By Ray Johnson/Photojournalist
In today’s society, the media often focuses on the absence of fathers in Black households, with statistics showing the figure to be as high as 80 percent. However, it is important to highlight the positive impact of the many present black fathers who are actively involved in their children’s lives – those who lay the foundation for a bright future for the next generation.
One such influential figure in the Black community is Pastor Rich Schuhumeier, who has become a beacon of light for his daughter and others. Pastor Rich, who did not have the benefit of a father figure in his own life, credits his remarkable grandparents and his mother for raising him in challenging circumstances.
This story takes us to the prestigious La Verne College of Law University campus, where Pastor Rich’s daughter, Evangelic is graduating with her law degree. His oldest daughter, Phoenisha, also graduated with her law degree from LaVern in 2023 and passed the bar on her first attempt. Evangelic had already passed the California State Bar exam before her graduation ceremony, an achievement that her father and mother are incredibly proud of.
Reflecting on his family’s history and his daughter’s success, Pastor Rich expressed his regret that his grandparents, who overcame adversity with grace and promoted education and faith, were not there to witness this historic moment. He emphasized the importance of instilling values and speaking life into children, highlighting that it’s not where you start in life but where you finish that matters.
Pastor Rich’s wife, Tanya, significantly contributed to Evangelic’s upbringing and success, along with the success of their four other children. Drawing inspiration from Proverbs 18:21, Evangelic reflected on the power of words and beliefs, emphasizing that what is spoken and believed shapes our futures.
Born out of a desire to advocate for others, Evangelic’s journey to becoming a lawyer began with her undergraduate studies in Criminal Justice at Sacramento State University and continued with a Master’s degree in Public Administration at California State University, East Bay. Her passion for law was fueled by a desire to be a voice for those in need. At the University of La Verne College of Law, Evangelic achieved her Juris Doctor degree and held leadership positions, empowering and supporting her fellow students.
She shared that her father’s unwavering support and encouragement were instrumental in shaping her path, and she emphasized the power of determination and positive declarations. Evangelic’s journey serves as a testament to the potential for positive change and personal growth, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and speak life into their own paths, drawing from biblical principles that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
“It’s amazing growing up in a two-parent household; I had both my mom and my Dad, as well.” “And to see the sacrifices they made, I remember as a kid, my mom worked the daytime shift, my dad worked the evenings. So my dad watched us during the day and then would go to work, and seeing that sacrifice he made, he was tired during the day, but despite that, he would take care of us and then he would go to work, he was a big influence for me at Sac State, he drove me, and everyday he would confess, I will graduate in four years, I will be successful, he continually would speak life, speak the Word (Biblical Scriptures) when I felt discouraged when I felt like I wanted to quit or when I felt inadequate. He reminded me to go to the cross (Jesus) and trust that God’s plans for me are good, which is Jeremiah 29:11.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights Evangelic’s dedication and hard work but also shines a light on the unwavering support and guidance provided by her family, particularly her father, Pastor Rich, her mother, Tanya, aka “Pastor T,” the values instilled in her by her grandparents, and her family’s faith.
You can see the video interview here.