Moments of Grace Podcast

Debra The QueenAccountability Affirmation CommunityTransforming Communities through Inspired Accountability and Collaborative Action.Helping women recognize the power and benefits of self-evolution is the radiant andcompassionate Debra The Queen.She is an author, speaker, certified life coach, and podcast host of Light The Path.A gifted communicator, Debra The Queen is known for her ability to meet women where they are and guide them with grace toward simple yet profound breakthroughs.Debra The Queen is the Co-Visionary of Abba’s Daughters: Everyday Women, Extraordinary God. An anthology and workbook series affirming women in their divine identity.Her latest book, "It’s Your P in the Dating Pool," is a bold and necessary book on self-love and accountability in modern relationships.Her passion for purpose is also expressed through her popular Vision Board experiences, where she helps women move beyond dreaming into doing.Debra The Queen has been featured on over a dozen podcasts and continues to be a sought-after voice in the world of women's empowerment and spiritual wellness.Beyond her professional work, she is a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.Her heartbeat is community, and her commitment is to help light the path for others with authenticity, love, and intentional accountability.• linktr.ee/Debra_theQueen_

About Dr. SmithCeretta Smith is a proud Army veteran, mother, wife, small business owner, civic leader, and faith leader in her community. She is proud to have called Grovetown, Georgia home for over 15 years, where she lives with her husband, Retired Sergeant First Class Sterling V. Smith. Ceretta has spent several years serving her community and her country in various roles. She proudly served as a medic in the Army for nearly a decade, where she helped wounded soldiers recover in hospitals and clinics, and worked in a field unit in Germany. She continued to serve by working for the federal government for another 24+ years. Through her work, she became a union activist, serving as the Women’s and Fair Practices Coordinator, Chief Steward, Legislative Political Coordinator, local president, and Georgia State Council President for the largest federal government union, the American Federation of Government Employees. She currently serves as the Augusta East Georgia Central Labor Council Vice President and the National Fair Practices Affirmative Action Coordinator for District 5 AFGE. Ceretta holds a bachelors degree in the arts from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology, a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from the Sacramento School of Theology, and associate degrees in Business Management and Business Administration from Augusta Technical College. She is a certified HISCoach Life Coach, certified Paracletos Counselor, Christian recording artist, published author, certified DISC Behavioral Analyst, and a certified Myers-Briggs Practitioner. Her favorite proverb is, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.“

Heaven's Kitchen: A Transformative Guide to Church Volunteerism🍽️ Heaven’s Kitchen reimagines volunteerism within the church through the lens of a restaurant—where every person, like every ingredient, plays a crucial role in creating a meaningful and nourishing experience.✨ In this book, we explore how volunteers bring their unique talents together to serve a greater mission. From the welcoming atmosphere of the dining room to the fast-paced energy of the kitchen, every level of engagement offers opportunities for growth, connection, and impact.🔹 Why Volunteers MatterIn today’s fast-moving world, engaged volunteers are the heart of our communities—spreading hope, compassion, and service. But fostering a thriving volunteer culture requires understanding the different stages of involvement and how to support volunteers at every step.🔹 For Church Leaders & TeamsThis book is a must-read for church leaders who want to inspire, develop, and empower their volunteers. Learn practical strategies to identify, nurture, and retain dedicated individuals while creating an environment where everyone feels valued.💡 Whether you're a church leader or a passionate volunteer, Heaven’s Kitchen provides the recipe for a strong, purpose-driven community.🔗 Grab your copy today and start building a volunteer culture that truly makes a difference!

