Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

We

humans

have lost the wisdom

of genuinely

resting and relaxing.

We

worry too much.

We

don't allow

our bodies to heal,

and we

don't allow

our minds

and

hearts to heal.

~T h i c h   N h a t   H a n h~ 

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

 L i s t e n i n g   t o   

a n d   u n d e r s t a n d i n g 

 o u r 

 i n n e r  s u f f e r i n g s 

 w i l l   r e s o l v e 

 m o s t  o f   t h e  p r o b l e m s 

 w e   e n c o u n t e r . 

~ T h i c h   N h a t   H a n h~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Let us fill our hearts

with our own compassion

- towards ourselves

and

towards all living beings.

If in our daily life we can smile,

if we can be peaceful and happy,

not only we,

but everyone will profit from it.

This

is the most basic kind of peace work.

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can

acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now,

today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes

can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved

ones.

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Getting old is a fascination thing. The older you get, the older you want

to get. It is not length of life, but depth of life. All I have seen teaches

me to trust the creator for all I have not seen. Write it on your heart

that every day is the best day in the year.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Garnet Stones Of January

     Quchjaj Qoslij Gwen and Buon Compleanno Vicki!! On your birth

anniversary today, I wish you another fantastic year, fresh with loads of fun,

excitement and beautiful memories. Lucille Ball once said; A man who

correctly guesses a woman's age may be smart, but he's not very bright. Since

it's public information, I don't have to guess your ages. It's safe to say I

might still be considered clever to say you're both 69 & 70. Gwen, you gotta

catch up. There's a bunch of folks chasing after y'all. Have y'all realized that

we're one year closer to growing old together???? Although we couldn't

celebrate our "Fiftieth Year Class Reunion" together, maybe our dreams,

wishes, blessings and prayers will allow for a fifty-fifth to occur. Maybe even

a seventy-fifth birthday celebration in the interim, where we may all celebrate

our milestone achievement...As you choose to celebrate today or not, may the

most magnificent blessings of mercy and grace continue to be bountiful as

your future days transpire. 

     Like Emerson in the "Thought For Consideration", a few other individuals

have stated their choice of words for getting older. Celine Dion says; There’s

no such thing as aging, but maturing and knowledge. It’s beautiful, I call that

beauty. Eleanor Roosevelt said; Beautiful young people are accidents of

nature, but beautiful old people are works of art and Mae West said; You are

never too old to look younger. Each of their quotes may have contemporary

significance historically. However, James 4:6 , New International Version,

provides a more definitive explanation. (6) But he gives us more grace. That

is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the

humble". As Emerson said; Write it on your heart that every day is the best

day in the year. I wish you both a Bishop Paul S. Morton kind of day. Stay

humble my friends and celebrate another best day of the year, cause Your

Best Days is Yet to come....enjoy your day...stay safe...

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 
 In order to heal others,

we first need to heal ourselves.

And to heal ourselves,

we need to know how

to deal with ourselves.

Breathing in,

I am aware of my heart.

Breathing out,

I smile to my heart

and know that my heart

still functions normally.

I feel grateful for my heart.

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

 It's very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing.

Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop

through chronic tension and worrying; it allows us to clear our minds,

focus, and find creative solutions to problems.

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

When God

restores you,

you might not see

all the changes at once.

You'll begin to notice

parts of you that were broken

are no longer that way.

Then one day,

you realize

you're an entirely different person

than you used to be.

That's grace. 

~Andrena Sawyer~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Life is such a beautiful thing. When you sit for a moment during the

day and live that particular moment, everything seems perfect. The

truth is that we have all gone through failure. I have personally as well

as professionally experienced failure. I've suffered from anxiety and a

lot of other things. You don't feel good about being criticised,

especially when you've been loved so much. 

~Mahira Khan~

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

3 John : 2   Easy-to-Read Version
My dear friend, I know that you are doing well spiritually.

So I pray that everything else is going well with you

and that you are enjoying good health. 

     The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and

Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars

and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of

knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.)

throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals

and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.

     Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is an American viral immunologist currently involved in

first-stage clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine. Corbett was born on January 26,

1986, in Hurdle Mills, North Carolina to Rhonda Brooks. She attended A.L. Stanback

Middle School and Hillsborough High School. During high school, Corbett was part

of a program called ProjectSEED, and spent her summer breaks as an intern at

research laboratories.

