Henry is one of seven children born to Sandy and Georgia Primus Hooks in Shreveport,
Louisiana. He attended elementary school and in 1942 was inducted into the United States Army Air Force, during World War II, for three and half years. He rapidly advanced to Projectionist and a member of the general staff where he became a specialist in presenteeism. During his lectures, Henry encouraged civilians to stay on the job during this critical period of the war. All of his duty was stateside.
The highlight of Henry’s life was his marriage to the love of his life, Opal Harris, on March 3, 1944. They spent seventy-seven years together as husband and wife and best friends. Henry and Opal’s life has been a testament on how to live a Godly life.
Henry was discharged as a sergeant and became a federal employee at Norton Air Force Base (San Bernardino Army Airfield). He earned his diploma from San Bernardino High School and then attended San Bernardino Valley College majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Photography. As an entrepreneur, he participated in the real estate business while continuing to advance as a federal employee to become a Quality Control Supervisor. This necessitated extensive travel across the country to various missile sites. After eighteen years, he transferred to the Defense Contract Administrative Service in Los Angeles, California where he was involved with the missile system regarding the U. S. Endeavor to reach the moon. After thirty-seven years, Henry retired from the government, returned to his first love and became staff photographer for the Precinct Reporter.
Henry chronicled various family and social events in the Inland Empire for more than five decades. Several of his photographs have been displayed at the Norman F. Feldheym Public Library, CSU San Bernardino and the San Bernardino County Library. Henry was the first African American photographer in the Inland Empire to have his photographs published in The Sun Telegram.
Among his historic montage of favorite still images, Hooks has photographed five presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Vice -President Al Gore, as well General Colin Powell, Sugar Ray Robinson, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman.
Henry gave his time and effort as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club. The board was required to raise funds to benefit the organization. In 1953, he was installed as Worshipful Master for Prince Hall Lodge No. 17. Henry was instrumental in securing the funds for the purchase of the property located at 8th and L Streets in San Bernardino and eventual erection of the Masonic Lodge Hall. Henry was also a member of American Legion Post #710, the NAACP, the D. A. V. and the Westside Action Group.
On Friday, November 26th, angels were sent to escort Henry to his heavenly home. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Opal; sister, Ethel Pugh of Huntsville, AL; niece and nephew, Bill and Sharon Combs; goddaughter, Carolyn Jordan-Daniels; and good friend, Robert Dixon.
And think about all the events in my life up unto the present time, the good as well as the bad, the bitter, and the sweet, my soul cries Abba, Father. Looking back upon those days I see now that the chief comfort of my soul was you Oh, Lord. In my time of doubt, it was Your assurance. In my time of darkness, it was Your light. In my time of confusion, it was Your instructions. Man’s opinion meant nothing to me because man could not help me. It was You and You alone Oh, God.
“I say a prayer every night, whatever I do, I’ll get it right. With no regrets, no guilt or shame, no not this time once I surrender, I won’t dare look back, cause if I do, I’ll get off track… Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes… I feel like I’m so blessed. With You in control, I can’t go wrong. You showed me Your Grace, now my life’s renewed and I thank You, Yes, I thank You. So, I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen. I’ll testify about how good You are to me. The fact that You would show somebody so broke down, so-much-mercy, use me as You will, I’ll pay the price cause You made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s all because of You, that I even have life, and I’ll give my love, as a tribute, to how great You are…” [I’m Gonna Be Ready – Yolanda Adams].
All my days He had sought me, now I began to seek Him. He had called me, now I began to call upon Him, yet I thought He would never hear me. I had truly become the beggar. I wept till I had no more tears; prayed till I had no more words. Sought for advice and comfort but none could help me. Then one night by my bed side as I lay under the burden of my guilty conscience, He suddenly revealed Himself to my heart. I saw all my sin taken away in His blood. For the first time in my life, I knew the Lord, He was in Heaven, and I was on Earth, yet He had made Himself known to me through His cleansing power.
I tell you the Love of God is Unmerited. [Deuteronomy 7:7-8]. The Love of God is Eternal. [Jeremiah 31:3]. The Love of God is Universal. [John 3:16; 1st Timothy 2:4]. The Love of God is Unlimited. [Ephesians 2:4-5]. The Love of God is Immutable. [James 1:17] and He wants to bestow His love upon you. “Come to the feast.” The lamb is slain. The wine is poured. Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation is offered freely to you. God asks for the honor of your presence at the banquet of His love. He will compel you, lavish His gifts upon you, put the wedding suit on you, seat you at His table and feed you. Come. Come Now! “Come to the banquet, come to the feast. Eat the bread of life! Share in the singing, share in the joy. Drink the cup of love!”
