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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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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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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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Lewisville High football standout Tahj Martin: ‘It is a dream for me to play college football’

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Tahj Martin is just a tender 15-year-old student athlete.

A great, big gigantic one, that is.

Consider, for instance, Martin’s massive frame that is comprised of his standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 261 pounds which, to his credit, is practically equivalent of an NFL lineup.

FRESHMAN SENSATION

UNDER THE RADAR — Assuming roles on both sides of the ball as a left tackle and defensive end for Lewisville coach Michael Odle’s squad, Tahj Martin enjoyed a significant amount of action this past season for the Farmers as his stock amongst college scouts and recruiters increased mightily in the process.

Speaking of the NFL, Martin doesn’t shy away from the notion that playing football on Sundays undoubtedly is amongst his major long-term ambitions.

But first thing’s first: blossoming as a rising prep footballer.

“I am a hard working athlete, who has come from very humble surroundings,” Martin told Making Headline News during a weekend interview. “I am a magnet and people gravitate to me, because of my winning personality and attitude.”

A triumphant mentality certainly highlights Martin’s assortment of key attributes as a true freshman for Lewisville (Texas) High’s football team.

 

STOCK IS RISING — With so much high school football ahead of him, Martin has already garnered interests from Texas Christian University and the University of Texas.

Martin, in fact, is coming off of a productive and breakthrough season for an upstart Lewisville team that finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-3 mark, including an impressive 6-1 record in 6A Region I District 6, second only to conference rival Flower Mound.

Assuming roles on both sides of the ball as a left tackle and defensive end for coach Michael Odle’s squad, Martin enjoyed a significant amount of action for the Farmers as his stock amongst college scouts and recruiters increased mightily in the process.

No one, it seems, can attest to his notion more than his father, Geoffrey Grant Martin, who’s thoroughly convinced that his son is making a strong case that his prep football career will culminate with him signing a National Letter of Intent.

TEXAS-SIZED IMPACT — Martin is coming off of a productive and breakthrough season for an upstart Lewisville team that finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-3 mark, including an impressive 6-1 record in 6A Region I District 6, second only to conference rival Flower Mound.

“Tahj has grown tremendously both on the field and off,” Geoffrey Grant said. “He’s gained a level of confidence and passion for not only his role on the team, but for the entire team itself, all while maintaining his grades academically.”

All things considered, Martin’s favorable display as a true freshmen for the Farmers has, in fact, given way to a few college scouts deeming it essential to thrust him under their radar.

With so much high school football ahead of him, Martin has already garnered interests from Texas Christian University and the University of Texas.

DOING IT BIG IN TEXAS — Martin’s massive frame that is comprised of his standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 261 pounds which, to his credit, is practically equivalent of an NFL lineup.

Given the immeasurable impact he’s had thus far in his prep career, expect that list to expand much sooner than later.

“It is a dream for me (to play college football), because I am made and built for the sport of football,” Martin said. “I know that all the years I have been playing will pay off and a college scholarship would be the ultimate satisfaction of all.”

Although he did not attend any camps this past summer because of unforeseen circumstances, Martin was especially active, particularly as it relates to conditioning regularly and monitoring his weight.

“(I would typically workout) Monday and Wednesday mornings and in the afternoons, (and would take part in) cardio training on Saturdays and Sundays,” Martin said. “I also work on healthy eating habits that include making smoothies and protein snacks to build a strong muscle mass.”

DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING — A triumphant mentality certainly highlights Martin’s assortment of key attributes as a true freshman for Lewisville High’s football team.

Despite his overall body of work on and off the field, coupled with the impressive resume he’s established to this point, Martin also doesn’t shy away from the notion that no one has to persuade him not to hit the cruise control button at this point.

Not with so much prep football ahead of him.

“I performed exceptionally well (during the 2018 season), but I still have more work to do. I’ve got to work more on dropping into coverage. I have to work on that. My speed needs to improve, but with growth, I know I will get faster.” — Lewisville freshman Tahj Martin

WAITING HIS TURN — All things considered, Martin’s favorable display a true underclassmen for the Farmers has, in fact, given way to a few college scouts deeming it essential to thrust him under their radar.

