TRUCE Magazine Memphis

I woke up this morning wishing I was somewhere else. I wished I was surrounded by the beauty of nature. Then I wished I was wealthy living in a large log cabin.   I wished I was taller (don’t ask me why) I wished I was smaller; this I could imagine why? I wished I had a bigger dog (one day I did ). I just felt like so much was missing and I really could not explain why. As I rose from my bed I wished my story could be different, but then suddenly I paused.   I reflected on all the stories I’ve written. I thought about their stories. Would I really like to exchange my life fore either of theirs? No. Yet the world will one day label them as great people. Suddenly I understood wishing for an easy life is not a meaningful life at all. You see into every life some rain must fall and sometime the greater the rain the greater the harvest. My life was already great and there is no real way of knowing   that my easy   life wishes would not lead me to disaster.   As I dr...

      M y baby has got a new home. I am so please to announce that TRUCE Magazine will now be sold at the COGIC bookstore located on Madi00000son. It is truly a great fit. I have personally been a COGIC member since the 1980’s. I rember when the building on Mississippi was first purchased from Mount. Vernon Baptist Church.    I was so young then. I truly believe it was the teachings of Bishop G.E. Patterson that saved me from the streets.   Now after so many years this same salvation is bringing my dream home to roost. GOD is good. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

               I Woke up this morning feeling the presence of something real.  It was something I needed more like a revelation but put in the form of an inspiration. I was having a moment with the creator. You see there are some mornings when I wake up and I really don't want to be where I am in this walk. I really don't want to be a servant. My flesh desires to act out and do stupid stuff. Yeah, I know many of you might say well that means you are not saved. However, I am reminded of what Paul said about his own behavior. "That which I would do" I do not, and that which I would not do that is what I do"  Just then I knew the something real I was feeling was the hand of God reminding me that He understands that I am still inn this flesh and I am saved by His grace and that is sufficent. I got up from my disappointment and with this written note I give Him praise for being real in my life.  You see it is so easy to say you ...

     I always wanted to be a writer but coming from my background of  business owners and fatory workers how could I ever know what it would be like to surf the creative wave. Still the desire never ceased. One day I found myself asking if there was nothing else in the world I could do with this life what would I miss doing most? I imediately began to write. Years later a dream was birthed and TRUCE Magazine was started.  Today it is still growing and developed from a local magazine to presentation on the national stage. It is  a dream come true and a goal I never imagined I could acheive. But here I am celebrating another successful edition.  Beleive me when I say it is never to late for your dreams to take form. Get out there and DO It!

  O n January 19, 2026 TRUCE Magazine hosted an all dau event celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event was amazingly fun and well attended. We wre entertained by The Stax Academy band which is composed of young and energetic teens who attend the academy. The Memphis Letter   Carriers band did not fail to give an exceptional performance.   In addodtopm tp the bamd [performnces we were elated to here from popular gospel solo artist Evangelist Elisa Poindexter and R&B soloist JY. Our speaker line up oncluded   two men who traveled from Jackson Mississippi to share the importance of growing your own vegetables and sharing the need for more people to major in agriculture. There were vendors who had a variety of products for sale and even the children were kept preoccupied by a bounce house. This event will surely be a TRUCE Magazine annual occasion for the city of Memphis. Looking forward to seeing you next year for A King’s birthday party. Hel...

  By Hannah L. Jeffers E mbracing the new year and I am imagining a new me. It means some changes will havev to be made.  I will start with identity. I no longer desire to appear youthful. Now I know many of you are thinking that’s crazy everyone wants to look good and looking good means looking youthful right?  Personally, I will stand to disagree. Looking like an older woman does not necessarily mean looking used up or depleted. I think looking like a woman in her sixties means being seen as a distinguished individual who knows her workth and willing to admit she has lived her years well. My gray hair will represent wisdom, while my pump belly will represent joy.  But I won’t stop there. I have so much more instore for me in 2026. How about you? Have you made plans for your new year? Take a moment a picture yourself in the future. How do you want to look? Where do you want to live, and how do you need to feel? Now go out there and get your life. Editor in cheif of...

By Gemi Treadwell   W hat do memories represent? Do we remember  when community was our family? ​We were born in Memphis and grew up ​on the mighty Mississippi river bluff. Soul folks who were influenced by the river’s culture and ​lived close by each other got along with one another we ​fit together like fingers in a glove. We showed   respect for each other ​families taught values -  like showing love. We were culturally based practicing self -sufficiency sharing and exhibiting care for those in need. We were spiritually rooted like most “front porch people”, ​featuring two parent households with dedicated  breadwinners;  ​influenced by religious figures as strong minded civic leaders unifying residents around social issues and politics.        Let us engage the memories to redefine our reality        To be ourselves  learning to be us better    ...

