Dr. Tanika Long: Building Bridges of Hope in Barnesville and Beyond

Written by Tajala Kelly on May 13, 2025. Posted in Business, Education, Entertainment, Health and Beauty, Uncategorized. Leave a Comment

Sometimes all it takes is one moment — one post, one realization — to change everything.

For Dr. Tanika Long, that moment came during the height of the pandemic.

Scrolling through Facebook, she saw a post celebrating Black history moments from her hometown, Barnesville, Georgia.

Right there, in black and white, was her name — the first and only African American woman from Barnesville to become a physician.

And it hit her: If I didn’t even know that about myself, how would the next little girl know what’s possible?

That spark lit a fire.

It wasn’t enough to have made it out — she had to come back, full circle, and show the next generation how to dream even bigger.

That’s how Full Circle of Hope was born.

More Than Just a Scholarship — It’s a Movement

Launched in 2022, Full Circle of Hope is Dr. Long’s love letter to the town that raised her — and her challenge to every child who’s ever been underestimated.

“We’re teaching kids that no matter where you start, no matter what your circumstances look like, you can still win,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you grew up in the projects or had a teenage mom — your story isn’t over.”

Through scholarships, book drives, financial literacy carnivals, and holiday giving events, FCOH is rewriting the narrative for families in Barnesville and beyond. It’s about more than money — it’s about breaking cycles, planting seeds of hope, and watering them until they bloom.

The Gala That’s Bigger Than a Party

Every year, Full Circle of Hope throws a gala — but this isn’t just another fancy night out. It’s a celebration of impact, growth, and the dreams that are just getting started.

This year, they’re turning up even more.

For the first time, the gala is moving to the metro Atlanta area — Eagles Landing Country Club in Stockbridge, Georgia.

With a live DJ, surprise guests, a VIP mixer, and 102.9’s very own Vassier Serrano hosting, it’s about to be a night to remember.

But at the heart of it all is purpose: raising money to not only support new scholarship recipients but also bless former recipients with continued scholarships. Because dreams don’t stop after freshman year — and neither should the support.

Why You Should Care — Even If You’ve Never Heard of Barnesville

You don’t have to be from Barnesville to feel the mission.

You just have to believe that every child deserves a shot, no matter their zip code.

“You never know where the next game-changer, the next leader, the next life-saver is coming from,” Dr. Long said. “It could be from a small town like Barnesville. And if we don’t invest in them, who will?”

Want to help? You can sponsor, donate, or grab your ticket at givebutter.com/FCOH2025Gala.

The Message Every Kid Needs to Hear

Before we wrapped our conversation, I asked Dr. Long what she would say to every student she’s reaching through Full Circle of Hope.

Her answer was powerful:

“Don’t let anyone count you out based on where you come from. What they see as weakness — that’s your superpower. Own it. And once you make it, reach back and lift somebody else up too. That’s how we change the world — together.”

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Blueprints, Not Handouts: How Star Chapman Engineers Community Wealth

Written by Tajala Kelly on May 2, 2025. Posted in Business, Education, Influential People, Top 10, Uncategorized.

In a world that too often confuses profit with purpose, Starsheema Chapman is carving out a lane where both can not only coexist—but thrive. Hers is a mission rooted in dignity, driven by lived experience, and charged with a purpose that echoes through every community she touches.

“I came from public housing. I didn’t have a trust fund, a Rolodex, or a roadmap—but I had a knowing,” Chapman tells me, her voice steady, resolute. “I knew I wanted more, and I wanted to bring people with me.”

That conviction led to the creation of Star The Accelerator, a business that’s more liberation blueprint than startup course. Alongside her husband, Star also co-founded First Choice Care, a thriving home care agency in Kinston, North Carolina. But let’s be clear—this isn’t just about entrepreneurship. This is about emancipation.

“When you build something for your people, you’re not just breaking cycles—you’re building altars.”

Star’s course doesn’t just teach clients how to start businesses—it teaches them how to reclaim their time, their finances, and their futures. From navigating EINs and licensing to mastering Medicaid billing and team training, she’s holding doors open and handing out keys.

