Legacy South Florida 40 Under 40 Issue 2020

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020

0 4 r e E d n U 4o ISSU

South Florida

Introducing South Florida’s Black Leaders of Today and Tomorrow HEALTH LEADERSHIP

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African Americans account for nearly a quarter of all COVID-related deaths. Dr. William Alexis explains why it’s imperative this population is included in clinical trial.

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40 Under 40 honoree Forrest Moore is more than a barbershop owner. The son of a former Fort Lauderdale commissioner, he’s following in his dad’s footsteps by advocating for the less fortunate.

MONEY JUSTICE

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OneUnited Bank is seeing a surge in customers. Find out how President Kevin Cohee says the unity seen in protests across America is helping to increase business for the largest Black bank in America.

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At 38, she’s described as a “fierce” prosecutor in Palm Beach County. 40 Under 40 honoree Chrichet Mixon explains how her faith helps put murderers behind bars.

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Broward Health Congratulates the Recipients of this Year’s

40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today & Tomorrow and Extends a Special Thank You to Zari Watkins

Faith-Simone Hunte

Executive Director of Corporate Services

Director, Employee Relations, Diversity, Inclusion & Advocacy

for Their Commitment to Caring for Our Community.

To find a physician, call 954.759.7400 or visit BrowardHealth.org/Find-Doctor.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

4 ON THE COVER

2020 40 Under 40 Honorees at Miami-Dade County Courthouse

IMPORTANT 2020 ELECTION DATES 6 MAYOR’S REPORT

By Dale V.C. Holness

BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin

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COVID-19 REPORT

By Dr. William Alexis

BUSINESS REPORT

By Beatrice Louissaint

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PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE

By Soulan Johnson

THE FINANCE REPORT

By Kevin Cadette

12-13 INTRODUCING THE 2020 40 UNDER 40 HONOREES 14 DIVERSITY IS TRUE MEASURE OF LEADERSHIP AT THE TOP

By Mark Kent

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

By Stanley Zamor

15 PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Forrest Moore’s Entrepreneurial,

Caring Spirit Lifts Many in Broward Community

By Josie Gulliksen

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Vivian and Lewis paved the way for a better America — and they paid a high personal price. They endured racial slurs and taunting, brutal “nightstick” beatings, and countless violent arrests following peaceful protests. While in their 20s and 30s, they marched alongside the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in their quest for equality. Essentially, they were the Millennials of their day — strategizing a plan to level the playing field for people of color, never wavering.

Enter today’s Millennials. In this issue, you’ll meet some of the most extraordinary young Black men and wo civil rights heroes who risked women as we honor the 2020 class of their lives daily while on the Legacy South Florida’s “40 Under 40.” frontline of nearly every civil rights

The proverbial baton has now been campaign and confrontation in the passed on to this youthful, energized 1960s, are now gone. The deaths of generation of advocates, which has Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian, 95, and U.S. Representative John R. Lewis, 80, may birthed proactive movements such as the Dream Defenders and Black Lives have physically silenced these giant Matter. voices. Nonetheless, their legacy rings

This year’s honorees run the gamut loudly today as African Americans, — from a state prosecutor who tackles reflecting on the Great March on homicide cases to a barbershop owner Washington 57 years ago this month, find themselves standing up to the same who continues to hold high the legacy systemic and pervasive nature of racism of his late famous father.

The next decade will be a pivotal that eerily continues to hang over the time for all of our honorees for several nation like a dark cloud.

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reasons. First, who will be elected this fall to local, state, and federal leadership matters more than ever

Educated Black Millennials are faced with paying back mounting student loan debt. Many are finding they are having to save longer to purchase a home. And, in welldocumented cases, thanks to viral cell phone video, simply walking, driving, shopping, or breathing while Black remains a challenge.

This blatant evidence of racism repeatedly demonstrates to the rest of America what we’ve been proclaiming all along — there are still double standards held against Black Americans.

It’s imperative that our leadership, regardless of their color, dismantle institutional racism and guard against the undermining influence of that structure.

After all, that’s what Rev. Vivian and Congressman Lewis would have wanted.

Russell Motley Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com n

THE BAUGHTOM LINE

By Germaine Smith-Baugh

PALM BEACH REPORT

By Ann Marie Sorrell

17 ENTREPRENEURSHIP

New Start-up Features Tool for

MEDIA GROUP LLC

Detangling Natural Hair

By Janey Tate

18 CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

By Mary V. Davids

SOCIAL MEDIA

By Tracy Timberlake

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EXECUTIVE SUITE Black Bank Movement Encourages Financial Power to Create Social Change

By Michelle Solomon

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LEGACY 40 UNDER 40 HONOREE Assistant State Attorney Mixon Relies on Faith, Competence to Land Convictions

By Daphne Taylor

BROWARD HEALTH

By Joy Oglesby

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LEGACY BRIEFS

LIFESTYLE

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LU X U RY

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E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine • Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief

Yanela G. McLeod Managing Editor

#BeInformed #BeInfluential Visit our website: miamediagrp.com

Shannel Escoffery Vice President

Sabrina Moss-Solomon Graphic Designer

Dexter A. Bridgeman CEO & Founder

Aaliyah Sherie Bryant

Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)

Social Media Specialist

Joe Wesley

Cover Photographer

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS

“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”

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ON THE COVER

Several Legacy South Florida “40 Under 40” honorees proudly stand at the steps of the historic Miami-Dade County Courthouse on 73 W. Flagler Street in downtown Miami. Built in 1925, this courthouse is a powerful symbol of justice and the rule of law — all central to America’s founding principles. It is a fitting backdrop at a challenging time for African Americans who simply demand equality.