🎙 Threads in Our Fabric PodcastEpisode Title: Everett Drake & The Legacy of the South Inglewood Mass ChoirEpisode Overview:In this episode of Threads in Our Fabric, we sit down with The Living Legend, Everett Drake, to discuss his remarkable journey in gospel music, his new movie roles, and his latest musical projects. With a career that has spanned decades, Everett shares his experiences, influences, and the exciting new chapter of his work with the South Inglewood Mass Choir.About the South Inglewood Mass Choir:Founded in the late 1980s under the leadership of Pastor Thomas E. Sweeney, Sr., the South Inglewood Mass Choir has been a cornerstone of gospel music at First Baptist Church South Inglewood in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the years, the choir has won prestigious gospel competitions and continued to make an impact in worship and beyond.Following the pandemic in 2021, Everett Drake was appointed to lead the choir, succeeding longtime Minister of Music, Edward Jenkins, with whom he had collaborated for over 38 years. With the addition of Dr. Nathan Young to the music staff, the choir has continued to make waves in the gospel music world.In December 2023, they recorded their first-ever Live project, releasing their debut single, “Jesus Emmanuel”, which gained national radio recognition—reaching #90 on the Mediabase All Gospel Chart and #4 on the Mediabase Holiday Chart!Building on this success, the choir has now released their follow-up single, “Glory Be To God On High”, which is making an impact on gospel radio today.What to Expect in This Episode:✅ Everett Drake’s musical journey and career highlights✅ The story behind the South Inglewood Mass Choir and its legacy✅ Insights into the choir’s new music and live recording experience✅ Everett’s thoughts on the state of gospel music today✅ A sneak peek into his upcoming movie roles and new musicListen & Subscribe:🎧 Tune in on All Podcast Platforms 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!Connect with Us:📲 Follow us on www.facebook.com/powermen📩 Have a guest suggestion or topic idea? www.drajrbutler.com

About Dr. LaToya Foster for the Moments of Grace Podcast Dr. LaToya Foster is a devoted minister, author, and servant of God, dedicated to inspiring and uplifting others through her ministry and her writing. Based in the United Kingdom, she serves as a leader within the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, U.K. & Europe. Dr. Foster holds key roles as the President of the District Women’s Team and Treasurer of the National Women's Team. Her work includes mentoring and empowering women through prayer, discipleship, and outreach initiatives. In November 2024, Dr. Foster released her first book, Divine Whispers: Embracing God’s Voice in Everyday Life. This inspiring work blends personal experiences with Biblical truths to encourage readers to recognize and respond to God’s guidance in their daily lives. With themes of spiritual sensitivity, faithfulness, and resilience, her book is a testament to her passion for helping others grow in their faith journey. Dr. Foster’s dedication to ministry extends to community service, where she supports individuals and families in need and advocates for empowerment within the Kingdom of God. A graduate of the Bethel School of Biblical Studies Foundation Course, she combines her theological education with her commitment to practical ministry. When she isn’t teaching, mentoring, or writing, Dr. Foster enjoys studying Scripture and sharing its transformative applications. Her heart for God’s people and her message of encouragement make her an inspiring guest on the Moments of Grace Podcast.

John and Pat Hazelwood have committed their lives to serving the Lord and are called to lead others into victorious living for Christ. They are the founding directors of ‘Yes, Marriage Works!, Inc.’, a non-profit organization focused on marriage and family sustainability. They are also Ordained Chaplains with the International Federation of Chaplains. The Hazelwood’s have been married for over 43+ years and are the proud parents of nine children; six of which are married and have 16 grandchildren. They are certified facilitators in several nationally accredited programs that focuses on developing relationship skills. Their experience has allowed them to use transferable skills to help couples manage high stress levels, life changes, and raising children in arenas domestically and internationally. John and Pat currently serve as marriage coaches with Pioneers International. They coach missionaries before and during their time overseas. They have worked with couples serving in 15 countries. John is also an Engagement Officer for Communio, a non-profit organization that trains and equips churches to share the Gospel through the renewal of healthy relationships, marriages, and the family. John Hazelwood Church Engagement Officer M: 614.747.0360 E: jhazelwood@communio.org www.communio.org www.yesmarriageworks.com

“No one has to be limited by age or infirmity,” says Vicki, a consultant in health care and education who’s been giving speeches and seminars, nationally and internationally, for over 20 years. She’s worked with IBM, ROLM, Hewlett Packard, Prudential, Chase Manhattan, and Apple Bank, improving employee motivation and work quality, corporate goals, customer service, and performance skills. “When there are fewer mistakes, it improves the bottom line and employee morale,” she explains. And if you or a loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s, Vicki’s programs can change your life. “A dementia or Alzheimer’s person who asks the same question sixty times an hour will stop asking that question within five minutes of practicing multi-sensory modalities and improvisation,” says Vicki.

