Leading The Lowcountry Into The Future
Tonya Nicole, an American singer, songwriter, and actress of petite stature, commands the stage with a voice and energy that belie her size. Hailing from South Carolina, she showcases a remarkable vocal range, blending soulful highs and warm lows with a smooth southern texture that soothes like comfort food. Drawing from influences ranging from R&B to Jazz, Hip Hop, and Gospel, Tonya Nicole infuses her music with storytelling that reflects her upbringing as a preacher's kid and her experiences as a wife, mother, actress, and educator of two decades. Her lyrical focus often centers around love, a topic dear to her heart.
In February 2021, Tonya Nicole burst onto the music scene with her debut single "LIMBO," followed by the summertime hit "COTTON CANDY" in August 2021. Her EP #1996KindaLove, released in March 2022, features the instant classic "You Got Me," a collaboration with Manny Houston that blends elements of R&B, Jazz, and Hip Hop seamlessly.
While currently based mainly in South Carolina, Tonya Nicole looks forward to expanding her performances beyond the state lines. Known for her electrifying live shows that leave audiences feeling rejuvenated, keep an eye out for her upcoming tour dates.
The Lowcountry Legends Awards is a platform that is being curated to showcase and celebrate our local champions, who often go unnoticed by the mainstream media. Join us for a Q&A with a selection of silent giants who continue to make our communities better.
Dr. Ed Garnes is one of the most dynamic therapists, educators and life consultants in America!
A doctoral internship trainee of Cal Berkeley, he holds a PHD ((University of Tennessee), M.A. in Counseling (Michigan State University), M.A. in Psychology (University of Tennessee) and B.A. in English Writing with minors in Black Studies; Mass Comm (DePauw University). Dr. Garnes has worked extensively with diverse individuals and groups. He curates interventions keenly aware of the impact race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, socioeconomic background, and disability status have on values, interests, and skills that directly impact academic, career, and psychosocial development. Intergenerational supporters champion his ability to channel his grandmother's southern wisdom, observational humor, and sobering life lessons as an activist into practical strategies for personal development.
Ed Garnes is a leader equipped with the courage, resilience, and dedication to take us to the next level.
Dr. Joe White
Godfather of Black Psychology
Ed Garnes is a leader equipped with the courage, resilience, and dedication to take us to the next level.
Dr. Cornel West
Scholar/Activist
Here is the significance of my dear brother Ed Garnes, Jr. and Sweet Tea Ethics. There is no other group in Atlanta that can bring together such engaged, high quality, and substantial dialogue about the crucial issues facing not just the black community, but also American society. He writes well, works hard and revels in the life of the mind.
Thank God for brother Ed Garnes, Jr.
Anastasia Baah, the visionary behind AnnaTeiko Designs, has seamlessly married the glamour of contemporary American fashion with authentic West African eloquence and made it accessible to the everyday woman.
Her sophisticated ingenuity yields elegant yet versatile apparel garnished with traditionally radiant Ankara prints.
She strives to “…make it easier for people to enjoy African culture,” by designing materials customers can wear to the office on their first day or to the diner on their first date.
