officially released and is available for only $1.29 at https://swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com/releases.

Widely known as “Swade,” Wade also has an extended play available at Www.swadedaphoenix.bandcamp.com.

“I just started my journey as a songwriter,” King, much to her delight, told MHN.

Interestingly, it is a journey she and Wade hope eventually catches the R & B music world by storm — much sooner than later.

“This song was written because the world is in such a bad place morally and spiritually,” said King, explaining the direct message she and Wade are aiming to send through an R&B hit that was recently thrust in rotation on Memphis’ 103.5 WRBO. “We are trying to bring true love with a real R&B feel back in 2019.”

THEY DID THAT — A song the couple needed somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 hours to compose — they wrote it December 13 and recorded it the very next day — “Love Is A Gift” surfaced in the wake of several conversations between Wade and King.

Though “Love Is A Gift” made its radio debut during the holiday season and is centered in large part on Christmas, King said the song is accompanied by what she describes as a “universal message,” meaning listeners can play it “all year round,” she acknowledged.

“The audience will be blessed by the feeling of love…to turn their minds off the world for a minute and feel good,” King said.

A song the couple needed somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 hours to compose — they wrote it December 13 and recorded it the very next day — “Love Is A Gift” surfaced in the wake of several conversations between Wade and King.

The rest, as they say, was history.

“It was easy to assemble the song,” said King, adding that other collaborative music projects are forthcoming.

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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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Mid-South Corporate America professional Tonia Wynette relishing her vision as a Life Coach/Motivational Speaker

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES TONIA WYNETTE 

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. (Romans 15:1 NLT)

Just recently, on a Friday morning just after 10 a. m. CST in the third week of September, Tonia Wynette had just arrived to work and was in the process of getting settled in.

Just as she was about to begin her day, she suddenly began to hear from God unlike never before.

For what it’s worth, this accomplished and resourceful Corporate America professional had no choice but to pause and lend her ear to that about which was directed toward her.

DESTINY STEPS UNFOLDING — A native of Piperton — a rural town that is housed in Fayette County, Tennessee and is comprised of roughly 1,445 residents, according to the latest U. S, census — Tonia Wynette announced recently her strategic plans to carry out her long-awaited vision as a Life Coach/Motivational Speaker.

“With obstacles comes progress,” a dear friend told Wynette during a phone conversation as she tuned in with pure wonderment.

And just like that, Wynette essentially was introduced to the purpose for which God created, was officially introduced to a lofty, God-mandated assignment she sensed would ultimately come to fruition at some point in time.

As it turned out, that point in time is now.

“I’ve always been a nurturer…a bit selfless. I love making others feel good,” Wynette told Making Headline News during a recent interview. “It breaks my heart when I hear people talk down on themselves. If I see sadness in your eyes, I feel obligated to help you to see that there’s something to be grateful for, something to smile about.”

It is due in large part to Wynette’s bend-but-don’t-break faith, coupled with her fervent desire to esteem others highly than herself, that she is thoroughly convinced she’s destined to tackle and embrace yet another awe-inspiring venture at this stage in her life.  

A native of Piperton who grew up as a P. K. (widely known as a Preacher’s Kid) — a rural town that is housed in Fayette County, Tennessee and is comprised of roughly 1,445 residents, according to the latest U. S, census — Wynette announced recently her strategic plans to carry out her long-awaited vision as a Life Coach/Motivational Speaker.

For Wynette, 39, it is an endeavor that essentially had been in the works for some time. Now she’s persuaded the time has come to exercise her faith because, after all, faith without works is dead.

FAITH ON TRIAL — For Wynette, 39, it is an endeavor that essentially had been in the works for some time. Now she’s persuaded the time has come to exercise her faith because, after all, faith without works is dead.