As leaders in their respective communities, we asked the honorees how they feel the Black Lives Matter and similar movements are influencing the nation’s current racial climate?

MARC ADAM “I think it’s good what’s happening around the nation.

And I think it’s important for you to get ‘activated’ however you can.

Whatever way is best for you to get activated.”

JAMES MCDOWELL “I think it’s the perfect time to get involved. If not now then when?

Everyone needs to get involved no matter where you stand in the struggle. Wherever you stand in the argument, you need to be involved.”

in terms of the movement to stay focused, to not be distracted. We have to remember that there is a goal and you can’t let all of the outside forces distract us from that goal. We need to remember to vote and to fill out our Census and to remain sure that we remain active.”

ALLANA ROBINSON WOODS “I think all activism, especially Black Lives Matter activism, is important and progressive. Black lives matter today, yesterday, and always.

AQUANNETTE THOMAS “I think we’re moving in the right direction.

We just have to remember that it’s a marathon and not a race. We have to continue fighting and continue the legacy that Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Elijah Cummings… we have to continue working hard for them and

ZARI WATKINS “I just want to encourage everyone

continue to protest peacefully and just keep the fight.”

SANTARVIS BROWN “I think the Black Lives Matter Movement is an intergenerational expression to combat an institutional and intergenerational problem called racism. I think that we’re moving in the right direction but we have seen what happens when we get lax. The accomplishments that our fore parents made were great and some of us got a little comfortable and now we’re reminded of what happens when you get comfortable. So if we’re going to win the journey, ultimately, we have to make sure we remember it is a continual race we fight everyday as persons of color to make everybody know our lives matter.” n

IMPORTANT 2020 ELECTION DATES BROWARD COUNTY

PRIMARY ELECTION: AUG. 18, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: JULY 20 EARLY VOTING: AUG. 8 – AUG. 16 GENERAL ELECTION: NOV. 3, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: OCT. 5 EARLY VOTING: TBA BrowardSOE.org

PALM BEACH COUNTY

PRIMARY ELECTION: AUG. 18, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: JULY 20 EARLY VOTING: AUG. 3 – AUG. 16 GENERAL ELECTION: NOV. 3, 2020 LAST DAY TO REGISTER: OCT. 5 EARLY VOTING : OCT. 19 – NOV. 1 PBCElections.org ALL VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) BY THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTION’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN 7 P.M. ON ELECTION DAY.

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MAYOR'S REPORT

Mentorship Opens Doors for New Leaders and Honors Legacy of Those Before Us

BY MAYOR DALE V. C. HOLNESS

Black Americans have been systematically excluded from many professions and positions of authority throughout most of our country’s history.

This exclusion led W.E.B. Du Bois to emphasize that the black community would rise with the success of its most “Talented Tenth.”

Leaders such as the late Congressman John Lewis embodied the sentiment that W.E.B Du Bois

advocated. By 23, Lewis was recognized as a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Lewis would spend the rest of his life opening doors for men and women, who like him, were forced to compete in a world biased against them.

Lewis’ efforts to increase voter registration among black voters and his fight against institutionalized discrimination allowed thousands of African Americans, like me, to participate in sections of society that excluded us for centuries.

Individuals like Rep. Lewis, paved the way for those who follow in their footsteps, while also providing the rest of the community with mentorship.

Today, the founders of the Black Lives Matter Movement and other community leaders are continuing the march towards equality that their great-grandparents started.

To continue these efforts, men and women nearing the end of their professional careers should mentor those who are climbing their way to

the top of the ladder. At a young age, Madeline Swegle became the U.S. Navy’s first Black female fighter pilot in its entire 110-year history. Swegle’s accomplishment comes 45 years after the first female fighter pilot entered the U.S. Navy.

Additionally, early career professionals should remember the difficulty of entering a career and seek to mentor those who are in high school and college. With Black leaders devoting their time and effort to opening doors for those wanting to enter the professional world, everyone can prosper. Good mentors guarantee that new generations of leaders receive the support necessary to make positive changes especially in their communities, while honoring the legacy of their mentors.

Our nation is facing a global pandemic that has killed thousands of Americans and unleashed an economic crisis. Minority communities are particularly vulnerable. On average, our communities have higher unemployment

rates than our white counterparts and are less likely to be hired even in a normal job market. Blacks in particular are judged more harshly by their physical appearance than by their talent.

In 43 states, laws are needed to ban school and employer policies that discriminate and penalize people of color for wearing their natural hair or hairstyles, like dreadlocks, that embrace their cultural identity. Faced with a new recession, individuals from minority communities will face an even tougher climb to reach a successful career and achieve economic stability.

Recent graduates are entering an unenthusiastic job market, while students still working toward their degrees will need to find work in a saturated market with a limited supply of jobs.

Therefore, it is vitally important that those of us who have reached the top of our careers look to serve as guides and mentors to those who are beginning their professional journeys.

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BROWARD BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Black-owned Businesses Demand Equality, Too

Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin

BY SHAHEEWA JARRETT, ESQ.

