Over seven sessions, participants in the Citizens Academy got a crash course on the FBI. During this season of commencement ceremonies and graduations celebrations, many graduates are donning caps and gowns and festive attire. However, across town I joined 27 community leaders in a unique graduation ceremony––one that required protective eyewear, hearing protection and hard-toe shoes. As a graduate of the 2021 FBI Jacksonville Citizens Academy, I knew I was taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The FBI Jacksonville Citizens Academy gives community leaders, such as my husband Pastor John Allen Newman and me, a behind the scenes look at …

The Hubbard House’s important work helps families suffering domestic violence. It’s been 11 months since my family was rocked by domestic violence. My 23-year-old cousin Taryn Simmons was fatally shot by the father of her child after a confrontation about child care. A month prior to her death, she sought and was granted a protective order, but that would not be enough to keep her from her untimely death which occurred right in front of her infant child.  As we tried to find ways to grapple with our tremendous loss, my mother and I searched for opportunities to help raise …