“All things are ready,” Come, for the door is open wide… He waits to welcome thee; Delay not while this day is thine, tomorrow may never be. Leave every care and worldly strife; Come, feast upon the love of God, And drink everlasting life.” [Come To The Feast Lyrics & Chords By Charles H. Gabriel & William A. Ogden].
And “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” [Revelation 22:17].
Oh, When I Look Back Over My Life – My Soul Cries Abba, Father!
RIVERSIDE, CA— Forbes magazine chose Charlotte Smith, a Riverside, California native, for this year’s 30 Under 30 list for her work in media relations at Google. Smith and her colleagues appear in this month’s issue of Forbes magazine (in stores starting December 15, 2021).
Forbes unveiled its 10th annual Under 30 List for 2022 early this December, recognizing 600 disruptors across 20 different categories, who are reshaping industries and reimagining business around the world.
Smith, a 29-year-old Policy Communications Manager for Google in Washington, D.C., is included in this year’s list for her important work shaping Google’s 2020 election integrity policies and for advocating for communicators of color within Google.
Smith graduated from Harvard in 2014 with a B.A. in Government and is a proud graduate of RUSD public schools, including Riverside Poly High School, Matthew Gage Middle School, and Alcott Elementary School.
Smith started with Google five years ago and has worked in a variety of roles, including leading external media relations for Google’s education, product, infrastructure, and policy initiatives with media contacts across the country.
Smith worked for Burson-Marsteller, a global PR agency in D.C. before joining Google. Her parents, Jim and Carol Smith, live in the Riverside area, and have for more than 20 years.
Carol, Smith’s mother, is a teacher at Alcott Elementary School and her father Jim worked in local government – including for the City of Riverside – for many years.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On November 16, 2021, the Board of Education presented the Outstanding Achievement Awards to students, parents, and staff at Arrowhead Elementary School, King Middle School, and Middle College High School (MCHS).
The Board recognizes Outstanding Student Award winners to build self-esteem and honor excellence in academics, athletics, fine arts, citizenship, and most improvement. The Board also presents the Outstanding Parent/Guardian Award and Outstanding Employee Award to individuals who embody the district’s dedication to student achievement and well-being.
Arrowhead Elementary School, Principal Tina Murray:
Zayden Damu Ralph is a 4th-grader and Outstanding Student. Zayden demonstrates outstanding citizenship and academics at school. He follows directions and completes all of his assignments. He frequently participates in class discussions and is helpful to classmates and staff. Zayden plans to attend college to become an engineer so he can create tall buildings.
Lorenzo Michael Lopez is a 2nd-grader and Outstanding Student. Lorenzo is very conscientious in all he does, which is what makes him a good citizen and a good student. He completes all his assignments, helps his classmates, and is very responsible. Lorenzo wants to become a police officer because they drive cool cars with sirens and help people.
Fabian Torres is one of King Middle School’s Outstanding Students. (Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)
Outstanding Parent Award winner Lorraine Mosqueda is the mother of three Arrowhead students. Her children have great attendance, which shows how much she values education. On the first day of school, Lorraine saw a need and moved to fill it. She’s been a substitute rec. aide ever since. Now, Lorraine constantly looks for ways to support all Arrowhead students.
Educational Assistant III Kadi Francisca Regalado is the Outstanding Classified Employee. She’s a team player and maintains a positive attitude when working with staff, students, and families. Kadi works with students in small groups, assists with supervision, and interprets for parents. All of this helps ensure that the Learning Academy and the entire school are a success.
Outstanding Certificated Employee Cynthia Webb is focused on meeting the needs of all her students. Her classroom is a warm, welcoming environment that promotes fairness and high expectations for all. She sets the example for her students by always seeking ways to improve her skills. The relationships she builds with students and staff make her a trusted teacher and friend everyone can count on.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Principal Maria Jauregui:
Fabian Torres is an 8th-grader who demonstrates outstanding academics, citizenship, and leadership. He was elected ASB vice president this school year and is a committed AVID scholar who embodies the Roadrunner ideals of academic achievement, integrity, and perseverance. Fabian has a passion for helping others and wants to become an immigration lawyer.