“Mentorship saved me,” she says. “And now I do the same. I’m not gatekeeping, I’m giving game.”

That game includes a full A-to-Z playbook: client intake systems, staff policy manuals, and even branding and marketing strategies. The goal? To fast-track success for women and men who, like Star, weren’t born into access but were called to impact.

And Star doesn’t disappear once the check clears. Her alumni know her by name, and many still call her years after they’ve launched—some now earning six figures, thanks to her guidance.

“We don’t toss you to the wolves. We walk with you,” she insists.

This model of communal success isn’t just good business—it’s radical in a world built on individualism. It’s James Baldwin in motion: “You have to go the way your blood beats.” And for Star, that rhythm has always led back to community.

From back-to-school drives to HBCU scholarships, from food banks to future children’s books for foster youth, the Chapmans’ commitment is comprehensive. Their forthcoming series—The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the Traveling Suitcases—is a love letter to foster children who deserve more than a trash bag to carry their belongings.

This is the work of people who see, who feel, and who act.

“It’s one thing to survive the system. It’s another to rebuild it for others. That’s the Star Accelerator difference.”

—a sentiment worthy of Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s unapologetic truth-telling.

Looking forward, Star has her eyes on franchising First Choice Care, turning it into a plug-and-play model that helps others leap over the hurdles she once faced. Education programs, policy updates, and private-pay expansions are all in the pipeline, proving once again: she’s not just responding to the moment—she’s shaping it.

“I’m building something bigger than me,” she says. “Because when you empower one, you empower many.”

Follow the movement: @StartheAccelerator

Enroll or learn more: www.startheaccelerator.com

Mindfulness, Mayhem, and a Meditating Llama: Emotional Intelligence Coach Emily Morash’s Neuroscience-Driven Guide to Unfunking Leadership

Written by Tajala Kelly on May 2, 2025. Posted in Business, Education, Influential People, Top 10, Uncategorized.

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “What just happened?”—this book is for you.

If your team is talking in circles, burnout is the norm, and your Slack thread is a silent scream—this book is for you.

And if you’re a leader who wants to do better but feels like you’re winging it every day—this book was made for you.

Meet Emily Morash—keynote speaker, coach, former nonprofit executive, and the brilliant mind behind Unfunk Yourself: Leading Mindfully in the Midst of Mayhem. In a lively interview with The Recap Report, Emily opened up about her unconventional journey, the science behind her work, and why it’s time for leaders to stop reacting on autopilot and start leading with purpose.

This isn’t your typical leadership manual. Unfunk Yourself is part self-awareness deep dive, part neuroscience lesson, and part pep talk from your no-nonsense best friend. Oh—and the cover features a meditating llama surrounded by chaos. Because of course it does.

From Nonprofit Firefighting to Focused Leadership

Before the workshops and keynotes, Emily spent 20 years managing nonprofit teams—where limited resources, high stakes, and chronic miscommunication were a daily reality. “I worked in small nonprofits, big ones, corporate-style nonprofits—you name it,” she said. “And no matter where I was, the same problem kept showing up: people couldn’t talk to each other effectively.”

That experience sparked a realization: strategy doesn’t matter if your team can’t communicate. So, she made it her mission to teach leaders how to slow down, tune in, and build teams that actually work.

Why Leadership Feels So Funked Up

According to Emily, the root of most leadership chaos isn’t incompetence—it’s biology. Our brains are wired to react emotionally before we process things logically. That’s why a sharp email can feel like an attack. Why meetings spiral. Why feedback becomes conflict. “We’re constantly scanning for danger, even in the boardroom,” she explained.

The result? Leaders are often making decisions based on assumptions, stress, or past experiences—not the present moment.

The fix? Mindfulness. But not the Instagram-quote kind. Emily teaches a grounded, practical version of mindfulness: being aware of what’s happening inside you and around you, in real time, without judgment. And yes, it’s harder than it sounds—but her book makes it feel doable.

