Grandmas - Agnes Owens and Ocie Williams at Summer Owens bridal shower
, , , , ,

Celebrating Grandparents Day: How I Turned Grief Into Something Grief On My Grandparents Day First Without My Grandmas

This Grandparents Day is bittersweet for me. It's the first one without my grandmothers, Agnes Idella “Dorothy” Jones Owens and Ocie Lee Woods Williams, who both transitioned this year. They were two of the strongest, wisest women…
James Earle Dortsch, Jr convicted of capital murder of Avis Terrell Jones
, , , , , ,

Actions and Accountability, Choices and Consequences: The Capital Murder of My Cousin, Avis Terrell Jones

August 22, 2021, that was the last time I saw my cousin Avis Terrell Jones. He was showing me around a house he was fixing up for his mother. It was about two months before his life was tragically taken. I had gone to visit his father, my great…
Dr. Justin Lawhead
, , , , , , , , ,

The Power of Authentic, Resilient Leadership | Dr. Justin Lawhead

In this inspiring episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I was moved by Dr. Justin Lawhead openness and vulnerability that I’m sure will move you too. As someone I consider a friend, I call him Justin.  There are people in every organization…
Jason Harris
, , , , , ,

S.O. What! Success Stories: Jason Harris

As a member of the National Speakers Association, I have met some incredible people. One of the people at the top of that list is Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Jason Harris. A distinguished keynote speaker, best-selling author, and expert…
, , , , , , , , , , ,

S.O. What! Success Stories: Cherisse Scott

Don’t you just love someone who is a fighter for others? And for justice. That’s my girl, Cherisse Scott. We met nearly 15 years ago as part of a collaborative to reduce teen pregnancy called Memphis Teen Vision (MemTV). I have admired,…
Kenneth Burnett
, , , , , , , , , ,

Physically and Mentally Fit: Kenneth Burnett’s S.O. What! Success Story

When I held the 2nd Annual Love Yourself Event, I started to include speakers on wellness and fitness. That’s when I met Kenneth Burnett, who has been supporting the S.O. What! Foundation and the Love Yourself Event ever since. However,…
Bertha Rogers Looney in my grandmother's dress
, , , , , , , ,

Embracing Legacy and Resilience: How to Honor Legacy and Foster Resilience Through Symbolic Actions

I'm not sure how I came to the realization of the importance of embracing legacy and resilience, but I have learned to love the power in journies of those who have come before me. Especially, because I am a black woman, I appreciate…
Summer Owens Centenarian Grandmas
,

My First Mothers Day Without My Girls

Although some people see Mothers Day as a commerical holiday, I think it is a special day to be intentional about celebrating any and all mother-figures. But after nearly 45 years, today is my first Mothers Day without my girls, my grandmothers.…
Shelia Chatman
, , , , , , , , , , ,

Empowering Minds with Resilience: Shelia Chatman S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever experienced someone else making you see that you have something amazing. Something that can impact thousands of lives in so many ways. I met Shelia Chatman when she asked to meet with me after discovering my first book, Life…