2023 AACC MASQUERADE GALA

MASQUERADE

GALA

Tribute to Dance & 50 Years of Hip Hop

MUSIC HALL | CINCINNATI, OHIO Friday, November 17th, 2023

OUR MISSION Establish, cultivate, and strengthen consumer and business relationships; provide access to major corporateand government markets for our members to help increase business opportunities; aid in the professional development of our members; and assist in developing strategic partnerships and alliances for the purpose of strengthening and growing the African American business community.

Jim Clingman Founder of AACC a strong advocate of economic empowerment for African Americans.

“Multiply your blessings by sharing it with others” -Jim Clingman

The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1996 by a group of Black business owners and con-sumers seeking to improve the economic status of the African American community. It is the largest such chamber in the State of Ohio. The vision was to form an organiza-tion to: advocate on behalf of emerging and established businesses, help to create new market opportunities, and provide access to capital, and revitalize communities. The Chamber is committed to inclusion as well as business development focused on advo-cacy and building capacity.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

TONIGHTS PROGRAM Doors Open Cocktail Hour Silent Auction & Vendor Booths Open Seating Dinner Award Cermony Presentation of Live Art Installation Drawnversation

Tribute to 50 Years of Hip Hop Silent Auction Closes Thank You Dancing Closing

WELCOME REMARKS “…as choreographers, [we] start with an empty space and a body or two and we say ‘Carve this space.’ I love creating something, where there was nothing before.” -Alvin Ailey

Eric H. Kearney President & CEO

At first glance, dance and entrepreneurship may not appear to be perfect partners.

Tonight at the 2023 Masquerade Gala they are!

As international dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey notes, he “loves to create something where there was nothing before.” That’s exactly what so many of our entrepreneurs and small business owners do. They create. They create something. They created something where there was nothing before.

It is that creativity, that desire to create something that fuels the wonderful Black business ecosystem in Cincinnati. It drives and stimulates our members, clients, and community.

At the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce we seek to support those who are creating new businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities. We energize, cheer on, and listen to entrepreneurs. Our passion for helping small businesses shows. Please look at our Minority Business Assistance Center which certifies and counsels businesses in 17 counties in Ohio. Our Pivot program and work with Lincoln + Gilbert provides technical assistance to businesses in Hamilton County and Northern Kentucky.

Additionally, we provide 120 programs ranging from the Executive Business Accelerator to Business Basics to the Exchange, our monthly networking session. Please don’t forget that we sponsor the annual study about the economic impact of Black-owned businesses.

Tonight is a celebration of the creativity and energy that goes into creating and sustaining a business. Thank you for making all of this possible. As Alvin Ailey would say “Let’s carve this space!”

Welcome to the 2023 African-American Chamber of Commerce Masquerade Gala. It is an honor to stand before you as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Cincinnati and Norther Kentucky African-American Chamber of Commerce.

Tonight will be an enchanting night of elegance, celebration and empowerment. And we have come together to honor some extraordinary individuals, celebrate their remarkable contributions, and revel in the unity that defines our community.

Your presence here tonight is a testament to your support, dedication, and commitment to making Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky a thriving hub for African-American businesses.

Thank you for joining us!

Shannon Lawson

Board Chair

Esteemed guests, As the board Co-Chair and Gala Committee Chair, I am thrilled to welcome you to the 2023 Masquerade Gala, an evening of elegance and celebration. Our heartfelt thanks go out to our remarkable vendors whose dedication and craftsmanship have brought this vision to life. We are deeply grateful for the hard work and creativity of our committee members, whose tireless efforts have ensured every detail is perfection.

Erica White-Johnson Board Vice Chair

Tonight, we are not just celebrating; we are highlighting the vital role of supporting local Blackowned businesses. They drive our community’s growth and embody entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s embrace their significance and make this Gala a night to remember, strengthening Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky as a thriving hub for African American excellence.

THE PLANNING COMMIT TEE Erica White-Johnson Committee Chair Briston Mitchell Committee Co-Chair Simone Charles Eric H. Kearney Erica Parker Jason Dunn Sam Ross James Pullins Cheniece Wilson Gregory Parker Valencia Moses Chloe Hill

THE HONOREES

LEAVING A LEGACY Gregory J. Webb

President of Northside Supply & Services Inc.