A pretty wise and thorough assessment, this coming from a tender 15-year-old student athlete.

A great, big gigantic one, that is.

One whose short list of interested colleges undoubtedly is expected to expand much sooner than later.

So stay tuned.

For more information about Lewisville (Texas) High School football standout Tahj Gabriel Martin, connect with him via social media at:

Instagram: @tahjmartin12

Snaphat: tmahal_878

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tahj.martin.1

Twitter: @martin2Tahj

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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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Alabama author Monique Pettaway-Ray savoring the ‘abundant life’ Christ came to give us through a new book

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)

Monique Pettaway-Ray was in the process of living her best life.

At least, she sensed she was.

As Pettaway-Ray recalled like yesterday, she was approximately six months removed from having exchanged nuptials with the man of her dreams.

POINTING TOWARD THE HEAVENS — A native of Saraland, Alabama, Monique Pettaway-Ray is amongst a gallery of accomplished authors who have joined forces to compose the book, “I Rise, Living Beyond The Bruises” which is scheduled to be officially released in December.

As if that wasn’t enough to bring her to all smiles, she had eventually landed a rather commendable entry-level position as a middle school science instructor in Huntsville, Alabama.

Life, as she knew it, was the life she sensed she fully deserved, was the life she had worked so diligently to reap and possess with God, her Helper, leading the way.

Then just like that, the enemy — just as he always does — had ultimately showed his true colors, considering Pettaway-Ray’s life had suddenly “imploded,” according to a spokesperson for her book entitled, “Incarcerated But Free: How To find Freedom From Your Mental Prison.”

BUY MONIQUE’S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Incarcerated-But-Free-Freedom-Mental/dp/1462027393

LEAD OFF HITTER — Having made her authorship debut a little more than a decade ago, Pettaway-Ray’s “Incarcerated But Free: How To find Freedom From Your Mental Prison” took somewhere in the neighborhood of about five years to compose.

That’s because her newlywed husband was consequently convicted for murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

“A vital part of her life was ripped from her and Monique didn’t know how to cope,” according to a spokesperson in a detailed breakdown of her September 2007 released book.

Fast forward some 11 years later, Pettaway-Ray, a longtime educator for the Mobile (Ala.) County Public Schools System, has deemed it essential to collectively share of her assortment of life-changing testimonies through another awe-inspiring project along with a host of other writers.

A native of  Saraland, Alabama, Pettaway-Ray is amongst a gallery of accomplished authors who have joined forces to compose the book, “I Rise, Living Beyond The Bruises.”

ONE PRECIOUS, GODLY GIFT — An empowering, kingdom-advancing written document, “I Rise, Living Beyond The Bruises” is forwarded by Flint, Michigan-based author Precious S. Brown and is scheduled to make its official release on the market on December 17.

An empowering, kingdom-advancing written document, “I Rise, Living Beyond The Bruises” is forwarded by Flint, Michigan-based author Precious S. Brown and is scheduled to make its official release on the market on December 17.

During a recent interview with Making Headline News, Pettaway-Ray was complementary of Brown for obeying the Voice of God by establishing a notable platform for her and other authors to tell of God’s goodness through their slew of trials and tribulations.

“I chose to be a part of this book, because there are so many people who are living in their own mental prison who don’t have a support system or guidance to help them overcome their pains,” Pettaway-Ray said. “This book will help women find healing and support they are seeking.”

All things considered, amongst the things about which Pettaway-Ray found especially intriguing was Brown’s keen ability to fortify agape love, coupled with her willingness to display transparency.

FINDING HER SPIRITUAL NICHE — Pettaway-Ray, a longtime educator for the Mobile (Ala.) County Public Schools System, has deemed it essential to collectively share of her assortment of life-changing testimonies through another awe-inspiring project along with a host of other writers.

“I began the journey of writing this book when I teamed up with Precious Brown of Kilgore Publishing,” Pettaway-Ray explained. “She told me about her vision of this current book and when I heard the title, I truly felt in my spirit that this was a book I definitely wanted to be a part of, because I believe everyone has a story and that everyone’s story can inspire hope and change someone’s life.”

