Dr. Marsha Davis Chism, Founder
972-897-2533

mchism@amkgrief.com

Grief Recovery Specialist

Marsha’s Corner

2021 GREETINGS

As AMK begins its journey to higher heights, we have experienced a very blessed year. We have survived the COVID pandemic. God has blessed our efforts and we are excited and grateful.

During the pandemic we received our non-profit status and are now a 501(c)3 organization.  It was an exciting, humbling, and challenging experience and provided a learning opportunity I will never forget.

A few years ago, I was featured in a CBS-DFW.com online article focused on “adults obtaining a higher degree to further job career”. Later that summer I was invited on behalf of AMK to speak to the Women’s Ministry at the First Baptist Church on mental health issues such as grief, stress, and personal growth through distressful times. Following that engagement, I was invited to speak on grief recovery in the workplace; and addressed work-life balance, at the University of Phoenix Alumni meeting. This led to an invitation to be a guest on Cedric Bailey’s radio show, addressing grief and the holidays.

Each year we close our fiscal year with a celebratory luncheon. The theme for the luncheon was “The Other Side of Midnight.” The goal of the luncheon was to “Educate and Equip” individuals experiencing various forms of grief in recovery and growth while transitioning through their grief. There were 80 people in attendance and six (6) vendors. As we began preparations for the Annual Grief Recovery Luncheon, blessings began to flow. First, we had the opportunity to use the facilities at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. (TBAAL). I must say, if you are looking for a place to have a special event, TBAAL is the venue, located in the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Complex in Downtown Dallas.

Zemill, renowned poet and author, accepted the invitation to be our Keynote speaker; actress Ms. Michelle Monts agreed to perform and Mr. ElJay de Comic agreed to be the host for the luncheon. If you have not seen Michelle perform a special Mamalouge or ElJay crack jokes, you are missing out on great entertainment and a spiritual blessing.

Michelle taught us that during our times of distress, we reveal our innter-self and learn how to use what is within us while moving forward to become a better person. ElJay taught us that it is ok to laugh during our pain, and it is therapeutic. Zemil, our keynote speaker addressed the following question: what are we going to do once we get to the other side of midnight? He taught us that we needed to RISE. We must be prepared to address the R = realization I = inspiration S = supplication and E = expectation; we cannot just reach the other side but make a change to move forward with our lives. Ms. Kindall Alana Brown the ‘K’ in AMK welcomed everyone to the luncheon. Rev. Donald Bright, Pastor of the Open Bible Fellowship, McKinney, TX blessed the food and Mr. Thomas Brownlee provided various renditions of gospel, jazz, and the Black National Anthem on sax

So Savvy Events provided the entrée for the luncheon. Desserts were provided by DAB Designs (cakes), Walker Sweet Potato Pies and D. J. Akers (peach cobbler).  Ms. Ellen Edwards of Organic Gold Coffees –provided coffee gift bags.

Our door prizes were provided by Fossil – jewelry; floral arrangements by So Savvy Events and Gina Riley- Community 1st Floral; Robert L. Brown, Jr. – grand prize – (2) Dallas Cowboy tickets w/parking pass. Marketing guru Ms. Vivian Fullylove orchestrated Media and press coverage for this event. Because of her efforts we were featured in Ms. Norma Adams Wade’s Dallas Morning News column, featured story Dallas Weekly Online News, Cheryl Smith’s News Journal, and guest appearance on Dallas High Life hosted by Ms. Daphne Davis’s cable television program.

Our next goal is to secure funding for the opening the AMK Grief Recovery Center. The purpose of the facility is to provide a library, bring speakers for luncheon, seminars, and conferences to provide aid to people in distress caused by grief.

Donations are always welcome. Therefore, if you wish to donate toward this endeavor, or to inquire about speaking engagement, please contact Dr. Chism, Founder, AMK Grief Recovery Care at (972) 897-2533 or mchism@amkgrief.org.