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Men's Day
This Men’s Day is a transformative Sunday for the heart, soul, and mind, where we honor the sacred call of Black men to rise as builders of the house, healers of generations, and warriors for justice—living on God's promises, purpose, and power.
SPECIAL THANKS
With deep gratitude, we thank each of you for helping make Men’s Day 2025 a powerful expression of faith, fellowship, and purpose.
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We especially thank Pastor Francys Johnson for his visionary leadership and for guiding Magnolia to be a church that is welcome and affirming to all people who seek to improve the human condition—unashamedly African in our perspective and unapologetically Christian in our hearts.
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To every business, partner, and advertiser who supported this day through your gifts and sponsorships—thank you for investing in the future of our community. We are grateful for our musicians, ministry leaders, ushers, program participants, and volunteers who offered their time, talent, and testimony to make this Men’s Day a success. Special thanks to Felica Prince, Leanne Robinson, Sylvia Tremble, Annette McCray, and the entire luncheon team—thank you for feeding both body and spirit with excellence and care.
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Most of all, we celebrate the mission that anchors this day—the Magnolia Scholars Fund. This ministry is more than scholarships; it’s a sacred commitment to lift as we climb—to equip our young people to dream, to lead, and to live fully into their God-given potential.
Brothers and Sisters, this is our charge: it’s time to go to work. Work to build stronger families, heal broken systems, and lead our community with courage and compassion. We can do anything we set our minds to—because God is still providing through the hands and hearts of faithful men.
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P.S. - to the Women of Magnolia - we see you and appreciate your extraordinary encouragement!
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In faith and service,
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John F. Robinson & Michael Tremble
Men’s Day 2025 Co-Chairs
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Strong Minds, Strong Bodies, Strong Futures Panel
What does it mean for Black men to live whole, healthy, and free in a world that too often conspires against our well-being?
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Moderated by Maurice McDowell, this panel was more than a discussion—it was a summons to restoration and power. The well-being of Black men is not merely personal; it is the foundation of families, the heartbeat of communities, and the seed of future generations. To be mentally strong through education is to resist the forces that narrow our possibilities. To be physically and spiritually well is to confront the systems that shorten our lives. To be economically empowered is to break generational chains, claim dignity, and build wealth that endures.
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And what if the solutions we seek are not outside ourselves, but within our sacred memory, wisdom, and very DNA—passed down by those who endured, resisted, and built before us?
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By connecting spiritual growth with holistic success, this conversation called us to see education, health, and financial strength not as options, but as sacred obligations. In doing so, we are answering the prophetic call to rise as builders of the house, healers of generations, and warriors for justice.
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Panel Guests included master educator Dr. Samose Mays; mental health specialist Thadeus Holloway, Ed.D.; healthcare systems professional Antoine Poythress; management guru Glenn Green; businessman Michael Summers; and banker Michael Ransom. The session concludes with a Q&A, inviting every participant to join in naming truths, reclaiming wisdom, and charting strategies for thriving in mind, body, and future.
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“When there is no enemy within,
the enemy outside can do no harm.”
- African Proverb
MAN ON A MISSION
The Honorable Charles W. Penny, Public Administrator
A lifelong public servant, Charles Penny has dedicated more than 35 years to building stronger cities and better lives. Since becoming City Manager of Statesboro in 2019, he has led a renaissance—working with Mayor and Council to cut poverty by nearly 30%, halve unemployment, revitalize downtown, and expand programs for youth, housing, and public safety. Under his leadership, Statesboro has been recognized nationally as a Visionary City and one of the Best Places in America to Start a Business. Steady, humble, and faith-driven, Charles Penny reminds us that real leadership serves people and leaves no one behind.
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ONE TO WATCH
Terry Lamonte, Entrepreneur and Master Barber
From hardship to healing, Terry Lamonte turned his struggle into strength. After discovering his calling while incarcerated, he rebuilt his life—earning a Business Management degree from Ogeechee Technical College, becoming a Master Barber and Educator, and founding Heavenly Pleasures Barber Shop and Barber Academy in Statesboro. Named OTC’s 2025 Outstanding Alumni, Terry is a mentor, father, and community servant who proves that faith and focus can transform any setback into success. His story is a living testimony: you can rise again and bring others with you.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Charlie “Brother” Hendrix, Retired Deputy Sheriff
When Charlie “Brother” Hendrix joined the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Department in 1978, he was one of only a few Black officers on the force in South Georgia. Over 35 years of service, he became a model of fairness, compassion, and courage—serving in Road Patrol, State Court, and Superior Court. Guided by his lifelong motto, “Treat everyone like you want to be treated,” Brother Hendrix earned respect across generations. As one of one in his time, he opened doors for others to follow. His life reminds us that true strength is found in integrity and faithful service.
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Investing in Our Youth. Honoring Our Legacy. Building Our Future. At Magnolia, we believe that investing in our young people is not just charity—it is a sacred calling. It is an act of faith in what God can do through them, an act of justice in a world that too often denies them access, and an act of love for a future we may never see but are still called to shape.
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​The Scholars Fund is one of the ways we answer that call. It provides vital financial assistance to graduating seniors from Bulloch County who are pursuing higher education. With your support, we help turn caps and gowns into careers, and dreams into destiny.
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But this isn’t just about scholarships—it’s about legacy.
Scholars Fund
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