Hi, my name is Tanisha aka Ms. Wellness and I’m your dedicated Women's Wellness Empowerment Coach! At Ms. Wellness, LLC one of our Core Values is educating the women that we work with, on the importance and value of healthy eating and a lifestyle focused on mindfully caring for their bodies by proactively making choices that benefit them. True health and wellbeing are a combination of good choices, positive mindset, clear direction, and dedication to achieve a lasting goal, and empowering yourself to have a positive body image. In addition, we focus not only on diet, but your relationship with food, identifying any obstacles or habits that may lead to unhealthy eating choices, navigating traumas that may cause a skewed perspective on your ability to take charge of your body wellness milestones, and helping you to recognize that you have the ability to reach and maintain a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain and be proud of. Hi, my name is Tanisha aka Ms. Wellness and I’m your dedicated Women's Wellness Empowerment Coach! The importance of creating a supportive and empowering wellness journey came from an experience that was close to home and with a situation that affected someone I love dearly, my mom. In 2017, my mother had been struggling with getting results in the treatments for her Type 2 Diabetes. The medications she was prescribed were ineffective in management of the disease and left her lethargic, experiencing blurred vision, but worst of all, she was miserable. By implementing a Plant-Based diet and lifestyle changes, we saw dramatic effects and beneficial changes to the point that she was downgraded from Type 2 Diabetic to Pre-Diabetic. This experience and helping others has become my passion and the motivation to have an impact on the lives of others. She went from being sick and miserable, to getting rid of her diabetes medications, dropping her symptoms, and getting her energy and joy back all within the same year! Today, my mom looks younger and more vibrant now than ever before! email Ms. Wellness (mswellnessllc.com)

Prophet. Pastor. Wife. Mother. Motivational Speaker. Empowerment Coach. Entrepreneur. Author. Trish M is a powerful, anointed woman of God who preaches, teaches, motivates, inspires, coaches and prophesies just as God gives it to her. Her vision is to see more and more people’s lives changed by being saved, set-free, and delivered; fulfilling their call to walk in the things of God wholeheartedly.Trish M is the Executive Pastor serving alongside her husband, Senior Pastor Derrick Morrissette, at Mind of Christ International in Alabaster, Al. She served as the Director of the Prophetic Ministry and Prophetic Training at Kingdom Agenda International Ministries in Panama City, Fl for over 2 years. She has had intensive prophetic training at the Marketplace International School of Prophets with Apostle Jocelyn Mathis where she was 2nd in charge under Apostle Jocelyn in training other prophets on hearing the voice of the Lord. Not only that, but she has also done extensive prophetic training at C.I. Vision Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Fl. With a global mandate on her life, Trish M is determined to use her voice to bring change to communities and nations all around the world.Among her many accomplishments, Trish M is an extremely successful business owner. She takes business ownership to another level! She is the owner and CEO of Trish M Enterprises, which houses her translation company, Professional Translations, a translation company that translates to and from over 175 languages worldwide and has over 1000 translators from all over the world in network. Trish M Enterprises also houses her boutique, Trish M Boutique, where she empowers women to look and feel good about themselves. Being fabulous is a lifestyle that Trish M encourages women to wear from the inside out.Trish M’s vision is to see women fulfill the mandate and call that’s on their lives. She empowers them to be FABULOUS- spirit, soul & body. Trish M wants to see every woman successful in whatever God has called them to do.She hosts several events throughout the year to help women walk in their purpose and call:1) The Circle of Fabulous Women Summit2) The Circle of Fabulous Women Retreat3) The Circle of Fabulous Women Empowerment Brunch4) Speak Lord Prophetic MEGA ConferenceTrish M wants to see women whole and walking BOLDLY in who God has destined for them to be.www.trishmnow.com

