Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life

Dr. Jo Zanice Bond’s love for learning has taken her far. Hailing from Brownsville, TN, she found herself pursuing a Ph. D. and eventually becoming a professor at Tuskegee University. Her life experiences opened her eyes to the importance of persistence, and revealed why ‘elbow grease’ pays off eventually. It also showed her the big responsibility of nurturing young minds and the importance of the African diaspora in her school community. Hear more about Dr. Bond’s amazing feats in this 16th episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life!   In this episode: Leaving Brownsville and how far she’s gotten On Dr. Bond’s love for learning and pursuing a Ph. D. Becoming a professor at Tuskegee University The important women who have been a part of Tuskegee University How the African diaspora converges in Tuskegee Speaking to students from diverse backgrounds How her birth order inspired her desire to teach and to learn Why persistence pays off How entrepreneurship influenced her dissertation

Meet child #1 in the Bond family, Dr. Norma Jean Bond Burgess. She’s someone who has built a fulfilling career in academia and has been a great inspiration to her family and each student and colleague she has interacted with. But what really pushed Dr. Burgess to this point? She reflects on the guiding principles in her life, her role as the Bond family’s oldest child, and how she reframed the way she views leadership in this newest episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life.   About the Guest: Dr. Norma J. Bond Burgess, Professor, Associate Provost for Diversity, Inclusion and Special Initiatives, Lipscomb University (TN) Dr. Norma J. Bond Burgess is President Elect of the National Council on Family Relations (President elect 2020-2022 and President 2022-2024). Burgess was selected as a "Women of Influence” by the Nashville Business Journal for 2021. A successful businesswoman, Burgess has been recognized nationally for her work. A powerful motivational speaker, she has a sense of humor and is committed to sharing strategies for integrating work, family and success.   In this episode: Pursuing and making opportunities Dr. Burgess' guiding principles in life Dr. Burgess' favorite role and on being child #1 in the Bond family On being scared of failure but learning its importance Learning to listen to help people succeed On representation and influencing students’ lives Taking control of your own life The lessons that helped Dr. Burgess become successful

Meet child #3 of the Bond family, Attorney Linda Bond Edwards. Entering law school at the exciting age of 35, Linda went through a faith-filled journey that led her to different corporate positions and from Illinois to Hawaii, and from California to Connecticut. She believes the path that God set out for her is far more perfect than what she could ever plan for herself... and this has guided her throughout a life well-lived. Hear more about Linda’s story in this 14th episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life!   In this episode: Linda’s journey to law school and beyond The walk of faith and following the Lord’s will A peek into Linda’s law school experience Being selected as one of the “25 Women to Know in Tallahassee” Linda’s life in Tallahassee Why it’s important to take a closer look at yourself Linda’s 2021 Word of the Year Having a stable support system rooted in faith The legacy Linda wants to leave behind

This episode’s guest holds a special place in Dr. Hopson’s life, especially since this woman played a major role in Dr. Cynthia’s career as a writer. Meet Christy Smith, the former publisher of a weekly newspaper in the area I grew up in. We go back to 1987 when I pitched a story to her and the rest, as they say, is history. Christy played a major role in my career as a writer, and after conquering the world of journalism (with a cool byline, “C. T. Smith”), she became a Disaster Consultant. She spent years supporting and helping survivors—an experience that changed her relationship with God. Hear more about her story on working in disaster case management and how she values being a lifelong learner in the 13th episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life.   In this episode: From being a journalist to becoming a Disaster Consultant How working in disaster recovery and with survivors shifted Christy perspective Liberal education and how it should be given more importance Being active participants in culture and politics The value of being a lifelong learner On leaving, remaining and contributing in this world

