Do You Remember?

Martha Green, who is a missionary, was on our cover in 2008. Ujima chose Martha because of her courage and determination to help children who are homeless, abandoned, and sick in Kenya.  She has lived in Kenya since 2000, but comes back here to Austin every couple of months. Her testimony about the hardship young girls and boys face everyday to survive really touched our hearts. Martha continues to travel back and forth to Kenya providing a home and care for children who are lost. When she saw the devastation on a mission visit, she said “Lord, send me, I’ll go.”

Carolyn White Mosley, mother of the Ortalla LuWone Mosley Foundation.  This is the first time during an interview we cried. We had only heard of the tragedy on the news, but meeting Carolyn gave us hope and forgiveness in our hearts. Carolyn lost her daughter, Trella, to a brutal murder by ex-boyfriend. She has spent all of her time and energy ensuring no other parent or sibling has to live through such pain and agony over losing a love one who only “broke up” with her boyfriend. She created the Trella Foundation and continues a vigorous fight to stop Teen Dating Violence. This was a hard interview to do but it made all the difference to us and our readers. Her saying is “Time Reveals Emotion Love Last Always= TRELLA.

Simone White, a smart young women that learned lessons of success from attending the East Side Story Foundation. Simone was recommended from the founder of East Side Story, Larry Jackson. He wanted us to focus our interview on success stories. Boy, she was a good one. Simone entered college when she was 15 years old majoring in chemistry pre-med with the hope of being a doctor someday. We haven’t heard from Simone, but I know she is someplace doing good and hopefully in her residency. She is an example that anything is possible.

Paul Cartwright, Damon Miller and Heath Mohammad, Ujima wanted to pay homage to Black fathers in 2009. We know there are so many more fathers raising their families and taking care of business but we were able to speak with these three men. We especially discussed their thoughts about being a father and husband. Paul was quoted as saying “You may be surprised how the little things you do make a huge difference.” Damon was quoted saying “I’ve been doing it [fatherhood] for 18 years now and everyday I learn something new.” Last but not least, Heath said, “I work nights so I can be there… This is a sacrifice I make because I feel it is important.” All of these fathers are still raising their families and taking care of business.

Visit  our Magazine Cover Stand and Archives to enjoy more about these stories.

Ujima Magazine Staff