The Tools: Mindful, Practical, Game-Changing

Unfunk Yourself offers more than reflection—it gives you actionable frameworks to shift how you lead:

The Communication Compass: Helps teams understand how they speak, listen, and process. Because not everyone communicates the way you do—and that’s okay.
The Identity Trap: Reveals how internalized “shoulds” and assumptions shape your leadership style—and how to break free from them.
The Mindful Leader Practice: The centerpiece of Emily’s method—a hands-on approach to cultivating awareness, empathy, and intentional action.

Each tool is grounded in research, brought to life with real client stories, and wrapped in just enough humor to keep things human. One skeptical reviewer summed it up perfectly:

“I regret to inform you that I enjoyed this book.”

Insight with a Side of Sass

What makes Unfunk Yourself special isn’t just the frameworks—it’s Emily’s voice.

She’s smart, compassionate, and unapologetically herself. “I take my work seriously,” she told us, “But I don’t take myself seriously.” That philosophy shines through every page, making the book as enjoyable as it is useful.

And yes, the meditating llama on the cover? That’s intentional. It’s a symbol of what it means to be a grounded leader in a chaotic world. “That llama is me,” Emily laughed. “Learning to stay centered while everything’s on fire behind you.”

Ready to Unfunk?

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a career pivot, or simply tired of chaotic leadership culture, Unfunk Yourself is the no-fluff, full-heart guide you didn’t know you needed.

Grab your copy and explore the tools at www.unfunkyourselfbook.com.

You’ll find free resources like communication assessments, guided meditations, reflective journals, and pep talks to keep you on track.

Because leadership doesn’t have to be soul-sucking.

With Emily Morash, it can be mindful, bold—and just a little bit funky.

Sonder Health Plans Optimistic About Entering Savannah Market

Written by Jaira B. Williams on May 24, 2023. Posted in Business, Education, Featured, Health and Beauty, Uncategorized.

Sonder Health Plans Hosts Introduction Reception for Prominent Community Figures in Savannah to Discuss the State of Healthcare

Georgia’s premier health insurance company, Sonder Health Plans hosted a Market Introduction Reception in the Savannah community on May 17th at the Thompson Hotel Savannah. The meeting was led by CEO Suzanna Roberts, Sonder executives, and respected Savannah native Chauncey Mayfield Sr.

This successful event was curated with the hopes of informing prominent figures, medical professionals, community tastemakers, and other influential Savannah professionals of the Sonder imprint, possibly servicing the metro area in the future.

During the reception, Sonder Health Plans delved into the state of healthcare for Georgia seniors. They addressed heart health, diabetes, and shared their mission of protecting the health of Georgians statewide.

CEO, Suzanna Roberts expressed excitement at the possibility of becoming a trusted healthcare partner in the community. She’s confident that if they are approved to enter the market, thousands of seniors would benefit greatly from the comprehensive plans and “extraordinary savings Sonder provides its citizens.”

“Providing Exceptional Care for Georgia’s Seniors”

Sonder is dedicated to creating plans focusing on chronic conditions and affordable monthly benefits to keep their members healthy. With a goal to improve overall health and well-being and a vision to make healthcare “simple, personal and affordable,” Sonder is committed to unmatchable value.

With some plans boasting $0 premiums, specialty copays, and 24/7 nurse hotlines, Sonder is on its way to rivaling larger health plan providers.

Savannah was their kick-off to statewide information sessions. Roberts and team are working diligently, continuing to raise awareness for the corporation.

To learn more about Sonder’s insurance plans for Georgia’s Seniors, visit: https://sonderhealthplans.com.

Domestic Violence advocate Lisa Jenkins: The voice for the voiceless

Written by The Recap Report Staff on April 11, 2023. Posted in Business, Health and Beauty, Lifestyle, Uncategorized.

“You are enough”

Mother, wife, and grandmother, Lisa Jenkins is using her life experiences to empower victims of domestic, sexual, and child abuse through her organization, Kingdom Builder Family Life Center (KBFLC) based in Colorado Springs. Lisa has worked with survivors and their families for the last 25 years and started KBFLC 15 years into her career. As we begin to reflect on Lisa’s impactful career, we begin where it all started– in her own household.