The fight for equity, inclusion, and utilization of Black businesses in public and private contracting has been a long, hard struggle. The founders of National Black Business Month experienced racism back in the 1960s and wanted the holiday to celebrate Black business excellence but also focus on resolving

the obstacles Black businesses face. J. Frederick E. Jordan, one of the founders of the August celebration, found it difficult to finance his engineering company and acquire government contracts when he first started in 1969.

Two years ago this month, I launched the Broward County Black Chamber of Commerce because Black businesses were not getting contracts with government entities, private corporations, or large, local non-profits with any statistical significance. In fact, one large entity reported that they spent .43 percent with Black businesses in 2018, which is abysmal.

In running the Chamber, I have to fight the notion that Black businesses are inferior and therefore unworthy of public and private contracts. I constantly battle systemic racism and hear all kinds of excuses, such as we don’t have the experience, while others with less experience get the chance.

And here we are in 2020. The protests that started because of the

murder of George Floyd brought attention to police brutality but also forced America to look at the many systems that operate to marginalize, oppress, and lock out Black people.

As major entities release statements, appoint the first Black person to their board of directors in 2020 and announce plans to diversify their workforce, they must be reminded they cannot stop there. They often overlook the lack of diversity in their supply chain. They neglect to contract and spend with Black businesses. We must highlight and correct this glaring imbalance.

It is time to go beyond the rhetoric and create long lasting procedural change. County and city governments, private corporations, and large, local non-profits must look at and report the diversity of the vendors with whom they spend their money. Entities track and monitor what matters to them and it is time for them to step up.

Government, corporate, and non-profit entities must also conduct

disparity studies to understand how internal policies and procedures play out. Is there a disparate impact on Black businesses? The studies will reveal what is happening and then the focus has to be on correcting the systemic issues with targeted measures.

As a federal litigator for 17 years, I witnessed how the idea of justice changes depending upon the person in charge of the courtroom. Decisions are made daily inside of these large, local organizations by leaders, staff, committees and the like. We must impart the importance of equity in government contracting and close the gap. This must be more than a moment in time…more than a pause. This must be a movement, a constant push for economic justice on all levels. If we are to progress, we must progress together or we will see the same thing play out a few years from now. There is no time to wait. We must act. n

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COVID-19 REPORT

African Americans Must Be Included in COVID-19 Clinical Trials

BY WILLIAM ALEXIS

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed in excess of 150,000 American lives. The United States is now the “global hotspot” with Florida second only to California in number of cases.

The devastating impact of the pandemic upon the African-American community cannot be overstated.

BUSINESS REPORT

Sources estimate that the infection rate is in excess of 30 percent among African Americans and the death rate is 2 to 6 times that of whites.

African Americans account for nearly a quarter of all COVID-related deaths nationally despite being only 13 percent of the U.S. population. It remains unclear as to why the infection and death statistics among African Americans have been so disproportionately high. Preexisting medical conditions, lack of healthcare access and utilization, as well as many socioeconomic factors have all been suggested as possible reasons.

Experts agree that while face coverings, social distancing, and isolation of infected individuals and contacts may serve to mitigate further spread of the virus, a safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to control the pandemic.

This July, the National Institutes of Health announced the launch of Phase 3 clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of the investigational vaccine known as mRNA-1273 to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 infection in adults. The trial is expected to enroll approximately 30,000

healthy adult volunteers at 89 clinical research sites across the United States.

Given the disproportionate impact of the disease upon African Americans, it is of paramount importance that these trials include those who most stand to benefit from the vaccine. To what extent African Americans will participate or have the opportunity to do so remains to be seen.

To be sure, the progress achieved thus far in the development of a vaccine has been rapid, but necessary. Dubbed “Operation Warp Speed,” the multi-agency collaboration implementing this trial has the stated aims to accelerate development, manufacturing and distribution of medical countermeasures to COVID-19.

African Americans have been traditionally underrepresented in clinical research trials. The most often invoked reason for this is the legacy of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, which damaged the trust African Americans place in clinical researchers and healthcare providers. More impactful, however, may be the role that racial bias plays in the enrollment of African Americans in clinical research.

Researchers often assume that the results of clinical trials may be applied to the general population. In studies where African Americans are underrepresented, it can only be “assumed” that the findings also apply to them. This has led researchers to believe that racial disparities in clinical trial participation could fail to identify important differences in treatment effects based on race and genetic factors.

Given that the African-American population has been most affected

by COVID-19, clinical trials must be designed to ensure that the vaccine works in African Americans. This can only be accomplished through the inclusion and participation of African Americans in these clinical trials. The recovery of the African-American community from this pandemic may depend on it.

Dr. William Alexis is a clinical and interventional cardiologist and is chief of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines. n

Sponsorship Vital in Building Next Level of Leadership

BY BEATRICE LOUISSAINT

You’re probably aware of the role that mentors play in a career and in business, but you may not have given much thought to the importance of a sponsor. The two roles are very different, and I would argue that sponsors are even more important in helping minorities move into leadership positions and grow their businesses.

A mentor provides counsel and

advice, helping the mentee make wise career or business choices, set goals, prepare to advance throughout their career or grow their business. In contrast, a sponsor actively advocates for their protégé’s advancement, and this extends in several directions. A sponsor may recommend a protégé for key assignments, campaign for their promotion, make sure they participate in critical industry functions (and sometimes pay for their attendance), introduce them to company or industry leaders when appropriate, or recommend them for corporate or nonprofit boards.

While mentors come from any level of an organization or the wider business community, sponsors are usually in executive leadership. In addition, sponsors must be very handson, changing the course of the person’s professional and leadership development.