By Bishop Gregory Holley C hristmas is the gift that keeps on giving. As a little boy at Christmas time I could not go to sleep the nights leading up to Christmas because  I was so full of expectation of getting toys, and gifts. My mother had to keep telling us to go to sleep. Now that I am older I see how vain the material things were. They are now either wore out, broken, destroyed or stolen.  I realize that  was vanity.  Now that I'm older I appreciate the gift of Christ that has given me a new life.  Each day my mind is made anew. Thank you Lord for the gifts that keep on giving.  Eyes do not see ears have not heard the things that God will give to those that love Him.  Nobody or nothing on this earth can take him away.  I thank God that I have found something permanent I have found something loving, kind, gentle all the fruits of the spirit are in the gift of God and the redemption of my soul. There is an inheritance kept for me in heaven t...

         By Hannah Jeffers                  I love that song that says why don't you give love at Christmas time. It is a special time to share good feelings and to help others feel good about the season. You would not beleive how many people fall in to great depression at this time of year. the season suggests that we should all be so full of joy. We are constantly bombarded with pictures of snow falling, twinkling lights and trimmed trees. If you don't have these things life can make you feel like a looser. Well, I want you to know the reason for the season came to this world to be born in a cave, we now call a manger.  It was simply beautiful because He was there. So no matter what your status in life, this holiday season, let the birth of Christ stand to remind you that your life Is beautiful simply because you are still here. Then while you are smiling take a moment to share something wonderful wi...

  By Bishop Gregory Holley              I am so excited about serving in our church’s food pantry. Because of the economic turn down many people are short of food.   The pantry has served an increased number of people in need. In observing the people that come I can see that hunger has no special picks. All seem to be in need no matter their ethnic background. I see gratitude and appreciation on their facesas they have been blessed with food at no cost.   It is also a good feeling to serve those less fortunate than ourelves and It is a witness to God’s love and kindness in a way that both parties the giver and the receiver are blessed. From the desk of the man who gives back so much to his community.     The chuch has suffered great damage from the tornado that hit St. Louis in May. Please help with repairs by contributing. $GFC1990 cash app

By Patricia Lee                I sn’t it amazing how I present a problem to you…and at the same time I already have the solution?  The solution that I would like for you to adhere to.  Let’s take our evening, morning, midday or local news for example…for 90% of it you probably hear things that are of a negative, degrading or demeaning as far as our society is concerned.  The more that I share with you this chaos and outright brutality amongst us the more you will probably cry that we need protection.  Ever thought if we didn’t hear or see such things before us, so regularly, that we probably wouldn’t give them any thought.  But since I would like to rule over you even more, I want you to say, that we as a society, need more police and government protection from one another.  Then guess what, we get that which is the desired solution just to wake up and find that these entities also are not serving in your b...

 By Hannah L. Jeffers                                                                                                 https://cash.app/$3615H     T oday the United States is experiencing cold, I mean really cold weather. Here in St. Louis, we have snow . True, It is not a lot of snow but the chill that goes with it is shall I say chillin. I am standing silently in my doorway actually wondering when I will be able to leave the house again. The porch is iced over. Now we always prepare for this around January, but it is seriously unusual for the first of December. Although I have not watched the national news, I can’t help but wonder if it does not have something to do with the volcano eruption in Ethiopia.   You know they say It may...

( BISHOP GREGORY hOLLEY ) bY Hannah L. Jeffers       T he   decision to write the vision was not decision at all.    I sincerely wisht I could take credit for it. However, it is my spiritual man giving ontions to what God has given. I am but a vessel willing to be used. I say this not to be looked upon as some dynamic person, or anyone special It is just that I know that I know I would never plan my life out like this. In every scenario I imagin I am some little  suburban house wife  living in a quiet community, raisin a garden, going to church on Sunday’s with a husband and spending time with my grandchildren. But this life of writing I would not have dared created. I know it is from a higher power. Thank God for a vision, and allowing me to work with these wonderful and uniquely gifted    group of people at  Grace Fellowship Church  located at  4276 Athlone  in  St. Louis Mo ..  To donate to Grace Fel...

