SANTANA GLOBAL VOL. 2 ISSUE 7 MAGAZINE WE MOVE TOWARDS THE EMPOWERED MAN Leaders in their capacity to hold both their strengths and weaknesses with compassion courageously embracing vulnerability as a strength - not a weakness! EVEN IN THE FACE OF FEAR We foster: RESILIENCE | COMPASSION | INTEGRITY | PASSION | PURPOSE All with the intent of creating Special Edition better humans, not just better men! THE ICONIC MEN And as we redefine what it June 2023 means to be a man in today’s world, we do so for all generations to follow. www.santanaglobal.com [email protected]
FOLULOS W
F-A-T-H-E-R You helped me when I was down. When I was crying, you hugged me tightly. When things got tough, you helped me get through it. You've always shown me that you genuinely care about me. I know there were times when I made you cry, and I still don't know why. Where would I be without you? I am grateful to God for giving you to me. Thank you, Dad, because you are one in a million.
TYRONE LAMONT MERCER JR I am 38 years old, and I am from North Carolina. Born January 29th,1985 to Tyrone Mercer Sr. and Pearlie Thomas. I was raised by the most loving, caring. grandmother named Eda Gray and my 2 aunts Vanessa and Larettea. I was the only child for 24years, then my dad blessed me with a beautiful little sister named TyNesha. I am a product of the North Carolina public school system and graduated from Ralph L Fike High School in Wilson, NC. After completing my course curriculum, I attended Fayetteville State University for five years. My first three years in college I played on the football team until I injured my left shoulder. I learned a lot attending an HBCU and found an environment that was able to teach me more about “Our History”. After graduating from college with my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, I was able to start my law enforcement career and later became a Youth Counselor helping shape the minds of our troubled teens. After a few years of working with law enforcement I decided I needed a change. I went back to school to receive an associate degree in cyber security. Which has helped me to further my career in IT at spectrum business. Where I currently work as a fiber optics in the enterprise department.
While living in Fayetteville, NC I met and married the love of my life Victoria. We have been married for 11 years and counting. Through our union we have a 9- year-old daughter named Ny’Asia. I love being the head of my family as a husband and father. It is not always easy, but it is a rewarding job. I would have never imagined the way life would turn I went to work for 2days with all the signs and out after marriage. I was in good health living life to didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t realize they were signs the best of my abilities. I am not perfect, but I strive of a stroke; however, I did realize something was for perfection. I work hard, take care of my business, provide for my family, go to church, and do all that I wrong. Until I couldn’t hide it any longer. I was can to be a good person. I never thought health would standing talking to my wife and she said, “Why is ever be an issue for me. I have seen family members your face drooping?” “Then my daughter ran over go through sickness, even my wife has been through and said daddy it is on the left side your face is some things, and I have been right by her side. Yet I down.” Immediately my wife said we are going to never thought a young man as myself would ever sit the emergency room right now. We enter the ER, in the hospital emergency room and hear these words and they radio we have a potential stroke come from the Dr. “Your test show that you had a patient. The Nurses from the back immediately mild stroke.” A stroke was the last thing on my mind. rush out and rush me to the back. He took my vitals and the screen popped up blood pressure As I sat back and began to reflect on how this happened. I realized all the signs were present and I 241/136. The look on everyone’s face was in completely ignored them. I had signs of numbness in awe. Here I am 38-year-old thinking that I am my hand, pain in my feet, headaches, stomach issues, just felt different in my body. Which I though was all untouchable (not saying it verbally, but not because I was tiered and needed some rest. And if I considering that strokes run on my maternal and just started to eat better things would get better. paternal side of my family and can potentially This was crazy thinking that I have heard many men affect me.) from any sickness and disease and my bp is so high that it could have killed me. The say before as well. I am here to say this is crazy Dr. said “you are lucky that this didn’t take you thinking! out of here. It could have been worse than this. You are very lucky Mr. Mercer.” As I sat and tried to wrap my mind around the fact, I had a stroke and all the wrong choices I made concerning my health. Not respecting my body, the way I should have because I thought it was ok.
