Family

YOU HAD ME AT HELLO: ‘It’s just a great joy to give love and to be loved’

THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES — “You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them.

Published

6 years ago

January 3, 2019

By Je’Don Holloway-Talley Special to the Birmingham Times

“You Had Me at Hello’’ highlights married couples and the love that binds them. If you would like to be considered for a future “Hello’’ column, or know someone, please send nominations to Erica Wright ewright@birminghamtimes.com. Include the couple’s name, contact number(s) and what makes their love story unique.

Live: Pinson

Married: June 5, 1982

Met: Arthur and Daveina got to know each other on the porch in front of Daveina’s home in the late ’70s on Birmingham’s west side. Daveina, then 15, was a sophomore at West End High School while Arthur, then 19, a Powderly Hills native who had attended Wenonah High School, was a freshman at Alabama State University (ASU).

The two were introduced by a mutual friend. “He was in college and I wasn’t quite at the driving age, I had my permit,” Daveina said. Arthur said, “I used to date her from her porch. We spent a lot of weekends on that porch before I was ever able to take her out.” However, they spent a lot of hours on the phone, he remembered. “That’s when folks used to have to wait in line to talk on the house phone (in the college dorm), Arthur said.

First date: “We went to see [the film] Amityville Horror, and for a steak dinner at Sizzler Steakhouse,” Daveina said, “but not before we took a drive around town. He took me to his summer co-op job at Century 21, and it impressed me to see a young guy wanting to be in business.”

Daveina said she was able to see their future on their first date. But, it would be five years before they went on another date. “Our lives took different turns,” she said. “He got into other serious relationships. I got into some serious relationships.”

The Turn: They would reunite where they began from five years before: on her front porch. “I was getting ready to come out of college (Clark Atlanta), and he had really invested in his [real estate] career…,” Daveina said. “We reconnected when I came home for Thanksgiving, but we rekindled when I came home for Christmas [that year]. I stayed for the whole three weeks and we dated and had a great time and nurtured our relationship all the way through New Year’s,” Daveina said.

The proposal: “We were together New Year’s Day, her mother was cooking dinner for all of us….and I asked her outside and said ‘we’re going to start the New Year off right. I know you’re the one for me, and I‘d like to spend the rest of my life with you and I’d like to make you my wife’ then I said, ‘do you want to marry me?’,” Arthur said.

“We kissed, I said, ‘Yes, I will,’” Daveina remembered, “then we went back inside and he got down on his knee in front of my parents and asked my daddy for my hand in the dining room. The next day, we got up and we went and found my ring and he gave it to me the following day on my birthday [January 3),” she said.

The wedding: Vulcan Museum and Park. The colors were blush pink, and silver

“We got married in Vulcan Park, everything was real nice,” Daveina said. “It rained and after it stopped there was a big rainbow in the sky, you can see it in one of our pictures,” she said.

“We danced to Frankie Beverly and Maze all night, when everybody got ready to leave out they were singing going down the steps,” Arthur said, “they were singing ‘Joy, and Pain’ still wanting to party,” he said.

Words of wisdom: It’s all about fostering a deep connection and close-knit friendship, said the Godfreys of their 35-year marriage.

“Love is not about better communication, it’s about a better connection. You have to have a very good connection,” Daveina said, “men want a close marriage just as much as the woman does.”

Arthur added that it’s about the friendship that you build over time.

“All things and people change, but your marriage and your home are there to stay,” he said. “Over time, we have become better friends, we raised kids together, we’ve learned that we’re all we have. Especially after our parents passed,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of death and sorrow and we’ve had to overcome that and be there for one another.”

Happily ever after: Arthur and Daveina lived in Atlanta, GA during the early years of their marriage before returning to Birmingham. Daveina earned a bachelor of sciences degree in psychology from Clark Atlanta and her master’s degree in education from Alabama State University. Arthur earned a bachelor of science’s degree in business and finance from ASU. They have four adult children, three sons and one daughter.

Arthur said it’s a joy to have a sophomore at A&M, a daughter in law school, and two sons in promising careers “and having [his wife] you’re able to have and share these moments with.”

Arthur is a loan officer for an area bank and Daveina is a retiree from Children’s Hospital in Behavioral Health. She also has her own company, ‘Daveina Mending Homes’, where she counsels foster children.

Daveina said she enjoys how they continue to work together “from how we handle crisis, to how we handle trips and vacations; it’s just a great joy to give love and to be loved,” she said. “Romance is everyday life.”

