Bringing Smiles Through Art

Date posted: December 7, 2025

Joseph Watson is spreading joy with his gift for imagery

Widely recognized by his signature “JOEE,” Joseph Watson has been channeling creativity since his early days growing up in Gardena, California Art became his refuge and outlet for expression, shaped not only by exceptional mentors but also by the vivid backdrop of Los Angeles. The city’s rhythm — its excitement, danger, culture, and love — deeply influenced his artistic lens. An attentive observer of everyday life, Joseph creates work driven by story, transformation, and the subtle moments that make daily life extraordinary. 

In 1998, he graduated with honors from the prestigious Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, a milestone that reflected his dedication and artistic strength. 

Life after college opened the doors to a dynamic and expansive career. Joseph’s talents have touched everything from concept design for major video game companies to toy creation at Mattel. He founded and operated his own gallery for 12 years, contributed philanthropic art to community causes, made television appearances, and produced original commissioned paintings—including pieces now featured inside the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium. 

His creativity is also showcased in children’s literature. Watson is the illustrator behind the “Go, Go, Greta” and “Jo Jo Goose” book series, bringing playful characters and vibrant worlds to young readers. He continues to expand his artistic reach as a proud member of the powerhouse collective, the Art School Giants. 

Whether through fine art, storytelling, or mentorship, Joseph Watson creates work that lingers — art that sparks joy, reflection, and connection long after the first encounter. 

Explore More of Joseph Watson’s Work Official Website: josephwatsonart.com Children’s Book Site & Free Coloring Pages: gogogreta.com Art School Giants: artschoolgiants.com

Prophetess Catherine Matthews Hyatt: Faith, Power & Purpose Revealed

Date posted:

By Sheryl Thornton-Burnham

In a world that often celebrates flash over faith, Prophetess Catherine Matthews Hyatt stands as a woman who embodies both — elegance and endurance, beauty and belief. Based in Las Vegas, she has become a powerhouse voice in ministry, business, and real estate investment, proving that success doesn’t come from circumstance but from standing firm in purpose and walking by faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Faith First. — Always. Catherine’s journey to success wasn’t paved with ease. She is a living testimony that life’s detours often lead to divine destiny. Through seasons of loss, heartbreak, and reinvention, she never wavered in her faith. Instead, she discovered that God’s timing isn’t about when you’re ready — it’s about when God says you are. Her mantra is simple yet powerful: “When it’s your season, no one can stop what God has already set in motion.” That same faith has guided her from ministering behind the salon chair to leading others in the marketplace and in ministry. 

Real Estate Royalty with a Spiritual Touch. Prophetess Hyatt isn’t just a minister of the Word — she’s a vessel of wisdom in the marketplace. A successful real estate investor and entrepreneur, she has built a foundation that merges faith with financial freedom. Together with her son, Darryl Brown — a top-producing Realtor and co-author — they are reshaping the narrative of Black wealth by empowering families to build ownership, restore legacy, and create generational success. Their co-authored book, “The Seven Keys of Success in Real Estate,” goes beyond property and profit. It teaches mindset, manifestation, and the spiritual principles of stewardship — empowering others to take dominion and walk boldly into financial freedom. 

Turning Pain into Power. Her first book, “A Plague of a Divorce,” unveils her truth — transparent, raw, and redemptive. Catherine doesn’t hide the heartbreak; she honors it. She shares how faith helped her rebuild her confidence, her business, and her belief in love and purpose. It’s a story of resilience that resonates deeply with women who’ve had to rise again, proving you can be broken and still be chosen. 

Walking in Divine Purpose. Prophetess Hyatt’s calling reaches beyond titles or recognition. She is a vessel of healing, restoration, and empowerment — a voice for women rediscovering their worth and walking boldly in faith. Her life proves that grace and grit can coexist and that God’s timing is never delayed, only divine. 

Her upcoming meet-and-greet/book signing promises an afternoon of inspiration, fellowship, and encouragement. The event will take place on Saturday, December 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at ONE Las Vegas, located at 8255 Las Vegas Blvd S. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, hear empowering words from the author, and experience a sacred atmosphere filled with God’s presence and power. To register, visit Eventbrite and search for Prophetess Catherine. It’s more than an event — it’s an encounter of faith, hope, and transformation. 