Gregory Webb, a devoted father of two and proud grandfather of two, enjoys a fulfilling marriage with Barbara. His professional journey commenced in 1975 after graduating from college, beginning as an interior designer with Ed Dodd Architects in Dayton, Ohio. Notably, in 1978, Greg transitioned to Patent Scaffolding Co., where he contributed to the design of scaffolding for the space shuttle storage facility. In 1980, an exciting opportunity arose with William Cargile Construction Co., where Greg assumed the role of operational manager. He later worked on loan to Turner Construction Co. for three years, gaining invaluable experience. Gregs’ commitment to advancing minority businesses led him to join the African American Chamber (AACC) in 1996, following a recruitment by Kathy Lewis & Angelita Jones. Engaging with likeminded individuals such as Jim Clingman, Greg actively worked towards improving the circumstances of minority businesses in the Cincinnati area through advocacy. His involvement with the AACC included roles as a member, Co-Chairman & later Chairman of the board after resigning in 2009. In 1990, fueled by the teachings of Bill Cargile and his own experiences, Greg, alongside Dale White, founded DAG Construction Co. This venture became a highly successful minority contractor and construction management firm. Concurrently, he established Northside Construction and Supply Co., Inc. in the same period, specializing in providing commercial construction supplies and materials to companies across Ohio and Kentucky. In 2011, Greg was approached by Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune knowing he had a son with autism and how important the issue is to him asked if he would sit on the MRDD board now known as HCDDS (Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services). This gave Greg solace knowing he could help make life better for the disabled. In 2017 at the request of Eric Kearny Greg rejoined AACC. Having retired from DAG in 2019, Greg prioritizes quality time with his family and contributes part-time to Northside Supply alongside his wife. While he recently resigned from the Chamber, Greg’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of efforts to enhance opportunities for minority businesses.

CHAIRMAN AWARDEE Jason E. Dunn Sr. Executive Director of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals Jason Dunn serves as the executive director of the National Coalition Of Black Meeting Professionals. Dunn has long been a trailblazer and outspoken inclusion advocate within the tourism industry. While at Visit Cincinnati, he became the CVB’s first Black vice president in its 78-year history and played a pivotal role in bringing diverse conventions to the destination. During his tenure, the number of multicultural /diverse meetings in Cincinnati has represented more than one-third of all CVB new business from 2008-18. He also led & created Visit Cincy’s Diversity & Inclusion engine, Vibe Cincinnati, which amplifies the Cincinnati region’s culture through art, entertainment, and immersive multicultural experiences. Dunn’s leadership also included the development of the Dan Lincoln Institute for Hospitality Leadership, which works with Cincinnati public schools, colleges and local hospitality businesses to build a pipeline of diverse talent within the industry.In addition, he has fostered partnerships with international organizations such as MMGY Global and the Events Industry Council to conduct research on the economic impact of Black travelers and the state of diversity within the meetings industry. Dunn served as chair of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, where he helped the organization improve access to jobs, broaden benefits to employees, increase accountability and enhance planning. Through his leadership, a successful ballot initiative was put in place in 2020 which will invest one billion dollars to improve the regional transit and infrastructure. He is the immediate past chair of The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, which is the largest African American chamber in the Midwest and recipient of the 2017 Cincinnati Business Courier Outstanding Directors Award. Dunn is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, 33rd Prince Hall Mason and The Executive Order of The Ohio Commodore’s. He and his wife Tiffany have two beautiful children, his daughter Mya, who currently attends Spelman College and his son Jason, Jr. who is a 4th grader that enjoys playing Football and basketball.

EMERGING LEADERS Ashley Glass, MPH Black Women Cultivating Change Ashley is a mother of 3 beautiful girls and considers herself a Health Equity Catalyst and Creative. Ashley has a deep love for leveraging resources and advocating for Mental and Maternal Health Services for the Black Community. Ashley’s natural gift is critically thinking and connecting and elevating individuals who are are able to relate and empower individuals in the community to navigate our complex healthcare system. Currently, Ashley is the National Health Equity Program Manager for Molina Healthcare and the non profit founder of Black Women Cultivating, a nonprofit focused on reducing the stigma related to Mental Health and Wellness in the Black Community. Ashley’s signature quote is “Life is Not Surface Level”.

Azizah Nubia Cincy Black Travel Azizah Nubia is a dynamic modern woman, passionate entrepreneur, and doting mother of seven. She successfully juggles various business ventures, which include her digital platform company, Natural Woman LLC, and parent to the Natural Woman Brand, as well as AZ Media, a digital marketing and advertising firm. Additionally, she is the owner of The Black Travel Guide Inc. Known for her visionary mindset, she has propelled Natural Woman Magazine to international recognition, with a reach across 32 countries and 49 U.S. cities. Her efforts saw the magazine earn a nomination and awards for Magazine of the Year at the 2014 SEA Awards. Recognized as a digital creator, Azizah won the OMS Digital Creator of the Year Award in 2018 and the I Am Queen Award in 2021. Her most recent accomplishment is the successful launch of the Cincy Black Travel Guide, which skyrocketed to the second most downloaded app in the U.S. within 19 days in 2023.