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

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California Black Media

Not So Sweet: California State Health Campaign Highlights Dangers of Sugary Drinks

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and CalFresh Healthy Living, the state’s nutrition assistance program, recently launched a health campaign to illuminate the risks of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and the health benefits of hydrating with water. The “Not So Sweet Side” initiative encourages families to make informed decisions about the drinks they choose and to be aware of the sugar content present in them.

Published

4 days ago

October 29, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock Photo

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and CalFresh Healthy Living, the state’s nutrition assistance program, recently launched a health campaign to illuminate the risks of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and the health benefits of hydrating with water.

The “Not So Sweet Side” initiative encourages families to make informed decisions about the drinks they choose and to be aware of the sugar content present in them.

According to the campaign, consuming too much sugar has been associated with an increase in chronic conditions and diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and tooth decay. African Americans face a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, heart disease and tooth decay.

Dr. Redieat Assefa is a pediatrician at Riverside University Health Systems. She spoke at a webinar hosted by California Black Media introducing the campaign to ethnic media publishers across California.

Assefa underscored the importance of reading labels on sugary drinks you may consume and how to identify drinks that contain too much.

“When reading a nutrition label, there are a few key components that I would like us to consider. The first thing is the serving size of your sugary drinks. Is it one can? Is it one bottle? Then you go down to your total carbohydrates, which can be broken down to your fibers and sugary, added sugars or non-added sugars.”

To simplify the process, compare the grams of sugar in a box of Apple Juice with preservatives that could be around 40 grams of sugar and that of natural juice which averages around 6 grams.

Assefa also added that research indicates that African American women who drink one to two sugary beverages daily have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Sugary drinks can lead to high blood pressure, hype, and hypertension, contributing to a greater risk of heart disease among African American young adult men who, on average, consume sugary beverages at a higher level than other groups.

Assefa pointed out that there are about 10 teaspoons of sugar in a single can of soda.

Dr. Maxmillian Chambers, a dental professional and public health advocate, also spoke on the panel promoting the campaign highlighting the impact sugary drinks can have on dental health.

“As we continue this dialogue, it’s crucial to turn our focus to oral health, a key component of our overall well-being that doesn’t often receive the attention it deserves. Sugary drinks are a significant contributor to tooth decay. Research shows that drinking more than two eight-ounce servings of sugary beverages per week can drastically increase the risk of cavities. And for our youth, particularly those aged 9 to 18, sugary drinks are primary sources of added sugar in their diets.”

Lakeysha Sowunmi, a mom and public health advocate who has worked to influence state policy and mobilize communities, including churches, around health issues, said, “I work with families on a budget, for example, and help them understand CalFresh and the resources that are available. We talk about portion control. We talk about feeding big families.”

The CalFresh Healthy Living Program is led by CDPH’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Branch. To explore recipes, resources, and tips for making healthier beverage choices, visit http://uncoverhealthyhabits.com/

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Bay Area

Home Repair Services for Low-Income Marin County Homeowners

Habitat Greater San Francisco (HGSF) is offering major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Marin County. HGSF is a non-profit, licensed general contractor who has repaired over 200 homes since 2011 in communities across our region. They focus on repairs that address safety, accessibility, and health, such as roof repair/replacement, siding repair/replacement, window repair/replacement, accessibility upgrades, electrical repairs, and plumbing repairs. They are also a trusted mortgage lender providing opportunities for low-income homeowners in the Bay Area for 35 years.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Learn more about how to apply for the interest loan by calling 415-625-1036 or visit habitatgsf.org/marinhomerepairs. More information can also be found at the Marin City Free Library, 164 Donahue St. in Marin City.

By Godfrey Lee

Habitat Greater San Francisco (HGSF) is offering major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Marin County.

HGSF is a non-profit, licensed general contractor who has repaired over 200 homes since 2011 in communities across our region. They focus on repairs that address safety, accessibility, and health, such as roof repair/replacement, siding repair/replacement, window repair/replacement, accessibility upgrades, electrical repairs, and plumbing repairs. They are also a trusted mortgage lender providing opportunities for low-income homeowners in the Bay Area for 35 years.

Qualified applicants will have their property assessed to determine eligible repairs. If you qualify financially and have qualifying repairs, HGSF will offer you a low 2% interest loan, in order to fund your repairs, that can be paid over time or defer all payments for 30 years or until the home is sold. Loan amounts between $25,000 to $75,000 are available for home repair and improvement needs.

Maximum Household Income Requirements

Household size is determined by the number of people (children and adults) who have been living in the home for at least a full year, and plan on continuing to live in the home full time, for at least another year.

Total household income is determined by the combined income of all full-time household members, over 18 years old.