“God if you allow me to live, I’ll spend the rest of my life helping those in similar situations.”

In 1994, twenty-four year old Lisa had been in an abusive marriage for 5 years and nearly escaped death. Once she left, she found herself trying to navigate her new life with her 3 children. Lisa’s sole focus was creating a better environment for her and her children. She found herself trying to overcome stereotypical barriers and protecting her children who were emotionally affected by the ordeal. It also affected her trust in her current marriage. She credits therapy and education for helping her understand what she was going through and helping her marriage thrive.

Also as a Black Woman in Colorado, there weren’t many in that position, she found herself constantly proving herself and showing her worth while intentionally making sure those who came to her door were supported– by bringing on a team to reflect those being served and never giving up. While Lisa face many obstacles over the course of 30 years, she kept her faith in God and soon knew he would guide her down the right path

Kingdom Builders 10 years in the making

At the rise of Kingdom Builders, Lisa was a seasoned advocate with the government full time, where there was a scarcity of resources. She knew in order to effect real change, would be to remove herself from her full time commitment and secure resources to help Kingdom Builders thrive– which she did! In 2018 Lisa was awarded a grant and was able to resign, putting full force behind KBFLC as CEO. This momentum allowed Lisa and KBFLC to connect with other established agencies and get victim services fully funded– with local, state, and federal assistance. “Now I am able to provide the resources survivors need.” She states, “In order to eliminate a person’s [domestic abuse] situation, you have to have the financial aspect to support them. We can all say we want to help, but if we can’t provide housing, financial assistance, emergency services and other aspects that a survivor needs, then they’re less likely to leave.”

The Kingdom Builders impact

Lisa shares that Statistically 1:4 Women + 1:7 Men report abuse, while 1:5 Youth have been exposed to domestic violence and 1:12 high schoolers are involved with teen dating violence. For adolescents affected by an abusive environment, it’s likely that 90 percent of them will become harmed or harmful themselves. At Kingdom builders they help youth recognize that this behavior is not okay and educate them on the importance of healthy relationships.

In her personal and professional experience, Lisa says advocacy means a lot to the community. “When you’re in that moment, all your power and independence is probably taken away.” So to have someone that says I may not exactly understand what you’ve been through, but I want to help.

Bringing Awareness-

April marks Sexual Assault and Children Abuse Awareness months which is a focal point of KBFLC. The organization hosts weekly cake and conversations where participants can tour the facility on Wednesdays and learn how they can best support the organization. In light of their 10 year anniversary, KBFLC is hosting their Race Against Violence 5k in August with their two-day Domestic Violence conference and 10 year anniversary Gala slated for October.

I am Lisa Jenkins Legacy

While Lisa continues to walk in her purpose she is now introducing all of her layers to the world through her “I am Lisa Jenkins” Brand through speaking engagements and interviews. I want to be able to help– I am a helper and a server. Lisa is using the tools God has given her to help other mothers, individuals, and families. She wants to use her personal experience as a voice for those in need. She is currently gearing up to release her debut podcast and also hopes to have satellite offices across the country reflecting the advocacy being done at Kingdom Builders.

Keep up with the Kingdom Builders Family Life Center and I am Lisa Jenkins legacies below:

Website: www.kbflc.org

Facebook: KBFLC2

Instagram: KBFLC

www. iamlisajenkins.com

The Thing That Leads To The Thing

Written by Markia Brown on December 7, 2022. Posted in Business, Featured, Influential People, Lifestyle, Uncategorized.

“You may be called to do something…but you don’t have to do it forever.”

Dr. Arriel Cymone has accomplished things some of us have never even aspired towards. She’s an accomplished chemist. Earning her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, she has served as a forensic chemist and expert witness for government agencies, trained FBI agents, and worked as an adjunct chemistry professor. “But there was more,” says Dr. Arriel Cymone. “I had done all of these things, and I was happy and blessed, to be sure, but I didn’t feel full. I didn’t feel fulfilled.”