From this day forward I promised myself and family that I will never take my health or life for granted. I thank God it wasn’t worse than it was and the damages that did occur are not permanent. I thank God for his covering and the prayers of my wife, my V.O.W church family, my biological family, friends, and all others that have prayed for me. I am forever grateful that the Lord kept me through it all. It was enough to get my attention, cause me to reevaluate my life and get it in order. I am taking my medications properly now, eating healthier, exercising along with other lifestyle changes. I plan to live and be here to watch my daughter grow up for as long as I can. I want to encourage people but black men intentionally to pay attention to your body. If something doesn’t feel right or seem right go to the Dr and get checked out. Your life matters and someone depends on you. People love you and desire for you to be here with them for a long time. The Bible reminds us in 3John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” God intends for us to be in good health and even as he desires this for us, we must desire it for ourselves. We must be determined to change our eating habits, exercise, and be in tune with what is going on internally. Studies have shown through the CDC African American are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure and diabetes. Both sicknesses can cause death if not treated properly. Some call high blood pressure “the silent killer.” They call it this because sometimes people ignore the signs and if not controlled but lifestyle change, healthier eating habits, exercise, drinking water or medication can cause other problems in the body including death in some cases. I just want to encourage everyone to do a yearly check-up. Don’t take things lightly when it comes to your health! We have enough issues to deal with as black men in society our health should not be one of them if we can help it. Be as concerned with your health as you are with other things you may deem important in life. You only get one body, no matter how much technology has advanced you can never get another one. Life is short and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. I don’t know when the end is but what I do know is, the time we do have, we should cherish it and we need to take care of our bodies so we can be here for the long haul. Keep in mind one day you can be happy and live on top of the world. But because you neglected the body suddenly in the blink of an eye, life as you once knew it could change and never be the same again. You must become vigilant and aware of yourself. Be encouraged, be blessed and be faithful to yourself because your life depends on it!
I take great care of my body, for it is a temple and I treat it with respect.
Hello, my name is Dannie Paul Moore. I was born in Huntington, Long Island to the late Mr. Harold P. and the late Mrs. Willie Mae Moore on the 1st of June, IN 1972. I was raised in Astoria, Queens along with my two sisters Jaqueline, & Victoria, As well as my brother Harold Sr. I have three Beautiful biological children named Ashley, Ebonie, (they are twins) and Cheyanne. I have two bonus children, son Isaiah and daughter Mazie. I am married to an amazing and supportive wife named Yolanda. I currently reside in Salisbury, NC. along with my family. I am a two-time felon that society deemed to be a minus. I went to prison twice, the first time for gun possession and served two and half years. The second time for murder, assessor after the fact. I served 7years and it changed my life forever. After the second time I went to prison I decided that I would listen to the advice the judge gave me the first time I went to prison. He said, “I pray that you take this time and use it for your advantage.” I didn’t the first time, but I sure did the second time. I refused to return to prison a third time. I had two choices in prison. Either work for $1 a day or go to school and make $1 a day at the most $5. I refused to work. I decided to go to school to pass my time. I took all the classes that I could at each prison camp I went to. Until I couldn’t take anymore the last 6 or 7 months I had remaining in prison. I figured I would obtain as much education as I could so when I got out, I would put them all to use. I received a residential electricity certificate, Heating and carpentry certificate, cabinet making certificate, plus a pluming and air certificate from Robeson Community College. Yep, I was preparing myself to do great things in the future. What society calls bad I called a set up for my future. I The same money you are chasing you can make working or got out of prison and the very next day I went applied by opening your own business. Chase being a boss and for a job and started working a seasonal position at the Parks and recreational in Fayetteville North Carolina. make real money. You can make more money legally than After the season ended, I went on to become a machine you could illegally. Know just because you have fallen operator at Mountaire Farms chicken plant. Where I victim to circumstances doesn’t mean you have to stay later became head maintenance in my department. there. You don’t have to be what people or society deems Then I moved to Concord North Carolina Where I got a you to be. You can rise above it all and become something job at Mauser in 2019 and I have been promoted several greater than the world could ever expect. The things you could accomplish having your own business are endless. times since I have started. They have sent me to You don’t have to turn to the streets to get the money you Germany to learn how to work on those foreign desire. Being a BOSS can get you that and time with your machines. The journey has been great. All that I have learned in prison I apply it in my life so that I can be a family. productive citizen in my community. I left the streets and fast money alone because the time I lost away from my children I can never get back. I I want any young or old man reading this to understand where I am coming from. Just because you promised myself and my kids that I would never leave them made bad choices in your life doesn’t define who you again. I have started my own business, CEO of D. Moore can become. You can change at any age! Stop chasing Maintenance in Charlotte, North Carolina. I do just about that fast money because it will only put you in prison. all maintenance work and lawncare with my son as well. I am leaving an inheritance for my children’s children to live off for years to come. You cannot do that with fast money. Invest in yourself and the life of your offspring.