     Dr. Corbett began her research at NIH working on the development of vaccines for

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

(MERS), two types of coronaviruses. Along with members of her team, Dr. Corbett

identified the “spike protein” in COVID-19, when the virus emerged in December

2019. The claw-like shape of the protein, the spike, permeates healthy human skin,

infecting the person with the virus.

     Because of that work, Dr. Corbett was chosen to lead the team of scientists who

partnered with the biotechnology company Moderna in development of a promising

vaccine that uses a genetic code sequence to prompt the body’s immune system to

react when the spike protein is detected, thus blocking the infection process. 

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

When you have balance in your life,

work becomes

an entirely different experience.

There is a passion

that moves you

to a whole new level

of fulfillment and gratitude,

and that's when you can do your best...

for yourself and for others.

~Cara Delevingne~

     HBD Willie "Bug" Taylor! May your day be balanced with an  invigorated level of

fulfillment and gratitude. Cara Delevingne said; When you have balance in your life,

work becomes an entirely different experience. Having achieved the age of semi-

retirement, you only work as needed. Years ago, it would have been difficult to remain

balanced while marching around with a snare drum strapped across your shoulders and

around the waist. Somehow, you survived and became one of the baddest drummers to

leave the Porter Jr High band room. Bowlegged, but nevertheless, one of the baddest.

The moon goes through phases and by the same token, our lives and lifestyles. There's

going to be a full moon this month, specifically named the "Snow Moon". It's known

as the Snow Moon due to the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February.

Consider the storm that just showered the Northeast Coast. Punxsutawney Phil will

look for his shadow on today and many east coast residents will be looking for their

shovels. Groundhog Day occurs simultaneously with your birth anniversary, although

it has never predicted your future. Irrespective of Phil seeing his shadow, or not

February’s full Snow Moon will reache its peak on February 16th. 

     Each of you designated Full Snow Moon personalities, are among the coolest (no

pun intended) friends I've had in my lifetime. The Black History Theme for 2022

suggests focusing on Black health and wellness. We all should maintain a passion that

moves us, to a whole new level of fulfillment and gratitude, so that we can do our

best... for ourselves and for others. "Bug", your past does not equal the future so make

this day special. Continue creating the future that you want, and that you deserve!

Gretchen Bleiler has suggested a roadmap for us. She said; I learned a few years ago

that balance is the key to a happy and successful life, and a huge part of achieving that

balance is to instill rituals into your everyday life - a nutritious balanced diet, daily

exercise, time for yourself through meditation, reading, journaling, yoga, daily

reflection, and setting goals. Should you decide to follow or not to follow her

guidance, may you be royally blessed with days full of grace and mercy. May Terri,

Terrance and Christopher shower you with love, like the snow falls of February, that's

due an honored parent. I wish you a Skinny Hightower type of day. Until the March

"Worm Moon" appears, may you encounter the eight phases of the the Snow Moon.

May they all appear as a Blue Moon....enjoy your day...stay safe my friend....

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Isaiah 38:16   Easy-to-Read Version

16 Lord, use this hard time to make my spirit live again. Help my

spirit become strong and healthy.

Help me become well! Help me live again!

     Lynika Strozier was a researcher, scientist and instructor. She was born in

Birmingham, Alabama on August 28, 1984. Strozier graduated from Nicholas Senn

High School in Chicago and received a full scholarship to attend the University of

Northern Iowa. For her intern work, Strozier worked at DePaul University and

Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, where she discovered her love for and

gift in lab work. She received her Bachelor of Science from Dominican University,

Illinois, in 2011.

      Strozier first began working as a Research Assistant at the Field Museum in the

Pritzker DNA Lab in 2011. While working in the Pritzker DNA Lab Strozier obtained

a master’s degree in biology from Loyola University and a second M.A. in Science

Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago, both in 2018. In 2019, Strozier

began working as an Adjunct Professor at Malcom X College in Chicago, teaching

biology. 

     Lynika Strozier died on June 7, 2020 of COVID-19 at the age of 35. Her family has

raised over $80,000 through a GoFundMe initiative, and plans to use the monies for

medical and funeral expenses, as well as establish a scholarship in Strozier’s name for

young African American women at STEM institutions in Chicago.

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 
Jeremiah 30:17
17 And I will bring your health back and heal your wounds, says the Lord,

"because other people said you were outcasts.

They said, "No one cares about Zion."

The theme for 2022 focuses on Black health and wellness. This year’s theme is also

meant to address “the history of healthcare in the African American community” and

is also a “historical examination of the financial and economic health and wellness of

Africans Americans.”