Angella P. Current-Felder is an author, a retired executive, and an active Methodist leader and civil rights icon. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she served as the Executive Director of the Office of Loans and Scholarships under the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. She also worked as the Executive Director of several other human service organizations as well as the agency liaison for the Africa University Endowment Fund Campaign. But before all those remarkable feats, Angella P. Current-Felder was a girl who grew up among a family which also made major leaps in their respective paths. She’s the daughter of the first Methodist African–American woman bishop and a former Deputy Director of the NAAC. She was also a student in Morgan State College—a time in her life where she became more politically involved. Learn more about her story in this 12th episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life!   In this episode: · The story behind Angella’s name and how her early years shaped the woman she is now · On being a part of the Methodist Church · Being actively involved in her school’s debate team · That moment in her life that led to her becoming more politically motivated · Learning how to ‘read with a political eye’ during her college years · The lessons Angella P. Current-Felder lives by and the legacy she wants to leave to the world

To celebrate her 65th birthday, the 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life podcast flipped the script by interviewing Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson in this special episode! In this episode, management consultant and founder of Aepiphanni Business Consulting Rick Meekins sat down with Dr. Cynthia to gain insight into what ‘heartwork’ is and its difference from simply doing hard work, why she always strives for excellence and her close relationship with God. She talks about her own stories, experiences, and learnings and how it all led her from there to here. If you’d like to officially get to know the host of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life, listen and learn more from Dr. Cynthia herself! Listen now!   In this episode: · On taking the road less traveled · The importance of learning something new every day · The most interesting thing that Dr. Cynthia learned about herself throughout her journey · Listening to other people and encouraging their big dreams · Why excellence is the only standard Dr. Cynthia accepts · Having strong faith and staying in constant contact with God · Writing as “heartwork” and having God guide her · How one becomes “spiritually hungry” · On lifting up phenomenal women

A pivotal moment in Dr. Cassandra Y. (Yvette) Owens’ life is when she went back to her home town to regroup after pursuing graduate studies. Finding her way back home proved to be one of the best decisions she made. She ended up staying for 13 years—a time wherein she was able to make an impact on her students, the college she works in and on the black community. Dr. Owens now serve as the Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Religion at Lane College at Jackson, Tennessee and has authored two books since then. She champions gamechangers who are not getting the recognition they deserve and is a firm believer of the importance of boosting students up and showing them what they are capable of. Listen to Dr. Owens and her passionate views on leadership, education, being a woman in the ministry and the contributions of black men in episode 10 of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life! Website: Dr. Cassandra Owens’ Books:     In this episode: · Finding your way back home and regrouping · Paying it forward as an educator · Being a woman in ministry and her major female influences · Insights from Dr. Cassandra’s two books · On black men and their contributions to society · Recognizing and celebrating society’s gamechangers · On what makes a leader and the challenges behind such a responsibility · The lessons Dr. Cassandra learned and that made her successful

When it comes to stories of going from there to here, Andrea Bond Johnson has quite a journey to share. She’s the CEO of  the Golden Circle Insurance Agency, a full-service firm in Brownsville,Tennessee that evolved from a legacy her grandfather started in the 50s. Moreover, she’s running for office in her hometown with a vision to prioritize people over politics. She champions the importance of health and wellness and has dedicated the majority of her life to serving other people. But behind all these amazing feats, there is one experience—one struggle—that solidified her calling and beliefs. Andrea Bond Johnson is a breast cancer survivor. And the journey from finding out about her situation to surviving such an illness is what propelled her forward.   Listen more and learn the whole story by listening to episode 9 of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life!

When you meet Donald Michael Hopson, you’ll know that he’s like no other man. He’s one of the coolest, most authentic people that you’ll ever meet, and this is what makes him live his life out the box and to the fullest. He’s usually identified as a “, and his quirky ways to support the team has brought a smile to the faces of fellow fans. Hear more about his story in the 8th episode of “3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life.”

Episode 7 of “3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life” is where we meet Carey Bond, child #5 of the Bond family. Hailing from the town of Stanton, Tennessee, Carey’s adventures took him from America to Iraq, and from one career path to another. Listen to hear more about his experiences with racism, learning to live out loud, his achievements in the military, and how he brought and carried all the learnings from his small village throughout it all.