In order to build the next level of minority business leadership, we need current leaders to commit to sponsoring younger people. Minorities are often overlooked for promotion or challenging

assignments and need a sponsor who actively and vocally advocates for them.

Minority entrepreneurs need sponsors who can introduce them to key business contacts and financing sources, advocate for their company to be considered for important contracts, and more.

In short, minorities need sponsors who take meaningful actions to advance their careers or help grow their companies.

This is one component of the proactive action required at the corporate and business leadership levels in order for more minorities to break into those ranks.

Sponsors also benefit from these relationships. The Center for Talent Innovation’s recent report, “The Sponsor Dividend,” found that sponsors see an expansion in the bench of talent they can call on and feel that their own careers advance more satisfactorily than those of non-sponsors.

We all hope that new generations of minority business leaders will be larger than the current generation. A key ingredient in realizing this vision is for current leaders to sponsor high-potential

protégés. Sponsorship is an active, visible role. If you are in a leadership position, identify at least one protégé whose career you will help advance. If you are younger, identify a sponsor who can help you advance, and be prepared to take advice and make the most of this relationship.

Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC), one of 23 regional councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council. The FSMSDC acts as a liaison between corporate America and government agencies and Minority Business Enterprises in Florida and operates the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency Business Centers serving southern and central Florida. Learn more about FSMSDC’s programs and services at fsmsdc.org, or call (305) 762-6151. n

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PALM BEACH URBAN LEAGUE

Young Voters Critical in Upcoming Elections

BY SOULAN JOHNSON

“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.” —

Congressman John Lewis

Millennials (24 to 39) and Gen Zers (ages 18 to 23) have seen more than most generations in their young

lifetimes: a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in 2001, two economic crashes and record unemployment, extreme weather events, divisive politics and a global pandemic. And most recently, social unrest in response to the death of George Floyd, an African-American man who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police.

Yet there are plenty of signs that young Americans could play a major role in the 2020 election, helping to determine the outcome of the race between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger former Vice President Joe Biden, as well as political control of Congress, and beyond. Their record turnout in the 2018 midterm elections demonstrates signs of political activism, according to economics journalist Annie Lowrey of The Atlantic.

According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement based at Tufts

University in Massachusetts, “Young people can decide elections, and their participation is central to our politics.

Expanding the electorate and addressing inequities in youth voting is a crucial task for strengthening democracy.”

While younger generations largely mimic their parents when they vote, they deviate when it comes to soaring college debt, health care, expanding voter rights, gun violence, immigration, climate change and the economy.

Millennial voting nearly doubled between 2014 and 2018 — from 22 percent to 42 percent — according to demographer Richard Fry at the Pew Research Center in Washington. Thirty percent of Gen Zers eligible to vote turned out in the first midterm elections of their lives. And for the first time in a midterm election, more than half of Gen Xers reported they had voted, Pew reported.

The 2020 election will happen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Racial Injustice Movement, which will

create a huge demographic shift, said Jesse Barba, senior director of external affairs at Young Invincible, a youth voting and political advocacy group “to expand economic opportunity for our generation.”

It is paramount that the 47 million 18 to 29 year-olds who are eligible to vote in the 2020 election let their voices be heard by voting. Fifteen million of them have turned 18 since the last presidential election. “The right to vote is the most motivational tool we have in democracy,” said the late Congressman John Lewis.

Young people, we need you to get out and vote like your life depends upon it – because your future is at stake.

Please do your job and vote!

Soulan Johnson is vice president of Development and Communications for the Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. n

THE FINANCE REPORT

Now is Perfect Opportunity to Support Young, Brilliant Professional Leaders

BY KEVIN CADETTE Celebrating Legacy magazine’s “40 under 40” is an opportune time to shine a light on young excellence.

As a community we not only need to shine a light and support their ascendance, but for those in corporate America, we need to support their careers with mentorship and guidance regardless of their level.

And for those with their own

ventures, we need to invest in them, especially the ones who are going to be creating more jobs, and more opportunities for our community.

For the corporate trailblazers, a growing body of data clearly demonstrates that diverse management teams drive strong returns. Companies in the top quartile for ethnic diversity at the management level are 33 percent more likely to drive industry leading profitability.

Diversity of thought gives companies an edge over competitors. It’s good business for corporations to support diversity at all levels.

For the entrepreneurs, the business owners, and the job creators, they chart their own path to wealth — and they need our support.

How many people do we all know that are simply brilliant, but don’t have the opportunity to bring their passions, expertise or genius to life.

Too often our entrepreneurs are undercapitalized where their

counterparts from other groups are openly given the capital and opportunity to give their businesses a fair chance to bear fruit. We not only need to support businesses as patrons, we need to invest in them. If we do not, who will?

For those entrepreneurs looking to fly high with high growth ventures, we know access to capital is not equitable, particularly for founders in the Black community. There is a clear misallocation of capital and yet the statistics show that we are more likely to outperform or perform on par with entrepreneurs from other ethnic groups.

For those at the earliest stages where friends and family are the first investors, angel capital is here too.

Venture capital will most likely give you a pass because you may be too early, but realistically it will be a challenge even if you are more established.

Venture capital firms have historically invested less than 1 percent of their capital in startups with Black

founders. We need the same access to capital as offered to White founders (87 percent) and Asian founders (12 percent).