Having made her authorship debut a little more than a decade ago, Pettaway-Ray’s “Incarcerated But Free: How To find Freedom From Your Mental Prison” took somewhere in the neighborhood of about five years to compose.

As for her latest project, it didn’t take as long, in large part because all things considered, God had already showed Himself strong amid the enemy having shown his true colors.

IN AWE OF GOD — As for Pettaway-Ray’s latest project, it didn’t take as long to complete, in large part because all things considered, God had already showed Himself strong amid the enemy having shown his true colors.

“Before God called me to the ministry, I was broken, hurt, and confused. It was only after I rededicated my life to Christ that God began to reveal to me His purpose for my life. Since then, God has delivered me from my pain and now I am on a mission to help women overcome their challenges and be healed from their past hurts. — Monique Pettaway-Ray

“Because when a woman can be healed from her hurts, she is free to live that abundant life that Christ promised in scripture.”

The abundant, much to Pettaway-Ray’s delight, is something by which she has thoroughly possessed even after having endured arguably the darkest season of her life.

Yep. That’s just like God.

BUY MONIQUE’S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Incarcerated-But-Free-Freedom-Mental/dp/1462027393

NOT TODAY, DEVIL — The abundant, much to Pettaway-Ray’s delight, is something by which she has thoroughly possessed even after having endured arguably the darkest season of her life.

“The message I am sending to people is that regardless of what you have been through or what experiences you have had, you can still be a vessel used by God,” Pettaway-Ray said. “You just have to realize that there are gifts and talents that lie deep inside and God just wants us to be willing to use those gifts for his glory.

“A gift is not a gift unless you give it to someone,” Pettaway continued. “God expects us to use our gifts for the purpose of helping others. It’s never too late to fulfill passion, purpose, or the power that God has placed inside of you. God only wants a willing vessel.”

Pettaway-Ray would know for sure, considering she’s a vessel who has deemed it a foregone conclusion to be used by God Almighty.

For more information Mobile, Alabama-area Author Monique Pettaway-Ray, 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/monique.pettaway. Also, send email to: mvpettaway@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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Montgomery, Alabama author Dr. April Jones honors her father’s civil rights legacy, writes his extraordinary biography

A MAKING HEADLINE NEWS BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL REPORT

 

Say this about Dr. April Jones: She undoubtedly cherishes her father.

Never mind the discussion that transpired between Dr. Jones’ parents months before she was born.

DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL — Montgomery, Alabama author and businesswoman Dr. April Jones is the mastermind by the book, The Biography of Mose Jones Jr., Lawrence County Commissioner District 1: A Seed of the Foot Soldiers Bloody Sunday, March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. One year removed from its official release, Dr. Jones’ book depicts her father’s life from the mid-1980s, during which he rose to prominence for his role in bringing voting rights to those who needed it most: the disadvantaged citizens of Lawrence County.

During a recent interview with Making Headline News, Dr. Jones, a Montgomery, Alabama-based businesswoman, spoke at length about how her father, renowned and longtime politician Mose Jones, Jr., once attempted to persuade her mother to abort her birth, in large because he could not afford to take care of another child.

By and large, it is an emotionally-driven, life-changing story about Dr. Jones admittedly doesn’t mind sharing, considering she and her father have established a close-knit relationship throughout the years.

So much, in fact, that Dr. Jones deemed it essential to chronicle by way of an awe-inspiring book the life of her beloved father, whom is widely regarded as the man who was amongst the first blacks to carry on the Civil Rights movement in Alabama, particularly after the immeasurable work of such foot soldiers as Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.

“The single, (most) underlying reason I chose to produce the book was to honor my father and tell his important part of history,” said Dr. Jones, a native of Town Creek, Alabama, a rural establishment that is comprised of roughly 1,100 residents, according to the latest U. S. census.

The book to which she is alluding is entitled, The Biography of Mose Jones Jr., Lawrence County Commissioner District 1: A Seed of the Foot Soldiers Bloody Sunday, March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

A book that made its much-anticipated presence on the market a little more than a year ago, — January 11, 2017 to be technical — Dr. Jones’ book depicts her father’s life from the mid-1980s, during which he rose to prominence for his role in bringing voting rights to those who needed it most: those disadvantaged citizens of Lawrence County.