“(I aspire to) help uplift and build others, to create an atmosphere where you can come and be yourself. “(I want to) to help you become comfortable with being who you are, to offer a safe place to show your vulnerabilities, and to do all within my power to help rid you of all of the hurt, pain, resentment, uncertainty, low self-esteem, etc., that holds you back and keeps you from being the person God intended you to be.” — Tonia Wynette 

If anyone can greatly attest to all sorts of spiritual roadblocks, Wynette undoubtedly can. In fact, given the awesome assignment to which she has been introduced, she doesn’t seem to mind sharing before the world her assortment of past hurdles and obstacles, these seemingly discomforting occurrences that have molded and developed and positioned her to possess the best that God had in store from her from the outset.

SHE’S STILL STANDING — It is due in large part to Wynette’s bend-but-don’t-break faith, coupled with her fervent desire to esteem others highly than herself, that she is thoroughly convinced she’s destined to tackle and embrace yet another awe-inspiring venture at this stage in her life.

“Being a person who’s experienced physical, emotional, verbal and financial abuse, a person who was once shunned for being who I truly am — that (actually) was hurt, anger, and resentment fueled me — but after much prayer and support from those closest to me, love, peace, and forgiveness has sustained me,” Wynette said. “I’ve been encouraging and building individuals that I see or feel are in need of it from as early as high school. Professionally, I’m just starting.”

What better time to start than now, especially considering she’s thoroughly convinced that it was God Who was working diligently behind the scenes on her behalf all along?

“This is something God has put on my heart and in my heart, but if I must give credit to any human being, it’d have to be my father, Pastor Tommie L. Watkins,” Wynette said. “He is the most selfless person I know. He’s spent his years, from as early as I remember, leading, helping, encouraging, praying for and building others up.”

Interestingly and to her credit, Wynette seemed destined not only walk in the footsteps of her father but, most importantly, to help advance the kingdom with God, her Helper, leading the way.

“There are people going to their graves everyday with gifts that have yet to be utilized, hearts filled with love that they were too afraid to give,” Wynette said. “There are hurt people, broken people, depressed people, people who can’t and don’t realize their worth simply because of abuse, depression, and low self-esteem. This shouldn’t be.

THE PROVERBS 31 FACTOR — Interestingly and to her credit, Wynette seemed destined not only walk in the footsteps of her father but, most importantly, to help advance the kingdom with God, her Helper, leading the way.

“God has a purpose for your life,” Wynette continued. “Gifts created just for you. I want people to see it. There are no nobodies on this earth. God created everybody to be somebody special. I just want to be one of the tools He uses to get that message across for as far as He allows my voice and physical presence to reach.”

And just like that, she’s effectively embracing the purpose for which God created, effectively embracing a lofty, God-mandated assignment she sensed would ultimately come to fruition at some point in time.

As it turned out, that point in time is now.

For more information about Mid-South-area Life Coach/Motivational Speaker Tonia Wynette, or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with her via Facebook under Tonia Wynette. Also, send email to: tonia.watkins@ymail.com. Also, connect with via Instagram at: @simplybeautiful38. 

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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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Mid-South entrepreneur Coral Harris-Thomas’ Snatch Me Now venture creating a national presence

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES CORAL HARRIS-THOMAS

Honey, let Coral Harris-Thomas tell ya…

“When I first put my garment on, I was waiting to see what it was gone do for me,” Harris-Thomas, a Mid-South-area businesswoman, said in a rave review of her products at https://snatchmenow.com/.  “It felt good, it looked good, and my stomach was flat. Oh, but when I looked in the mirror…I’m trying to tell you, I was amazed at how I had just dropped three dress sizes. My posture was straight, and when I walked, it felt as if the garment was carrying me.”

Some pretty remarkably compelling comments by an accomplished businesswoman, who has become a fixture for the internationally-acclaimed venture that is Snatch Me Now.

YOU GO GIRL!!! A business that has become ever-so-popular, in large part because of its body shapers, undergarment, and women’s clothing, Coral Harris-Thomas’ Snatch Me Now specializes largely in helping woman enhance their overall beauty.

