© 2022 The Black Diamond Magazine All Rights Reserved No part of this Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the written permission of the author.
Created and Published by Renetta J. Cochran Email: renettacochran@ymail.com For more information call: (810) 962-4819 To request a interview and/or feature in Black Diamond Magazine, and for Speaking engagements or any other special events please contact: Black Diamond Magazine Website: Available soon Email: TheUbmm@yahoo.com Follow us on FB, Instagram, Twitter and ISSUU
Cover Designed by: Renetta J. Cochran Magazine Design by: Renetta J. Cochran
From the Editor – Renetta J. Cochran ~ . . . ~ 4 About the Magazine ~ . . . ~ 5 One the Cover – Mama Sol ~ . . . . ~ 38 Shelby Bell ~ . . . . ~ 6 Betty Robbs-Garrett ~ . . . ~ 7 Donna Lindsey Robinson ~ . . . . ~ 8 Margaret Ann Dillard ~ . . . ~ 9 Betty Brown-Rowell ~ . . . ~ 10 Loice Yarbrough ~ . . . ~ 11 Wilma Finley ~ . . . ~ 12 Betty Ann Barber ~ . . . ~ 13 Sadie Guinyard ~ . . . ~ 14 Margo Owens ~ . . . ~ 15 Annette Mangham ~ . . . ~ 16 Gwyndolyn Jones ~ . . . ~ 17 Jean Delone Belue ~ . . . ~ 20 Sheveze Anderson ~ . . . ~ 21 Edna Fay Brown ~ . . . ~ 22 Hurley Barber & Maple Lancaster ~ . . . ~ 23 Renee Danfort ~ . . . ~ 24 Mrs. Barnett ~ . . . ~ 25 Argie Williamson ~ . . . ~ 26 Alice Kemp ~ . . . ~ 27 Denise Williams ~ . . . ~ 28 Darlene Rogers ~ . . . ~ 29 Minnie Harden ~ . . . ~ 30 Vikki Thompson ~ . . . ~ 31 Velma Wilson ~ . . . ~ 32 Barbara Temple ~ . . . ~ 33 Gwendolyn Horner ~ . . . ~ 34 Eddie Wallace ~ . . . ~ 35 Bishop Bernadel Jefferson ~ . . . ~ 44 Lakina Fulks ~ . . . ~ 45 Lorene Phillips ~ . . . ~ 46 Pamela Hightower ~ . . . ~ 47 April Cook-Hawkins ~ . . . ~ 48 Corinthian Carouthers II ~ . . . ~ 49 Winona Hinton ~ . . . ~ 50 Josephine Haney ~ . . . ~ 51 Nysha Thompson-Walker ~ . . . ~ 52 Shay Oliver ~ . . . ~ 53 Wanda Lawrence ~ . . . ~ 54 Aadadra Chapman ~ . . . ~ 55 Chandra Walker ~ . . . . ~ 58 Breona Smith ~ . . . . ~ 59 Raeona Carter ~ . . . . ~ 60 Quayondra Scott ~ . . . . ~ 61 Tanisha (Nene) Thompson ~ . . . . ~ 62 Mariah Randle ~ . . . . ~ 63 Stephani Randle ~ . . . . ~ 64 Ardrika Banks ~ . . . . ~ 65 Mamie Goodson ~ . . . ~ 67 Barbara Phillips ~ . . . ~ 68 Joyce Jeffries ~ . . . ~ 69 Eloise Mitchell ~ . . . ~ 70 Lavette Jones ~ . . . ~ 71 Mother Dorothy Johnson ~ . . . ~ 72 Arneta Ingram ~ . . . ~ 73 Elsie Turner ~ . . . ~ 74 Eunice Ingram ~ . . . . ~ 75 Elder Beverly Bankston ~ . . . . ~ 76 Sue Emery ~ . . . . ~ 77 Ann Pratt-Hendrick ~ . . . . ~ 78 Clotiel Farrish-Carlysle ~ . . . . ~ 79
“Black Diamond Magazine” the one and only magazine that recognizes, honors and features the everyday average Black Man for his accomplishments”.