Lynn Lewis   From Grief to Gratitude Certified Grief Coach I love that I get to support adults 50 and older who are in a NOW WHAT space after experiencing the suicide loss of a loved one. They have acknowledged and accepted that the loss happened, but are ready to move forward to live meaningful and impactful lives.  As their coach, I guide them from pain to peace, heartbreak to happiness and grief to gratitude.  ​​ Due to my son's August 2019 suicide death, I am a Survivor of suicide loss on a mission to educate and inform our grief avoidance society that grief is a normal, natural, and necessary response to loss hoping that one day we will get to a point of freely talking about grief regardless of the type of loss. ​   I welcome the opportunity to share my grief story and how I manage to thrive in its aftermath in hopes it will help someone who is or support someone on a similar journey.   I am an avid tea drinker who enjoys few things more than having a cup and a chat with a friend, colleague, or someone I’ve just met.       Destined To Thrive Grief Coaching | Lynn Lewis - Coach & Author | United States Page not found • Instagram   804-404-6059

Bio- Railey Molinario, a renowned Love Educator & Relationship Coach, has dedicated her life to guiding individuals to break free from cycles of generational trauma and ignorance. With a remarkable journey from abandonment at birth to a six-figure boss, she inspires others to develop the skills and knowledge needed to create empowered lives through her teachings of relationship intelligence. Railey's inspirational journey has been featured on prominent platforms such as the BBC, Medium, and Sovereign magazine. Links-https://www.raileymolinario.com/  https://www.instagram.com/raileymolinario/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/224806782933794 https://www.raileymolinario.com/ultimate-guide

The Buffalo Soldiers were United States Army regiments that primarily comprised African Americans, formed during the 19th century to serve on the American frontier. In 1866, through an act of Congress, legislation was adopted to create six all African-American Army units. On September 21, 1866, the 10th Cavalry Regiment was formed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" was purportedly given to the regiment by Native Americans who fought against them in the American Indian Wars, and the term eventually became synonymous with all of the African American U.S. Army regiments established in 1866, including the 9th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Regiment and 38th Infantry Regiment.  The recruits came from varied backgrounds including former slaves and veterans from service in the Civil War. During the Civil War, the U.S. government formed regiments known as the United States Colored Troops, composed of black soldiers and Native Americans. The USCT was disbanded in the fall of 1865. In 1867 the Regular Army was set at ten regiments of cavalry and 45 regiments of infantry. The Army was authorized to raise two regiments of black cavalry (the 9th and 10th (Colored) Cavalry) and four regiments of black infantry (the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st (Colored) Infantry), who were mostly drawn from USCT veterans. The first draft of the bill that the House Committee on Military Affairs sent to the full chamber on March 7, 1866, did not include a provision for regiments of black cavalry, however, this provision was added by Senator Benjamin Wade prior to the bill's passing on July 28, 1866. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Buffalo Soldiers were assigned to the harshest and most desolate posts. Specific duties included subduing Mexican revolutionaries, outlaws, rustlers and warring Native Americans. Additional administrative duties included exploring and mapping the Southwest and establishing outposts for future towns. During the Indian Wars from 1866 to 1891, 416 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor. Although the Buffalo Soldiers were 12% of the U.S. Army infantry force and 20% of the cavalry force in this era, Buffalo Soldiers were awarded less than 4% of all Medals of Honor awarded. Other regiments during the era received a greater number of Medals of Honor but were not distinguished enough to see duty in Cuba for the Spanish–American War. For example, the 8th Cavalry Regiment with 84 Medals of Honor, were not assigned duty to fight in Cuba in 1898. Scholars have hypothesized that commanders were reticent to award behavior that they expected from soldiers, the bureaucracy impeded awards, and the posting of black soldiers to remote outposts reduced the visibility of black soldiers (the 1st Cavalry participated in twenty-one campaigns and the 2nd cavalry participated in nineteen campaigns during this era, compared to the 9th Cavalry's eight campaigns). Historian Thomas Philips counted 2,704 engagements with native tribes during this era, of which the four black regiments participated in 141 or about 4%.  Despite the barriers imposed by the social climate of their day, the Buffalo Soldiers performed with grace and dignity in every conflict. Their resilience embodies the uncanny determination to overcome any opticals dispatched on the battlefield or from the nation they fought for. We honor the American spirit and true patriotism of the Buffalo Soldiers, who are threads in the spirit of freedom in the fabric of America.

