Fred Jones Jr: S.O. What! Success Story
When I moved to Memphis for college in the fall of 1997, one of the first events I just had to attend was the Southern Heritage Classic.
At the time (and for years after), it was just an amazing gathering where I was guaranteed to see friends,…
Derek Ryan S.O. What! Success Story
Have you ever connected with someone over a testimony?
I’m not sure exactly how it started, but when I met Derek Ryan it seems like our first words to each other were our testimonies.
Our stories.
Seeing the amazing place he was…
Dr. Karren Todd: S.O. What! Success Story
Who do you look up to?
I’m grateful that there are several people I’ve observed and learned from over the years. This includes several women who look like me, who have modeled what I could and probably should be in many ways.
One…
LeWinfred Shack S.O. What! Success Story
People who give of their time and talents have a special place in my heart.
LeWinfred Shack, best known as Shack, is one of those people. We met probably a decade ago at church, and I learned about his massage therapy business.
When…
Jermaine Swagerty S.O. What! Success Story
One thing in life that we all need is SUPPORT.
And that comes in different forms from different people. It’s hurtful when it doesn’t come from where you expect it, but it’s beautiful and encouraging when it comes from unexpected places.
When…
Greg Caesar S.O. What! Success Story
What are some of the positive moments in your life that you’ll never forget?
One of those moments for me was when as a teen mother I stood on the football field at halftime during the University of Memphis homecoming game in October 2000.
And…
Odell Bizzell S.O. What! Success Story
Doesn’t it feel good when you meet someone doing the same thing as you and they immediately cheer you on and offer real help? I met Odell Bizzell as part of the National Speakers Association a few years ago but really got to know him when…
From Imprisoned to Inspiring: Montorius “GG” Herron S.O. What! Success Story
Recently, I saw a short documentary about someone I knew in high school. I remembered Montorius Herron, known as GG to me, very well. He was a few years older than I am and part of the “cool” clique.
I didn’t know what he did after…
Leshundra Robinson S.O. What! Success Story
Many nonprofit organizations are born out of need and many are created from painful personal experiences. When I met Leshundra Robinson she asked me to speak at an anti-bullying conference she organized for the nonprofit she co-founded, UCAN…