A business that has become ever-so-popular, in large part because of its body shapers, undergarment, and women’s clothing, Snatch Me Now specializes largely in helping woman enhance their overall beauty.

Harris will be hosting an event on October 6 at 12:30 p.m. CST, during which she will promote her products. This assembly will take at Home2 Suites by Hilton Memphis-Southaven, located at 6750 Southcrest Parkway in Southaven, Mississippi in the DeSoto Room.

Snatch Me Now’s featured product, at least at this particular time Harris-Thomas told Making Headline News this week, is the Rebirth Body Shapers.

“We also offer Coral’s Cosmetics, too,” said Harris-Thomas, introducing the product that bears her name.

MORE ON CORAL HARRIS-THOMAS: https://snatchmenow.com/

A STEP ABOVE THE REST — A business that has become ever-so-popular, in large part because of its body shapers, undergarment, and women’s clothing, Snatch Me Now specializes largely in helping woman enhance their overall beauty.

Interestingly and much to her delight, it’s seems that Harris-Thomas was built to delve off into the world of entrepreneurship, in large part because, well, it’s in her bloodline.

“I am a fourth-generation entrepreneur, so I am competitive by nature, because I have been around business owners all of my life,” said Harris-Thomas, a doctoral candidate at Cambridge (Massachusetts) College, who also boasts a wealth of experience in the education sector.

Demonstrating a servant’s heart through her business venture is especially vital, Harris-Thomas acknowledged, in part because she’s afforded the golden opportunity to enrich and impact someone’s life, all the while helping to enhance their beauty in the process.

C’MON, Y’ALL, C’MON — What’s even more intriguing is that Harris-Thomas’ Snatch Me Now venture is committed to snatching people from various walks of life — young and old.

“I like the fact that I am helping others the most (through) my business,” Harris-Thomas said. “When women put on the garment, their confidence increases. When the ladies get made up, they light up like Christmas trees.”

What’s even more intriguing is that Harris-Thomas’ Snatch Me Now venture is committed to snatching people from various walks of life — young and old.

“My business caters to people of all ages,” Harris-Thomas said. “My daughter is 11 years old and she is my youngest client. Today, my oldest client is 81 years old.”

Talk about having a monumental impact, courtesy of a booming business that has allowed this progressive, thriving businesswoman to put her immeasurable entrepreneurship skills on display in a variety of places around the country, most notably in Minnesota, Alabama, Texas and, of course, her native home state of Tennessee.

“I have been to a lot of places, because the makeup line division was started by my mother when I was five years old,” Harris-Thomas, the No. 1 sales distributor for the month of August for Rebirth Body Shapers, explained. “My mother was a traveling vendor, so I traveled across country with her every summer.”

Surely, it’s safe to assume that Harris-Thomas has gone to great lengths to ensure that her assortment of business ventures savor sustained success.

Just as her mother taught her years ago.

HEART OF GOLD — Demonstrating a servant’s heart through her business venture is especially vital, Harris-Thomas acknowledged, in part because she’s afforded the golden opportunity to enrich and impact someone’s life, all the while helping to enhance their beauty in the process.

“My mission is to snatch up ask many ladies as I can to help them enhance their natural beauty,” said Harris-Thomas whom, aside from her mother (the late Cora Barley Harris) was greatly inspired by Rebirths CEO Dorothy Cook to pursue her dreams as an entrepreneur.

“They are both strong black women that are great leaders,” Harris-Thomas said.

To her credit, Harris-Thomas is especially grateful of the notion that she’s afforded the notable task of instilling in her daughter the same life-enhancing qualities she acquired from her beloved mother.

So honey, let her tell ya…

“Women go through some much on a daily basis, so it is important to me to uplift as many women as I can on a daily basis,” Harris-Thomas said. “It makes me feel like I am walking in my purpose.”