From The Publisher
Hello and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be apart of Black Diamond Magazine, please enjoy our Special “Mother’s Day Issue” as we celebrate Moms all around the world and remember those that have passed on. Black Diamond Magazine is the first self-published magazine that not on focuses on the Black Man, but is was founded by a black women that truly believes that BLACK MEN are the great and striving to show others the value they bring. Our vision is to reach as many communities around the world and to bridge the gap that has been broken for so many years. Black Diamond Magazine is an online and hardcopy distribution marketed via Email, Text, Social Media, and now available on Amazon. It is the face of the new Digital Communication/Publication that is sweeping the nation. Please continue to support Black Diamond Magazine and our vision. Like us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sincerely, Renetta J. Cochran President/Founder Black Diamond Magazine (810) 962-4819 Photo by: Stephanie Gallagher
About the Magazine
Black Diamond Magazine (formerly The Ultimate Black Man Magazine) was created in 2009 by Author Renetta Cochran, to recognize, honor and feature Black Men for their outstanding accomplishments. The Black Diamond Magazine is different and unique to a market where the images of our Black Men are generally negative and demeaning. Our main focus is to feature the everyday average Black Man and give him the positive image he deserves. OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To promote Integrity, Leadership, Economic and Educational Responsibility of the Community with positive images of the Black Man around the Globe. DESCRIPTION: Black Diamond Magazine will target males of all ages. With our global market, the magazine has a universal message: Community Social Education Healthy Living Adequate Health Care Economic and Entrepreneurial Awareness Leadership
Empowerment Servitude Knowledge Information We are always looking for writers, graphic designers and advertisers for our magazine that currently have a global following. Our issues will cover the life of black men’s love, marriage, health, social and economic issues. Historical issues will also be issued to educate the masses about the history of the black men. Please email us at TheUbmm@yahoo.com
To be featured in Black Diamond Magazine please contact us by email: TheUbmm@yahoo.com or call us at (810) 962-4819
A virtual woman, selfless, always ready to sever, understanding and easy to adapt to any kind of settings. My mother is very mild one of the things that I love most about my mom is her relationship with Christ and her Family. Submitted by:
Markus Bell
Jackson, MS
Sherwood, AR
An Arkansas native who is an incredible mother to not only her daughter but to many other women seeking a better life in Christ. Her heart is big and so is her personality. This is a mother worth celebrating. Happy Mother's Day! Be blessed,
Valerie Spivey Danzy
Little Rock, Arkansas For as long as I can remember, Margaret Dillard has been a shining example of a human. I have admired her teachings of poise and grace, centered around love. Greatness begets greatness; this woman contributed to everything that I am becoming. Thank you, Mrs. Dillard. With Love, Monique Hall
Little Rock, AR
Fort Mill, SC
Is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and a loving mother. Momma or Nana is a true woman of God. She is a pillar of greatness and one of a kind to say the least. Simply an extraordinary woman. Submitted by:
Richard "Coach" Brown
My Mom is the Oldest of nine Children and Mother of 3, 7 Grands and many great grandchildren She is a Loving and caring Mom with a Beautiful soul in which we Love very much
Submitted by:
Shay Yarbrough
Flint, MI
My Mother the “Matriarch” is the last living family member of Her generation on both sides of our family and in 2021 she was diagnosed for third time with cancer and is currently in treatment for it. That’s why honoring her is Always Special. She is a “Triple Cancer SURVIVOR”, She’s a Widow, She has lose 2 Sons and Has 4 Surviving Daughters, 14 Grandkids, and 15 Greats… “WE HONOR YOU”
From your eldest daughter
Valerie
Flint, MI
Mrs. Betty A Barber is a jewel. She is a beautiful 72 years young wife, mother, grandmother and has an amazing love for all. She has a one of a kind true nurturing spirit to friends, family and even strangers. Her words and advice are given with great wisdom and knowledge, but never lacking love or prayer when doing so. Submitted by:
Twanethea Taylor