For more information, visit TheThroneRoom.co

PART THE WATERS

Date posted:

Executive-produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, “Moses the Black” arrives in theaters in January, starring Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, Quavo, and Chukwudi Iwuji.

Fathom Entertainment, in collaboration with Simeon Faith, the Nick Mirkopoulos Cinematic Fund, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, has announced that it will release “Moses the Black,” in a Simeon Entertainment, G-Unit Film and Television, Taylor Gang Films and BrooklynWorks Films production, nationwide on January 30. 

“Moses the Black” follows a Chicago gangster’s journey of reckoning, inspired by the true story of the fourth-century saint of the same name. Omar Epps (“Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” “Juice,” “House”) stars as Chicago gang leader Malik, with recording artist Wiz Khalifa (“Spinning Gold,” “Furious 7” soundtrack) as 2wo-3ree, the confident and volatile head of Malik’s young crew, locked in a power struggle for control against rival gang leader Straw, played by recording artist Quavo (“Atlanta,” “black-ish”). The role of St. Moses the Black is portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Peacemaker”) with direction by Yelena Popovic (“Man of God”). 

A gripping fusion of suspense, moral courage, and modern relevance, “Moses the Black” is driven by a hypnotic original soundtrack executive-produced by Wiz Khalifa featuring Quavo, and other collaborators. With its emotional depth and standout performances, the film has already sparked excitement and anticipation among fans and influencers nationwide. 

“This film is about redemption and real change. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it’s powerful. I can’t wait for audiences to see it,” said Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. 

“‘Moses the Black’ is an action-packed drama that was made to be seen on the big screen. Fathom Entertainment is thrilled to partner again with Simeon Entertainment and bring this heart-pounding story with a star-studded cast to audiences nationwide,” said Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer for Fathom Entertainment. Fathom Entertainment first collaborated with Simeon Entertainment in 2022 for the award-winning film, “Man of God.”

HEALTHIER YOU: Thinking about freezing your eggs?

Date posted:

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

Research indicates that peak fertility for Black women typically occurs between ages 20 and 30. However, these are often years of significant personal and professional development — pursuing higher education, advancing careers, building financial stability, or simply not yet having met the right partner. As a result, Black women tend to pursue egg freezing at lower rates than other groups. 

Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, allows women to preserve unfertilized eggs for future use. The process involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, freezing them at very low temperatures, and storing them until needed. 

The typical timeline is 2–3 weeks and includes:

• Initial consultation
• Ovarian stimulation (10–12 days)
• Egg retrieval 

Additional research is needed to better understand the factors contributing to lower utilization of egg freezing among Black women, but socioeconomic barriers likely play a significant role, along with more limited access to information about the available options. Higher rates of uterine fibroids among Black women further complicate reproductive planning, as fibroids can affect fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term family planning. 

Women’s Innovative Care is here for you, and we encourage you to make an appointment by calling (702) 413-7740 or visiting us at 851 South Rampart Blvd. Suite 165 in Las Vegas.

HISTORIC BLACK VEGAS: Let’s End 2025 in a Spirit of Joy

Date posted:

BY CLAYTEE D. WHITE

I will end 2025 steeped in joy, Black Joy — the healing balm of a mysterious, invisible power. I believe that joy is one of our superpowers. 

Beginning in 1619, Blacks endured slavery then Jim Crow and continued this trajectory into the 21st century’s systemic racism, Jim Crow 2.0. And yet, Black people are still thinking, building, working, writing, creating, dancing, and standing on holy ground. I propose an addition to the thinking surrounding Black Joy by adding a spiritual component. The church has always been important to African-Americans. 

The belief in the invisible has been a steady influence among all religious expressions in Black communities. Having faith brings hope and allows freedom to flow into our lives. Faith brings that feeling of joy even in the worst times and creates a path for light to radiate from within us. Faith and that inner joy probably kept the enslaved hopeful enough to pick one more pound of cotton, the strength to take the lashes from the whip, the vision to continue to put one foot in front of the other before escaping via underground railroad. 

Our careers, our jobs, our professions are immersed in the spirit that works through us. Paul R. Williams, the Black architect who designed Berkley Square must have felt that joy in his creativity; Helen Toland must have felt that Black Joy as she served as the first Black female principal when she was guided to expose students to as many local spaces as possible; Dr. James McMillan must have experienced that hope leading the community to integrate hotels and then attorney Charles Kellar as he wrote a consent decree for better jobs for the Black community. 