Omari Hailee Carrington is an 8th-grader and Outstanding Student. Omari is a good citizen, student, and leader. She maintains a 3.6 GPA while also serving as Student Body president and a member of the School Site Council. Omari is also active in sports and in helping her fellow Roadrunners. She wants to attend John Hopkins University to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Outstanding Parent Award winner Brandie Foster has been an involved parent at King for more than 10 years. She’s served on the School Site Council, volunteered to support school functions, is an active PTO member, and is willing to pitch in with any task, no matter how big or small. And she does all that while raising three children, Derek, Frederick and Latona.
Outstanding Classified Employee Avelina FierrosVera takes pride in her work as a custodian. Her attention to detail means that everyone in the King family enjoys a clean and pristine campus environment. She arrives early and cleans the front of the school and parking lots so families start the school day with a clean campus. Avelina is the quiet hero of the school.
Science teacher Cesiah Rojo is an Outstanding Certificated Employee. She’s admired by her peers and loved by her scholars, in part because of her positive attitude, her solution-oriented approach to teaching, and her willingness to go above and beyond for her scholars and the school. Cesiah believes in seeing the best in everyone, and she shows us her best every day.
Middle College High School, Principal James Espinoza:
Sophomore Nishia McCain is one of three Outstanding Students from Middle College High School.(Photo by Corina Borsuk and provided courtesy of SBCUSD)
Sophomore Nishia McCain is an Outstanding Student because she is laser focused on both college and career. She’s preparing for her future, with the goal of attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Criminal Justice so she can become a civil rights attorney and eventually a judge. As long as she can remember, Nishia has been interested in fighting for the rights of others.
Senior Diana Vicencio is also an Outstanding Student. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and on her own initiative, Diana founded both a National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation chapter at MCHS. Diana plans to attend UCLA and earn a bachelor’s in micro-cell biology and a master’s in biology on her way to becoming a hospital pharmacist.
Junior Venus Fernandez is contagiously positive and supportive of others, helping them be successful academically and emotionally. Venus discovered she was interested in the mind and helping children while attending SBVC, and she wants to continue her studies at UCR to become a pediatric psychiatrist.
Judith Garcia is an Outstanding Parent. She’s been an active member of the School Site Council, Coffee with the Principal, and the WASC focus group. But what MCHS appreciates most about Judith is her kindness, humility, and willingness to share ideas for the benefit of not just her child, but all Middle College scholars, parents, and staff.
Joanna Perez is a bilingual office assistant I-health aide and Outstanding Employee. She demonstrates positive passion, teamwork, and a focus on results in whatever she does. No task is too big or too small, and she completes every assignment with excellence in mind. Everyone in our Middle College family values, respects and appreciates Joanna.
Marissa Austin is an AVID supporter of Middle College, and her principal means that in all senses of the word. She’s the AVID site lead and a senior advisor. Her positive passion and relentless dedication to success has helped MCHS achieve a yearly 100 percent A–G completion rate, graduation rate, and college acceptance rate. She also helped us become an AVID Site of Distinction.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Children Deserve Success program held its annual holiday celebration event on Dec. 10. This year’s event stopped at three transitional sites in San Bernardino.
“I’m honored to be part of this amazing opportunity to spread holiday cheer to the students who need it most,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “The amazing folks with Children Deserve Success consistently deliver a holiday celebration that delights the children and helps alleviate some of the strain the holidays can cause for families experiencing challenges.”
The holiday procession included County Superintendent Ted Alejandre, SBCSS staff members dressed as Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf and members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The procession was led by a fire engine from the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Tony Moore, a motivational speaker known by his superhero persona, The Motivator, and his Warriors also accompanied SBCSS staff.
The celebration kicked off at 4:00 p.m. at the Time for Change Foundation’s Phoenix Square location. The county superintendent and SBCSS delivered approximately 40 holiday gift bags to students served by SBCSS programs. The bags contained gifts from the children’s wish lists, books, a warm coat and healthy snacks provided by community partners. Law enforcement officers also distributed restaurant gift cards to the children. The children’s mothers watched with smiles on their faces.
“It’s amazing. The love that I feel in my heart from strangers, people I don’t even know. We really, really are so grateful,” said Kayla Irving, a mother of 2 and a client at Time for Change Foundation.
San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre gives a high-five to Hope at the first of 3 locations for the SBCSS Holiday Celebration event.
She shared that she and her children were living in a car going from motel to motel up until recently and was worried about how to get Christmas presents for her children.
