Finding Joy

Social worker creates safe space for Black men to thrive

By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News

Fresh off a funeral of her beloved uncle in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lisa Vernon
of MarloJoy Solutions was determined to get back and see her long-planned event through.

“He was my rock,” Vernon said, as she flashed her fingernails painted black with
gold accents as a tribute to her mother’s sibling, James Walker, Jr., who was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

More than an uncle, with Vernon being a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Walker was “my Divine Nine brother,” she continued.

The Men’s Mental Health Forum Vernon held on March 1, 2025 at One River
School of Art & Design in Frisco, Texas began with participants and attendees gathered around Vernon in prayer, and there was touch and agreement with outstretched arms and hands for healing and event success.

Vernon’s tears were real, followed by her heartfelt introductions of forum participants and others in the room.

It was a unique way to kick off Women’s History Month.

“I didn’t know how to celebrate me,” Vernon said.

Entering the fifth year since launching MarloJoy Solutions, Vernon’s selflessness was on full display. A licensed social worker, educator and advocate, this IS how she celebrates herself…by celebrating others.

The event had a sketchy beginning. High school freshman artist Carsen Yancy was introduced by Vernon and he shared details of his exhibit on display at One River through the end of the month. The exhibit features a dozen of Yancy’s drawings
crafted by hand, mostly using pencil. Once told by an educator that he’d never be
an artist, Vernon worked her magic of encouragement and helped secure space to
showcase Yancy’s talent.

A fan of anime, most of Yancy’s drawings, with names including “Face Off,”
“Result of Evil,” “The Devil of Paradis,” “Master Manipulator,” and “Arise,” have dark
themes.

“I want people to understand the feelings of the characters that I’m drawing
and what they’ve been through,” Yancy said. “Some of them have been hurt, like
mentally. Some of them have been betrayed. Stuff like that.”

Drawing since 4th grade, Yancy shared that his personal favorite is “Face Off” because of the amount of time it took and that he tried his hardest on.

He says he completed it in four to five hours, adding that he completes most drawings between 45 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes.

“We have been waiting for this moment,” Yancy’s mother, Karen Davis, said.

“I am so proud. It’s hard to put it into words because this has been one of his passions since elementary and to see it come to fruition day by day and how excited he is about the artwork, I’m so overjoyed and immensely proud,” Davis said. “Without the Ethos Education program and Ms. Vernon, we couldn’t have done it. I’m very grateful and humbled by everything.”

Davis sees no harm or concern in the characters that Yancy develops.

“He likes shading and not much color, so to me, it was just him liking that ink
media. I didn’t put it to anything psychological or mental because he’s a very happy
child and he grows in a happy environment,” Davis said.

“He just loves anime and he wants to be an anime writer so all these to me are just a
reflection of what he has read and watched.”

After celebrating Yancy’s young, artistic mind, the forum activities transitioned
to an interactive panel of experts ranging from professionals in psychology and behavioral health to authors and entrepreneurs. Led by moderator and psychotherapist Osiris Wade of Wade Counseling of Frisco, PLLC, the free-flowing discussion featured topics on suicide, family dynamics, reaching goals, education, relationships and unlocking emotions.

“Black spaces are sacred,” panelist and psychologist Dr. Peter Thomas said.
Thomas was the only non-Black panelist and brought added depth to the discussion
with his expertise as a longtime psychology leader and expert.

Entrepreneur and panelist Donta Franklin shared insight on growing up in
Memphis, Tennessee and the development of his mind and deliverance by God from situations, yielding the formulation of his Everyday Friday brand that includes clothing, organic juices and coaching to help others reach lifestyle goals.

“I’m ready to take on the world every day,” Franklin said, whose company motto
is “Wear your mindset.”

Other panelists included 24-year-old Christian-based author Franklin Edwards who has written 17 books focused on social-emotional teachings; behavioral health
specialist Nate Reid of Texas Health Addiction Recovery Center; and Autism behavioral health technician Jamal Rucker of Action Behavior Centers.

The breadth of knowledge brought together by Vernon was dynamic with a mixture
of young and mature voices and experiences. Several audience members took part
in the conversation as well. Deacon Edward Wallace, who began the event with prayer, added layers of spiritual knowledge.

“I don’t want to be so heavenly bound that I’m no earthly good,” Wallace said as he addressed the needs of others and the collective responsibility to support Black men.

“This is not about Lisa speaking,” Vernon said. “This is about MarloJoy getting behind the movement.”

Each participant had a connection to Vernon that started as either a friendship
that has developed over time or a chance encounter. She affectionately referred
to some of them as her “nephews” and all revered their connection.

“No movement would go anywhere without women behind it,” moderator
Wade said. “Especially Black women.”

This MarloJoy event delivered joy, peace and understanding as women have
historically been known to accomplish. The open dialogue was enlightening
and new relationships were formed. It cannot be contained to just one month.
For Vernon, it’s a yearlong commitment.

For more information, visit marlojoysolutions.com