BUY DR. APRIL JONES’ BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Biography-Lawrence-County-Commissioner-District/dp/1508670595

Interestingly, long before Dr. Jones’ father had evolved into the beloved and motivating political servant for whom he is widely known, he had become a notable, big-hearted man of devout faith and a loving father, according to a spokesperson for her book in a detailed description at Amazon.com.

VISION UNFOLDED — Dr. Jones had adopted the vision for composing The Biography of Mose Jones Jr., Lawrence County Commissioner District 1: A Seed of the Foot Soldiers Bloody Sunday, March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, most notably while her father was giving a rather inspiring and memorable speech, during which he spoke eloquently having the importance of such a remarkable honor.

A Lawrence County Commissioner for District 1 whom, long before he surfaced on the political landscape, had been mentored by a profound coach and teacher — whom many considered the most prominent black political leader in the county — the then-young Jones, Jr. had become knowledgeable of servant leadership, particularly the significance of how to play an integral part in bringing hope to his community.

To his credit, Jones, Jr.’s valiant contributions as a public servant had ultimately given way to him having received a commendable, notable award during the Selma 50th Jubilee Fruit Of The Labor Luncheon that was hosted by the National Congress of Black Women (the Birmingham Metro Chapter).

Consequently, Dr. Jones had adopted the vision for composing The Biography of Mose Jones Jr., Lawrence County Commissioner District 1: A Seed of the Foot Soldiers Bloody Sunday, March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, most notably while her father was giving a rather inspiring and memorable speech, during which he spoke eloquently having the importance of such a remarkable honor.

MAKING MASSIVE HISTORY — A Lawrence County Commissioner for District 1 whom, long before he surfaced on the political landscape, had been mentored by a profound coach and teacher — who was the most prominent black political leader in the county — the then-young Jones, Jr. had become knowledgeable of the significance of servant leadership, particularly how to play an integral part in bringing hope to his community.

“When my father received his award and made his speech, I was touched and inspired to hear why he was so honored to get this award,” Dr. Jones said. “I never seen my father almost cry and give such an emotional speech.”

And never mind all of the past chitter chatter about aborting her birth.

What matters at this point, really, is that Dr. Jones and her father have established an inseparable, loving bond that quite frankly, no one can merely separate.

“At that moment, I felt more honored to be his daughter, holding back my tears,” Dr. Jones said of her father’s inspiring, tear-jerking speech for the ages. “I thought (it came in my spirit) we should get a book written about my father.”

The rest, as they say, was history.

“When my father and I were riding home on the highway (U. S. Highway 80) where the foot soldiers walked from Selma to the Montgomery March, we talked about what happened for him to get into office and I said, ‘You know, father, we should write a book about your story,'” Dr. Jones recalled.

Much to her delight, her father was all for it — was all for embracing and supporting the vision and purpose for which God created his daughter.

“He says, ‘Okay, but I’m not Martin Luther King, Jr. or any of those great foot soldiers I am not sure how many people want to hear my story,’” Dr. Jones explained. “Nevertheless, he agreed that we could write a book as long as I wrote it. In fact, he later shared that many people approached him to write a book and he refused. He told me he was so proud and honored that (his) very own daughter will write (a book about him).”

A 170-page written document that specifically recalls a vital portion of history, Dr. Jones emphasized that her book had to come to fruition, in large part because she was somewhat unsettled in that her father had not received much recognition, coupled with the fact that he was so proud of his award.

An accomplished entrepreneur who is the owner and chief executive officer of the Montgomery-based Visionary Consulting Services, LLC, a credible coaching and consulting services, Dr. Jones began writing her father’s biography shortly after the Jubilee.

“To this day, he talks about it and even had an article written about it,” Dr. Jones said of a book that is still attracting a wave of media attention. “I love my father, and I appreciate what he did to make a change on a local level for our community and all constituents in his county. The book details many challenges and triumphs.”