“To take the time to show that they care, show that they care for our children, I cry happy tears at night because I’m in awe of it,” said Irving. “I just thank everybody for giving us this opportunity, because I couldn’t have done this myself.”
The Time for Change Foundation assists and empowers disenfranchised women and their children. They help families achieve self-sufficiency by providing housing and other supportive services.
“Each year, Time for Change Foundation looks forward to partnering with the Superintendent of Schools to ensure that children in transition experience the love and joy of Christmas,” said Time for Change Foundation Executive Director Vanessa Perez. “Most of our children have never experienced being together on Christmas morning with their mothers and this event allows our families to enjoy that experience together.”
The holiday procession also visited two other local sites, the Salvation Army and Veronica’s Home of Mercy. In total, over 100 children received holiday gift bags during this event.
San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre calls out a child’s name with a bag of presents in hand with the help of Santa Claus, Buddy the Elf, San Bernardino County Firefighters and SBCSS staff.
The SBCSS Children Deserve Success program has conducted this annual holiday celebration since 2004. Each year, SBCSS staff, as well as their families and friends, volunteer to sponsor wish lists provided by each child identified by the Children Deserve Success tutoring program.
This year, community partners included Child Assistance Fund, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Highland Congregational Church, Inland Empire Health Plan, San Bernardino County Teachers Association, Fifth District PTA and The Home Depot.
San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and Santa Claus meet some of the children and their mothers at the Holiday Celebration event during its stop at the Time for Change Foundation.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- — San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) facilitated two events this week in an effort to advance computer science education.
“I am thrilled we are creating learning opportunities for both students and our educators and parents,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “Not only is computer science a field that offers various career opportunities, but it’s making an impact in our daily lives. It deals with the process of solving problems, and every part of our world has some sort of problems that need solving. It is critical our students and educators have access to computer science education.”
The events took place before and during Computer Science Education Week, which is celebrated during the second week of December. The goal of these events was to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners within the field.
On December 4, dozens of students and guardians participated in a virtual workshop that teaches students how to program a micro: bit and create fun and exciting projects.
The two sessions allowed students to engage with cyber-security related digital escape room activities with physical computing and block-based coding. Volunteer facilitators also served as positive role models for the event.
An eighth-grade student at Wayne Ruble Middle School in Fontana Unified School District says she first learned about micro: bit during last year’s student workshop. She attended this year’s event as well.
“[Computer science] might be something I want to pursue in a career just because of the way it changed my perspective,” said Malani. “When I learned about it, it piqued my interest, and it started to make me more interested in what a micro:bit can do.”
The annual Computer Science Equity Mini-Summit took place Dec. 8. It was a two-hour learning event for educators, counselors and administrators to participate and learn about ways to introduce or advance computer science education as it relates to equity, inquiry and computer science concepts.
The event included spotlight speakers and presentations. Computer Science Equity Advocate Dr. Emily Thomforde painted the big picture of the importance of broadening participation in computer science and provided guidance on where administrators can begin this work.
“Computer Science is a foundational 21st century skill for all students, not only to succeed in college and career, but to find joy in self-expression and make the things that will change the world,” said Dr. Thomforde.
The mini-summit brought together an incredible network to continue the impactful work that is happening in advancing computer science education.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- For ninety-nine years, the Home of Neighborly Service has been a staple on the west side of San Bernardino. How does a resource continue to be relevant and functional while so many others have closed their doors and ceased operations during the pandemic? Staff, supporters and volunteers!
There is no way to sufficiently show appreciation for all they have done, but board president, Vicki Lee, made the effort by honoring them at the Elks Club on Sunday, December 2, 2021. Present were Office Administrator, Charlene Smith, who is contracted part-Time, but volunteers full-time, and she was working then, too; the faithful members of the Presbytery, Tom Reynard and David Beard with his wife, Carrie; committed board member and ex-City Councilmember, Virginia Marquez; City Council member for Ward 5, Kimberly Calvin; supportive National Charity League members, Katie Smith and Janet Eagan; from Inland Harvest, David and Patty Knudson; and the devoted volunteers: Norma Badden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Cynthia Rosales, Debbie Willis, Wally and Ruther Peterson, Mary Acosta, Ray and Edith Martin and Noel Kaltenbach. There is a list of contributors which includes but is not limited to: Community Action Partnership, Arrowhead United Way and Santa Claus, Inc., Liz Cruz and Ramon Valasco.