Jane Cooke Wright (also known as "Jane Jones") (November 20, 1919 – February 19, 2013) was a pioneering cancer researcher and surgeon noted for her contributions to chemotherapy. In particular, Wright is credited with developing the technique of using human tissue culture rather than laboratory mice to test the effects of potential drugs on cancer cells. She also pioneered the use of the drug methotrexate to treat breast cancer and skin cancer (mycosis fungoids). Wright's family had a strong history of academic achievement in medicine. She was born in Manhattan, New York, to Corinne Cooke, a public school teacher, and Louis T. Wright, who was one of the first African American graduates from Harvard Medical School. He was the first African American doctor at a public hospital in New York City.  As a child, Wright attended the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, then the "Ethical Culture" school and the "Fieldston School", from which she graduated in 1938. During her time at the Fieldston School, Wright was very involved in extracurricular activities. She served as the school's yearbook art editor and was named the captain of the swim team. Her favorite subjects to study were math and science. After attending the Fieldston School, Wright received a scholarship to Smith College, where she furthered her studies and continued to be very involved in extracurricular activities. She swam on the varsity swim team, discovered a passion for the German language, and lived in the school's German house for a while. Wright graduated with an art degree from Smith College in 1942.] After her time at Smith, Wright received another scholarship, to attend the New York Medical College. She graduated as a part of an accelerated three-year program at the top of her class in 1945 with the honors award. After medical school, Wright completed residencies at Bellevue Hospital (1945–46) and later at Harlem Hospital (1947–48), where she became the chief resident. In 1949 she joined her father in research at the Harlem Hospital Cancer Research Center, which he had founded, and she ultimately succeeded him as director when he died in 1952. In 1949, Dr. Wright joined her father at the Cancer Research Foundation at Harlem Hospital. During her time at the research institute, she and her father sparked an interest in chemotherapeutic agents. They were interested in making chemotherapy more accessible for everyone. In the 1940s chemotherapy was a new development, so it was not a well-known or well-practiced source for treatment because it was still in its experimental stage of drug development. Chemotherapy was considered the “last resort” and the drugs available and dosage was not very well defined. Both Jane and her father wanted to make chemotherapy a more accessible method of cancer treatment. They were the first groups to report the use of nitrogen mustard agents and folic acid antagonists as cancer treatments.  Wright retired in 1985 and was appointed emerita professor at New York Medical College in 1987. In describing her pioneering research in chemotherapy, she told reporter Fern Eckman, "There's lots of fun in exploring the unknown. There's no greater thrill than in having an experiment turn out in such a way that you make a positive contribution."

Henry Blair was born in Glen Ross, Maryland, in 1807. Blair was an African American farmer who patented two devices designed to help boost agricultural productivity. In so doing, he became the second African American to receive a United States patent. Little is known about Blair's personal life or family background. It is clear that Blair was a farmer who invented new devices to assist in the planting and harvesting of crops. Although he came of age before the Emancipation Proclamation, Blair was apparently not enslaved and operated an independent business. A successful farmer, Blair patented two inventions that helped him to boost his productivity. He received his first patent — for a corn planter — on October 14, 1834. The planter resembled a wheelbarrow, with a compartment to hold the seed and rakes dragging behind to cover them. This device enabled farmers to plant their crops more efficiently and enable a greater total yield. Blair signed the patent with an "X," Blair obtained his second patent, for a cotton planter, on August 31, 1836. This invention functioned by splitting the ground with two shovel-like blades that were pulled along by a horse or other draft animal. A wheel-driven cylinder behind the blades deposited seed into the freshly plowed ground. The design helped to promote weed control while distributing seeds quickly and evenly. In claiming credit for his two inventions, Henry Blair became only the second African American to hold a United States patent. While Blair appears to have been a free man. In 1871, after the Civil War, the law was revised to grant all American men, regardless of race, the right to patent their inventions. Blair's invention crossed the racial gulf to feed all Americans, and his inventions are a demonstration that innovation lives in the human spirit. Henry Blair changed the agricultural landscape by showing us through the power of invention that we are all threads in the fabric of America

lexander Miles (May 18, 1838 – May 7, 1918) was an African-American inventor best known for being awarded a patent for an automatically opening and closing elevator doors. He was awarded the patent, U.S. Patent 371,207, on October 11, 1887.Before automatic doors, people had to manually shut both the shaft and elevator doors before riding. Forgetting to do so led to multiple accidents as people fell down elevator shafts. When the daughter of African-American inventor Alexander Miles almost fatally fell down the shaft, he took it upon himself to develop a solution. In 1887 he took out a patent for a mechanism that automatically opens and closes elevator shaft doors and his designs are largely reflected in elevators used today.He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007.