Episode 6 of “3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, 1 Remarkable Life” is where we meet Dr. Braque Talley. He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Success at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. But more than achieving such high accomplishments, Dr. Talley is first and foremost a husband to Dr. Brittney Tate-Talley and a father to his pre-teen daughter, Bridynn. From his shattered dreams of becoming a football player, to pivotal moments during his internship at the Black College Fund, to being named as one of Mississippi's “30 under 30 to Watch,” Dr. Talley is making waves in higher education at a young age of 31. I truly believe that Dr. Talley will leave a legacy of excellence and empowerment in this world. Listen to this episode to know more about Dr. Braque Talley’s pursuit of excellence and how it led him to the field of higher education.

It’s hard being an educator during these times but as Dr. Phyllis Adams, a Communications professor, would say, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.” In this 5th episode, I get to talk to Dr. Phyllis Adams—one of the hardest working people I know in  academe. We began by talking about her family, the people she knew, and how they inspired her. From wanting to become a news commentator, her communications degree led her to the fulfilling path of being a professor. Listen and delight with both heart and mind as this podcast episode talks about education, the inspiring role of an educator, and the importance of cultural diversity in the class curriculum.

How do you make an impact in your community? Well, in this episode, we meet someone who not only contributed to and helped a community—she actually built it from the ground up. Episode 5 is where we meet Adriane Chaurice Bond Harris, child number 8 and the youngest of the Bond family. She found purpose and passion in urban planning and spent the last few decades helping underserved communities and creating new housing opportunities. She went through massive career shifts and took leaps of faith to get to where she is now. Hear her story to get inspired about why charting your own path is what will pave the way to a purposeful life.

Welcome to the 3rd episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins and 1 Remarkable Life! Today’s guest is one of my best friends for more than 30 years.  Mrs. Charles Cynthia Rawls Bond is an NYU Master’s Graduate and one of the most fascinating people I know. Her exciting life experiences make her a great addition to this show. Being one of the first of the children to go to boarding school at that time, Charles Cynthia is living proof of an extraordinary life well-lived. She shows that nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart to it. Her story will take us through memory lane as she also offers insights about racial relations in Haywood County, Tennessee. She also talks about how some of her closest family members worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP and their experiences with racist attacks in their youth. Tune in to this week’s episode. Having a name like Charles as a woman is already a preview of an exciting story to come!

The path to success may be a rocky, topsy-turvy road, and the life experiences for everyone during this journey will definitely be unique, as unique is every single soul that habits in this world. Enter the latest podcast guest, William Orlando Bond Sr., better known as Big Bill, child number six of the eight Bond Hopson children. As a retired FedEx executive, he immerses us in his life story and how through rough starts and some bumps on the road he managed to get form there to here and turn into a successful professional winning six figures.

The path to success may be a rocky, topsy-turvy road, and the life experiences for everyone during this journey will definitely be unique, as unique is every single soul that habits in this world. Enter the latest podcast guest, William Orlando Bond Sr., better known as Big Bill, child number six of the eight Bond Hopson children. As a retired FedEx executive, he immerses us in his life story and how through rough starts and some bumps on the road he managed to get form there to here and turn into a successful professional winning six figures.

Cynthia A. Bond Hopson, PhD in Journalism, is indescribably wonderful! She’s charming, confident, effervescent, and utterly amazing!   She is always up to something delicious and her new podcast, “Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life: From there to here” is the latest yummy dessert she’s cooked up. From rural West Tennessee’s cotton fields, her adventures have taken her literally around the world and back. During this episode listeners will discover: Experiences in Dr. Hopson’s childhood that raised her as the happy and empowered women she is right now. Historical importance of Stanton, Tennessee. Which were the threes stores. What were the two cotton gins. How these had led to a remarkable life. How she started building her professional path since she was very young. Dr. Hopson’s most important travels and their great impact in her life. Dr. Hopson’s favorite books and how these will be inspiring for you. Quotes: “We have to be more involved in our communities (…) and with our children” – Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson “Simple is very good” – Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson "I’ve never been bored in my life” – Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson “I was at the edge of Lima, Perú, wondering ‘wow, how did I get here?’” – Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson. “I’ve had a charm life, I do”… – Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson “I think life is supposed to be fun”– Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson Books mentioned: The Women of Haywood: Their Lives-Our Legacy I Do ... Every Day: Words of Wisdom for Newlyweds and Not So Newlyweds Too Many Irons in the Fire: and They're All Smoking Wiggle Tails