BLACK BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Cedric Charles Newberry Owner/General Manager of Meineke Car Care Franchise Cedric was raised in Houston County Georgia with 12 siblings. Cedric received a BS in Agronomy -Fort Valley State University; MS in Agronomy -University of Wisconsin at Madison and MBA -Southern Illinois at Edwardsville. Previously, Cedric was employed by Monsanto as a Senior Research Biologist in St. Louis, Missouri before becoming an entrepreneur.

Cedric is CEO of CC Newberry Automotive Corp. dba Meineke Car Care Center with locations in Roselawn and Forest Park. Cedric married Lillie R. Brown in July 1979. The couple have four adult children Terrence, Carnice, Candice and Clayton. At Mt. Zion he served in these ministries: Sunday School, Male Chorus, Trustee Ministry, KNOWJ and Nursery Associate. Cedric has volunteered with these organizations: Board Member of Boys and Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, Delta Gamma Lambda Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation, Life Member of the N.A.A.C.P., Past President of Alpha Delta Boule. Cedric is avid Bengals fan and golfer.

Tracey Artis CEO of I Hear Music Inc. Tracey Artis is a renowned CEO, music executive, speaker, philanthropist, and published author. She passionately serves multiple organizations and boards including The Cincinnati, OH Chapter of The Links, Inc. (Arts Facet Chair) LHOI (Board Member) and the annual Midwest Black Family Reunion as the Executive Director. BFR has garnered the attention of the New York Times, Essence magazine, NPR and Waymaker magazine and many other local and national outlets.

Tracey is known as a “heavy hitter” in the gospel music industry specializing in marketing, brand consulting and radio promotions. She served as the Vice President of Gospo Centric Records and Vice President of Sony Gospel before launching her promotions and marketing firm, I Hear Music, Inc. that produces the signature annual event; The I Hear Music in the Air Conference that has been in operation for over 23 years. Her work has been vital to the power and success of some of contemporary Gospel music’s biggest names which has led to over 50 Billboard #1 Singles, and many Gold and Platinum Certifications. She is a devoted wife to Bobby G. Artis, and the mother of two children, Jazmyn and Jordan.

John & Stephanie Harmon Founders of Market Direct Inc. John is the President/CEO and Steph, the Vice President of Market Direct, Inc. (mdi). mdi is a successful direct marketing communications company. For the past 20 years, mdi has provided a vast array of print, digital, and promotional communication products and services to businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities throughout the region and across the country. John has a degree in Chemical Engineering, while Steph has a degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Both John and Steph also received their MBA degrees from Xavier University. Prior to purchasing mdi, John spent more than 25 years in the nuclear defense, and environmental restoration industries, while Steph had an extensive career as a nationally certified broker, specializing in retirement investment products.

Sherry Sims Founder of Black Career Women’s Network As the Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Sherry Sims implements programs that foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture. With over 20 years of HR experience, Sims leverages her skills in employee rela­tions, talent acquisition, and professional development to support cre­ating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected for their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Miss Sims is also the Founder of the Black Career Women’s Network, a leading national career develop­ment network for professional Black women. Since 2012, she has been advocating and providing career insight, strategies, and solutions to help Black women successfully navigate the workplace with clarity and confidence. Sims career expertise has been featured in multiple publica­tions such as The New York Times, Essence Magazine, MSNBC, USNews, CNBC, and more. “I am passionate about empowering women of color to achieve their career goals and aspirations.”

Means Cameron

Owner of BlaCk Owned & BLaCK Coffee Lounge Means is Owner Operator of the clothing brand BlaCkOWned™ Outerwear. Since its launch in 2011, the brand has been recognized as Brand of The Year (Atlanta, GA, Ingrushi), Top 3 Cincinnati Men’s Boutiques (Cincinnati Magazine) and has had the day November 16th proclaimed as ‘BlaCk OWned Day’ in the city of Cincinnati. Means and his team are using the growing notoriety to create a brand that transcends race, generation and location. This same concept is the bases of Cameron’s new venture blaCk Coffee Lounge, which is a local ‘culture shop’ serving great coffee. One of his favorite quotes is “behind every great business owner is a better cup of coffee”. Through his contributions as an entrepreneur it is Means’ goal to inspire the community to move as a unit and to serve one another.

IN MEMORIAM

Wendell P. Robinson Jr. Wendell Porter Robinson Jr., hailed from Louisville, was a dedicated advocate for social justice, civil rights, and the empowerment of individuals both intellectually and economically. His life was defined by a commitment to finding solutions to challenges, a trait evident in both his personal and professional endeavors.

Wendell was deeply involved in cultivating meaningful connections with colleagues, tirelessly advocating for those in need, and crafting effective strategies for the businesses and organizations he supported.