An accomplished entrepreneur who is the owner and chief executive officer of the Montgomery-based Visionary Consulting Services, LLC — a credible coaching and consulting services firm — Dr. Jones began writing her father’s biography shortly after the Jubilee.

Interestingly, in the wake of having jotted down an assortment of notes from their frequent conversations, she deemed it essential to hire a freelancer to develop what she described as “structured questions” during which she would then interview roughly 50 people about her father and his well-publicized legacy.

The first draft of the book, she said, was completed in approximately three months.

“However, it was a dull read,” said Dr. Jones, “so I hired another freelance writer to make it more appeasing to read.”

DESTINY STEPS — What matters at this point, really, is that Dr. Jones and her father have established an inseparable bond that quite frankly, no one can merely separate.

As it turned out, though, that development had eventually gave way to Dr. Jones needing an additional five months to finish the book, which was finally published in January 2017.

The rest, as they say, was history.

And never mind all of the past chitter chatter about aborting her birth.

What matters at this point, really, is that Dr. Jones and her father have established an inseparable, loving bond that quite frankly, no one can merely separate.

“The night of the Jubilee, he said that if he had allowed satan to convince him and my mother to abort me, I would have never served one of my many purposes, (which was) writing his book,” Dr. Jones said. “I never thought I would write so many books, but it was prophesied to me by Evangelist Debra Ward that I would write many books and travel the world as a part of my purpose God created for me. I have done just that.”

All while cherishing and honoring her beloved father in the process.

 

OTHER BOOKS BY DR. APRIL JONES: 

Nurse Commitment: How To Have Professional Staff Nurses In a Multigenerational Workplace

A Not So Easy Road: The Story of the Little Boy Who Kept His Promise

Lil’ Boy’s Enchanted Red Hat: Coloring And Activity Book

Lil’ Boy’s Steps to Goal Achievement: A Goal Setting Journal For Kids

 

For more information about Dr. April Jones, to order her books or to schedule her for a speaking engagement, she can be reached at 334-603-0600. Also, connect with her at: www.vcsllc.co. Also, she can be reached via email at: draljones@vcsllc.co

 

 

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 Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter 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.

 

 

 

Commentary, Entertainment News, General Assignment Reporting, Lifestyle, Money And Business, Politics, Religion, The Big Feature, Vacation

Millbrook, Alabama-based author/minister Dr. Albert Russell’s premiere book having a majestic kingdom impact

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. (Ephesians 5:25)

 

DOING IT GOD’S WAY — Dr. Albert Russell is the mastermind behind the awe-inspiring book, Agapao: Loving Your Wife the Way God Intended, a compelling, spiritually gut-checking written document that officially hit the market just last year.

For Dr. Albert Russell, his God-orchestrated vision had spanned a little more than eight years.

To his credit, though, once he grabbed a firm hold of it, he needed somewhere in the neighborhood of roughly a month to witness it come full circle.

“It was not a whole work though,” Dr. Russell during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said of his long-awaited published project. “When I revisited it in 2017, I learned that I had matured tremendously, and many of the topics warranted further treatment to make them more robust.”

The encounter to which Dr. Russell is alluding is his awe-inspiring book debut that was culminated with the much-anticipated release of Agapao: Loving Your Wife the Way God Intended, a compelling, spiritually gut-checking written document that officially hit the market just last year.

A book that was assembled while his then-wife (whom is now deceased) was deployed to Iraq, Dr. Russell’s Agapao: Loving Your Wife the Way God Intended appropriately explores the assortment of emotions that he experienced or, as he specifically recalled, “the transformation” that took place in his life and his commitment to ensuring that his wife, Danielle, would be secure in knowing his unyielding love for her.

“Agapao was written as a guide for couples, men who are looking to strengthen their relationships and for women who want a man’s perspective on marriage,” Dr. Russell explained in a detailed description of his book at https://www.aer251books.com/.

A book that has garnered favorable rave reviews even in its infancy stages, Dr. Russell’s passion to revisit his vision for composing his first book was spearheaded by his friend, Tori Walker whom, according to the author and ordained minister, kept “pressing” him to “put it out.”