Black Angels Miami is where you can find Angels investors, and a clear opportunity for entrepreneurs to have a fair shot of attaining capital. For those thinking about being investors, BAM is there to support you taking those first steps.

BAM does not require its members to invest. We simply want to make sure that angel investors are exposed to spectacular early-stage companies that need their help.

There are many ways to support the brilliance in our community. To the “40 under 40” – shine on!

Black Angels Miami: Supporting Brilliance with Capital. Enabling investing for a higher reward. Website: www.blackangels.miami Twitter: @ blackangelsmia n

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Introducing Legacy South Florida’s

MARC ADAM, 36

DR. ANTHONY ADKINS, 34

KAREN ROSE COVER, 38

LATONYA N. DELAUGHTER, MPA, 31 Public Health Program Director Florida Department of Health

Licensed Registered Dietitian, Founder/President Sante Pam Organization

FORTIN JEAN-PIERRE, 40

DR. DELANCEY JOHNSON, 39

HARRY ANTHONY JOSEPH, J.D., 33 Principal The Bad Ape, LLC

Senior Purchasing Agent City Of Hollywood

Wellness Strategist Suzane Joseph Enterprise

JOANNE PÉRODIN, 37

CHENIQUE PINDER, 39

RANATA REEDER, 31

ALLANA ROBINSON WOODS, 37

AQUANNETTE THOMAS, 39

Managing Partner MASC Medical Recruitment Firm

Career Center Manager Palm Beach State College

District Director of Career Services Broward College

Climate Justice Program Manager The New Florida Majority

Dr. Atlas Smiles

Director of Employee Relations Memorial Healthcare System

CEO & Founder Feet to Faith Family Services, Inc.

JOEVANIA ALEXANDRE, 34

JUNIE ATI, 37

District Director, TRIO Broward College

Strategist JunieAti Consulting & Professional Services

MIRLINE FOURRON, 35

ASHLEY V. GANTT, ESQ., 35

Executive Director South Florida Community Development Coalition

SAMUEL “BO” BARBER, 35 Realtor Lehmann Realty

STACI GOLDEN, 35

Attorney Shutts & Bowen LLP

Manager, Loyalty Program & Rewards, Memberships Department Miami HEAT

GINAH JOSEPH, 39

SUZANE JOSEPH, 37

Magistrate 17th Judicial Circuit

AVP, Banking Center Manager Seacoast Bank

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40 Under 40 Honorees

CIARA BOSTICK, 32

DR. SANTARVIS BROWN, 38

DR. PHILIP C. HARRIS, 38

CRYSTAL HAYES, 38

Founder God’s Gift, Inc.

Pastor St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church

JALYNSEY BROWN, 31

Correctional Probation Senior Officer Florida Department of Corrections

FAITH-SIMONE HUNTE, 38

SPENCER CARPENTER IV, MBA, 38 Private Financial Adviser Truist Investment Services

KADEJA JACKSON, M.S., 36

MARLON SCOTT COVER, 39 Owner/Founder The Nirvana Foundation LLC

RUDY JEAN-BART, 37

Program Manager, Recovery Broward County Public Schools

Principal Q-Performance & Associates

Director, Employee Relations, Diversity, Inclusion & Advocacy Broward Health

Hollywood/Tamiami Trail Housing Regional Manger Seminole Tribe of Florida

Assistant Professor, History Broward College

JAVON ANTHONY LLOYD, 31

HERSHLEY OGÉ, ESQ., 32

Senior Communications Manager CareerSource Broward

JAMES MCDOWELL, 35

Police Sergeant Fort Lauderdale Police Department

CHRICHET B. MIXON, ESQ., 38

FORREST MOORE, 38 Barber/Business Owner Black Star Unisex Salon

Attorney GEICO General Insurance Company

ZARI S. WATKINS, J.D., MBA, 38

YHANIQUE WHITELY, 38

REV. BREON A. WILLIAMS, 30

DR. RON WINSTON, 38

OMARDEEN WOODLEY, 36

Executive Director, Corporate Services Broward Health

Territory Sales Manager Nationwide Insurance

Attorney Office of the State Attorney 15th Judicial Circuit

Youth Pastor and Teacher School Board of Broward County

Academic Dean Concorde Career Institute-Miramar

Director of Apheresis Gift of Life

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OP-ED

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020

Diversity is True Measure of Leadership at the Top companies have been scrutinized for lackluster internal initiatives to truly cultivate a diverse workforce and leadership team.

BY MARK KENT

Thirty-six years ago, Wendy’s debuted its now-iconic “Where’s the Beef?” commercial, starring an elderly woman demanding more meat from her fast-food hamburger. The catchphrase was a jab at burger rivals. It was so impactful the company still uses the campaign.

Amid the energized social injustice movement, numerous Fortune 500

While some corporations have created new roles and departments within corporate and supplier diversity, what really counts are the results. The lack of results has left very little meat between the buns, making many of us wonder where’s the diversity?

In order to get results, we need to know where the process of hiring diverse candidates breaks down into actual practice. There must be processes in place to ensure that diverse candidates are prepared for opportunities to gain P&L (profit and loss) and functional experience.

I think of myself during my time at Humana, which ranks No. 56 on the Fortune 500 list of companies. I joined Humana in 2004 as a project manager and left the company 10 years later as the regional president and CEO leading the medical practice division of the company responsible for nearly $1.3 billion in

revenue.

I look back on my time there fondly because I was constantly challenged.

