Celebrating Black Excellence

Tionnie Witcher Tionnie Witcher has been a devoted member of The Rise Church for over 25 years, contributing her passion for faith and community. With a rich background in healthcare and education, Tionnie has impacted many through her roles as a phlebotomist and medical assistant, teaching vital clinical skills to aspiring professionals. Her advice to younger selves emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming life's challenges, which she believes is the cornerstone of her legacy to inspire love and kindness in future generations. Read the full article

Fredrick Anderson Fredrick Anderson is a dedicated member of his local church community, where he actively participates in various activities that foster growth in faith and service. As a warehouse safety professional in the building services industry since 1992, Fredrick has played a crucial role in establishing his team as a leader in their field. He hopes to leave a legacy of love for God and people, inspiring the next generation to hold true to their convictions despite any challenges they may face. Read the full article

Felicia Everett Felicia Everett reflects on her lifelong faith journey, emphasizing a deep connection with God since childhood and the profound impact her grandfather's guidance as a pastor had on her spiritual growth. With a dedicated career in special education, she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her students, embodying the values of intentionality and pacing. Felicia's legacy is rooted in her fervent prayer life and unwavering trust in God, leaving a powerful example for future generations. Read the full article

Felicia Everett Felicia Everett reflects on her lifelong faith journey, emphasizing a deep connection with God since childhood and the profound impact her grandfather's guidance as a pastor had on her spiritual growth. With a dedicated career in special education, she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her students, embodying the values of intentionality and pacing. Felicia's legacy is rooted in her fervent prayer life and unwavering trust in God, leaving a powerful example for future generations. Read the full article

Kevin Dodds Kevin Dodds' spiritual journey began at the age of 17 when he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, leading him to serve in various capacities in the church, including choir director and deacon. As an accomplished Electronic Engineer, he has made significant contributions in the pharmaceutical sector, managing metrology labs and driving operational improvements. Kevin's desire to leave a legacy is rooted in uniting communities through gospel music, inspiring future generations with his passion and dedication. Read the full article

Dedra Green Dedra Green has dedicated over two decades to serving at Santa Fe Christian Schools, where she plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of Christian leaders. Her spiritual journey began in 1991, and through the ups and downs of life, she remains committed to deepening her relationship with God. Dedra's legacy centers around guiding her family to know Christ, ensuring that faith is passed down through generations. Read the full article

Kewana Coleman Kewana Coleman has a rich history of involvement in her local church, having served as a youth director and Sunday School teacher, and currently singing in the choir. Professionally, she excels as a registered dental assistant, where she leads her team and mentors new hires through local community college partnerships. Kewana's enduring advice for the next generation emphasizes kindness, education, and a commitment to spiritual growth, inspired by her favorite Bible verse, 2 Timothy 1:7. Read the full article

Dr. Patricia Bath | Black History Feature Meet Dr. Patricia Bath, a super cool eye doctor who used her love for STEM and physics to invent a special laser tool for eye surgeries. Just like how you enjoy reading and creating art, she used her creativity and knowledge to help people see better! Read the full article

Chancellor Brown Chancellor Brown, a seasoned engineer with 31 years of experience, is deeply connected to industries through his businesses, Chancellor Heavy Industries and Perfecto Coffee. He emphasizes the importance of positive peer connections for family growth and seeks to enhance his writing skills as a personal goal. With a commitment to patience and problem-solving, Brown believes in the tenacity of the local black community while recognizing the need for improved communication and follow-through. Read the full article

Yusef Miller | Social Justice Advocate In our latest interview, Yusef Miller shares his commitment to social justice through his work with the North County Equity & Justice Coalition. As a devoted father and active community member, he emphasizes the importance of unity and connections in enhancing the local Black community. Yusef is passionate about teaching Black history, advocating for mental health support, and nurturing growth for families striving for success. Read the full article

Jennifer DuBois | Organized By Jen In this feature, we delve into the journey of Jennifer DuBois, the insightful owner of Organized by Jen D, a professional organizing company dedicated to supporting overwhelmed women in Southern California. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Jennifer has transformed her passion for creating beautifully organized and styled homes into a thriving business that promotes self-care through organization. Discover how her unique approach and personal experiences have led to meaningful transformations for her clients, making their homes a true sanctuary. Read the full article

Xye Sanders In our recent interview with Xye Sanders, an influential figure in the Oceanside Unified School District and dedicated coach for volleyball, we explore her commitment to education and community engagement. She emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and progress over perfection as guiding principles in her professional journey. Xye is focused on building community partnerships and mentoring opportunities to drive success for both her family and the local black community. Read the full article

Lisa Summerour In an engaging interview with Lisa Summerour, the owner of Summerour and Associates, INC, she shares insights into her journey in writing, acting, and voice-over work. Lisa emphasizes the importance of time as a core value in her life and expresses a desire to help her family achieve success. As a speaker and coach, she is dedicated to character strengthening, and is currently exploring ways to give back to her community while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Read the full article

Patricia Ware | Financial Professional Meet Patricia Ware, a licensed professional committed to providing financial education to families aiming to cultivate generational wealth. Since 2011, she has played a pivotal role in her community by imparting financial literacy on a one-on-one basis, embracing the philosophy "No Family Left Behind." Passionate about service and education, Patricia continues to influence positive change through her deep-seated knowledge, integrity, and tireless dedication to helping others achieve their financial dreams. Read the full article

Charles Barnett Charles Barnett has been a long-time member of Mariners Church Oceanside, where he serves as a Shepherding Elder and life group leader. With a strong spiritual foundation built over decades of walking with Christ and studying theology, Charles emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord early in life and choosing friends wisely. As a retired assistant manager from Target Corporation, he dedicated 33 years to improving customer service and efficiency, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service that he hopes to pass on to future generations. Read the full article

Woyzaro Alston Woyzaro Alston, a devoted member of Mariners Church Oceanside, has been facilitating life groups and celebrating her sons' baptisms within the community for the past 18 months. With over 13 years as a committed Christian, her spiritual journey began with the International Church of Christ, leading her to a deep personal faith. In addition to her involvement in church activities, Woyzaro is an experienced administrator supporting adults with special needs, embodying integrity and compassion in her professional and personal life. Read the full article