I want to start off by saying I thank God for choosing you to be my mother and best friend. Out of all the moms in the world, it's an honor to have you as mine. Thank you for always be there for me, my siblings, your grand children and especially your great grand children. When I'm not around you, I'm thinking about you. I feel so blessed to have you here with us. The best compliment anyone can give me is that I look just like you. Mom, you're my spiritual therapist, my teacher and right hand girl. You're the oldest Matriarch with so many loving stories to tell about your childhood memories. When you tell those stories, your face lights up and so does mine, listening to you reminisce about the good ole days. Mom, we (7 kids, 25 grands & over 45 great grands) love you so much. Today, just like any other day, I want to say Thank You, we appreciate you, we adore you, we admire you and we love you. My sweet Sadie, look they even made a song about you. You're my HERO! Happy Mother's Day mom. Love you lots, Your twin
Donetta Perry
She is the best mom in the world. She will give the shirt off her back to her entire family. Loveable, but mean what she says AT ALL TIMES!!!!. Love you mommy. Happy Mother's Day!
Melissa, TX
Your Daughter
Sharonda Jennings
My mother is a woman like not other. She is more than a fearless woman, a superhero, a best friend. She’s my life! There’s not enough words to describe how important she is to me. To the world she is a mother, but to me she is the WORLD! God gave me an angel! Submitted by:
Shaquaya Jackson
Grand Blanc, MI
Ferndale, MI
My mom is the only parent I have left. We don’t see eye to eye often but, I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Thank you for being the best grandparent to me and my brother kids. We love you and we will always be here for you. Your daughter,
Shannon Rucker
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83 Years of age In her words “She raised five boys, now men, who are all married and soon to all be retired. She lived her life in support of her family and thanking God for his mercy and grace. She now enjoy four generations of offspring totaling 54 and counting.” Favorite saying: If you knew better, you’d do better. Keep learning Listen, you might learn something And You have 365 days a year to mind your own business.
Dr. Rory Burns
Markham, IL
Sheveze is the living form of the word love. She operates in it daily. She exudes it. When you are in her presence you feel uplifted snd empowered. She is the loving wife to Michael (42 years together 32 Married) the best GiGi to Nyla and Zoey. An Amazing Mom to TaWanna. Gi, we love you dearly and your grind, love and faithfulness to the family never goes unnoticed Submitted by:
TaWanna Anderson
Flint, MI
My mom is a strong Black woman I would not trade her for nothing my mom is my best friend. She loves to cook and dance and she also known for her fashion as we call her Foxy Fay in our family. She is my shero love you mommy. Jawana M. Brand
Grand Blanc, MI
Not Everyone gets to grow up with two Moms, but me & 11 others did! My Mom & Her Sister are 87 years old! If you ask them how old they are they will say 174! To this day they still dress the same & sound the same! They are so connected to not be identical twins! We are blessed to have them around for so many years. They have touched a lot of lives through the years not only in Flint MI, but Jonesville LA.! They are my Sheroes and I Love them very much! Martha Lancaster-Hobbs
Jonesville LA
Little Rock, Arkansas I believe a mother's love is a reflection of God's love. God gifted me with something remarkable in you. Thank you for the guidance expressed by faith. You are my stepping stone to the stars. I love and honor you. Your daughter, Monique Hall
My mother is the sweetest and most God fearing lady that I know that have dedicated her whole life to her children. She raised 7 children particularly on her own with the help of God. When the going got rough she never threw in the towel. She worked at Hurley Medical Center at night to provide for her family. When her and my dad divorced she remained true to her children. We never went without a hot meal or clothes on our backs. She was always my biggest cheer leader. When I couldn't count on no one I could always count on her for prayers and words of encouragement. She never let none of her children down. Now at 90 years young she is still here for her children. Through her it have truly taught me how to carry myself as a strong God fearing woman. She resides in Flint, Michigan. With the help of God I hope to pattern myself after her. Submitted by:
Sandra Barnett
The most loving, spiritual, strongest woman I know. A mother of 4, Grandmother of 10 and Great Grandmother of 8. Always there when you need a shoulder to cry on. Dependable and Hardworking. She worked at Flint Northern High School and retired from the School Board of Education in 2004…She been married to my father for 60 years. She likes cooking, crossword puzzles, baseball, and most of all Michigan State basketball and football.. A proud Spartan fan.. Love this woman to pieces..