JENNIE R. PATRICK (1949- )

     Jennie R. Patrick became the first African American woman to earn a PhD in

chemical engineering when she completed graduate studies at the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1979. Patrick was born in Gadsden, Alabama on

January 1, 1949. In 1964 Patrick attended Gadsden High School, a previously all

white high school that was forced to integrate due to the Brown v. Board of Education

ruling. It was an extremely difficult experience, and she recalls the need for state

troopers to protect the black students from violent white parents during the first month

of desegregation. 

     On the advice of her mother, Patrick attended nearby Tuskegee Institute, despite

being offered a scholarship to attend the University of California at Berkeley. When

Tuskegee’s chemical engineering program closed in 1969, she transferred to Berkeley

without a scholarship and worked her way through school. While facing

discrimination by the faculty, she graduated with a BS in chemical engineering in

1973. She then enrolled in the graduate program in chemical engineering at MIT

where her research focused on various heating processes and substances called

supercritical fluids, which behave like liquids and gases. After Patrick completed her

doctorate from MIT in 1979, she became heavily involved in outreach efforts to

encourage other African American women and men to pursue graduate degrees in the

sciences and engineering. During these speaking engagements she reminded students

of the possibilities in these fields and encouraged and inspired them to excel

academically.

     Patrick has held various positions in industry including General Electric in

Schenectady, New York, the Philip Morris Research Facility in Richmond, Virginia

and the Rohm and Hass Company in Bristol, Pennsylvania. She was at Rohm and

Haas for five years until 1993 when she became assistant to the executive vice

president at Southern Company Services in Birmingham, Alabama. Patrick also served

as an adjunct professor at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute from 1980 to 1983 and at

Georgia Institute of Technology from 1983 to 1987. From 1993 to 1997 she served as

the 3M Eminent Scholar/Professor at Tuskegee Institute. She then was a senior

consultant with Raytheon Engineers and Constructors in Birmingham from 1997 to

2000. She now is a consultant with the Peachtree, Georgia firm she founded,

Education & Environmental Solutions.

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

1 Samuel 25:6  New International Version

6 Say to him: ‘Long life to you!

Good health to you and your household!

And good health to all that is yours!

     The theme for 2022 focuses on Black health and wellness. This year’s theme is also

meant to address “the history of healthcare in the African American community” and

is also a “historical examination of the financial and economic health and wellness of

Africans Americans.”

OLUBUKOLA ABIONA (1995- )

     Twenty-four-year-old Olubukola Abiona is one of the front line researchers in the

battle against COVID-19. Since 2017, Olubukola Abiona has been working as a post-

baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) scientist at the National

Institutes of Health Vaccine Research Center in Bethesda, Maryland to develop

vaccines for viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East

Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and currently, COVID-19, the novel coronavirus.

Abiona attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Prince Georges County, Maryland,

graduating in 2013. She credited the school’s science and technology program for

piquing her interests in scientific research as well as a research internship at the

University of Maryland, College Park. 

     After high school Abiona enrolled at the University of Maryland, Baltimore

County, and earned a degree there in four years as part of the University’s esteemed

Meyerhoff Scholars Program. The Meyerhoff program seeks to diversify scholars who

are interested in science, engineering, and related fields. Jerome Adams, the current

United States Surgeon General is also a graduate of this program. Abiona also plans to

become a first-generation doctoral student in the fields of virology and vaccinology.

     Protein production and the way antibodies develop are Abiona’s top priorities as

she and her research team strive to develop vaccines. Abiona’s lab work specifically

tests how effective potent antibodies and proteins are in fighting off viruses. She

works with a group of scientists led by Dr. Barney Graham and alongside Dr.

Kizzmekia Corbett, a viral immunologist and another Meyerhoff scholar. Abiona and

her colleagues are the people who work behind the scenes to provide the most accurate

data for the United States Coronavirus Taskforce established by President Donald

Trump early in 2020. Abiona has co-authored several publications concerning the

coronavirus and remains optimistic about developing a vaccine. With reference to the

recent pandemic, she stated “we are going through something that is difficult [but] this

too shall pass.”

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

I believe that everyone experiences depression to some degree at some time

in their lives. And there are probably millions of people who live with a low

level of sadness and heaviness day in and day out.