D.Moore Maintenace llc [email protected] 980-234-8242 4800 Express Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208
God Bless Everyone. My name is John Bention. I am a prior service U.S Marine with 10 years of service. I currently reside in Palmdale, CA with my wife and beautiful daughter. After graduating film school, I pursued my acting career doing background work in a variety of film sets. Although it was an amazing experience for me to be living my dreams in Cali, acting wasn’t paying the bills. I had a family to feed and had to put my dreams on hold to get a job with consistent income. I got a job at Lockheed Martin as a government contractor, but realized shortly after working there for a couple months, that the 9-5 lifestyle wasn’t for me. No amount of money could have motivated me to work for somebody else for the rest of my life. I begin my entrepreneurship journey after leaving Lockheed in 2021. I got introduced into the insurance industry, and today I have been promoted to Marketing Director, and I am about to open up my first office in Palmdale. I’ve faced many challenges, but more importantly I’ve learned to love the process. The enemy of a great life is a good life. The enemy of great money is good money. Entrepreneurship affords me the freedom to make my own schedule, control my time, control my income, and spend more time with family. We are meant to create, to be bold, and to serve. Entrepreneurship is how I have been able to do just that. Belief must first come from yourself. God didn’t give your friends and family the vision, he gave it to you. Do not let anyone distract you from what God has planned for you. Be blessed. John Bention Life Insurance Agent Agent Code 1095542 | PHP (760) 712-6857 [email protected] https://phpagency.com 8673 Hayden Place Culver City 90232
I release the past and trust that everything is happening for my greatest good.
I am grateful to have had sports as an outlet at an early age. Sports saved my life! As it was a way for me to channel my anger from a very abusive childhood. Boxing, basketball, football & track was a great way to get away from it all. I have been fortunate by the Grace of God where coaches and mentors have noticed the hungry and drive in me at a young age to help me channel it in the right direction. From age 9u through High School God has placed a guardian Angel/Coach to guide me along my journey. The men and women that played a part in my life has made me the man I am today. It goes back to the old saying, \"It takes a village to Growing through the journey of my childhood is the reason why I am so passionate about being a pillar for my community. For the last 20 years we have dedicated unconditional community service to our at-risk community and abroad by way of Coaching Football and Basketball from the ages 6u to Middle School, AAU Travel Teams through high School, including exposure teams to Semi- Pro. I am a firm believer that [Iron sharpens Iron] in which, \"We walk by faith and not by sight.\" I learned early in my life that life isn't fair by design. It's going to take men and women with the same vision and passion to glue this thing back together. That's where the concept of the glue was formulated to bring everyone together and make us whole again. Because it doesn't matter what nationality, creed or color, there is a glue in every circle that holds it all together. In my 22 years of coaching at-risk kids, 3 years in we recognized we were dealing with at-risk parents as well. This realization helped us to move forward with the Construction, Real Estate, and networking platforms to create jobs in a better way of life for any player or parent.
Carl Pouncil, Jr Carl Pouncil, III Carl Pouncil, IV \"C4\"
Every day is important, either as a memory or as a lesson.
Eulyss Bryant Eulyss Bryant is a native of Newburgh, New York. He is the baby boy of Paul Edmond Bryant and Eulah Gaynell Newkirk, both natives of North Carolina. He has one daughter and three sons, all of Newburgh, NY. Eulyss is a believer in God The Father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. He has apprenticeships and social living skills, one and two, from the New York State Department of Labor. Eulyss’s mission is designed to drive as many souls to the body of Christ as he possibly can, and he is encouraged to let everyone know that salvation is free.
