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Introducing Thelma Brown Cullars, a powerhouse of strength, tenacity, ingenuity, resourcefulness and love. She spent her entire 92 years of life serving, supporting, encouraging and caring for parents, siblings, her spouse, her children, the children of others, all family, all friends, church and community. She gave of her whole self with her time, talents, resources and her delicious southern cuisine made organically with love.
No matter where she lived, Thelma became a pillar of her community who shared God’s word with everyone she met. To show her love for Christ, she would often wear a hat, shirt, scarf or
jewelry displaying love for her Savior and perfect strangers would stop her to communicate their love for Christ. Thelma was born in Orangeburg, SC where she lived until she was 30 years old and then moved to Bronx, NY where she lived for 23 years. Thelma returned to SC, where she and her husband Crawford Cullars purchased a pink house on Greenville Street in Orangeburg.
Thelma was known to always have a Bible on her kitchen table and she witnessed to all of her visitors about the greatness of God. She freely shared her wisdom and great food with everyone,
which led to many adopting her as their second mother. She affectionately became known as “Ma” to all.
Thelma has always loved feeding people and her life’s work reflected that passion. She held positions in
meat packaging, cooked in a cafeteria, and served as a dietary aid in a nursing facility. She also owned a soul-food restaurant called “Ma’s Place,” in New York, where she made every item from scratch and cooked organically long before it became popular. Her presence was felt in her children’s classrooms because of her popular juicy turkey and well seasoned cornbread stuffing. She was able to get plenty of community leaders and elected officials to hear out her concerns by preparing a plate of their favorite foods. She believed in the power of food and the collaboration and unity that it could bring.
Education was hit or miss during her time when children often had to work on family farms for survival. She shared stories of all of the children in the area being in one house from 5 to 13 years old, so her formal education landed somewhere between 3rd and 8th grade lessons that were being taught in that one house school. However, her goals and ambitions far exceeded her educational attainments. She inspired all of her children to pursue higher education, which they all did, ranging from Associate degrees to Phd’s. She constantly told her children and anyone else who would listen, “You can be anything you want to be in this world.” She often said, “If I had been able to get higher education, I would have probably been the President of the United States!” Thelma’s legacy of love of God, family, friends, church and community has made a rippling impact that could never be measured, but certainly to be admired.
Self-Care Weekend 2024
The 2024 Women of Impact will be recognized at this year's She Shed, She Gives Brunch during Self-Care Weekend, on November 3rd. Embark on a transformative journey with our Self-Care Weekend—a vibrant tapestry of experiences crafted for the everyday woman who wears many hats. From empowering breakout sessions and rejuvenating sunrise yoga to lively happy hours, nights on the town, and indulgent spa treatments, our carefully curated itinerary ensures a rich spectrum of activities. Unwind, connect, and celebrate the multifaceted essence of womanhood as you delve into workshops designed to enhance emotional, physical, and financial well-being. This weekend is more than an escape; it's a celebration of you, weaving moments of self-discovery and joy into every thread of the experience. To learn more visit www.justdawnjohnson.com/self-care-weekend.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WealthCon 2024: Empowering Black and Brown Families Toward Financial Success July 26-28, 2024 | Clinton College | Rock Hill, SC [Rock Hill, SC] – [June 26, 2024 – Join the excitement at WealthCon, a dynamic three-day event designed to empower black and brown families on their journey toward financial success. Picture a weekend filled with fun and inspiration – from movie nights that spark meaningful conversations to vibrant festival days brimming with engaging sessions, outdoor activities, local businesses, delicious food, and live music. WealthCon isn’t just an event; it’s a vibrant community celebration where everyone is welcome, made possible by Dawn Johnson Financials, United Way of York County, and Habitat for Humanity of York County. For black and brown families, WealthCon represents an important opportunity to break down financial barriers and build generational wealth. Historically, these communities have faced systemic obstacles hindering economic growth and access to financial resources. WealthCon seeks to change that narrative by providing tools, education, and a supportive network to help families thrive financially. "The staggering statistics surrounding the persistent wealth gap between white and black households underscore the urgent need for collective action," said Dawn Johnson, curator of WealthCon. "Income disparities, limited homeownership rates, and unequal wealth accumulation opportunities serve as stark reminders of the systemic challenges our communities face. Our mission is clear: to address these disparities head-on and pave the way for a future where prosperity knows no bounds. WealthCon is more than just an event – it's a movement, fueled by a commitment to community, empowerment, and lasting change." Event Highlights: July 26: Movie Night- Kick off the weekend with a captivating movie and tasty refreshments. July 27: Festival Day- Experience an electrifying day filled with unique vendors, music and games, food trucks, resources, our lively Biz Market, and interactive activities for all ages. July 28: Common Ground- Wrap up the weekend with a fun and memorable dinner centered around meaningful conversation, creating lasting connections. Join us at WealthCon and let this be your kickoff to a future where money isn’t a worry, but a tool for achieving dreams and securing a prosperous legacy. For more information and to register, visit www.justdawnjohnson.com/wealthcon Contact: Tadean Page Event Coordinator info@letsascendtogether.com