There is an established process for diverse candidates to be identified, given an opportunity to gain necessary experience, and most importantly mentorship from executives. From Humana’s boardroom through its leadership ranks it is a very diverse company, which has consistently outperformed its peers in many ways including the bottom line.

Many companies publicly promote the idea of diversity on their websites, and in their ad campaigns, but behind closed doors brush over the issue. These companies are missing the business case for diversity. Not only is it a good thing to do, it’s also good for business.

Research has shown diverse workforces bring measurable, positive results. One study found that U.S. companies, from 2012 to 2017, with three or more women directors, reported earnings per share that were 42 percent higher than

those companies with no women as directors.

In 2017, another study found that companies with at least one ethnic minority on the board had an average increased return on equity of 2 percent more than companies without such diversity.

We must demand to know how companies measure their diversity pipeline to the C-Suite and if diversity is a metric used in the performance evaluation of executives and the board. We must also know what percentage of their performance evaluation diversity constitutes, and the aligned incentives.

As we say in business, show me your budget and your trackable metrics and I will tell you what’s important to you.

Mark D. Kent, FACHE, FACMPE is the CEO of Total Health Medical Centers.

He is a board certified Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and American College of Medical Practice Executives (MGMA) n

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

Techniques That Work When Negotiating Online

BY STANLEY ZAMOR

Editor’s Note: The following is Part 3 of a three-part series.

The sound of a notification from my Samsung smartwatch and cellular woke me. I must admit, I was a bit annoyed, knowing I had at least 15 more minutes of rest before my alarm. But then I smiled as I noticed it was a text from a mediation

party from the day before (the Plaintiff). It simply said, “Thank you. We were able to figure something out. And it was the first time we actually spoke in months…”

I got up to start my morning routine.

Twenty minutes later I received another text notification. But this time it was from the Defendant. The message stated, “Thank you,” and asked if I would change my Mediation Disposition Report to indicate the matter was fully settled.

“Yes,” I replied. I then stated that I would confirm with their lawyers by the end of the day as my report was not yet filed.

This case ended in an impasse (no agreement) one day prior and yet, as we ended the mediation, I encouraged one last joint session where I went through the benefits of continued dialogue and that mediation provided a model for better communication. They did and found a solution that worked for them.

Techniques that Work

Part 1 and 2 in this series discussed the various aspects of how to have an online negotiation meeting. This third and

last installment offers a limited number of techniques that have shown to be effective when negotiating using online platforms. This is not a full or exhaustive list, but rather a top 3 of 12 techniques that have worked best for me (and other professional neutrals): 1) Schedule Pre-Conference Meetings

Have individual pre-conference meetings before the negotiation session.

Try not to go over case specifics or document exchange issues, but rather what has the communication been like. You can then gauge your opening session to address such concerns.

2) Hold a Concise Orientation/ Opening Session to Build Trust If you want negotiating parties

to better communicate, they must feel comfortable with the process. Having a joint orientation/opening session where you preemptively discuss anxieties and apprehensions to transparent negotiations usually has the effect of reducing the barriers of communication.

3) Create Ground Rules - Managing

expectations while building perspectives is a major part of successful negotiations.

Having the parties create their own ground rules can encourage creativity and respect for adverse positions. Ask, “Other than allowing for uninterrupted time when each other speaks, what other rules should we come up with?”

Stanley Zamor is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit/Family/County Mediator & Primary Trainer and Qualified Arbitrator. Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation/ arbitration rosters and mediates with the ATD (Agree2Disagree) Mediation & Arbitration, PA throughout Florida. As an ADR consultant he regularly lectures on a variety of topics from ethics, crosscultural issues, diversity, bullying, and Family/Business relationships. szamor@effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.effectivemediationconsultants. com; www.LinkedIn.com/in/ stanleyzamoradr (954) 261-8600 n

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PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP

Forrest Moore’s Entrepreneurial, Caring Spirit Lifts Many in Broward Community

Forrest Moore poses with his paternal grandmother at the Carlton B. Moore Friends and Family Day at Osswald Park in Fort Lauderdale. The event was named after his late father who served as a city commissioner.

BY JOSIE GULLIKSEN

Aside from cutting hair at his Black Star Barber Shop & Natural Hair Salon in Fort Lauderdale, Forrest Moore is also employing and mentoring high school students and ultimately providing them

college scholarships.

Moore attributed his entrepreneurial spirit and compassion to the lessons he learned from his father. “My father Carlton Moore, aside from being a Fort Lauderdale commissioner who always advocated for those less fortunate in the community, also owned many businesses,” Moore explained. “Seeing this growing up was a big influence on me.”

As a student at Stranahan Senior High School in Fort Lauderdale, Moore was a member of Florida Business Leaders of America and president of the school’s Institute of Business & Entrepreneurship program. He went on to Florida A&M University where he earned a bachelor’s in political science.

Moore said when he discovered his passion, he chose a different career path. “I worked at two barbershops before starting my own,” he said. “I attended Sheridan Technical College’s Barbering School and received my certificate. I also got certified with the state.”

He opened Black Star Barber Shop & Natural Hair Salon in 2010. In 2014, after his father died, Moore co-founded the

Carlton B. Moore Freedom Foundation.

Currently serving as the foundation’s vice president, he was chairperson of its first “Friends & Family Day.” The event brought services, education, food, and entertainment to the community.

Additionally, during the past seven years, through the Foundation, Moore has helped raise funds to present scholarships to more than a dozen high school students in Fort Lauderdale.

