Innholdsfortegnelse for VOL X i Bully Magazine

Can you share what it was like stepping into the role of a stepfather and building a bond with your stepsons? When my wife first told me she had three sons, I was skeptical about moving forward. I had been a stepfather before, and I knew the challenges that came with it. But when I met her boys, I realized my role would be minimal at first because they had an active father in their lives. Over time, I grew to admire them—three different young men on three unique journeys. When their father passed, my role shifted instantly. I embraced it wholeheartedly. Kobe’ J, the youngest, was just 11 1 years old. I wanted to help guide him into manhood, and I’m proud of the young man he’s become. Joey, the…

We would love to learn more about you, including where you are from and where you currently reside. I am a Chicago native through and through-born, raised, and shaped by the South Side. These days, I live in the western suburbs of Chicago with my partner, Reggie. Together, we've created a home rooted in love, healing, purpose, and partnership. This next chapter of my life is not about where I live-it’s about how I live: intentionally, boldly, and in alignment with everything I've survived and everything I'm building. Please share the nature of your business, when you took the leap of faith, and what inspired you to start? I took the leap of faith in April 2024, leaving behind a 16-year career in Human Resources. I wasn't just walking away…

CONGRADULATIONS TO THE RECEIPIENTS We're proud to have celebrated three incredible years of purpose, passion, and perseverance and this year, we’ve taken the stage at Lehman College’s Music Theatre in the Bronx, NY! This unforgettable evening has highlighted the power of resilience, paying homage to our angels, and recognize those who have poured their hearts into communities near and far. Congratulations to all the recipients honored in each category; Overcoming the Odds Award In recognition of your remarkable journey in overcoming the odds. Your determination and refusal to give up have inspired us all, proving that nothing is impossible.” John Patterson Legacy of Empowerment Award Your enduring impact on the community, shaped by your dedication, has inspired personal growth, self-confidence, resilience, and unwavering support. The love you've given will remain…

Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that continues to affect countless families around the world. For many women — including myself and my own mother — it is not just a statistic, but a lived reality. Too often, women suffer in silence, holding onto the hope that the people they love will change their violent ways. But the truth is, abuse rarely stops on its own. It is a cycle that repeats until the abuser faces their own pain and receives the help they desperately need. This month, we stand in solidarity with survivors, honoring the lives lost, and raise our voices to break the silence surrounding domestic violence. Domestic violence is not just physical — it is emotional, mental, and spiritual harm that leaves scars far deeper than the…

People think the abuse ends when you leave, but for me, leaving was when the real danger began. There were no bruises, no threats during the relationship just silence and tension. It wasn’t until I left for good that he showed me who he really was. I thought walking away would be the hard part. Our story wasn’t violent until I said I was done. Until I found joy without him. That’s when he decided if he couldn’t have me, he’d rather see me gone. This isn’t about love. This is about obsession, control, and what happens when a man believes a woman choosing to leave is betrayal and not a boundary. I never imagined that choosing myself, my safety, my children and my future would nearly end everything. This…