~Joyce Meyer~

KEITH LANIER BLACK (1957- )

     Dr. Keith L. Black is one of the world’s premier neurosurgeons. Black was born in Tuskegee,

Alabama, on September 13, 1957 at an early age, his parents cultivated his interest in science

and, by eight years old, he dissected a cow’s heart. When he was seventeen, Black performed his

first artificial organ transplant using a laboratory dog and authored his first scientific paper that

focused on the effects of artificial heart valves on red blood cells. Soon afterwards, Black entered

the University of Michigan’s accelerated program where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and

a doctorate in medicine in just six years. In 1981, at age 24, he completed his internship and

residency at UM and continued to research brain and human consciousness to better treat brain

tumors.

     In 1987, Black relocated to Los Angeles, California and headed the Comprehensive Brain

Tumor Program at the UCLA Medical Center. In 1991, he was awarded the Ruth and Raymond

Stotter Chair in the Department of Surgery. In 1997, he served as director of the neurosurgery

division (now Maxine Dunitz Neurological Institute) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. A year

later, he took a position as a professor and chairman of the Neurological Surgery Department at

the University of California-Irvine Medical School. While continuing his work at Cedars-Sinai,

he opened a brain tumor research center named in honor of his famous late friend and former

patient, Johnny L. Cochran Jr., in 2007. By the turn of the century, Black performed an estimated

250 to 300 brain surgeries per year and, by 2010, had operated on more than 5,000 brain tumors.

     Black published hundreds of scientific papers and developed schemes to open the blood-brain

barrier to better allow chemotherapeutic drugs into the tumor. Much of his published work

focused on his groundbreaking discovery of a natural body peptide called bradykinin that assists

in fighting tumors. Also, he perfected an innovative technique that extracted cultured and

genetically modified tumor cells and injected them back into the patient as a vaccine. Black

received much recognition and praise for his stellar achievements. Time magazine featured him

and other cutting-edge physicians on its 1997 special edition cover, “Heroes of Medicine.” He

also appeared on the cover of Newsweek International. In addition, Black has been profiled in

other periodicals including Esquire, Discover, and Essence. The cable news network CNN

nominated him as a “Medical Marvel.” Listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, he has

been a fellow in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. For the past six years,

Black has focused his attention on combating Alzheimer’s disease after his mother died from the

malady in 2012. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife Carol Bennett, who is also a

medical doctor. They have two sons.

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

It is never too late

to strengthen the foundation

of faith.

There is always time.

With faith in the Savior,

you can repent and plead for forgiveness.

There is someone you can forgive.

There is someone you can thank.

There is someone you can serve and lift.

You can do it wherever you are

and however alone and deserted you may feel.

~Henry B. Eyring~

Real life is the life that's in you, not your circumstances, like where you live

or what job you have or who you're in relationship with. We all face storms in

life. Some are more difficult than others, but we all go through trials and

tribulation. That's why we have the gift of faith.

~Joyce Meyer~

Kenneth Davis

MURIEL E. POSTON (1950- )

     Muriel E. Poston is an accomplished botanist and dedicated educator working to increase

underrepresented populations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her

extensive science career crosses many universities and institutions, including Howard University,

and the National Science Foundation. Poston was born on August 11, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan

to Eloise and Paul Poston. She had two brothers, Paul and Donald. After the death of her father

when Muriel was ten, her mother moved to family to Danville, California where Muriel’s uncle

and his family lived. Poston attended Stanford University for her undergraduate studies majoring

in Biology. She then went on to earn her M.A. degree in 1973, and her Ph.D. in Biology in 1979,

both from the University of California, Los Angeles. She worked at the Missouri Botanical

Garden in Washington, D.C. where she was curator of the herbarium, before becoming an

assistant professor in Howard University’s Botany Department in 1980.  She was promoted to

associate professor in 1988. Poston earned her J.D. from the University of Maryland in 2001. She

used her law degree to work in the field of environmental law and policy.  She spent over twenty

years at Howard University as a professor. She chaired the University’s Natural Science Division

and Academic Policy and Standards Committee, as well as the Faculty Senate. 

     In 2002, Dr. Poston became the program director with the National Science Foundation, and a

year a half later was named Deputy Division Director for the foundations division of Biological

Infrastructure. She enhanced infrastructure for biological research facilities and worked on

initiatives to broaden the participation of underrepresented students in STEM, including women,

people of color, and those with disabilities. In 2005 Poston accepted a position at Skidmore

University where she worked as a professor of Biology, and Dean of Faculty until 2011. From

2011 to 2012, she served as the Division Director for the Human Resources Division in the

Education Directorate at the National Science Foundation. In 2012, Dr. Poston accepted a

position at Pitzer University as Dean of Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She is a

Professor of Environmental Analysis there.