“In 2019, we awarded three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors and in 2020 were able to raise it to $2,000 scholarships for three graduating seniors,” he said.

Much like his father did as commissioner, Moore further helps his community with yearly back-to-school giveaways and toy drives at Christmas at the barbershop.

“My father was big on Christmas,” he said. “I remember as a kid growing up seeing a huge U-Haul truck in front of our house. It would be filled with toys and we would go canvassing through the neighborhood giving toys to the kids.”

We proudly Congratulate SPENCER CARPENTER for the prestigious recognition by Legacy as one of South Florida’s 40 under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow.

Private Financial Advisor, Vice President | Office No: 561-352-2874.

That family bond and closeness greatly influenced Moore, so when his brother Martin needed help, he was ready.

Moore was instrumental in getting his brother released from prison, advocating relentlessly based on Florida’s Amendment 4 to have his brother’s rights restored once he was released.

He said, “During the 13 years my brother was incarcerated, we ultimately proved that he was over sentenced. During that time, we also worked closely with Desmond Meade, president and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.”

Through the FRRC, Meade successfully got Amendment 4 passed, restoring voting rights to Floridians with past felony convictions. Thanks to Moore’s persistence, his brother is once again a self-sufficient, employed and productive member of society.

Family and his community are the No. 1 priorities to Moore, who prior to the COVID-19 quarantine was visiting his grandmother in the nursing home on a monthly basis to shampoo and cut her hair. n

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THE BAUGHTOM LINE

New Generation Of Civic Leaders Leading the Way

BY GERMAINE SMITH-BAUGH

No one could have predicted in January that 2020 would bring about a global pandemic, nationwide protests against police brutality, and a significant rise in local awareness of political issues.

2020 has brought forth a great awakening that will require strong leadership.

With the recent passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, we find ourselves both

grieving and questioning who can fill the void to advocate for civil rights in this era. Those under 40 are answering that call. Millennials and Generation Z are born tech savvy and have been teaching us all how to exist in this digital space. From video conference calls to digital marketing, they are spearheading a new virtual wave of social activism.

As I look around me, I am reassured that intergenerational mentorship will lead to the changes we have all fought for.

Young leaders are raising awareness about police violence and about the importance of registering to vote and participating in local elections. They are volunteering at community events and leading discussions on social media. They are sharing their experiences with others and creating strategies for engagement in the future. Our role is to make room for their revolution. Our up-and-coming young leaders have always found a home at the Urban League of Broward County. In 2018, as part of our VOICES

Project, we sent more than 50 youth from Broward County to the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, D.C. after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

We have hosted our Justice Project annually to bring together youth, their families, and members of several police departments in Broward County to have open and candid conversations to build trust and address pressing issues.

Since 2007, the Urban League has sought to cultivate a new generation of young professionals to take an active role in serving and empowering Broward County’s urban communities.

The Urban League of Broward’s Young Professionals Network has hosted events to “Mobilize the Movement,” turning our collective grief around social injustice, inequity, and police brutality into thoughtful conversations around change and growth.

The purpose of YPN is to promote the professional and community

leadership development of the individual members and to provide opportunities for community service that promote the mission of the Urban League in the community. Our young professionals are also seeking opportunities to volunteer, serve in positions of leadership in business and community, get involved in meaningful causes, and to make their voices heard.

Young professionals are addressing racism in the streets, within strong ties to local advocacy organizations. They are actively educating the community about the importance of voting.

The Baughtom Line: We have a new generation of civic leaders advocating for change. This moment has shown us that younger leaders have the tools to raise awareness and fight for the future they’d like to see. We are called to listen to the voices of those who are intimately impacted, act upon our new learnings, and lead with them toward a more perfect union. n

PALM BEACH REPORT

Use Your Dollar to Celebrate National Black Business Month

BY ANN MARIE SORRELL, MBA

August 2020 marks the 17th year of National Black Business Month. Blackowned businesses account for about 10 percent of U.S. businesses and about 30 percent of all minority-owned businesses, totaling approximately 2 million companies owned by African Americans.

Florida has become the second fastest growing state for black entrepreneurs with South Florida leading the charge.

How is this year’s NBBM different

from previous years? According to one report, 41 percent of black-owned businesses have been shuttered by COVID-19 compared to 17 percent of white-owned businesses. However, the unfortunate death of George Floyd has sparked a renewed focus on the creation, growth, and success of black-owned businesses from around the globe.

As a result, there has been a focus on the power of the black dollar with national “blackout days.” Individuals have used the power of social media to create groups, websites, and campaigns to promote how and where to find and buy from black business owners.

Celebrities, including Magic Johnson and Beyonce, and major corporations including PayPal and Lowe’s, created multi-million-dollar grant programs for black-owned businesses. Google, Yelp, and Groupon, among others, have created various initiatives to support black-owned businesses.

Here are seven things everyone can do this month to participate in NBBM:

1. Corporations and government agencies: Review your supply chain

and procurement programs, assess the number of black-owned vendors you have, how much you spend with them, and what resources you provide to assist them with continued growth and development. Implement ways to improve these programs and buy from black-owned businesses.

2. Small and medium-size enterprises of all backgrounds: Assess the number of black-owned businesses you purchase from, subcontract to, and/or collaborate with. Identify and create new relationships and strategic partnerships with them.