Judy Reed: Follow Me Judy Woodford Reed’s birth was commemorated around the year 1826. Reed was one of the few African American women known for her prolific invention throughout the 1880s. There are tons of attributes that are not notorious regarding Reed. She primarily showed up at the 1870 Federal Census as a 44-year-old sempstress. This took place at Fredericksville Parish next to Charlottesville, Virginia which is in Albemarle County. Reed was with her spouse, Allen Reed, and the horticulturist as well as her five kids. Once ten years went by, Mr. and Mrs. Reed stayed in Virginia to be with their grandchild. In mid-1880 and 1885, Mr. Reed passed away. Mrs. Reed labeled herself as “widow of Allen” after her husband’s death. She relocated to Washington D.C. upon the place she lived alongside by her kids at 1906 K Street, N. W. The sole recognized history which Mrs. Reed had was the US patent-of-invention. Mrs. Reed was deemed to be the first African American female to acquire a patent. On September 23, 1884, Reeds Patent No. 305,474 for a “Dough Kneader and Roller” was endowed. The patent-of-invention was there to ameliorate the construction upon an existent rolling pin. This is for the flour to blend extra smoothly when it remains concealed and secured. Regarding if Mrs. Reeds had the capability of reading, writing, or printing her name on the patent as an “X” was not known. An African American female that was at a prior term had the likelihood to obtain patent-of-invention entitlement. Although there was a chance to acquire patent authority, this remains obscured because there are no obligations to signify ethnicity. In addition, females frequently applied just the initial letter so they can conceal their sex. Being intellectual was against the law at the time. Anyone who was caught reading, writing, or providing education was likely to face severe punishment or the death penalty. In 1905, Mrs. Reed passed away.

Dr. Joseph N. Jackson is one of the most famous Black inventors in America. Born in 1937 in Harvey, “Jefferson Parish,” Louisiana. Not far from New Orleans. In his formative years in school, the textbooks were 12 years behind the all-white schools in Jefferson Parish. He recounts that the textbooks were old, used, and 10 to 12 years old. This meant the information he was receiving was a decade or more old. In an interview, he remembers singing the negative Jim Crow indoctrination songs of the South like little black sambo and old black joe. They were relegated to enduring these songs every morning. Jackson wants the American social sphere to give everyone a chance to fulfill their highest potential. When he was 17, he worked for a lady who taught him how to type and requisition invoices. These skills would serve him well later in life. Unfortunately, he dropped out of school in the 7th grade. Jackson joined the United States Army at the age of 18. He received his G E D while in the army, which sparked his academic journey. After getting his G E D he qualified to be assigned to radio school. This assignment would shape the course of technological history for mankind. His fascination with electronics started at age 5. In the home he grew up in, there was a large radio that he wandered where the little people that inhabited the radio lived. In his mind, he was determined to find the little people so one day he took the radio apart. Accidentally, he damaged the speaker. Once his father came home, he discovered what he had done to the radio he was punished but his that explained how a radio had electronic waves that transmitted to a receiver in the radio. This early lesson from his father remained with him until he got to radio and T V school. While in Station at Fort Bragg North Carolina, Doctor Jackson started a part time business of radio and T V repair. For the next 8 years he gained advanced experience from working on devices. This experience and his curiosity that was fostered at age 5 coalesced into theories he had to tested until there was a success using the same radio signal technology of transmitter and receiver he developed the first working model of a remote control for a television. In 1975, Jackson completed his degree in Business Administration from Columbia College, Columbia, MO. He holds a doctorate in Applied Science and Technology from Glendale University in Santa Fe, NM. Dr, Jackson experience led him to create the precursor of the V-Chip, a technology that is used in the television industry to block out violent and objectionable programs that could be seen by young children. Aside from the Programmable Television Receiver Controllers, Jackson is the holder of at least six issued U.S. Patents in the area of telecommunications and Fertility Prediction Devices for females, as well as several copyrights, trademarks, and Pending Patents in the area of Aircraft Security and Tracking Systems. He was called upon by the network television industry to testify before the House of Representatives and several Senators regarding technical solutions to television violence years ago. Today we know Dr Jackson as a living legend, inventor, scientist, businessperson, humanitarian and Co-founder of the Black Inventions Museum, Inc. Never give up, success requires tenacity, resilience, courage, and a belief in yourself are all the ingredients needed to be thread in the fabric of America. Doctor Joseph N. Jackson, embodies what encompass Us to change to world for all mankind.