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

So this body that ruins will clothe itself with that which never ruins.

And this body that dies will clothe itself with that which never dies.

When this happens, the Scriptures will be made true:

“Death is swallowed in victory.” 

  1 Corinthians 15:54 ERV 

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

 I n t e g r i t y

w i t h o u t  k n o w l e d g e

i s  w e a k  a n d  u s e l e s s,

a n d  k n o w l e d g e

w i t h o u t  i n t e g r i t y

   i s  d a n g e r o u s 

  a n d  d r e a d f u l.

~S a m u e l   J o h n s o n~ 

JOHN FRANCIS (1946- )

     Dr. John Francis is a conservationist, scholar, educator, and best-selling author. He holds a

Ph.D. in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has served as a United

Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Francis is perhaps best known for forsaking motorized vehicle

transport to instead travel the country by foot, a journey that initially took seven years and then

continued for more than two decades. He is a Planetwalker, a title he defines as “anyone who

walks the planet as a lifestyle choice, as part of an education in the spirit and hope of using the

journey to benefit the world.” Born in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1946 to parents La

Java and John, Francis grew up in the city with one brother, Dwayne. He spent many summers

working on his aunt and uncle’s farm in rural Virginia, an experience he later described as

formative. In the 1960s, he moved to Marin County, California, north of San Francisco.

     The collision of two oil tankers in San Francisco Bay on January 17, 1971 changed the course

of Francis’ life. The environmental destruction wrought by the crash and subsequent spill inspired

his decision to avoid motorized vehicle transport. In its place, he began walking, first locally,

then to San Francisco (a 40-mile trip), and eventually across the country and then to South

America and beyond. On his 27th birthday in 1973, Francis also decided to take a vow of silence,

a commitment that lasted seventeen years. During this period, he earned a B.S. degree from

Southern Oregon State College; a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University

of Montana-Missoula; and a Ph.D. in Land Resources from the Gaylord Nelson Institute for

Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1991). In 1990, Francis ended

his period of silence and accepted a position as project manager for the United States Coast

Guard Oil Pollution Act Staff. Working in Washington, D.C., he wrote oil spill regulations

following the disastrous crash of the Exxon Valdez in Alaska. In recognition of his efforts,

Francis received the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Public Service Commendation. In

1991, the United National Environment Program appointed Francis as a Goodwill Ambassador to

the World’s Grassroots Communities.

     Francis is the founder of Planetwalk, a non-profit environmental awareness organization as

well as the first ever National Geographic Society (NGS) education fellow. In 2005, he published

Planetwalker: How to Change Your World One Step at a Time (later republished by the NGS as

Planetwalker: 17 Years of Silence, 22 Years of Walking). In 2010, the NGS released his work The

Ragged Edge of Silence: Finding Peace in a Noisy World, which examines the power of silence

through historical analysis, personal anecdotes, and cross-cultural study. From 2011-2012,

Francis served as a visiting associate professor at the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental

Studies, at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He currently lives near the Point Reyes National

Seashore in California, and continues to organize regular planetwalks in the United States and

abroad.

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Psalm 128

2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

    How joyful and prosperous you will be!

The theme for 2022 focuses on Black health and wellness. This year’s theme

is also meant to address “the history of healthcare in the African American

community” and is also a “historical examination of the financial and

economic health and wellness of Africans Americans.”

BODY GAMES IS A COMMUNITY MOVEMENT FOR FAMILIES THAT PROVIDES SAFE

AND COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH PROGRAMS BY BRIDGING THE

GAP BETWEEN FITNESS, REHAB, AND WELLNESS. WE SEEK FOR EVERY

INDIVIDUAL TO BECOME: BETTER. FASTER. STRONGER.

'How many lives can we change?' Father, son duo in Durham work to make Durham healthier.

ABC11 Together highlights the strength of the human spirit, good deeds, community needs, and

how our viewers can help......By Anthony Wilson

     Owners DJ Coe and his father, Dr. Derrick Coe say they're making a real difference in the

community. 'How many lives can we change?': Father, son duo in Durham work to make Durham

healthier. Weekends are prime time for organized exercise at the Body Games Center in Durham.

The men in charge helped their clients work up a safe sweat. "And we can change the mom or the

dad, you can change the entire family on the healthy aspect." said DJ Coe. "So, it's bigger than

us. It's about how many lives can we impact? How many lives can we change?" The Coes have

business roots in the Bull City. Their ancestor Aaron McDuffie Moore was part of Durham's

Black Wall Street a century ago and inspired them to serve the people who live in Durham today.