Just as the late Cora Barley Harris had envisioned all along.

For more information about Mid-South-area Businesswoman Coral Harris-Thomas or to inquire about her Snatch Me Now products or other services, call 901-493-9030. Also, send email to: coralaharris@aol.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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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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Mother of slain NBA player to be keynote speaker at C. L. Tim Williams’ Seventh Annual Black & White Affair Banquet November 10.

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES C. L. WILLIAMS 

In case you don’t know him, C. L. Tim Williams would like to introduce himself.

A 56-year-old native of Cincinnati, Williams — who’s original name is Chester Williams, though he’s widely known as “C. L.” — is a military veteran who served as a U. S. Navy chief.

A longtime Mid-Southerner, Williams currently functions as a federal civil servant, whereby he works for the U. S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (or OFCCP) as an Equal Opportunity Specialist and Compliance Officer.

TEN-NES-SEE HIS SUCCESS — An accomplished businessman and ambassador for the Memphis metropolitan area, C. L. Williams is founder and chief executive officer of Always Giving Back Memphis, Inc., a local non-profit organization that centers largely on philanthropic goals, most notably charitable, educational, religious, or other activities that strategically serves the public interest or common good.

An accomplished businessman and ambassador for the Memphis metropolitan area, Williams is founder and chief executive officer of Always Giving Back Memphis, Inc., a local non-profit organization that centers largely on philanthropic goals, most notably charitable, educational, religious, or other activities that strategically serves the public interest or common good.

“Giving back to the community gives us a pleasant feeling of connectedness and satisfaction,” said a spokesperson in a detailed description of this institution on the Giving Back Memphis, Inc. Facebook page.

PURCHASE BLACK AND WHITE AFFAIR TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-black-white-affair-banquet-tickets-46093124777

When asked how his competitive drive in life propelled him for his business venture, Williams, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said, “It was not really a competitive drive in life that propelled me for my business venture, but more so an altruistic commitment to duty to community and humanity for the blessings bestowed upon me.”

To his credit, Williams’ reputation is such that he routinely goes to great lengths to give back to the community.

In a big way, too.

CREATING A MEDIA BUZZ — When asked how his competitive drive in life propelled him for his business venture, Williams, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said, “It was not really a competitive drive in life that propelled me for my business venture, but more so an altruistic commitment to duty to community and humanity for the blessings bestowed upon me.”

On November, Williams will hold his Seventh Annual Black & White Affair Banquet from 6 to 10 p.m. CST at the Esplanade Memphis, located at 901 Cordova Station Avenue in Cordova.

Deemed an unforgettable evening of dining, fellowship, giveaways, live music, networking, and getting to know Always Giving Back, this event will benefit the Community For A Greater Memphis Parents Of Murdered Children Chapter.

Deborah Marion, the mother of slain NBA player Lorenzen Wright, will be the keynote speaker.

Drafted with the seventh overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Wright is a former University of Memphis star, who enjoyed a 13-year NBA career that also included stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

REMEMBERING HER FIRST LOVE — Deborah Marion, the mother of slain NBA player Lorenzen Wright, will be the keynote speaker. Drafted with the seventh overall in the 1996 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Wright, a former University of Memphis star, enjoyed a 13-year NBA career that was also included stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. In a July 2010, Wright was killed and his body was found on July 28 in a wooded area on Callis Cutoff Road, just west of Hacks Cross Road. On December 15, 2017, Wright’s ex-wife, Sherra Wright-Robinson, was arrested in California in connection with the murder.

In a July 2010, Wright was killed and his body was found on July 28 in a wooded area on Callis Cutoff Road, just west of Hacks Cross Road.

On December 15, 2017, Wright’s ex-wife, Sherra Wright-Robinson, was arrested in California in connection with the murder.