Finding your more

Chemistry was always in the cards for Arriel. After receiving her first chemistry set at seven, she was hooked! She spent her days in the driveway mixing things and documenting the reactions. Once she realized how good at it she was, she dug in deeper, pursuing her passion throughout school and the early parts of her career.

“I wasn’t unhappy. It wasn’t discontentment,” says Arriel when talking about her pivot into becoming a life coach. “One of my favorite quotes is by Mark Twain. He said, ‘the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.’ I found my purpose, my why.”

And now, she’s teaching others how to find theirs.

As an abundant life coach, Dr. Arriel Cymone combined the analytical skills she learned from her time as a chemist, and her experience in her own journey to finding purpose, to create the Concierge Coaching Laboratory. “In laboratories, we mix things up. In the Concierge Coaching Laboratory, we’ll be mixing up all the bomb.com things about you and extracting everything holding you back, so you can live a full life, walking in your purpose. This recipe for success provides a personalized approach to your problems so that you feel like the king and queen you are!”

Create the dream life you deserve

Dr. Arriel teaches that your purpose and your dream are not as different as you think. These two things are closely related, and through her concierge services, such as Rise Up And Reign or her From Hoe To Housewife program, she will help you identify both and give you the tools you need to live a richer and more fulfilled life, starting with the life you’re living now.

Dr. Arriel Cymone has done it all, with over 15 years of professional experience and her personal journey toward her purpose, she combines them to help you excel, not just succeed.

Want to visit her website? Click here.

For The Culture, By A Black Woman

Written by Markia Brown on November 8, 2022. Posted in Business, Entertainment, Influential People, Uncategorized.

The plight of the black creative is not a new one.

From In Living Color and Martin to Vine, Twitter, and now TikTok, black creatives and black culture have set the trends. However, the paychecks, and the recognition, often don’t reflect that. Black creatives are making significantly less than their non-black counterparts, and that’s if they’re even being paid at all. Black creativity is often stifled or censored to pander to a specific (non-black) audience. Not only that, but they constantly deal with non-black creators stealing their content and becoming overnight sensations while they are often not even credited. Remember the “Addison Rae does TikTok dances on The Tonight Show” debacle? Are we doomed to keep repeating this cycle generation after generation? Not if Angel has anything to say about it.

The first black woman-owned podcast network.

Angel Livas has worked in the media and entertainment industry for over 20 years. She’s worked with all kinds of talent in television and radio, from Larry King to Tamar Braxton, from local radio stations to NBC. Her work has even been nominated for an NAACP award. After years of watching how the industry treated black creatives and how it affected the audiences, Angel decided to create the change she wished to see in the industry by launching the first black woman-owned podcast network.

Angel saw the impact that black creatives and black culture have had on the industry for decades and decided that instead of asking for more seats at the table…she would build her own.

Angel created The ALIVE Podcast Network (TAP-N) with the black creative and receiver at the heart of the platform. “It’s our job to be a voice and give a voice to people who feel like they don’t have that, and give them outlets to receive things they need.” Says Angel. “These big organizations don’t care how it impacts the community. They’re not set up for black people to thrive.” TAP-N not only gives black creatives editorial control of their content, but they will also offer talent development opportunities through masterminds and other events focused on the progression and monetization of the creative and their brand.

What kind of podcast do you need to join TAP-N? Spoiler alert: A black one.

From educational podcasts that break down business formation and wealth management strategies to comedic content to laugh with at the end of a long day, TAP-N wants to help you build and, most importantly, monetize your podcast. You need to have an authentic voice, be yourself! Believe in what you’re creating and your podcast’s message to the world.

The future of podcasting.

While TAP-N focuses primarily on the creative advancement of the black community, what Angel is accomplishing on a larger scale, is establishing a framework for other communities to learn from to create similar programs. She aims to help different cultures “create a unique experience for their content relevant to them.”

To learn more about ALIVE Podcast Network and become a subscriber, visit https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ and follow @alivepodcastapp on all social platforms.

