Each night, as you look up into the sky you will no doubt be amazed by the celestial constellations of stars; their brightness fills the night with awe and celestial delight. This amazing display of awe, beauty, luminosity, and wonder is nevertheless, short-lived owing to our preoccupation with the affairs of this world. Likewise, upon seeing a verdant valley, filled with beautiful flowers, the little flowers remain invisible often over-shadowed by the petals of the larger ones; their beauty is reserved for the sagacious few who dare to look beneath the surface.
The wisdom of all sacred traditions teaches that God does not lite a lamp and then hide it under the table, but he places it on top of the table so that its light immediately removes the darkness. In other words, the LORD himself shines his light upon those whom he has chosen to effect change in his world.
The intent of this article is to acknowledge one of Gadsden’s exemplary citizens, an African American woman who has made a historic and indelible contribution to her city. This acknowledgment of merit is paid to Theresa Beverly, the owner, and Publisher of Reporter Monthly Newspaper. Nestled on the banks of the Coosa River, Etowah County is the charming city of my forefathers. A city that exudes an intangible, certain southern charm that captures the hearts of summer tourists and those that reside here; the city of Gadsden. During the past- two decades, Theresa Beverly has championed the cause of literacy, and in the process, she has heightened the visibility and notoriety of the city of Gadsden Alabama. An advocate of learning and literacy, Ms. Beverly envisioned and brought into fruition her own Newspaper; The Reporter Monthly. The publication was conceived to offer a platform for people, and populations that otherwise were inaudible. Her publication has been a source of creative output that has fostered and encouraged the flow of creative thinking and offers African American’s a literary avenue. The Reporter Monthly although Afro-American-owned, all of Gadsden’s community has contributed to its standard of excellence. Ms. Beverly’s contributions are broad-based in the community, she is a renaissances woman with the temerity to express her uniqueness; her courage to do so resulted in her spiritual gifts of intuition, and insights. For these reasons, Ms. Theresa Beverly is heralded as, “The Jewel of The Coosa Valley.” This distinguished accolade is befitting for an African American woman with unprecedented accomplishments, a seeker of wisdom, and a knower of truth. Ms. Beverly is a student of metaphysics, and practitioner of spiritual disciplines that have helped her triumph over adversities that others have found insurmountable. Ms. Beverly served as the Office Administrator at Radio Station WMJG here in Gadsden where she also hosted programs and conducted interviews. Ms. Beverly’s highly developed sense of aesthetics would naturally lead her into the Arts. She owned and operated the Kaiah’s Art Gallery for four years and has been supportive of several local artists. In addition, she has experience and expertise as a Community Organizer in the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph Area of Michigan. Ms. Beverly’s current project is to publish her Book of Recipes made up of recipes collected from her 20-year publication of the Monthly Reporter. What you say about others, speaks volumes about you! Theresa Beverly’s actions have spoken and her actions speak louder than these few words. A woman of valor, virtue, and vision, Ms. Theresa Beverly is the Jewel of the Coosa Valley, her achievement will inspire others to flow and manifest their dreams.
Dr. Yisrael is available for personal instruction in his Technique of Self-Reflection, personal solo musical performance, and instruction in the Hebrew Aleph-Bet and The Shma. Interested parties should indicate in the appropriate spaces below.