A true luminary in the realm of creativity, Wendell earned accolades for his innovative contributions. Having served as a Senior Creative Artist at the Cincinnati Enquirer, Creative Director for the Cincinnati Herald, and successfully managing his freelance career through designwerks, he left an indelible mark. Notably, Wendell collaborated with various clients, including the African American Chamber of Commerce, showcasing his prowess as a “creative guru” and earning several awards for his outstanding creativity.

IN MEMORIAM Dhana Bradley Morton-Donaldson

Dhana Bradley Morton-Donaldson, born in Lynchburg, VA to Florence and James Bradley. Dhana left her little town in Virginia to attend college at Western Kentucky University. While in attendance at WKU, she joined the Divine 9, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. After getting her degree in Communication, Dhana moved to Louisville, Ky and started a non-profit, The Theater Workshop of Louisville, Inc. that allowed her to display her talents as a playwright with plays and poems by Sojourner Truth, Maya Angelou and one of the many plays she wrote and directed, The Soldier Play. Dhana next brought her talents to Cincinnati, Oh. as Executive Director of The Art Consortium of Cincinnati.

Thank you Dhana.

S PECIAL THANKS to all of our sponsors, AACC Board & Staff, Simone Charles, Gina Ruffin Moore the live entertainment, vendors, and guests!

OUR HOST Gina Ruffin Moore Public Relations, Author, Owner of Get Me on Media (GMOM),Historian

OUR VENDORS AND PERFORMERS Event Planner Social B. & Co HospitalitySimone Charles Venue Host Music Hall Cincinnati Signage & Printing Market Direct Jim & Stephanie Harmon Centerpieces & Floral Arrangements Touch of Heaven Floral Shoppe Adrian Onley Catering Soliel Kitchen Salimah Abdul-Hakim DJ DJ Wayne Brown Live Art Installation Drawnversation Brandon Black

Ideography & Cinematography Eleven 27 Media Wendell Gibbs

PERFORMERS:

Photography Shanghai Images Terrance Mitchell

Revolution Dance

Photography Forsure Productions Rakelle Marie

CA2 Dance Crew

Noviad Photobooth 360 Photobooth Dawn Singleton Red Carpet Host and Social Media Posts The Content Girl Sydney Murdock

Bi-okoto Dance Group

Mutual Artts Dance Theatre

Malia Mitchell SCPA Senior Dance Ensemble VENDOR BOOTHS: Coppewlry Chanelle Hickson Am.a.line Ayana Ames Inspired Fashion Catrena Bowman Kadosh Aromas Keturah Tatum Midwest Mobile Cigar Lounge Nakia K. Black

OUR STAFF Eric H. Kearney | he/him/his AACC President & CEO

Deborah Davis | she/her/hers Cincinnati MBAC Regional Director

Briston Mitchell | she/her/hers Director of Transformative Initiatives and Relationships

Vivian Watkins | she/her/hers MBAC Business Advisor & Lead Outreach Specialist

Gregory Parker | he/him/his Director of Membership Services

Danielle Thompson | She/her/hers MBAC Outreach & Certification Specialist

Jill McCauley | she/her/hers Businesss Counselor Technical Assistance & Outreach

Shaquile Riston | she/her/hers MBAC Financial Advisor Marlene Fout | she/her/hers MBAC Business Advisor & Appalachian Outreach Specialist

Annette Tarver | she/her/hers Businesss Counselor Technical Assistance & Outreach

James Pullins | he/they Admin & Social Media Coordinator

Zoe Carney | she/her/hers Pivot Programs Coordinator

Chloe Hill | she/her/hers PR & Communications Intern

Jaz Treadwell | she/her/hers Office Manager

OUR BOARD Shannon D. Lawson, Chair Attorney | Keating Muething & Klekamp

Marcus E. Margerum COO | Contemporary Arts Center

Erica N. White-Johnson, Esq., Vice Chair Transaction Tax Manager | CBTS

Cedric Newberry President | Meineke Car Care

Royce A. Sutton, Treasurer Senior Vice President | Ohio CED Market Manager, Fifth Third Bank

Morgan A. Owens CEO/Founder | MAO Brands

Apryl M. Pope, Secretary Financial Advisor | Pope Financial Planning, LLC Darrick Dansby President | Greater Cincinnati Realtist Association & Real Estate Agent | Coldwell Banker Garri Davis President | Water Lily Learning Center LLC Charles Gerhardt, III, Esq. President | Government Strategies Group, LLC

Erica Parker Head of US Employee Relations | Doordash Marcus L. Thompson Community Development Manager | Triversity J. Maxwell (Max) Williams Attorney | Frost, Brown & Todd Gregory J. Webb President | Northside Supply and Orders Jason E. Dunn, Emeritus Chair Executive Director | National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals

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Endnotes

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