Ernest Holmes, author of “The Science of Mind,” wrote about the inspiration that joy can bring: “There is a song upon my lips today; it sings of the glad heart and the happy ways of life. I will listen to my song, for it carols to me the glad tidings of Great Joy, of Love, and Life. It tells me of the wondrous journey of the soul and the boundless Life in which my life is hid. I am filled with Joy.” 

Black dancers at the Moulin Rouge probably felt this and thus allowed their dancing to lead to community work in organizations like Le Femme Douze, the Links, Greek sororities, The Girlfriends, and all kinds of church-related organizations. 

Having the audacity to continue to believe in joy after witnessing a lynching, the destruction of Black Wall Street, the attempted walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the Sunday afternoon in Anniston, Alabama where Freedom Riders were attacked, or the assassinations of Martin and Medger proves the power of hope and joy — the superpower. The Spirit of Joy within us is birthless and deathless. It was not born and it cannot die.

KNIGHT MOVES | December 2025 (Oh, What a Month)

Date posted:

By Craig Knight

December arrives as the grand finale of another remarkable year. The air turns crisp, the lights glow brighter, and there’s a shared sense of reflection and anticipation. As 2025 comes to a close — the first complete year in this new quarter-century — it’s a perfect moment to celebrate how far we’ve journeyed and to envision what lies ahead. Whether you’re finishing year-end projects, embracing holiday traditions, or finding pockets of peace amid the season’s pace, remember: 

December isn’t merely an ending. It’s a bridge to powerful new beginnings. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, winter settles in with cozy nights, festive gatherings, and the quiet stillness that invites deeper thought. South of the equator, summer is in full swing, bringing long days, lively celebrations, and vibrant energy. No matter where you stand in the world, December embodies unity — the meeting point of closure and renewal. 

Sports continue to shine as the year wraps up. Our UNLV Rebels close out an inspiring football season, carrying their bowl-bound momentum into the new year. The Runnin’ Rebels and Lady Rebels are in full Holiday Classic mode on the hardwood. The Las Vegas Raiders push through the final stretch of the NFL regular season, where every snap and score shapes their postseason hopes. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights glide into midseason form, defending the ice with championship focus. As we turn the page on another dynamic sports year, we salute the passion, perseverance, and pride of every athlete who gave their all.

December Holidays & Observances

• December 7 | Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Honoring the heroes of 1941.
• December 21 | Winter Solstice The shortest day of the year, marking the slow return of light.
• December 24 | Christmas Eve
• December 25 | Christmas Day Celebrating joy, faith, and togetherness.
• December 26 | Kwanzaa Begins Honoring African heritage, unity, and cultural pride.
• December 31 | New Year’s Eve Cheers to fresh starts and bold horizons.

Monthly Awareness Recognitions

• Universal Human Rights Month | A call to uphold dignity, equality, and freedom for all.
• National Impaired Driving Prevention Month | Celebrate responsibly—protect your community.
• Spiritual Literacy Month | A reminder to reconnect with purpose, gratitude, and inner peace.
• Safe Toys & Gifts Month | Encouraging thoughtful choices that protect children’s well-being. 

As we close out 2025, take a moment to honor your journey—the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the growth achieved. The promise of a new year isn’t only about resolutions; it’s about evolution. Step into 2026 with intention, courage, and an open heart. 

Until the next edition of Knight Moves, stay grateful, stay grounded, keep shining your light—and keep sharing the knowledge. 

Happy holidays and God bless!

YOU! HAVE THE POWER  | Doing the ‘Wright’ thing 

Date posted:

BY DR. ELLEN W. BROWN

For Lonnie and Sherry Wright, “People Come First” isn’t just a mantra — it’s the foundation of a lifetime of service. Doing the “Wright Thing” has long been at the center of their community commitments, and this holiday season, the couple once again demonstrated their extraordinary generosity with a $10,000 gift to the College of Southern Nevada’s Hospitality Program. 

For decades, the Wrights have been pillars of the Las Vegas Valley community, offering both resources and compassion to those who need it most. Their People First platform is built on four pillars of empowerment: 

Feeding People: The Wrights support efforts that provide nourishment to both the homeless and the housed who find themselves in need. 