Henry Johnson enlisted in the United States Armed Forces on June 5, 1917 as a 5-foot-4-inch young man. This was almost two months after the American entry into World War I, joining the all-black New York National Guard 15th Infantry Regiment, which, when mustered into Federal service, was redesignated as the 369th Infantry Regiment, and was then based in Harlem. The 369th Infantry joined the 185th Infantry Brigade upon arrival in France, but was relegated to labor service duties instead of combat training. The 185th Infantry Brigade was in turn assigned on January 5, 1918, to the 93rd Infantry Division. Although General John J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) on the Western Front, wished to keep the American forces autonomous, he "loaned" the 369th to the 161st Division of the French Army. Supposedly, the unreported and unofficial reason he was willing to detach the African-American regiments from U.S. command was that vocal white U.S. soldiers refused to fight alongside black troops. The French Army needed more men and welcomed the reinforcements. The 369th Infantry regiment, later nicknamed the "Harlem Hellfighters", was among the first to arrive in France, and among the most highly decorated when it returned. The 369th was an all-black unit under the command of mostly white officers, including their commander, Colonel William Hayward. The idea of a black New York National Guard regiment had first been put forward by Charles W. Fillmore, a black New Yorker. Governor Charles Seymour Whitman, inspired by the brave showing of the black 10th Cavalry in Mexico, authorized the project. He appointed Colonel Hayward to carry out the task of organizing the unit, and Hayward gave Fillmore a commission as a captain in the 15th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard. The 15th New York Infantry Regiment became the 369th United States Infantry Regiment prior to engaging in combat in France. The French government awarded Johnson the Croix de guerre with a special citation and a golden palm. He was the first American soldier to receive the award. In June 1996, Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart by President Bill Clinton. In February 2003, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second highest award, was awarded to Johnson. John Howe, a Vietnam War veteran who had campaigned tirelessly for recognition for Johnson, and U.S. Army Major General Nathaniel James, President of the 369th Veterans' Association, were present at the ceremony in Albany. The award was received by Herman A. Johnson, one of the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, on behalf of Henry Johnson, then believed to be his father; the mistake was not clarified until 2015, a decade after the younger Johnson's death, as part of the further research done leading up to the senior Johnson's Medal of Honor. On May 14, 2015, the White House announced that Johnson would receive the Medal of Honor posthumously, presented by President Barack Obama. In the ceremony, held on 2 June 2015, Johnson's medal was received on his behalf by Command Sergeant Major Louis Wilson of the New York National Guard. Obama said, "The least we can do is to say, 'We know who you are. We know what you did for us. We are forever grateful.'"