Henry “Art” Smith Artist - Philanthropist - Arts Educator In 1981, while the world revolved around Former President Ronald Reagan, Michael Jackson and MTV, a young artist was born to make his statement in this vast culture. Henry T. Smith showed early talents and an undying love for both football and drawing. Through his years of education his many passions continued to unfold. After obtaining a degree in Fine Arts at McNeese State University in 2005, he spent the next few years working as a high school art teacher. Henry determined that art was his first passion and decided to follow his dream. He then became Henry “Art” Smith, a full-time artist. His style of art spans between Pop Art and Realism to Sports Portraits and Jazz Impressionism. Henry’s work has caught the attention of many prestigious celebrities such as President Barack Obama, recording artist Sheila E., LSU Head Coach Les Miles, Houston Texan J.J. Watt and the Los Angeles Sparks basketball team. Philanthropy is of great importance to Mr. Smith. He believes that giving back to the less fortunate is the duty of people who enjoy the privilege of working in the arts. To that end, one of Henry’s most admired pieces depicting Babe Ruth was auctioned off at a Girls Haven benefit. He has also donated some of his other paintings to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Organizations to support their charitable works. In 2020, one of Henry’s original paintings was auctioned off at the Wearable Art Gala created and hosted by Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson. Mr. Smith spends much of his free time mentoring underprivileged youth in their artistic endeavors.
I can easily manage my emotions.
Happy Father’s Day! I would like to share a little about Cedrick my amazing husband Cedrick Holt, who is God sent! Holt Ced has always been a very active individual, from the time we met in high school he played baseball, football, and track. In High School. He only played in one game as a senior due to a groin injury, but was still named to the Shrine Bowl. Ced was a four-year starter, and one of the Charlotte Observer’s Top 25 prospects in North Carolina. Cedrick’s amazing skills in football granted him a full ride scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology and African American studies, Ced was originally signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He also played a season with NFL Europe for The Cologne Centurions. After his football career he married his high school sweetheart and started his family. He is a proud father of 4 wild and beautiful daughters and has his son on the way this October! Seeing him become a father, from the moment our first daughter came into this world, has been a gift that I will always treasure and forever be thankful for. Ced, I am grateful for your constant dedication to our marriage with all the ups and downs and challenges we have faced as a couple and as parents. I say thank you for the countless nights I’ve cried and you’ve told me \"baby it will be alright.\" Thank you for being the leader of our family and showing us unconditional love day in and day out. So to my husband, the father to our village no matter what the storm is or how big it may be, you’re always our rock which we can depend on. That’s the many reasons why we love you so much Happy Fathers Day Ced Love, Your wife and children
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY CARL W. POUNCIL, IV AKA C4
My name is Greg Harris. I was born in Saint Albans In 2006 I moved to New Jersey where I purchased my Queens, New York, December 17th, 1972, to Vivian first home and got married. Life was great and I was and the late John Harris. I have one sister named comfortable. After 16 years my marriage ended, and I Michelle. At the age of eight years old I moved to was divorced in 2019. I came to peace with the Astoria, New York with my parents where they situation by trusting God’s plan for my life and closed raised me. My sister was older and decided she wanted to stay in Saint Albans to start and raise her the door and started a new chapter. family. Being the only child in my household at this I now reside in Elmora Hills, New Jersey. I met an time I learnt to work with my hands, building and amazing woman name Marni who I am now engaged fixing things, which led me to become good with to. God has been so good to us! We have recently purchased a new home together in December of 2022. electronics and mechanics. I know with God‘s blessings and my determination, I will make this next chapter of my life the greatest Later at the age of 15, I gave my life to the Lord. It was one of the best choices I made in life. I started chapter of my life. attending Astoria Outreach Ministries under the Corinthians 16:13-14 (amplified version) reminds us leadership of Pastor Mitchell Taylor and Pastor to be on your guard, stand firm in faith, be Jeffrey White who became my mentors and courageous, and be strong. Let everything you do be spiritual fathers. done in love (motivated and inspired by God’s love for At the age of 17 I had my first and only daughter, us). named Deree Harris. Having a child at a young age Life’s journey can be difficult and have many was rough but with God, the support of my parents, challenges, but I want to encourage whoever is Elders, and close friends I was blessed to be able to reading this that regardless of what you may be facing stand firm in the faith and know that God is working make it through. all things out for your good. You may not understand I worked many small jobs growing up, but I realized it now, but in time you will. Just because one door closes in life doesn’t mean it is the end. Know that it is I needed a long-term career. Thinking about my just the beginning, and another door will open. When future, my passions and how good I worked with my it does open it will be better than what you lost. Sometimes to lose is to gain something better than hands. I became a plumber working at Memorial you could ever imagine. But you can’t lose faith and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I left there after a you can’t lose sight on yourself or the promises of couple of years and became employed at Lenox Hill God. With God on your side, you can do all things because he will strengthen you and whatever you put Hospital, now known as Northwell Health, and your mind to, he shall bring it to pass. I take my losses during my time there I have been promoted several and misfortunes as a gain for the next chapter of my life. I stood firm in my faith and trusted the plan of times. I started out as a plumber, then moved to God for my life, and he has made every wrong right. facilities operator. Now I am an operations Every mistake turned into something beautiful. I am truly encouraged and blessed. I hope and pray despite engineer. I have been with this company for 23 life’s misfortunes and unplanned situations that arise years and plan to remain until I retire. in your life that you remain strong, remain encouraged, and make sure you do everything in love even when love isn’t given to you. Remember you can begin over as many times as you have to and at any age. Don’t’ let anyone make you feel bad or less than because you are starting over. Starting over means new beginnings along with new opportunities. This is your life and your journey. Make it the greatest story ever by starting over as
All the good in my life comes to me as a result of my willingness to find happiness in each moment.