Hiring the Unemployed: With deep roots and longevity in the hospitality industry, the Wrights open doors for individuals seeking skills, income, and a fresh start. 

Training for a Lifetime: Guided by the wisdom of the old proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” the Wrights invest in practical, sustainable training that transforms lives. 

Connections That Count: They understand that sometimes opportunity begins with a name, a place, or a simple introduction. With decades of relationships across the Valley, the Wrights ensure that people seeking stable employment have access to the connections that complete the circle. 

Dr. Lonnie Wright’s partnership with Hope for Prisoners — the impactful organization founded in 2017 by Jon D. Ponder — reflects this commitment. Together, they support formerly incarcerated individuals by offering specialized hospitality training and pathways to meaningful, long-term employment. In this work, the Wrights continue to do the “Wright” thing, empowering people to rebuild, renew, and rise. 

Humble and God-fearing, Lonnie and Sherry grew up together in Las Vegas, married, raised a family, and made a conscious decision to lift others as they climbed. Sherry Wright — the “quiet storm” behind the family business — has spent her hospitality career shining light on others. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication have touched countless lives throughout the community and the food and beverage industry. 

If you’ve crossed paths with Lonnie or Sherry in your own journey, their impact has likely stayed with you. Now, the invitation is simple: Pass it on. Share the wisdom, kindness, and opportunity they shared with you. 

Just do the Wright thing. 

I welcome your input, questions, and ideas for topics; feel free to send them to ebrown.nci@gmail.com 

BOOK REVIEW: Doin’ Right Ain’t Actin’ White

Date posted:

The author affectionately refers to this work as “my grandma book,” a title born from a deeply personal moment. It was inspired by a troubling comment her grandson made about being Black — one that stirred her heart and compelled her to respond with wisdom, history, and hope. This book is her way of speaking not only to him, but to an entire generation — offering clarity, pride, and a path toward healing and empowerment. 

This book empowers young Black readers to embrace their identity with pride by exploring the rich and complex history of Black America — how we arrived at this point, the hardships we’ve endured, the triumphs we’ve achieved, and the resistance that often followed those victories. Above all, it reminds them that they are the descendants of resilient survivors who endured unimaginable conditions so that future generations could exist and thrive. 

Many young people wonder why slavery is still discussed, believing it belongs to the past. This book addresses that question, revealing how the psychological scars of slavery continue to shape our self-perception and daily lives. It encourages readers to challenge negative beliefs about who we are by drawing strength from the unwavering spirit of their ancestors — transforming pain into power, and history into hope. 

The chapters in this book explore a wide range of vital topics, including: our historical journey, the roots of internalized self-hatred, the origins of systemic challenges in Black communities, the breakdown of the Black family structure, education, crime, financial empowerment, responsible voting, the role of spirituality, and the importance of reconnecting around the family table. 

Though not a textbook, each chapter is rich with indexed facts, personal reflections, and practical suggestions for improvement. Readers are invited to engage deeply — not just with the content, but with their communities — through thought-provoking questions designed to spark meaningful conversations with peers, parents, and grandparents.

Shepherd’s Path

Date posted:

When Sherri Shepherd had nothing, faith and friendship lit her way forward. She will bring her talent to a Las Vegas stage next spring — and with it, a story that is a triumphant testament to resilience.

Sherri Shepherd is a force whose talent, tenacity, and joy light up every stage she touches. A daytime Emmy Award–winning talk show host, comedian, actress, and bestselling author, she commands America’s attention as the host of the syndicated talk show “Sherri” where her warmth and humor power conversations filled with topical headlines, celebrity interviews, comedy, and uplifting stories. 

Fresh off her standout role in Tyler Perry’s acclaimed film “Straw” and gearing up to release her first children’s book, “The Sunshine Queens,” Shepherd continues to expand an already remarkable three-decade career that spans television, film, Broadway, and stand-up comedy. The multiple NAACP Image Award winner also delights fans with her hit podcast “Two Funny Mamas,” co-hosted with Kym Whitley. 

On May 2, 2026, Shepherd will bring her electric stage presence to the Venetian Resort for a live stand-up performance — an experience her fans know is not to be missed. 