Let's highlight Ashley Ross Hicks, a remarkable individual defined by ambition, dedication, and compassion. Ashley's journey is characterized by her unwavering commitment to helping others succeed and her deep passion for being a part of their self-discovery voyage. Influenced by both her grandmother's wisdom and her brother's life and aspirations, Ashley embodies a newfound sense of creativity and adventure, cherishing each moment as a wake-up call to live life boldly and with purpose. To Ashley, strength is not a fixed measure but rather a capacity in a given moment, shaped by life's experiences and lessons. In the face of the unexpected loss of her beloved brother, Ashley's journey of renewal and perseverance has transformed her, igniting a daily revitalized passion and a heightened sense of purpose. Prioritizing self-care is essential to Ashley's well-being and resilience. Her mornings are sacred, marked by meditation, spiritual readings, and affirmations, grounding her in her relationship with God and providing the strength to navigate the day ahead with impact and purpose. As a trailblazer and mentor, Ashley leads by example, embracing her gifts and experiences to empower the next generation of female leaders. Through her career journey in higher education, she demonstrates the power of perseverance, purpose, and never giving up, encouraging others to dream beyond today's challenges. Ashley's life advice is a powerful reminder that self-advocacy is key, inspiring others to be their own champions in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations. Ashley Ross Hicks epitomizes resilience, compassion, and purpose, leaving an indelible mark on those she encounters and empowering others to embrace their own journey of self-discovery and growth. Self-Care Weekend 2024 The 2024 Women of Impact will be recognized at this year's She Shed, She Gives Brunch during Self-Care Weekend, on November 3rd. Embark on a transformative journey with our Self-Care Weekend—a vibrant tapestry of experiences crafted for the everyday woman who wears many hats. From empowering breakout sessions and rejuvenating sunrise yoga to lively happy hours, nights on the town, and indulgent spa treatments, our carefully curated itinerary ensures a rich spectrum of activities. Unwind, connect, and celebrate the multifaceted essence of womanhood as you delve into workshops designed to enhance emotional, physical, and financial well-being. This weekend is more than an escape; it's a celebration of you, weaving moments of self-discovery and joy into every thread of the experience. To learn more visit www.justdawnjohnson.com/self-care-weekend.
Let's celebrate Teresa Ashe, a dedicated homemaker and momager, whose strategic guidance has paved the way for her children's success! While none of her children are 'celebrities,' Teresa has been instrumental in helping them navigate their school and career paths with precision and care. Prioritizing family over her career in 'Corporate America,' Teresa made the deliberate choice to be fully present for her loved ones, a decision she considers one of the best she's ever made. Her role as a stay-at-home mom has allowed her to preserve her energy and attention for the most important people in her life. Teresa draws inspiration from her grandmother, Mamie Lou Jackson, a true matriarch who deeply cherished her family, upheld traditions, and prioritized self-care through indulging in hobbies. Her grandmother's influence has profoundly shaped Teresa's values and approach to life. For Teresa, strength is synonymous with resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges and keep pushing forward. As a wife and mother of four, she acknowledges the occasional feelings of being overwhelmed but finds solace in gratitude for her family's health, love, and abundance. Understanding the importance of the mind-body connection, Teresa prioritizes self-care practices that nourish her well-being, from maintaining a nourishing diet to sticking to skincare and haircare routines. Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand for Teresa, boosting her morale and confidence. Committed to supporting the next generation of female leaders, Teresa shares her wisdom and experiences transparently, believing that vulnerability is the key to unlocking growth and success. By imparting her insights, she empowers others to overcome challenges and strive for greatness. Teresa lives by her grandmother's timeless advice: "Treat people the way you want to be treated." This principle guides her interactions, fostering respect, empathy, and understanding in her relationships. Self-Care Weekend 2024 The 2024 Women of Impact will be recognized at this year's She Shed, She Gives Brunch during Self-Care Weekend, on November 3rd. Embark on a transformative journey with our Self-Care Weekend—a vibrant tapestry of experiences crafted for the everyday woman who wears many hats. From empowering breakout sessions and rejuvenating sunrise yoga to lively happy hours, nights on the town, and indulgent spa treatments, our carefully curated itinerary ensures a rich spectrum of activities. Unwind, connect, and celebrate the multifaceted essence of womanhood as you delve into workshops designed to enhance emotional, physical, and financial well-being. This weekend is more than an escape; it's a celebration of you, weaving moments of self-discovery and joy into every thread of the experience. To learn more visit www.justdawnjohnson.com/self-care-weekend.