     Both men bring life experience to their workout center. "Ex-military, I'm military trained,"

said Derrick Coe. "I have a master's in physical therapy from the University of Findlay in Ohio,

and I have a doctorate in physical therapy from Des Moines University in Iowa." "I went to East

Carolina University, majored in exercise physiology and was able to get several certifications as

well. Decided to just use that to help our people, help our community," said DJ Coe. Theirs is one

of several Black owned fitness locations across the nation, but their concept and father-son

partnership could be unique. "Especially that combination concept that we have which is

wellness, fitness and rehabilitation. So, we focus on prevention of injuries, improving the body

once those injuries heal to get them back in the game," said Dr. Coe. "We have rest time in

between stations and sets. And we require people to spray a Clorox based cleaner that kills any

germs in here. The masks and the cleaning protocol before, during and after workouts," DJ Coe

said. The Coes say people at all levels of fitness are welcome, and they can help people who are

out of shape ease into a safe exercise routine. "You hear the term 'generational wealth,' we think

'generational health.' So, we get families in here, get them started, get them educated," said Dr.

Coe. "What exercise and wellness does for the body. Maybe a lot of those folks can get off the

medications they're taking that make them go to the doctor as much."

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

My perspective is the Earth will be here.

It just may not be habitable

to our life form.

We get confused.

We think we're the center of everything.

We are all tasked

to balance

and optimize ourselves.

~Mae Jemison~

Darnisha Harrison

     An LSU graduate and Baton Rouge native who now lives in Georgia said her company has a

patent pending on a drug that has shown promising results treating COVID-19 in lab tests.

Darnisha Harrison said as the country and Louisiana face another spike in cases, time was of the

essence to let people know. "Drosperinone has shown quite consistent efficacy in COVID-19 as a

potential therapeutic," Harrison said. "Dually targeted in blocking entry of COVID-19 at a rate of

70 percent and blocking replication at a rate of 80 percent." Harrison said her company, Ennaid

Therapeutics is sharing the information because they have a moral and ethical responsibility. "It's

a significant step in the direction of bringing this global crisis to an end and keeping the world

safe," Harrison said. Researchers at the Universidad Catolica de Murica in Spain identified the

drug as a solid therapeutic, showing significant antiviral activity. It's a generic drug and was first

introduced in 2000 for use as birth control and hormone therapy. Regulatory agencies would still

need to certify the findings. But as the lab results look promising, Harrison said it was important

for the public to be informed about what her company found. Earlier this year, her company

applied for another patent involving another drug they found that helps block COVID-19.

     Darnisha Harrison, founder and CEO of Ennaid Therapeutics, says that scientists working for

her company have found a drug that is showing promise in laboratories at blocking the continued

spread of COVID-19. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, her company uses its artificial intelligence (AI)-

based drug discovery platforms to develop anti-viral drugs. Both BET News and WBRZ-TV, an

ABC News affiliate in Baton Rouge, have confirmed that Harrison, who graduated from

Louisiana State University, has already filed a patent after discovering a drug that shows strong

scientific evidence of blocking two proteins that cause COVID-19 from invading healthy host

cells and replicating. The drug is called ENU200, a repurposed, patent-pending, orally

deliverable antiviral drug that was previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) for a different indication.

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

Wellness is the compete integration of body, mind, and spirit - the realization that

everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.

~Greg Anderson~

JEANETTE J. EPPS (1970- )

     On November 3, 1970, in Syracuse, New York, Jeanette J. Epps was born to parents Henry

and Luberta Epps. She was born, with her twin sister, Janet, as the youngest of seven with two

other sisters and three brothers. Epps graduated from Thomas J. Corcoran High School in

Syracuse in 1988. She attended LeMoyne College and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of

Science in Physics. She then received her Master of Science in 1994 and Doctorate of Philosophy

in Aerospace Engineering in 2000, both at the University of Maryland. During graduate school,

Epps was a NASA Fellow from 1996 to 1999, where she researched composite swept-tip beams

testing, analyzed models and data for shape memory alloys, and applied shape memory alloy

actuators to track helicopter rotor blades. After she graduated from grad school, she worked at

Ford Motor Company for two and a half years as a Technical Specialist in their scientific research

laboratory. Her work at Ford resulted in U.S. granted patent from researching automobile

collision location detection and countermeasure systems.