Lin Lewis
Flint, Michigan
Alice L Kemp, 84, a long standing Flint resident, is mom of 10, grandmother of 36, and many great grands. This devout Christian woman, is tech savvy, well read, independent, enjoys fishing with her sisters, and has no plans of slowing down any time soon. A constant student, especially of African culture, she’s always eager to teach an share her knowledge with others.
Flint, MI
A retiree of Delphi Automotive, Momma Kemp holds a special place in the lives of many. As she has played a significant role in not only raising her own family, but many young people throughout the city of Flint. Whether it was offering a ride, chauffeuring kids to games, offering a meal, praying for you, or just simply listening, the door to the white house on ML King Street (formerly Detroit St) where she lived and raised her family for 50 years was always open. She is God’s gift to those in need and strangers are merely family. Her mantra while raising her kids was “There’s no such word as can’t and we believe that by the example she displayed before us. She is our Shero! Although we can’t get her to join, she continues to touch many lives through her social media presence daily.
Deb Kemp-Jackson
Denise Williams is the most unselfish person on earth. The ultimate sacrificial being and one who never gives less than 100% to her children. She smiles in the face of adversity as she is keenly aware of her source of help. A loving mother to no end. You are loved. On behalf of your daughter, LaMonica (Submitted by Monique)
Little Rock, Arkansas
My mom is my everything. She has worked so hard to keep me away from the wrong side of the law. She had placed so many things in me. Because of her, I can accomplish my goals, be a great father to my children, and take my calling as a minister with the utmost respect. Without her support, raising, and being there to keep me sane, I wouldn't be the man I am today.
Charles H. Rogers III
Flint, MI
Mother of 4 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 3 greatgrandchildren. For 44 years she was part owner of the best little neighborhood store north of Flint, Harden’s Grocery. Minnie now lives with her oldest daughter, doing and looking amazing, and enjoys being around family. Submitted by:
Tonja Harden
Mother of 2 Grandmother of 4 She is my “no nonsense, opinionated, beautiful mother and well-educated mother, who has a heart of gold and will do anything for anyone. I thank God for her and the wisdom that He gave her to pass along. I am definitely blessed for sure. This is my mother and I love her dearly. As the song says, “I’ll always love my mama, she’s my favorite girl!!” Submitted by:
Nysha ThompsonWalker
Tuscaloosa, AL
"When I look into the beautiful hazel eyes of my incredible mother, I see a phenomenal woman of resilience, discipline, sacrifice, commitment, dedication, and years of hard work. Mama, the essence of your character is unmatched and your heart is covered in gold. Thank you for being my amazing Mother!"
Pamela R. H. Lue-Hing
Thirty-year teacher, Mother of three— Wife, aunt, sister, Daughter & favorite niece— Yes, she’s a Gigi A singer & Zeta too Always wearing a smile And repping her blue Who is that lady? It’s Barbara Ross Temple, you see– A jewel in our family crown; So long love the Kween B
Submitted by:
Kabria Temple
Columbus, MS
Ms. Horner is a retired teacher of 41 years in Memphis. She is a graduate of Tennessee State University and Trevecca Nazarene University. She spends her life encouraging people to live a fulfilled life. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Union Missionary Baptist Church.