And recently, Shepherd reached another milestone: receiving her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her acceptance speech, filled with heartfelt gratitude and a testament to faith, endurance and never giving up, was a powerful reminder of the resilience that defines her journey. 

Hey family! Thank you to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for giving me such an honor and I need to thank Jesus. Everybody who knows me knows I don’t thump you over your head with my beliefs. But I’m a very spiritual person. I know I wouldn’t be here without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Like Tyler [Perry] and Niecy [Nash] said, “We don’t see what goes on behind the smile, but God does.” Those deep desires you never talked to anybody about, those dreams that you have — God knows those dreams. I just have to say thank you Jesus for everything you have done for me and those tears you wiped up. 

Father God, I thank you. You have never left me or forsaken me. Father God has always said, “Do you trust me?” I must be honest, sometimes I said, “Hell, no I don’t.” But you never gave up on me and never stopped loving me. I bless you Father that you let people see a side of you that loves to laugh. The side that is joy. I thank you and a special shout out to You. Amen. 

You know Hollywood means something very special to me. I used to live on the corner of Franklin and Argyle Streets in a studio apartment. My rent was $350 a month. I used to look out the window — there were roaches all over. I couldn’t afford to live anywhere else because my mother put me out of the house because I was too much for her. But I would look out the window every day and I would dream. I would see the cast members of “Beverly Hills 90210” when I would go inside clubs and see everyone doing their thing. I would look out and dream about maybe one day I could be a part of this Hollywood community. I got evicted from my studio apartment and I moved over to 1200 June Street which was off Santa Monica and La Brea. I used to dream and found out landlords don’t live on dreams. They need money; and I got evicted again from that apartment. I would walk everywhere because they repossessed my car. I would walk all the way to The Comedy Store every night where I would do stand-up comedy because that was the only thing that kept me going. 

When I didn’t have a place to stay because I got evicted so much. I would stay on people’s couches. I remember they didn’t have cell phones then. We only had pay phones and when I didn’t have a quarter to make a call, I would call collect to a friend. When the phone operator would come on the line, I would say, ‘this is a collect call.’ When the operator would ask if the person would receive my collect call I would scream before the operator hung up, “Girl I have to stay at your house tonight!” (laughs). I would wander around and sit in McDonald’s until my friend would come home so I could sleep on their couch. I would also walk down Hollywood Boulevard and see Janet Jackson’s and other celebrities’ stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And I would cry and think, “Maybe one day that could be me?” This is when I had nothing. And the fact that I am here right now receiving my own star some 30 years later — God must have said, “Yes, it’s you!”

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHERS: If we took a holiday, some time to celebrate

Date posted:

As we close out another remarkable year, we are excited to share this special holiday issue of Las Vegas Black Image — an edition filled with inspiration, celebration, and the joy of community. We hope it adds a vibrant spark to your Kwanzaa and Christmas festivities. 

This month, we are honored to feature Sherri Shepherd on our cover. Her heartfelt acceptance speech at the unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was truly moving. Her testimony of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ reminds us that blessings do come through hard work, discipline, and perseverance. 

We are equally grateful to our community members who shared their voices in Community Speaks: Their reflections on priceless treasures that “don’t cost a dime” offer meaningful perspective during this season of giving. 

The Living section offers festive ideas to brighten your celebrations, and we salute Raiders defensive star Charles Snowden for giving back to the community during a time when food insecurity continues to impact so many Nevadans. No matter the result of any one game or season, his spirit of service makes him a champion both on and off the field. 

To our contributing writers and advertisers: thank you for your continued support throughout our 17 years of publishing Las Vegas Black Image. Your commitment helps sustain our mission and amplify the stories that matter. Our executive publishing team—graphic designers, editors, distribution partners, and printing professionals—deserve special recognition. Their creativity, dedication, and excellence bring every issue to life, giving our community a powerful and enduring voice. 

Thanks to all of them, there is so much more joy, culture, and inspiration awaiting you in these pages. And thank you for inviting us into your homes and hearts this holiday season. 

Wishing you joy, peace, and a wonderful new year!

Rise,
Charles Tureaud & Kimberly Bailey Tureaud
Publishers
(702) 615-8216 
cdalasvegas@gmail.com
LasVegasBlackImage.com