As for his forthcoming Black & White Affair Banquet, Williams emphasized, among other things, that the Memphis chapter will aid mostly the underserved parents of murdered children and siblings, particularly assisting them to navigate through the grief process and through the criminal justice system.

Williams’ Always Giving Back Memphis, Inc. has been serving Greater Memphis since 2006 and became a full fledge non-profit organization in 2014.

MORE ON ALWAYS GIVING BACK MEMPHIS, INC: 
www.alwaysgivingback.org

“It is imperative that I esteem and inspire others as often as opportunities exist, because to whom much is given, much is required,” said Williams, whose organization also offers free seminars on basic financial literacy, effective public speaking, and prostate cancer awareness and screening, as well as raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Society can be very cruel to disenfranchised and underserved people, and to ensure they are provided opportunities to thrive and become productive members of society, it is my reasonable service to advocate for them.”

As for his personal mission for having adopted a passion for giving back, Williams acknowledged that it all goes back to what he describes as his “humble beginnings.”

“I been blessed by having a pretty successful life,” Williams said. “My personal mission is to give back and serve at every possible opportunity.”

NEVER FORGET TO REMEMBER — As for his forthcoming Black & White Affair Banquet, Williams emphasized, among other things, that the Memphis chapter will aid mostly the underserved parents of murdered children and siblings, particularly assisting them to navigate through the grief process and through the criminal justice system.

Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Organization Development from Colorado Technical University, Williams earned a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University in St. Louis.

Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Ministry from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from Park University in Parkville, Missouri.

For more information about Mid-South-area Businessman C. L. Tim Williams, to inquire about tickets for the Seventh Annual Black & White Affair Banquet, or to make donations to Always Giving Back Memphis, Inc., call 757.618.7648, or write to: 7586 Elpine Gray Drive Arlington, Tennessee 38002-8525. Also, connect with him via social media: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AGBMemphisHQ/, or send email to: agbmem@gmail.com.

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.

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Memphis’ Chasity L. Toler takes positive approach to Multiple Sclerosis with a thriving nonprofit organization

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES CHASITY L. TOLER 

“I refuse.”

For Chasity L. Toler, those two simple words, by all accounts, have greatly given way to a defining moment, of sorts, for this Mid-South-area businesswoman.

For all the right reasons, too.

It all unfolded sometime in November 2013, during which Toler was working diligently in her element as a Parent Educator.

What transpired shortly thereafter had essentially changed the overall landscape of her young life.

TO LEGIT TO QUIT — A native Memphian, Chasity L. Toler has gone to great lengths to become an ambassador for Multiple Sclerosis by establishing the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation, her notable nonprofit organization that went into operations in December 2017 and is centered largely on her ability to educate the masses on this disease.

“I was getting prepared for worked and when I stepped out the restroom, my fiancé stated you had a stroke,” Toler, 44, told Making Headline News during an interview this week.

Consequently, Toler had gone into “shock” and was eventually rushed to a local hospital, a shocking, disheartening turn of events that resulted in her being confined to a hospital bed for approximately one week.

Talk about an emotionally scary sequence that would ultimately cause one to assess just how precious, but fragile, life is.

Still, as far as Toler was concerned, she simply “refused” — refused to view and label her apparent downtrodden situation as a forthcoming death sentence.

MORE ON CHASITY L. TOLER’S STEP BY STEP: https://www.stepbystepmsaf.org/

“I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis,” recalled Toler, uttering the word with such eloquence, yet not knowing what it is in any way, shape, or form.

“I knew nothing about it and had no one to turn to but Google,” Toler, a single mother of two sons (ages 21 and nine) explained. “(There was) no help here in the city. The closest help was in Nashville and they only did a yearly walk, but nothing else.”

“I may have Multiple Sclerosis, but Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t have me. To me, MS stand for Many Successes.” — Chasity L. Toler 

Oddly, Toler recalled like yesterday how she was often informed that the most reasonable support for her condition in a major city such as Memphis was at an area hospice facility.