Submitted by her only child
Richard E. Horner, Jr.
Flint, MI
To my beautiful mother who birth me into the world, Thank you for raising me to whom I am today, I love you.
Your daughter,
Wanda Lawrence
Flint, Michigan’s own Mama Sol has crafted language for some of the biggest brands in the country from the iconic introduction of FUBU to our culture to her present voicing for the Detroit Pistons 2022 season. She’s opened for musical greats the likes of Robert Glasper, Rakim, Rapsody, Talib Kweli, and Mos Def now known as Yasin Bey, to name a few. She’s also blessed stages with some of this country’s greatest minds including Representative Maxine Waters, Dr. Umar Johnson, Dr. Eric Thomas and Dr. Francis Cress Welsing. She speaks, performs, and pens lyric in the way in which few can believe, but at the end of the day she lives for what she lives for. She lives to write. She lives to teach. She lives to flow verbally over beautiful beats. She lives to tell the story about how she faced cancer twice and won the battles; how she wakes up every morning different than before…but she’s up.
She’s thriving. But most of all she lives for the one title that feeds her soul….Mom. The world got a glimpse of that love when a clip of Mama Sol and her son Wasir went viral. Thanks to ABC’s popular video show, Right This Minute, the clip of Mama Sol and her son taking a drive while vibing and reciting her lyrics was profiled. In the clip, Mama Sol delivers the verses painting in vivid picture the experience of raising her son as a single mother and dropping jewels on what that looked like from her eyes. As she flowed from one word to the next, her son chimed in every other beat; a moment on video that couldn’t have been more beautiful had there been a production crew and soundstage. It was the essence of poetry in motion. The power of language set perfectly within the power of love. Mass media fell in love with that dynamic and gave it platform for everyone to see. News in that moment that warmed hearts
and reminded us that some of us have great stories to share and some ‘would-be’ complexities of life can often times bear incredible fruit. The bond with her son is a priceless one and not only evidence of how she raised him in perfect love and included him in her creative process, but how she taught him. She taught him because she teaches us all. That’s what she does; probably the reason teaching sits boldly on her resume as one of her accomplishments, in the literal sense. If we do a deep dive into her teaching history, we find the stuff of legends. Engaging her students, the way only she can, the students at an Afrocentric charter school in Detroit, Michigan lovingly called her Mama Sol. She promised her students she would keep that name for life and Mama Sol never makes a promise she doesn’t keep.
That synergy with students and gift of educating kids finds her a regular presence in the arena of higher education. She’s performed at University of Michigan, Ohio State University, University of Wisconsin, Florida International University and more. Her constant appearance in this sector allows the audience to receive a masterclass in creative expression and communication; an education
these privileged students couldn’t have gotten from anyone else. Suffice it to say that Mama Sol has contributed greatly to the cultural fiber of the genre and more specifically to her communities throughout Michigan. Constantly in high demand ‘Sol’ also counts artistic institutes and creative spaces as consistent platforms she’s graced. The likes of Detroit Institute of the Arts, Flint Institute of the Arts, Charles H. Wright Museum of
African History Bronx Museum
and
The
Today, Mama Sol and her son lives in Flint, Michigan. She continues to travel the country delivering awe-inspiring performances for audiences young and seasoned. She continues to connect with souls and teach the world that it can have and should have better air to breathe.
MEDIA CONTACT Ava Medina Medina Media Creativ, LLC. (734) 858-8221 avamedina@medinamediacreativ.com
YOU WERE BORN TO DO SOMETHING GREAT
Listen to The Nooner Show Wherever You Listen to Podcast https://linktr.ee/thenoonershow?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6b4a4848-e196-4ff6-a917-33a32f648194
Our mission is to bring you inspiring stories of relatable people who found a way to pursue their purpose despite their circumstances or setbacks. Every week we drop a new episode with an interview of someone who figured out their purpose and went for it. Don’t waste your life figuring out how to make things happen, instead listen to people who are doing it right now. Get inspiration from someone who had setbacks, had to overcome, and learned to rise up. From authors, musicians, business owners, foodies, etc. they share their stories of how they started from ground up.