Bass Reeves was born a slave in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas. Under the ownership of farmer and politician William Reeves, Bass Reeves worked alongside his parents and was a water boy until he became old enough to work as a field hand. William Reeves moved his farming operations, including his slaves, to Grayson County, Texas around 1846. Bass Reeves was known for his tall stature, good manners, and sense of humor, and it was in Texas that these characteristics caught the attention of his master’s son, George. George Reeves eventually chose Bass to become his bodyguard and valet, and the two became rather loyal companions. When Texas sided with the Confederacy, George Reeves joined the Confederate Army and Bass went along with him.  It was during the Civil War that Bass and George Reeves parted ways—and many speculate the reasons for their parting. Some legends say that the two got into a heated dispute over a card game, others say that Bass overheard talk of “freeing slaves” and just ran away. Whatever the circumstance, Bass Reeves ended up in what was then called “Indian Territory,” in present-day Oklahoma. He took refuge with members of the Seminole, Cherokee, and Creek nations, learning their languages, customs, and tracking skills which served him well during his later law enforcement career. It was during this time that he also honed his skills with a pistol, and while he humbly claimed throughout his life that he was only a “fair” shot, he was regularly barred from turkey shooting competitions in the territory.  In 1863, Bass Reeves was ultimately freed from his life as a slave and a fugitive by the Emancipation Proclamation. He left “Indian Territory” and bought land near Van Buren, Arkansas, which he used to successfully farm and ranch. He married Nellie Jennie, a woman from Texas, in 1864, and they had 10 children. In addition to farming and ranching, Reeves occasionally worked as a scout and guide for U.S. Deputy Marshals entering “Indian Territory” on business of the Van Buren Federal Court.  Reeves officially began his law enforcement career in 1875 after the Federal Western District Court was moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was hired as a deputy by Judge Isaac C. Parker, who had been tasked by President Ulysses S. Grant to “clean up Indian Territory.” Reeves was one of the 200 deputies hired by Judge Parker in 1875, and he was the only one on record that stayed until Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907.   In his 32-year tenure as a U.S. Marshal, Reeves was known for his ruthlessness and his ability to catch outlaws that other deputies couldn’t. Reeves was reportedly involved in a number of shootouts, yet was never injured. He stated once that he had killed 14 men in self-defense, and at the time of his death a newspaper had reported the number was actually 20. By 1901 it was reported that he had arrested 3,000 men and women who had broken federal laws in the Indian Territory—one of which was his own son who was convicted in the murder of his wife. Reeves achieved all of this while also being illiterate due to his background as a former slave, so he would memorize the warrants and writs he served. The Indian Territory was notoriously the most dangerous for federal law enforcement officers in the Old West—records show that 120 lost their lives before Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907.   Bass Reeves himself escaped numerous assassination attempts as he was the most feared of federal officers in the Territory. Reeves retired from federal service upon Oklahoma’s statehood in 1907 at the age of 67, but his law enforcement career was not yet over. He went on to serve a city policeman in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for two years prior to his death in 1910.   

Born into the harsh realities of slavery in 1864, Charles Page’s journey was far from ordinary. His relentless determination led him to teach himself to read and write, a feat that set the foundation for his future inventions. Despite the societal and racial barriers of his time, Page’s ingenuity and perseverance shone through. Fascinated with dragon flees Charles imaging a world where men could occupy the sky with creatures with wings. He shared his fascination with family and friends.  The more he contemplated the more his curiosity begin to materialize. Page’s fascination with flight was not a fleeting interest but a deep-seated passion. He spent years observing the flight patterns of insects, fueling his ambition to replicate their aerial abilities. This fascination culminated in 1903 when he built a flying model of an airship. By 1904, using his life savings, Page created a full-scale model, hoping to showcase it at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Despite the setbacks, Page’s achievements were formidable. He received a patent for his airship in April 1906, preceding the Wright Brothers’ patent. His contributions, while overlooked for decades, have slowly begun to garner the recognition they deserve. The city of Pineville, where Page lived and worked, has honored him with a historical marker, acknowledging his innovative spirit and his contributions to the community. Page’s life was not solely defined by his aviation pursuits. He was a respected citizen, a timberman, and a farmer, who actively fostered ideas and started businesses to uplift the African-American community. His legacy extends beyond his inventions, encapsulating his role as a community leader and a visionary. Today, Charles F. Page stands as a symbol of resilience and ingenuity, especially in the African-American community. His story, a testament to overcoming adversity and pursuing one’s dreams against all odds, serves as a powerful inspiration. The recognition of Page’s contributions is not just a correction of historical oversight but an important step in celebrating the diverse and rich history of innovation in the United States. Charles Frederick Page’s story is more than a historical footnote; it’s a compelling narrative of determination, innovation, and resilience. As we continue to uncover and celebrate the contributions of African-American pioneers, Page’s legacy serves as a reminder of the vast, often untapped potential that lies within every individual, irrespective of their background. His life and achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging us to look beyond conventional narratives and appreciate the diverse tapestry of history that shapes our world. Shop for styles inspired by our Black Pride, our Black Lineage, & our Black Culture, and let the spirit of pioneers like Charles F. Page continue to inspire us in our everyday lives.