That, as a result, is when she deemed it essential to take a monumental stance and, most importantly, make a difference in the process.

GREAT COMPANY — Congressman Steve Cohen has been amongst Toler’s biggest supporters since the startup of her nonprofit organization. 

A major difference, to be more technical.

“I refuse,” Toler would often say until she reaped the favorable results she so desperately sought. “I began sharing my journey and testimony on Facebook, and so many individuals started reaching out to me.”

Not only that, this native Memphian had even gone to great lengths to become an ambassador for Multiple Sclerosis by establishing the Step by Step Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Foundation, her notable nonprofit organization that went into operations in December 2017 and is centered largely on her ability to educate the masses on this disease.

YOU GO GIRL!! To Toler’s credit, she’s become a fixture for enlightening others since her diagnosis, most notably the recent launching of her inaugural Step by Step Launch Brunch in April, during which proceeds went to her newly-erected foundation.

According to a detailed breakdown at https://www.mayoclinic.org/, multiple sclerosis — which is widely known also as MS — is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (or central nervous system).

Interestingly, when becoming diagnosed with MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (or myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER — According to a detailed breakdown at https://www.mayoclinic.org/, multiple sclerosis — which is widely known also as MS — is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (or central nervous system).

Moreover, signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe MS, in fact, may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms.

To Toler’s credit, she’s become a fixture for enlightening others since her diagnosis, most notably the recent launching of her inaugural Step by Step Launch Brunch in April, during which proceeds went to her newly-erected foundation.

“I love helping and being a listening ear for others that are going through the same thing that I was and some days currently go through,” Toler, a graduate of Memphis Melrose High, said.

THE FACE OF MEMPHIS — “I have met the City of Memphis Mayor (Jim Strickland),” said Toler, who also generated headlines on Congressmen Steve Cohen’s newsletter.

While Toler is steadily devising ways to promote and enhance her nonprofit organization, she certainly appears headed in the right direction.

Amongst the reasons is that her organization services individuals of all ages or, as she acknowledges, “from teens to elderly.”

“Some are mobile and some are not mobile or they need assistants or (are placed) in nursing homes,” said Toler, who holds an Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology from National College .

Much to delight, Toler doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s destined to view her diagnosis with MS from a positive perspective, a trend that has prompted a few prominent local officials to applaud her valiant efforts.

“I have met the City of Memphis Mayor (Jim Strickland),” said Toler, who also generated headlines on Congressmen Steve Cohen’s newsletter.

WE ALL IN FOR CHASITY — Besides a few local political figures, Toler’s supporting cast is comprised largely of her sons, she said.

“My mission is to empower, equip, improve, and support the quality of life through advocacy and education for all affected by Multiple Sclerosis directly and indirectly,” said Toler, whose organization is preparing to host a fashion show on October 27th at The Haven in Downtown Memphis.

Besides a few local political figures, Toler’s supporting cast is comprised largely of her sons, she said.

“My sons inspire me to push and to fight through it all…seeing my oldest go through depression when I got diagnosed and our life hit rock bottom with losing my job at the time I was diagnosed because Tennessee is an at-will state and they terminated my job,” Toler said. “I heard ‘No’ so much, I just knew a ‘Yes’ was on the way.”

GOD’S PLAN — “I refuse,” Toler would often say until she reaped the favorable results she so desperately sought. “I began sharing my journey and testimony on Facebook, and so many individuals started reaching out to me.”

Indeed it was. And to her credit, it was because she never gave up.

“I refuse,” Toler often says.

Until someone tells her “Yes.”

“You never know how strong you are until you have no choice but to be strong,” Toler said. “I may have Multiple Sclerosis, but Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t have me. To me, MS stand for Many Successes.”

For more information Mid-South-area Businesswoman Chasity L. Toler, or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with her via Facebook under: Chasity Toler. Also, send email to: sbsmsa@outlook.com.

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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.