Tony R. Gill Tony R. Gill can usually be found in the gym lifting weights after a hard day working as a service tech for Verizon. Writing has always been on his bucket list, and finally, after speaking with Cynthia, it has become a reality. After growing up in the micro-city called Newburgh in downstate New York, he left the street corner in 1988 and joined the US Army as a Communications Airborne Signal Soldier. Four tours and 20 years later, he said goodbye to the Armed Forces. Tony loves doing whatever, whenever, and however, at the drop of a hat, or he can be a homebody without a care in the world, content as ever. Currently, he resides in the state of Maryland. The sky isn’t the limit for Tony because there’s always outer space. Let’s go for a ride, people!
George Davis (son of God) is a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a true survivor, on top of mentor and winner. He was born in Newburgh, New York, on September 1, 1966, to George Davis, Sr and Melinda Haynes. George loves helping our youth and trying to help people enjoy life. He’s a person that will never lay down nor give up. As a family man, George does what needs to be done for his family. His passions are helping the youth and coaching basketball. George Davis
I put forward my opinions and beliefs with confidence and bravery.
CHARLES DEWALT Elder Charles DeWalt is a man after God’s own Heart. He was called to ministries at the age of twenty. He was ordained a Deacon under Apostle Anderson at The City of Refuge of Hawaii, where he began training. Things of the spirit Elder DeWalt is gifted in teaching and is used often by God in the areas of word of wisdom and word of knowledge. After leaving the City of Refuge, Elder DeWalt went through a wilderness period. After the period ended, Elder DeWalt was ordained Elder, under Apostle Sammy Smith of Grace Cathedral Ministries of Sumter, SC. Immediately begin assigned to Bishop Kenneth L. Kelly, Senior Pastor, Raeford, NC; he held positions of Assistant Pastor, Senior Elder, and various other functions. Elder DeWalt is married to Lady Ramona DeWalt. Now, Elder Charles DeWalt is under the leadership of Bishop Antonio Booker and Senior Pastor Marcella Booker of United Nations Church International of Charlotte.
SWIMHOONISSAMNATTATNHAEJWR. Matthew S. Santana Jr. is the founder, of Santana Global – www.santanaglobal.com. Santana is excited about introducing this platform to the world. It has been a long journey getting to this place. Matthew was born in Gary, Indiana, severely premature at 1 pound and three ounces. By the grace of God, he survived. Survival gave him a purpose in life from the very beginning. He knew that he had a mission to fulfill on Earth and learned early to recognize his talents and gifts. Being HELPFUL and HOPEFUL was his calling, and he answered early. At an early age, he developed a strong passion for the arts. Especially literature! He became enthusiastic about reading as many books as he could and found enjoyment in connecting with characters, plots, and unique styles of narratives. By high school, he found his first job at the local library. It was the perfect environment to relish in his favorite past-time. As he grew into an adult, his hobby turned into a passion for storytelling and took a life of its own. Santana began developing and writing his own series of stories, novels, plays, and other creative projects. Currently, he has found personal success in producing his stories while paving the way for his other talents to make room as a resolute entrepreneur and business owner. When life hit, Santana turned that negativity into a positive one. Now he works behind the scenes for 75+ businesses, coaches women who have gone through domestic violence and sexual assault, and fully assist people in living their lives today. As he says, \"LIFE IS ONLY FOR A MOMENT.\" As the President/CEO of Santana Global, he brings over 15 years of professional marketing & public relations experience to this platform. His specialization is a blend of integrated marketing and communications. His expertise in public relations has helped many individuals and businesses to date. The serial entrepreneur is back and quotes.” Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your life!”
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