     In 2003, Epps joined the CIA in Iraq for four months as a Technical Operations Officer, where

she looked for weapons of mass destruction. She worked with the CIA for a total of seven and a

half years as an analyst of foreign weapon systems. She then entered the agency’s Directorate of

Science and Technology, developing operations that allow the collection of technology-related

intelligence data for the US government. Throughout the years, Epps continually followed

NASA’s program in selecting new astronauts, but worried about not being picked. Putting aside

her fear, Epps applied to the program and on June 23, 2009, she received a call confirming she

was selected for NASA’s next group of astronauts. After Astronaut Candidate Training, Epps

participated in NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation), studied geology in

Hawaii and immersed herself in the Russian language in Moscow, Russia. She also continued

spacewalk training (EVA), robotics and T-38. She worked on crew efficiency on the space station

as a representative to the Generic Joint Operation Panel, as well as other topics. Epps also

worked as a Crew Support Astronaut for two expeditions and as lead CAPCOM (Capsule

Communicator) in mission control.

     Epps has received the Exceptional Performance Award in 2003, 2004, and 2008. In 2012, she

was inducted into the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Academy of Distinguished Alumni,

at the University of Maryland. Her other awards have included the Johnson Space Center’s

Director’s Innovation Group Achievement Award to Improving Efficiency on the ISS Team in

2013 and the Glenn L. Martin Medal from the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the

University of Maryland in 2014. She was also given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

from LeMoyne College in 2016. Epps belongs to the American Institute of Aeronautics and

Astronautics (AIAA) and the Society for Science and the Public. Epps was assigned to

Expedition 56 and Expedition 57 to serve as Flight Engineer, which launched in June 2018.

THROW BACK THURSDAY

Margie McRae (Reed)

Greetings Fellow Classmates!

I would like towish each of you a belated Happy New Year!  

I have truly been blessed this year by the inspirational and educational messages that have been shared on this site.  Reading these posts is my daily meditation.  Sometimes I take a picture so that I can easily find the words to read again.  It's good to know that I am able to go back and just scroll through previous posts to reread as well.  I am grateful to everyone that contributes, but I have to give a special "shout out" to Ken.  Doing the research and finding the time to post daily is an enormous task that should not be taken lightly.  And I am loving that you are now taking the time to show "In Memoriams" of our deceased classmates. I know this is a labor of love for you!  Thank you so much.

Alberdeen, I am touched when you give us a blessing as well.  Although I was an active member of St. Andrew A.M.E. Chuch, I loved Greater White Stone M.B. Church!  I have fond memories of your mom singing, "May the Work I've Done Speak for Me", and I see her face anytime I hear the song.

Thank you ladies for representing our class through a resolution at Dornell's homegoing.  I still can't believe my childhood friend is gone.  God knows best!

Our site is amazing, and I am so thankful to the administrators who make it possible.

Last thing - I pray, God willing, that we will be able to get together soon.  Meanwhile, I wish we could do a Zoom party to just say hello to each other and catch up. Think about it. 

Stay safe. Be Blessed.

Love you all,

Margie

Kenneth Davis

T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

When we understand the connection between how we live and how long we live, it's

easier to make different choices. Instead of viewing the time we spend with friends

and family as luxuries, we can see that these relationships are among the most

powerful determinants of our well-being and survival. If you're with a close friend,

your anger may raise his blood pressure as well as your own, whereas loving feelings

may lower blood pressure in both of you.

~Dean Ornish~

EARLY RECOGNITION OF CAROLYN & HARRY

     Happy Birth Aniversary to you Carolyn and Harry! Ladies first Harry. I don't know who was

born first, but gentleman were taught ladies first. Christmas has passed and all of the fortunate

kids were up and down St. Paul Ave back in the day. The Emmanuel Episcopal Church Center

doors were open to anyone in the surrounding hoods. When I say fortunate kids, I'm talking about

the ones who got Union Hardware Number 5's and Western Flyer bikes and wagons. Folks didn't

have a Crystal Palace skating rink back then and we had great fun with the Ellis Family and

others. We didn't know about staying inside all day playing on a  Playstation 5, Microsoft Xbox,

Nintendo Switch or Apple TV. Harry I was told that you hung out on Wright Street before

moving into Lemoyne Gardens and probably threw rocks at folks living on Walts Alley or Woods

Street in your early days. Traversing through the 38126, you attended Day Camp at the YMCA

on Lauderdale. Maybe that's the backdrop which encouraged your desire to participate in the

Upward Bound Program and eventually attending LeMoyne-Owen College. While Carolyn

maintained a low profile in school, you were selected "Most Loquacious". Does that have

anything to do with you pledging Omega Psi Phi????