By Hannah L. Jeffers S eeing the workme clear the debris   is a constant reminder of how much has been lost. People once owned these items. Some of them treasures that are irreplaceable. The work is of removing it all seems unmesurable. The cranes pull up furniture, tables, cribs, beds and even tree stumps that barreled into these brown stone buildings. You can’t help but wonder where are the families that once lived there?   Did they live through it all? Did they have insurance? As I searched for the answers I am informed that many of them are still homeless. Many still loving in hotels. The struggle is real. So many are relying on places like Grace Fellowship Church to eat. Many are totally relying on the kindness of non profits. Those who rent are not often reimbursed and this poses an even greater need. Living here has become a whole different world. You can help the people here in St. Louis by donating today. Grace Fellowship Church cash app.    ...

Author Patricia Lee     We have gathered information, are still gathering information, will always be gathering information.  When will we have enough information so that we may begin implementing?  I suppose the first answer I would get is “never.”  So, considering that, I propose that you start where you are, start with what you have.  There is a phrase that references: “What’s in your hand?  God can use it.”  So, we encourage you to stop hiding your hand and let God use it.   On our way to freedom, justice, and equality we have a lot of self-work to be done…let’s begin to work on ourselves; let us reason with ourselves.  It is so easy to see fault in others…let us begin to try to see our own faults.  You know we used to ask questions like, “why me?” and then we begin to ask, “why not me?”  If we worked on and with our self-first, we probably would work with others more easily.  Who knows…then we may be able...

 By Hannah L. Jeffers      It has been difficult times for some but in the end God still provides. The lack of getting assistance has led to an abundance of free stuff. I’m reminded of the bible verse where God reminds us how he feeds the birds and takes care of the smallest of us. How would he not provide for His Children. Sthe families in this St. Louis are being kept by the Most High and nothing will go to waste. They have found a church on the corner of Athlone and Carter where ishop Gregory Holley and his wife Pastor Diane Holley are obedient until the end. They do feed anyone in need. May God continue to bless Grace Fellowship Baptist Church Help us feed those in need. Grace Fellowship Cash app  $GFC1990 Diane Holley 

Imagine  moving into a community not knowing anyone. Imagine a feeling of uncertainty and doubt. Still you know that there is something pushing urging and stratigily placing you there.  You know that you have a purpose. You imaginei t is to write and inspire. There is no misunderstanding that this is your ministry and a work for you to do. However you are afraid. You wake up wondering how will these people receive you? Will they be open to your work? You have no idea. Then one day a dear friend reminds you of a profound scripture that says "your gift will make room and bring you before great men. ( Proberbs 18:16)  And without hesitation God reveals Himself in His promise. Within my first 2 months my writing ministry has begun.  Somewhere in St. Louis I  By Hannah L. Jeffers 

 By Gemi Treadwell  A community ask why, but, received no answers. When they see an image like grandmother ‘s oak tree cut down laying lifeless on the ground. The tree had been a part of generations. Growing up in the Riverview Kansas part of town, where they played at the neighborhood park during hot summer months. The tree provided shelter from the sun, gave safety and comfort. It connected the community with nature. This tree also improved the air quality in the community. It was the place where children played games. Growing up during my teenage years, beneath that tree was where I had my first . The tree still had life. It generated energy for all to feel. We needs to know more about this decision. It was a viable loss. Yet the memories are still alive in our hearts and will remind us of what grounded our spirit for almost a century and it is still an ancestral family member.  

Severing Services Around Domestic Violence                By Crystal Woods Memphis has had a “one stop shop” for several years now, helping to protect the health and peace of its residents. Domestic violence can show up in any form, among family, friends, and even in relationships. It’s an in-house – out of the public eye disaster – that leaves many people involved traumatized. Victims often find themselves ashamed to talk about DV when it occurs. Memphis, being one of the cities having high DV reports, has been able to offer the comfort of wrap-around services provided by the Family Safety Center. The FSC has been an organization that’s brought hope and justice to domestic violence victims for over a decade, until it didn’t. The Family Safety Center closed abruptly without explanation in March 2025. The end of this well-known organization left many Memphis residents in a crisis – service recipients and employees. An anonymous employee share...

By Sharon M. Gartrell -Lawson                       buymeacoffee.com/hannahjeffers   "Man,  t here are still people being murdered every 2 or 3 days in Memphis. What the hell are these agencies and the National Guard doing ?? It's like they're just here to hunt down non-criminal illegals! They need to do something about the actual freaking crime in our city! People are still  getting robbed every damn night!"..... David Gallegos   The above statement general summary of many nervous, angry, and frustrated Memphians. At first, I saw the outside federal agencies as an invasion. Then I looked at the overall situation and thought, "Well, maybe they REALLY are here to help and can REALLY make a difference. Yes, they are helping, but NOT in an effective way and NOT in a way they're needed most."