WHAT ABOUT DR. ALBERT RUSSELL? www.revalbertrussellbooks.com

“She was instrumental in getting me to clean it up and finish it so that it could be published,” said Dr. Russell, a native of Mobile, Alabama who currently resides in nearby Millbrook.

REMEMBERING DANIELLE — A book that was assembled while his then-wife (whom is now deceased) was deployed to Iraq, Dr. Russell’s Agapao: Loving Your Wife the Way God Intended appropriately explores the assortment of emotions that he experienced or, as he specifically recalled, “the transformation” that took place in his life and his commitment to ensuring that his wife, Danielle, would be secure in knowing his love for her.

Interestingly, Dr. Russell — though he’s less than a year removed from having witnessed the release of his premiere book that is available at Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited — acknowledged that other written documents are presently in the works, most notably a daily devotional called “Walk with Me: God Seen, God Heard, God Revealed: A 365 Day Devotional,” “Pushing through the Pain” — a project that’s geared largely toward how he has coped with the death of his wife — and a fiction book entitled “Breaking the Curse.”

“The children’s books are my way of passing a legacy on to my kids and to teach them about being entrepreneurial and developing revenue streams through doing something that they love, something that is not a burden,” Dr. Russell explained. “My daughter, Genesis, is the writer and my son, Donovan, is the illustrator and artist.”

THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR — A book that has garnered favorable rave reviews though it is in its infancy stages, Dr. Russell’s passion to revisit his vision for composing his first book was spearheaded by his friend, Tori Walker whom, according to the author and ordained minister, kept “pressing” him to put it out.

All things considered, Dr. Russell doesn’t shy away from the notion that, well, perhaps this what he deems “my season to write.”

“I have several other books, but they are all works in progress,” Dr. Russell said. “The devotional that I’m writing is getting most of my attention right now so I can finish it within the next few months.”

As for the divine message he aspires to send to his reading audience through his books, Dr. Russell said it all goes back to God, Whom steadfastly provides him daily with the sense of direction he needs to pass along to the masses.

“I believe that God is always speaking,” Dr. Russell said. “The message is a bit different for each book.  Agapao is God telling husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. It is directed toward men, because I’m a man, so that is the perspective that I speak from.

ADVANCING THE KINGDOM — As for the divine message he aspires to send to his reading audience through his books, Dr. Russell said it all goes back to God, Who steadfastly provides him daily with the sense of direction he needs to pass along to the masses.

“The devotional is God’s little daily nudge to us to remind us that He has not forsaken us nor forgotten us,” Dr. Russell continued, adding that Agapao is attracting constant favorable feedback. “Pushing is basically me preaching to myself and reminding myself that I’m not the only person who has ever suffered great loss and God reminding me (and others who can relate) that He’s a restorer. Breaking the Curse is a fictional work but, in my opinion, it is God reminding someone that they can do anything that they put their mind to.”

Because of the purpose and vision for which God created him, Dr. Russell deems it absolutely imperative to thank his Creator for the strength and ability to write — and to do it virtually routinely now.

WORKING HIS VISION — Interestingly, Dr. Russell, though he’s less than a year removed from having witnessed the release of his premiere book, acknowledged that other written documents are presently in the works, most notably a daily devotional called “Walk with Me: God Seen, God Heard, God Revealed: A 365 Day Devotional,” “Pushing through the Pain” — a project that’s geared largely toward how he has coped with the death of his wife — and a fiction book entitled “Breaking the Curse.”

Thanks in large part to a beloved friend, who helped “pressure” and steer him to his destiny.

“There are so many days that I don’t have the desire but God puts that fire in me and I push through,” Dr. Russell said. “I’m still grieving, so it’s a process, but I am remaining hopeful and positive so that I can continue to produce quality work.  I also want to thank everyone who has supported me through this process. 

“(I thank) my family and friends, my friend, Tori, for her constant encouragement and being a source of business ideas, my friend, Les, who has been a tremendous help with editing, my friend, Joy, who gave me some great initial feedback on the later draft of Agapao, my kids and my mother-in-law, who keep me laughing and encouraged, and my church family for their support.”

 

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 Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter 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.