The stories are entertaining, hopeful, and informative. In our 45-minute segment, called W hat’s the Wish? We hope to transport your mind from all the noise and negativity and fill that space with ideas and encouragement to ignite and fuel your spark!
About the author
La Cracha Handy
is a blogger, writer, and
divorced mother of two sons. She is currently branding herself as a nonfiction author of marriage and divorce, relationships, and parenting including children with special needs .
You just left an unhealthy relationship. You cried. You tore up every picture of your ex that you could find. You changed your status on social media. You hang out with your friends at the bar or club to get over your ex. You post relationship related memes on your social media accounts. You talk your best friend’s ears off. And then you cry so more. Now what? What happens next is healing. However, the healing process is not to be taken lightly. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. You need to put as much time into the healing process as you did when you were in your relationship. The first step in the healing process after leaving a failed relationship is to focus on your emotional and mental wellness. Before you move on with your life, you need to be able to successfully handle your stresses. You need to have the strength and motivation to adapt to change. Believe me, starting a new life is a major challenge. If you walked away from a long-term relationship, the healing process may take a little longer because of your invested time and energy. I was married 16 years. After my divorce I was emotionally and mentally drained. Determined
not to let it keep me down, I took the necessary steps to make sure I was on the path back to happiness.
Having a sense of purpose in life, having a support system of close family and/or friends that you trust and can confide in, taking care of your physical health, and maintaining a healthy diet are ways leading to emotional and mental health. There are several other ways, but I just wanted to give you a few examples for now. Get rid of distractions. For example, turn off your phone and computer and relax. Stay off social media. Think about what you walked away from, and how you need to focus on getting yourself together.
If you are having trouble getting started, or just don’t know what to do, then talk to a trusted family member, friend, or seek counseling. You can also talk to me. Always. I am a divorced mother of two teenagers, I can offer a listening ear and words of support. Again, the first step in the healing process after leaving a failed relationship is to focus on your emotional and mental wellness. You won’t be able to take care of your children, let alone yourself, if you don’t have your own self together.
A phenomenal woman that wears many shoes. A woman that knows no strangers and will uplift any room. A woman who does it all and makes it seem so effortlessly. A woman who works faithfully in all communities. A woman who was humbled by God's beckoned call, A woman we are blessed to call MOM and is shared by all.
Submitted by:
JaMise Wash-Lang
Best Selling Author, a wife a mother of 6 children, she is a business woman an entrepreneur who has many different businesses , she graduated with her Bachelors in Business and Master Degree in Social Justice, she believes in Justice and doing what’s right and all people should be treated fairly, she speaks for those who cant or are afraid to speak for themselves. She is a giving person and loves to help people, She is apart of the Women’s Council of Realtors, She is Vice President of the Greater Metropolitan Associate of Realtors the Fair Housing and Diversity Committee. She is also Trademark Woman of Distinction 2021 for Real Estate. She is the founder of The treasure Within which is a 501c3 non profit organization that was designed for young ladies 8-19. The program is intended to motivate, empower, uplift, build self-esteem and teach leadership skills and for the ladies to find the treasure within them, so they can recognize their goals, dreams and desires for their lives, www.thetreasurewithinyou.org. Lakina is also a business coach she helps woman in business reach 6 six figure so they can live the life they deserve, by taking their business to the Next Level. Lakina has also just started an talk show called believe in yourself Tuesday its is featured on the SMD live Network, The WONTV, Iheart radio and her YouTube channel lakina fulks. She believes there are hidden treasures in everyone and everyone is special and have gifts. She is big on Faith and the power of believing she loves to empower all people to be the best they can be.
