O & C

Cleavon is from Maryland, and Oneika is from New York, but the story begins in Atlanta, Georgia. Cleavon, the highly creative coach and speaker looking for his big break, and Oneika, the ambitious and high-achieving corporate strategist, both came to Atlanta for the same reason. They wanted to GROW. Both Cleavon and Oneika decided to attend the THRIVE Conference at Change Church—a gathering for those who want to build better lives and better businesses, God's way. Little did they know that they would both be leaving Atlanta with more than a business plan. During a lunch break, Oneika and Cleavon's eyes locked paths. After speaking, they decided to stand next to each other for lunch. They soon found out that they were the youngest people in the room, only being a year apart in age. Neither of them had met someone their age who shared the same desire for growth. There was interest, there was intrigue! But nothing more. They traded contact info & went about their days until the end of the conference. It was time to go home, and neither Cleavon nor Oneika had any intention of seeing each other again before they left, but God had other plans. He used something that both Cleavon & Oneika love to bring them back together again - food! As Cleavon was walking to his car and Oneika to her Uber, they crossed paths again. Oneika then mustered up the courage to ask a question that changed the course of history: "What are you about to do?" Cleavon took a second to respond. The truth was, he was about to go out to eat with a group of friends. The truth was also that Oneika was not invited. But Cleavon, not wanting to tell a lie, told her his plans. Cleavon waited a second to see if Oneika would invite herself. She didn't. "Hmm, she seems safe and non-intrusive," he thought to himself. So Cleavon invited her. He picked her up from her hotel, and they drove to the restaurant. The food was good, the conversation amongst the group was fun, but nothing special happened. Well, until the ride back. As Cleavon drove Oneika back to her hotel, they began to talk. They discovered they had many similar interests, like personal development, a love for God, nature, and walking for fun! So they talked some more, and more, and more. The car ride was only five minutes, but they talked for at least forty-five minutes. Oneika liked Cleavon; she felt comfortable around him. Every once in a while, she thinks to herself, "Man, does he have a lot of questions!". But she didn't mind. Cleavon liked Oneika; her story and values inspired him, and he didn't want to stop learning about her. A friendship had formed that was preparing to last a lifetime. Oneika went back to New York, and Cleavon went back to Maryland, but they never stopped learning about each other. Before they knew it, they had both become each other's favorite topic, and romance was forming. They would crack jokes on each other, watch football together, and trade business tips with each other, all while in different states. But neither could deny that they were becoming something more than friends. But everything wasn't rainbows and sunshine. In typical Oneika fashion, she knew what she wanted and was ready to take action. And in typical Cleavon fashion, he was indecisive! Oneika wasn't having it and was prepared to call it quits, but Cleavon surprised her. He knew what he found in Oneika was one-of-a-kind, and he said the words that changed everything: "I would be stupid if I let you go". It was game on! Cleavon & Oneika dated for 15 months, maintaining a long-distance relationship between Buffalo and DC. They were both committed and loved each other deeply. By June of 2025, Oneika moved to DC being only 15 minutes from Cleavon, and two months later, Cleavon got down on one knee and popped the question on a trip back to Atlanta, where it all began. Cleavon & Oneika are committed to a union that thrives & glorifies God - with the desire to impact all those who encounter them.