Weekly, the volunteers faithfully come to sort, pack and stack contributions on Thursday to distribute on Friday’s food (hygiene products and clothing, if available) to those in need. Whenever there is an event at The Home: Family Fun Day, Christmas event, Back to School…. the volunteers are there to help. So many people have praised the Home of Neighborly Services for being a safe place for children and families to go over the decades to have fun, relax and to have needs met. Pre-pandemic, Resource Thursdays brought 10-15 vendors who supplied referrals for counseling, housing, how to get bills paid, grocery sources, and the like. When several people can gather again, Resource Thursdays will return. The Home has literally helped to save and sustain lives in the community.
Vicki Lee said a nice meal, some gifts, official San Bernardino pins and coffee mugs from City Councilwoman Calvin, certificates from Supervisor Joe Baca Jr and a heartfelt thank you hopefully showed our volunteers and supporters how much they are appreciated for keeping hope alive in the city of San Bernardino.
Supporters left to right Charlene Smith, 6th ward council member Kimberly Calvin; Edna Wade, Tom Renard, Janet Eagen, Vicki Lee, Virginia Marquez, Katie Smith and David Beard.
Volunteers left to right Mary Acosta, Wally Peterson, Edith Martin, Ruther Peterson, Norma Baden, James Dutton, Salem Dominguez, Debbie Willis, and Cynthia Rosales.
Governor Newsom: “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities”
SACRAMENTO – As California marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state, Governor Gavin Newsom today released his latest “On the Record” ethnic media column highlighting California’s nation-leading measures to slow the spread of the virus and the imperative to continue the state’s progress with lifesaving boosters and vaccinations as we head into the winter months.
California has put more shots in arms than any other state – administering more than 62.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine – with 86 percent of all eligible Californians having received at least one dose and more than 6 million adults have received a booster.
“California has led the nation’s fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts rooted in science and data. This has helped slow the spread of the virus and save countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities,” wrote Governor Newsom. “It’s critical that we keep our immunity strong, not just for ourselves, but for our communities…Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.”
Amid an uptick in transmission since Thanksgiving, Governor Newsom urged all eligible Californians to get vaccinated and receive their booster – the most impactful steps we can take to protect ourselves and slow the spread of the virus. Boosters have been approved for those 16 and up who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, those 18 and up who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months before and those 18 and over who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Governor Newsom also highlighted the state’s partnerships with more than 130 faith-based and 700 community-based organizations, which have helped close vaccination equity gaps in hard-to-reach communities. These organizations have served as trusted messengers at the local level, providing direct appointment assistance, at-home vaccinations and transportation services and targeted community outreach to build confidence in vaccines and mobilize Californians to get vaccinated.
With COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations increasing, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Beginning December 15, the state will require masks to be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status through January 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. CDPH has also updated requirements for attending mega events and issued a new travel advisory, more information can be found here.
The COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic and learn more about eligibility.
Jay Highsmith is a man who has transformed calamity into serenity.
Once a bullied child, Highsmith became a youth pastor who is as gentle as he is creative through his company, Jay Highsmith Productions.
“Video editing is very therapeutic for me. I can get lost in a zone and work for hours. I find peace and enjoyment in editing videos,” said Highsmith, a 35-year-old married to Shanelle and father to 19-month-old daughter, Jordin.
“I’m a husband, father, photographer, videographer, video editor, content creator, interviewer, and so much more. My main clientele is families. My goal for my business has always been to create and capture memories, laughs, smiles and true joy for generations to come.”
“Shanelle (center) and I officially met through a Bible study,” said Jay Highsmith of his wife of five years. “Our daughter, Jordin, is 19 months going on 19 years!” (Herbert Geddis)
Highsmith shared his spiritual journey with Zenger.
Zenger: Are there any particular projects you’re most proud of?
Jay Highsmith: The work that I’m most proud of is my series “The Christian Creative.” It’s an interview series that promotes, highlights and encourages Christian creativity. It was started with the vision to put a spotlight on the creativity of those who are creative in whatever field or space they’re in.
To date, I’ve conducted 34 interviews that have been posted on YouTube. I have almost 100 videos on YouTube, but those 34 interviews are the foundation of my channel and are special to me.
Zenger: How was your courtship with Shanelle and your relationship with her parents?
Highsmith: Shanelle and I officially met through a Bible study in April 2014, though there were people who tried hooking us up a couple of months prior. We were friends for a year and a half, then dated for six-and-a-half months before getting married. Shanelle and I have been married for five-and-a-half years. Our daughter, Jordin, is 19 months going on 19 years! I have a great relationship with my in-laws, Herbert and Tonie Geddis.