www.Lakinafulks.com Info@lakinafulks.com www.thetreasurewithinyou.org
I want to TRULY say THANK YOU, to every MOTHER that has done everything imaginable and made countless sacrifices in their efforts to provide stability in the homes & lives of their children!!! There is nothing more magnificent to watch then a woman who is driven to make her home just that, A HOME!!! The first TRUE TO LIFE SUPERHERO, I ever saw was my MOM!!! I have watched you move planets with just a paperclip to make sure that my brother and I was covered and LOVED!!! To this woman that has played a huge part in the educational lives of so many in the community of Pontiac as not only an educator but a mentor. To the woman who loved my father from the day that you laid your eyes on him to the moment God called him home. I will forever humbly and graciously be in your debt and, GRATEFUL!!! THANK YOU, for every sacrifice that you have ever made for me and I LOVE YOU with every fiber of my being!!! YOU WILL FOREVER BE CHERISHED!!! Your Son,
Kaino
To my Mother, There are not enough words that can and will describe what you mean to me. So Happy Mother’s Day Love you
Renetta
April Cook-Hawkins is the founder and CEO of Alternative Solutions Development LLC., a total life transformation platform. She is a wife, mother, business owner, City Commissioner, and First Lady of Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. By profession, she is a Certified Professional Life and
Transformation Coach. Over the past 12 years, she has helped many transform and love the life they live. April’s organization provides counseling, mentorship, and life coaching to teenagers and young adults within the community, foster children, and children in the juvenile system. She has been featured on national platforms like CNN, Time Magazine and in the movie Fahrenheit 11/9. She is also the author of The Process: Count the small wins.
When the Covid-19 pandemic started in March 2020, she launched Fabrics of Faith and made over 5,000 face masks to those in need throughout her community and nationwide. April describes herself as a discovery advocate, inspiring others to not only discover who they are, but to also walk in their purpose. She shares her journey of life transformation from a place of transparency and authenticity. Throughout this journey, God has placed her on many platforms to speak life to women, young girls, teens, and young adults. While doing so, April has developed a coaching program designed to challenge, develop, and transform lives from a holistic approach. She focuses on affirmations and the mirror and facing your truth even if it scares you. April is determined to make Alternative Solutions a conscious thought, practice, and discipline, while holistically transforming lives. “It’s in the forgiving of others and yourself where you can share your story with confidence and boldness; with no worries of what others think, in efforts to help someone else. She is well known for her community activism with the Flint Water Crisis, the fight to end gun violence, women’s rights, and neighborhood stabilization in Flint.
Mother of One Cosmetology Instructor Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Corinthian Carouthers
She is born and raised in Flint and graduated from Flint Northern High school. She's the mother of 4 children, 7 grand children plus 3, 13 great grand kids with one on the way, and 1 great great granddaughter. Her history is she was a single mom who worked 37 1/2 years at AC Spark Plug, A life long Member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She was able to produce through hard work (oh she worked double shifts on the regular) a Doctorate degree, 3 master degrees, 3 bachelor's degrees, and 1 associate degree. I recognized my mom for the legacy she's created. Her Village Esther Nelson, Colonel and Eliza Lee, John and Kate Harrington, Loyd and Josephine Haney. Submitted by:
Florenda Lee-Hall
Flint, MI
The virtuous woman is a woman of strength; made strong by wisdom, grace and the fear of God. Perhaps, one reason for the rarity of virtuous women is that they are seldom sought. When I think of a virtuous woman my Aunt Jo is who comes to mind. She's done so many things in this community it's hard to mention. There hasn't been a day in my life when she wasn't there for me. Growing up we spent many days together caring for my granny who was stricken with MS. I've watched her work for the Flint Housing Commission as manager for Atherton East and Howard Estates. She developed complex groups where she engaged the residents and created programs for the kids and instilled in the residents to take pride in where they lived. They created a complex club elected officers, did annual Christmas parties, planted flowers and did complex beautification. She saw a need and impressed upon her friends to bring coats and boots to the kids that were in need and they eventually created a group called The 6 Of Us and they did a annual Christmas party to raise funds. I can't talk about this phenomenal woman without mentioning her LOVE for Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She was born and raised in Shiloh and served as the church secretary from age 18 until the 1990's. For so many years I've watched her sing give me my flowers while I yet live so I can see the beauty they bring therefore I would like to acknowledge her at this time. Submitted by:
Florenda Lee-Hall
Flint, MI
Mother of Three Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Four Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Florenda Lee-Hall
We Thank God for our mother, "Wanda F. Lawrence" she taught us how to love, pray, and to be a survivor in this cold world. It's because of God, my Father and Mother that I'm Saved on today Submitted by:
Avant Hearst
Mother of Two Entrepreneur Submitted by:
April Cook-Hawkins
3158 W Pierson Rd Flint, MI 48504 Phone: 810-515-2677
“IF YOUR HAIR IS NOT BECOMING TO YOU, YOU SHOULD BE COMING TO ME.”