     On a serious note, I'm grateful to know the both of you and to be considered a lifelong friend.

Carolyn, thank you once again for the assistance with researching death notices related to

classmates and their families. You remain that "Diamond from the Bluff City", still shining bright

in Los Angeles County. Harry, thanks again for your assistance that allowed re-entry and

graduation from Shelby State Community College(now Southwest Tennessee Community

College). Continue to creat opportunities for others as The Executive Director, Extended

Programs at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Greg Anderson is the founder of Cancer

Recovery Foundation International, a global affiliation of national organizations whose mission is

to help all people prevent and survive cancer. Diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in 1984, he

was given 30 days to live. Greg is a twenty-eight year cancer survivor. He previously stated;

“Living a life of integrity is one of the greatest missions we can undertake.” “Focus on the

journey not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” “When we

are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love

that needs expressing, then we truly live life.” You my friends, have lived a life of integrity.

Whether the journey has taken you to California or to a campus in East Memphis, both of you

have been motivated by goals and dreams. "First of the 70's, to succeed is our goal", sounds

familiar....Given that the theme for this years Black History Month  focuses on Black health and

wellness, I wish each of you blessings of grace, which have prospered you to achieve this

milestone and mercy to survive the next decade and beyond. That "three score and ten" proposal

takes on a celebratory occassion these days. As you celebrate today, or chose not to, I wish you

both a Euge Groove type of day. Since I got to celebrate two, I Got 2 Be Groovin. May you each

be able to declare that Love, Grace and Mercy will surely "Rain Down On Me", and glorify the

results...here's to great health and wellness...stay safe my friends and enjoy your day...

Kenneth Davis

EVAN B. FORDE (1952- )

     An internationally recognized oceanographer, Evan B. Forde became the first African

American scientist to complete research dives in a submersible when he journeyed miles

underwater in the Nekton Gamma vehicle in 1979. An expert on the formation of submarine

canyons, Forde explored the evolution of these striking geologic forms during multiple dive

expeditions. More recently, Forde’s research examined how satellite sensors might aid in

analyzing the connections between atmospheric conditions, specifically the moisture

environment, and hurricane formation. Born in Miami, Florida on May 11, 1952, Forde spent his

childhood in the city. His parents, Samuel and Margaret Forde, were both teachers and, from a

young age, Forde had an interest in science. He owned a microscope, telescope, and chemistry set

in elementary school and eagerly watched The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau on

television. In high school, Forde had the opportunity to take a course in environmental

oceanography, which further piqued his interest in the undersea world. For college, he attended

Columbia University in New York City, New York completing a B.S. in geology with an

oceanography specialty in 1974. He then continued on to earn a M.S. in marine geology and

geophysics, also from Columbia.

     In 1973, while still an undergraduate, Forde began his career with the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency would go on to support his graduate studies as

well with a fellowship. After receiving his Masters’ degree, Forde returned to south Florida to

work at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami on Virginia

Key. During these years, much of Forde’s research involved mapping the floor of the Atlantic

Ocean. His explorations in submersible vessels, which began in 1979, took him deep underwater,

to areas that had never before been studied by scientists. Among Forde’s most significant

findings was the detection of a submarine sediment slide off the coast of New Jersey; this

important discovery in 1980 eventually led to a cessation of offshore drilling by oil and gas

companies in the area. Beginning in the 1980s, Forde’s research shifted to the area of ocean

chemistry, including hydrothermal plumes created by underwater volcanoes. Later, his focus

became satellites and their use in tracking hurricane formation. During his more than three

decades with NOAA, Forde published numerous articles on marine geology and other topics. He

also developed and taught courses for a wide range of students, from those at the graduate level

to middle school. Forde has written science-centric material for many children’s publications,

including penning a column for Ebony, Jr. Outside of the field of oceanography, Forde volunteers

with local schools and sports programs and has taken a lead in supporting NOAA’s Equal

Opportunity Employment (EEO) initiatives.

     In 2001, in recognition of his wide-ranging research and teaching interests, NOAA named

Forde Research Employee of the Year. He has also been recognized as South Florida’s Federal

Employee of the Year in the Service to the Community Category and received a Congressional

Commendation (2008). Additionally, in 2009, both the City of North Miami and Miami-Dade

County celebrated “Evan B. Forde” days in his honor. Most recently, in 2011, Forde was

recipient of the prestigious NOAA Administrator (Under Secretary of Commerce) Administrator

Award.