June is a month with many celebrations. There is Black Music Month, Father’s Day, Juneteenth, Pride Month, and Men’s Health Month, to name a few. Well back in March, when we celebrated Women’s Month, the men from Scoop asked when we would celebrate and recognize Scoop’s men. So, while traditionally this month is called Men’s Health Month, to us it’s just Men’s Month.
With that said, I must always thank those who strengthen, guide and support me through every Scoop publication. I was blessed to have a wonderful, loving Scoop family dedicated to Community, Scoop, Sonny Driver, and now helping me continue this work.
So to the men, my brothers, leaders, and sometimes protectors, Thank you! These are the simplest two words in the dictionary, but they are said to mean the most. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for every article, every delivery, every nudge and re-direct, and more than anything thank you for believing and having faith in me. Most of you are God-fearing men, so I can attest that this journey is not one that, so far, has been or will be simple or easy, but I am thankful that you are a part of it.
So, as we celebrate Men’s Month, I must thank my husband, Lyle Darden, who is very quiet and reserved but is my biggest supporter. He takes care of me and made it possible for me to take on this life-changing role as the owner/publisher of Scoop. My Dad, who comes into Scoop each week to be there, and as he always says to help carry me. Then there is my twin, my brother, Michael Horsey, who keeps me grounded. He is that one person who can and will bring me back to reality. He provides that shoulder to cry on, and he is that one person who will always pick me up. And, my Father-in-Law, who recently passed away, VanBuren Williams. He was a major contributor to my courage and final decision to “Take my Leap of Faith.” He was always there to give balance. You know the one who gives the pros and cons—with love and words of guidance and support. Lord knows I am going to miss him.
I celebrate and thank our columnists Junious Stanton, Rev. Rocky Brown, Haru Sen Haru, Patrick Robinson, Napoleon Kingcade, Akil Parker, and Marcus Arthur. Many of you were here at Scoop with Sonny Driver and have signed on, with me, for only God knows with this new brand of Scoop. So, for every article you write for Scoop, I love and appreciate you and your contributions.
I celebrate and thank my photographers Kwame Bradley and Bill Allen. You are there, at events programs, and you give Scoop its face. No words can express what you mean to Scoop and me. And last but certainly not least, I must celebrate and thank those who no one sees or knows. These men make things happen for Scoop, my delivery men, Charles Branch, Joey Dixon, Alonzo Cunningham, Christian Smith, Warren Rines, Chris Taifa Jengaji-El, Christoff Lindsay, and Brian “Ben” Wright.
And, I need to celebrate and thank my family and friends, my cousin Michael Horsey, Paul Smith, Kinji Ridley, Bruce Crawley, Henry Hunter, Randall Jefferson, Maurice Goodman, Ken Scott, Everette Stanton, Mike Brody, and Earl Shorty. They provide me with honest feedback, courage, strength, and guidance—what I often refer to as that “Push” to keep going.
Now, what often happens as you sit down to say Thank You names come to mind a little too late, so please, please know that I am very appreciative of everyone who is a part of the Scoop family. As I said earlier, the beginning of this journey has not been easy, and I know that the roads ahead will be just as challenging. So thank you for signing on to be a part of Scoop and my life.