LIN LEWIS, OWNER HAIR STYLIST
Happy Mother’s Day
I love you
Renetta
Flint, MI
Youngstown, OH
Mother of Three plus One Best Selling Author Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Three Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Three Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Two Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Two Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Three Entrepreneur Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Mother of Five Submitted by:
Renetta Cochran
Black Diamond Magazine would like to honor the following Mothers and Grandmothers that have passed on:
Sunrise: 9.10.22 Sunset: 4.19.07 Submitted by:
Renetta J. Cochran Granddaughter
March 24. 1927 – October 4, 1989 Submitted by:
Renetta J. Cochran
Sunrise: October 14, 1941 Sunset: October 19, 2018 Submitted by:
April Cook –Hawkins
10/9/54 – 12/1/17 Submitted by:
Qunaco (Mitchell) Hawkins And
Kujuanna Hammon
Sunrise: 7/28/58 Sunset: 12/24/96
Submitted by:
Kellie Arrington
Submitted by: Delores Johnson
Submitted by: Juanita Lewis
Sunrise: 12/20/25 Sunset: 8/23/18 Submitted by:
Chandra Walker
Flushing, MI
(1/19/42 - 8/25/21) My mom was awesome not only to her children, but so many more. Beautiful lady all around. A loving woman of God who would say what you need to hear, not what you want. Anyone felt loved and at home whenever she was around. She is greatly missed! Enjoy Heaven!
Submitted by:
Sonceria Ford
Memphis, TN
Sunrise: June 4, 1966 Sunset: May 26, 2020
Submitted by:
Shawn Xavier Jones
Submitted by:
Sandra Emery
Mrs. Ann L. Pratt- Hedrick Sunrise: 12/4/1923 Sunset: 2/7/2017 Submitted by:
Marcia Hedrick-Teer Daughter
My Mother: Sunrise January 1, 1936 Sunset December 17, 2013 Submitted by:
Ms. Geraldine Carlysle-Junior
COMING SOON LEAVE YOUR SH*T HERE First things first—everything is going to be okay! You’re going to get through whatever you’re facing, and this workbook can help. Look, life presents all of us with challenges. No one knows the struggles we face, struggles no one can help us with, and emotions we need to learn to manage on our own. All of that can feel isolating, and that’s where this workbook comes in; by offering you a safe space for your most private thoughts, battles, emotions, and the tools to work through them. You’re about to be inspired to live your best life! The best part? When you’re done, you never have to look at this journal again. While you’re working through the work sheets, you’ll discover: Your Inner Strength The Ability to Get Through Anything How to Face—instead of burying—Your Emotions That it’s Okay to Sit with Your Emotions Empowerment through Working Out Your Problems Self-Reliance To Invest in You And so much more! The perfect gift to show you care! Mental Health Fitness Coaching Sessions for Employees: email Jackie & Liz for a Custom Package