If there is one person in the household, then the Maximum Household Income is $109,700; for two people it is $125,350; for three people it is $141,000; for four people is $156,650, for five people is $169,200, for six people is $181,750, for seven people is $194,250, and for eight people is $206,800.

Applicants can be assisted over the phone and by appointment. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Mail or return completed applications to: 300 Montgomery St., Suite 450, San Francisco, CA 94104. Or email applications to: homerepairs@habitatgsf.org.

This program is made possible with support from the County of Marin’s Community Development Block Grant program.

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Community

How Mobihealth Drives a Telemedicine Revolution in Africa

As a child growing up in northern Nigeria, Dr. Funmi Adewara experienced a severe hand injury that required multiple surgeries and frequent hospital visits. These visits exposed her to the harsh realities of the country’s healthcare system. “I remember sitting in overcrowded waiting rooms, watching doctors stretched thin, unable to meet the needs of so many patients,” Adewara recalls. This formative experience ignited her passion for transforming healthcare in Africa.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Oakland Post

Dr Funmi Adewara, founder and CEO of telehealth company Mobihealth. Mobihealth International photo.

By Ifeanyi Abraham

CNN

As a child growing up in northern Nigeria, Dr. Funmi Adewara experienced a severe hand injury that required multiple surgeries and frequent hospital visits.

These visits exposed her to the harsh realities of the country’s healthcare system. “I remember sitting in overcrowded waiting rooms, watching doctors stretched thin, unable to meet the needs of so many patients,” Adewara recalls.

This formative experience ignited her passion for transforming healthcare in Africa.

Growing up with a mother who worked as a nurse, Adewara’s understanding of healthcare challenges deepened through her mother’s stories.

“I knew early on that healthcare wasn’t a privilege — it was a necessity, and I wanted to be part of changing the system,” she explains.

After training as a physician, Adewara worked for 15 years in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service before founding the telemedicine platform Mobihealth in 2017.

Since its launch, Mobihealth has impacted thousands of lives, connecting patients with doctors and healthcare professionals across Nigeria and beyond.

The platform has 20 integrated telehealth clinics that offer remote consultations, diagnostics, and access to specialist care via digital health tools. Located primarily in Nigeria, these clinics are accessible to patients through various subscription plans and are often financed through partnerships with global donor organizations and private donors.

In addition to the clinics, Mobihealth has partnerships with over 200 hospitals, labs, and pharmacies, Adewara says.

The company has earned global recognition, including a $1 million grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency in 2022. Adewara was also one of the World Bank’s seven 2020 Sustainable Development Goals & Her award winners, selected from over 2,400 entries worldwide.

Connecting Rural Patients

Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions struggle to access basic healthcare. According to the World Health Organization, the region bears 25% of the global disease burden but has only 3% of the world’s healthcare workers.

“In rural Africa, a trip to the nearest hospital can mean the difference between life and death,” says Adewara.

Mobihealth’s latest initiative offers healthcare for $1 a month for rural and underserved populations. It allows Africans in the diaspora — and global supporters — to sponsor essential services like doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, and access to telemedicine clinics.

The scheme is not solely based on donations; individuals can also subscribe to the service for themselves.

“Healthcare systems across Africa are under immense pressure,” Adewara explains. “Our initiative is a direct response, using technology to connect rural patients with doctors thousands of miles away.”

For Adewara, Mobihealth’s telemedicine platform is not a temporary fix; it represents the future of healthcare in Africa.

“This is about creating a resilient, sustainable and inclusive system, where people, no matter where they are, can access the care they need,” she says.

“Telemedicine brings doctors to people, wherever they may be. By integrating AI and remote monitoring, we are improving the speed and accuracy of care, saving lives in the process,” she adds.

A number of African companies provide telemedicine services, but researchers have pointed out that there are obstacles that could hinder the growth of telemedicine in the continent.

Rural areas can have an unreliable electricity supply and poor internet connectivity, and there is often a lack of government policies and funding around virtual healthcare.

“A Healthcare System for the Future”

Adewara envisions scaling her company’s model to reach millions more across Africa, particularly in countries like Ghana, Kenya, and Ivory Coast.

“Our work is just beginning,” she says. “We are building a healthcare system for the future — one that is resilient, inclusive and capable of meeting Africa’s growing population’s needs.”

However, partnerships are crucial to achieving this vision. “We can’t do this alone. Our collaborations with the African diaspora, hospitals, governments, and international organizations allow us to reach more people and ensure that healthcare is affordable, efficient and accessible,” Adewara adds.