June 2025

Jacksonville Raised Us. Brotherhood Sustained Us.

A Special Father’s Day Edition of Sol-Magazine

By Liz Faublas-Wallace

Guest Writer | Sol-Magazine

As an award-winning journalist with more than 25 years in the business, I’m always on the lookout for stories that reflect something deeper. Human stories that matter. For this special Father’s Day edition of Sol-Magazine, I wanted to highlight a friendship that not only stands the test of time, but also breaks the mold of how male relationships are usually portrayed.

I’ve learned that too often, we’re told that real men don’t share feelings. That vulnerability is weakness. That male friendships are surface-level; built on sports, jokes, and the occasional handshake.

Truth is, those are just stereotypes. Like most typecasts, they ignore the depth of what’s real and quite frankly, what’s necessary. That is why I chose to tell the story of Carlos Wallace and Lorenza McCoullough, two men I deeply respect. I hope to shatter outdated, preconceived notions.

Why is this article important? Because I want readers to understand that their friendship is a reminder that men can be open. They can show up for each other. And when they do, it’s powerful.

Read on as I explore the life of two men whose bond is as strong now as it was when they first became friends back in preschool in Jacksonville, Texas. 

The Beginning

Carlos and Lorenza grew up just a few houses apart. Their friendship started young: paper routes, football practice, even the occasional fight that didn’t last long. They were teammates one minute and fierce competitors the next, but no matter what, they were always back in each other’s corner by the end of the day.

Their families were close, too. Their moms were college roommates, so the connection ran deep from the start. The boys grew up on the same streets, went to the same schools, played the same games. That kind of shared experience builds something solid. More importantly, something that lasts.

I’ve had the chance to sit with both of them as they reminisce about growing up in Jacksonville. And I’ll tell you, there’s something special about hearing two old friends trade stories about a time when life was simple and the biggest concern was who had the fastest bike or whether they could make it home before the streetlights came on. It’s always the same kind of rhythm:

“Hey, you remember that guy that used to…”

“Hell yeah! Whatever happened to him?”

Then comes the story. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic, but always full of history only they can share.

Those moments are more than just memories; they’re proof of how deep their bond runs. It’s not just that they were kids together. It’s that they never forgot who they were back then, and they never let success or life pull them too far from those roots.

The Friendship

What makes their friendship so special isn’t that they never disagreed—it’s how they handled it when they did. Carlos and Lorenza may not always see eye to eye, but they respect each other. They don’t let pride get in the way. There’s no silent treatment, no keeping score. They talk it out, move on, and keep going. The friendship always comes first.

When I asked Carlos what makes their bond last, his answer was short, to the point—just like him.

“Nothing is ever that serious, man. We can talk for 2 minutes or 2 hours, and if either one of us says something we don’t agree with, we don’t make a big deal. No judgment. If he asks my opinion, I’ll give it. But I never feel the need to tell him what to do. He’s a grown man. And he respects me the same way.”

Lorenza put it just as simply.

“There ain't nothing I can't tell him. And it stays right there. It never comes up again, unless I bring it up. It doesn’t turn into some big lecture. I just know that’s my dawg. He got me. No questions. It really is not that hard, man.”

Their friendship works because it's built on trust, not control. Respect, not ego. They don’t try to fix each other. 

Basically, they show up for each other. No questions asked. Whether it’s big life moments or just an ordinary day when one needs the other—they’re there. That’s rare. That’s real. 

The Difference

Carlos took one path. He’s a fifth-generation railroader and former union delegate. He’s also made a name for himself as a filmmaker, a bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author, and the producer of some of Houston’s top comedy and poetry shows.

Lorenza took a different road—literally and figuratively. He’s a true Texas cowboy. He tends to more than 90 acres of land and a longtime mentor and coach to young athletes in their hometown.

On paper, they live very different lives. But in practice? They’re in sync. They learn from each other. Carlos shares knowledge about business, investments, and new opportunities. Lorenza keeps things grounded and reminds Carlos of the importance of simplicity and balance. There’s no competition. No ego. Just mutual respect

They’ve both achieved financial stability, but you’d never know it by talking to them. Neither man is flashy (but I assure you, they stay suited and well groomed). 

Both are grateful, humble, and quick to credit God for every blessing. That humility is part of what makes their bond so strong.

The Example

Carlos and Lorenza are not just best friends—they’re both proud fathers, hardworking men of faith, and leaders in their own right. They live with purpose. They serve their communities. They hold each other accountable. If one starts to drift, the other steps in to get things back on track.

Lorenza often works as Carlos’s security, standing quietly in the background but always watching. Carlos makes sure Lorenza is equipped with the tools and information he needs to build a secure future. They protect each other in every way.

(Sidenote: I get the sense, you don’t want to mess with either one of these guys, especially where the other is concerned. I appreciate that fierce loyalty).

This kind of friendship sets an example. It shows young men that it’s okay to lean on each other. That vulnerability and strength can exist in the same space. That real brotherhood doesn’t need to be loud or public, it just needs to be consistent.

Why It Matters

Here’s something to think about: Black men are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress than their white counterparts, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But they’re far less likely to seek help. Too often, society teaches them to keep it all inside. To "man up." To carry it alone.

Carlos and Lorenza are proof that you don’t have to. Their friendship is a lifeline. It’s the safe space every man needs, but too many are afraid to admit they want. It’s a reminder that having someone to lean on doesn’t make you weak. It makes you wise.

As a woman watching these two interact, I’ve learned just how important relationships like this really are; not just for the men in them, but for the communities around them. Their bond is more than just personal, it’s generational. It teaches. It inspires.

This Father’s Day, I hope their story encourages more men to build these kinds of bonds. And I hope more women do their part to support and nurture them. Because strong men who stand by each other create even stronger families, communities, and futures.

And if you’re reading this and going through something—if you’re feeling overwhelmed, alone, or like no one would understand—please know: you are not alone. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Reach out to a friend. Start the conversation. Or, if you need immediate support, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—just dial 988 from any phone in the U.S.

Asking for help is not weakness. It’s strength. It’s courage. It’s self-preservation.

Happy Father’s Day. Here’s to the men who lead with love, and the friends, wives, children, and loved ones who remind them they’re never in it alone.

TOP TRENDING BLOGS

Success Is Who You Become: Not Just What You Build

How the Shannon Sharpe Saga Became a Mirror for All of Us

The Cost of Betrayal

Reclaiming the Black Church: A Call to Restore Leadership, Unity, and Purpose

The Wealth Trap: Why So Many Millionaires Go Broke Before 40

Let the Athletes Move: Why the Transfer Portal Isn’t the Problem