I couldn’t have inherited a better set of parents. They have been such a blessing to us throughout our marriage. We lived with them for two-and-a-half years before moving out and getting our own place. Living with them was very beneficial because it allowed us to save money. We purchased our first home in October 2020. It was truly an amazing feeling once we reached the finish line.
Zenger: I understand that Shanelle has a business as well?
Highsmith: My wife, Shanelle, is a foodie! Period, point blank, she loves food. She loves to explore different restaurants and cities, and loves trying new food.
She recently created a food blog on Instagram where she goes to local restaurants she’s never been to, explores the menus and highlights the food she loves on her page. Her page is quickly growing too.
Zenger: How did your relationship with your parents shape you into the man you are?
Highsmith: My parents are John Highsmith and Brenda Redman. My relationship with them helped shape me into who I am today because through them, I learned the value of hard work and determination.
They both worked long hard hours, while also doing their best to tend to us and keep us active as kids. They wanted the best for us, and I want the best for my family as well.
I have five siblings — three brothers and two sisters. My dad had two from a previous marriage. I’m the oldest of four, and the third of six. Having younger siblings made me very protective, and I still am today, but not nearly as bad.
My younger sister, Michelle, says I’m overprotective because I always made sure the boys stayed away from her, or was always ready to fight a boy because of them messing with her. I just didn’t want anything happening to them. My childhood was fun, but it was also rough.
It was fun because I was always active, involved in different sports, karate, swimming, summer camps and things like that. I played basketball, T-ball … as well as participated in band, playing the clarinet.
Zenger: What part of your childhood was rough?
Highsmith: I was bullied until I was about 13 or 14. When I was a kid, I was short and small. I don’t know if I stood 5 feet tall before I was in seventh grade. I didn’t have my growth spurt until the end of eighth grade, when I grew by about a half-foot, to 5-foot-7 or 5-foot-8.
I had older kids that pushed me around in school, teased me and called me names, and when I spoke up, they threatened to beat me up and tried to jump me. For a while I was scared to go to the playground in my neighborhood because I didn’t want to be seen and jumped by them. In eighth grade going into ninth grade, I grew. I got taller and got some size on me.
I told myself I wouldn’t let anyone pick on me again. I had three younger siblings to look after, and I didn’t want anything happening to them, which is why I became so protective. Early into ninth grade, we moved to a new neighborhood, and from that moment on, I slowly became the man I am today.
A family gathering (from left): Jay’s father, John Highsmith; Jay Highsmith; siblings Jana Highsmith, Andre Highsmith and Michelle Highsmith; grandmother Juanita Redman; Jay’s brother Brandon Highsmith and mother Brenda Redman. (Courtesy of Jay Highsmith)
Zenger: Did you attend and/or graduate from college?
Highsmith: I went to a technical school right out of high school that was a 10-month program. I graduated with a degree in graphic design. Since then, I’ve taken classes at the local community college for things such as creative writing, photography and videography. One day, I think It’d be nice to get my degree.
Zenger: What was your path into entrepreneurship?
Highsmith: I think my life experiences and spiritual foundation more than anything have influenced my decision to become an entrepreneur. I honestly hated school growing up. I always felt like I learned more through my own experiences or through the experiences of others.
My spiritual foundation has been the basis of me becoming an entrepreneur. I started my photography business in May 2015 because of my love and passion for it. I titled it Jay Highsmith Photography. In 2019, I started doing more video work and transitioned it into Jay Highsmith Productions to encompass a larger umbrella of work to fall under it.
Zenger: Does your business in any way serve as a therapeutic method of channeling or gaining peace and serenity, and is any aspect of it geared toward inspiring change?
Highsmith: I love shooting video, and I guess in a way it is therapeutic. I love capturing people in their happiest of moments. It always brings a smile to my face when I watch the videos at home while editing them.
My goal for YouTube has always been to inspire others through the stories of others … even through my own stories. I want to inspire others and hopefully through my life and videos, lead them to Christ.
This unique program equips early-career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills by being placed in the Senate, House of Representatives and other select offices to become the next generation of leaders in public service.
The program is an intensive 12-month policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy training as full-time legislative aides and policy analysts.
For this particular Congressional Fellowship, priority will be given to those with a health, aerospace, energy and judiciary background, though all applicants will be considered.
Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