New Reality Show N’style Atlanta Uncut Premieres Wednesday, July 13th On Fox Soul

Written by Melissa Elias on July 8, 2022. Posted in Entertainment, Uncategorized.

Cameras, Flashing lights, Red Carpets, VIP list – everyone’s a Celebrity in the ATL, the new Hollywood of the South; and there’s even more wanna-be-journalist reporting it. N’Style Atlanta Uncut is an docu-series about seven charismatic Black and Afro Latino Women who’s personalities may collide while working at Atlanta’s premier media outlet, N’Style Atlanta. In the world of entertainment whether they’re breaking news from red carpets or exclusive premier parties; these women are constantly struggling to maintain a balance of camaraderie and competition to deliver their story first. Can N’Style Atlanta Creator, Carmen Simmons turn nstyleatlanta.com into the premiere media outlet in Atlanta with this group of women before they destroy their friendships. N’Style Atlanta Uncut premieres on Fox Soul Wednesday July 13th 9/8C.

The episode starts off with Carmen stirring up the N’Style Atlanta team by adding a few new players. Nina Blanka introduces herself to the team with a stern productivity review. Jonesy shares her news reporting tips. Destinee comes to the team meeting late. Shayla Raye wants to know if Jett Blakk has the tea on Jonesy, and Terrance Terry takes on a new project. Will old habits die hard or continue?

N’Style Atlanta Uncut Cast includes Carmen Simmons, Jett Blakk, Skyebutterfli, Shayla Raye, Destinee Faith, Nina Blanka, Jonesy aka CJ, Natt Taylor, and Terrance Terry.

N’Style Atlanta (NSA) is a lifestyle and entertainment news outlet reporting on pop / urban culture and celebrity news and featuring Atlanta’s local celebrities, designers, businesses and personalities celebrating Atlanta’s vibrant and diverse culture and lifestyle. The executive producers for the show are Carmen Simmons, Arturo Ayers Jr, Omar Holland. Notable interviews include Angela Lewis, Rebecca Lynn Pope and Teheran “Tee” Jones.

Quitting Corporate America: Rahkim Sabree

Written by Gabriela on February 15, 2022. Posted in Business, Influential People, Uncategorized.

Rahkim Sabree is a financial coach, TEDx speaker and author who recently went viral for this tweet. Sabree, who is a personal finance enthusiast with a decade of banking industry experience at various levels quit his job for mental health reasons. He is an advocate for mental health, especially in the Black community. Rahkim is grateful for the responses from others on social media. He says his tweet has permitted others to evaluate what makes them happy.

Rahkim’s parents separated at the age of 15. It’s when he became conscious of the household finances. Then, when he went into banking at the age of 21 his interest in finance sparked. According to Rahkim, while being a part of the banking industry he became the “resident finance guy” to his family and peers. He realized the advice he was giving family and friends was going right over their heads. He then made it a goal to make sure others understood financial literacy.

Rahkim hopes to create transparency around finances, so people can heal from their financial traumas. He teaches how to use fear to your advantage and use it to reach goals. Financial literacy is often not taught in schools, discussed at home or in the workplace. This creates a secrecy around money and how to handle it.

A lack of understanding of how money works creates an attitude of scarcity that says, “I need to get as much as I can before it all runs out!” Rahkim states “I help to discuss money in a simplified way by addressing commonly held attitudes and beliefs about money while exploring the intersection of financial education, pop culture, and best practices to take the taboo out and create opportunities for empowerment.”

More recently, he has had an interest in mental health and finance, especially for People of Color. Rahkim says trauma in these communities plays a huge factor in finances, it shapes the everyday decisions made. He wants his community and others to be financially empowered, which is why he is so big on financial education.

Rahkim is working on his third book, I Fired My Boss, Escaping Corporate Trauma. It’s focused on his experience in corporate America. He is published in Entrepreneur, Business Insider, The Grio, Black Enterprise, and Parents Magazine.

Check out his website here:https://www.rahkimsabree.com/

Follow him on social: @rahkimsabree