3. Black-owned businesses: Market and promote your services so those who are looking for you can find you. Invest in your digital presence, offer additional products and services, and work on improvements to your operations and customer relations.

4. Black-owned businesses: Apply for the various grants, funding resources, and programs. The key is to never run out of money or resources.

5. As a consumer: take an assessment of all the products and services you purchase and locate a

black-owned business from which to buy them. Let your network know about these businesses and share them on your social media platforms.

6. Visit blackbusinessloop.com to access the “31 Days, 31 Ways” list of suggestions to support a black business.

Black business owners, list your business and upcoming events for free.

7. Attend the National Black Economic Virtual Conference, August 21-22, 2020 (16 seminars focused on creating generational wealth from national thought leaders). Become a vendor for the “Virtual Buy Black Expo,” or a featured author for the “Written Black Global Experience.” Register at nationalblackeconomicconference.com

We all have an important role to play in supporting and celebrating blackowned businesses. When we do, we all win.

Ann Marie Sorrell, MBA is president and CEO of The Mosaic.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

New Start-Up Features Tool for Detangling Natural Hair

BY JANEY TATE

When the Stirrup sisters went natural they realized combing and detangling their hair was a lessthan-fun experience because of the hair styling tools they were forced to use.

As more people opted to use their fingers to detangle their tresses instead of combs and brushes, the three Stirrup sisters thought to create a hair tool that would mimic the human finger while also improving the traditional comb and brush to cut down on styling time.

“The magic of our hair tool is the design of the teeth,” said LaToya Stirrup, who was also recognized as one of Legacy magazine’s “40 Under 40” in 2018. “With our hair tool, the detangling is faster and there is not nearly as much shedding.”

As a result of the innovation by LaToya, LaTasha and LaTrice Stirrup, the KurlsPlus Detanlgers were launched in 2019 as their first line of patentpending hair tools under their new beauty and lifestyle company, Kazmaleje.

“In a sea of hair care products, we were the only hair tools,” LaToya Stirrup said. “There is security in knowing that I have a product that works.”

In 2019, Kazmaleje The Kurlsplus three set by Kazmaleje, a Black-owned (pronounced Cosmology), beauty brand. submitted for QVC and HSN’s “The Big Find” both networks to find and promote competition, a joint venture by small businesses. Out of nearly

LaToya, LaTrice, and LaTasha Stirrup, sisters and co-founders of the Kazmaleje Beauty brand.

700 applicants, Kazmaleje was chosen as one of the 75 finalists. The co-founders traveled to St. Petersburg to pitch their business to the network and were eventually chosen to showcase their hair tools on QVC and HSN online. In June of this year, they premiered live on HSN. “In only one year on the market, now we’re on HSN,” Stirrup said. “It’s been a fantastic experience.”

She said since launching their company, they have not done a

major marketing push but have seen an increase in sales just from word of mouth. To date, the company has sold more than 11,000 hair tools and doesn’t plan on stopping until everyone knows their name.

For entrepreneurs who want to follow in their footsteps, Stirrup advises, “When you take a project management approach to launch a product it allows you to take your big idea and turn it into manageable steps that keep you moving toward your goal.” n

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CAREER LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

3 Characteristics Every Effective Leader Must Possess workplace environment, and cultural norms.

BY MARY V. DAVIDS

An effective leader is someone who has the passion to do the work and someone who knows how to use the right tools at the right time.

The strategies that work in one situation may not work in another. For example, there’s no need to use a nail and hammer when a simple thumbtack will do. Great leaders understand how to use a balanced approach to reach desired outcomes while considering the

1. Effective Communication. It has been said that communication is the key to success. While I agree it is a significant part of being successful in life, I also understand the challenge when noise gets between your message and its delivery. Many leaders make the mistake of spending more time relaying a specific message and not enough time considering elements that will impact its effectiveness such as timing, the appetite of the audience, and the communication method or approach. To be effective, a leader must approach communication strategically by considering the who, what, when, where, why, how concept.

Without considering these factors, a leader could face challenges in getting the desired results.

2. Cultural Intelligence (CQ). A leader with cultural intelligence can adapt, interpret, and lead multicultural environments by understanding diversity

dimensions impacting the workforce. In her book, International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior, Nancy J. Adler describes three components of cultural intelligence: Cognitive, Motivational, and Behavioral. The cognitive portion (thinking, learning, strategizing) is often the most used method when leading, however, motivational intelligence and behavioral intelligence are necessary as well. Motivational intelligence is the understanding of why people act/ react the way they do to life situations.

Behavioral intelligence is used by leaders who understand how to use the right behaviors themselves so they are more effective when dealing with employees.

These three components together will allow a leader to bridge gaps within the organization and build trust among a diverse workforce.

3. Decision-Making Ability. As a leader, employees will look to you for answers and help to resolve problems especially in times of unrest and uncertainty.

Generally, employees desire to do

the right thing and they look to their leader for support in this effort. Making decisions quickly and confidently will allow employees to be more productive and reduce lag time when meeting deadlines. When employees are unable to obtain a specific and clear process to follow they may complete tasks that do not meet quality standards or they will seek help from others who may provide inaccurate information.

To be clear, there is no single approach to being a “successful leader.”

Whether you were born with it or if you’re just getting started on your leadership path, you’ll need to be able to use many tools and strategies including these to get results for your organization.

Mary V. Davids is an executive career and leadership development coach and owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www.slaytheworkplace.com or follow @MVDavids on Instagram and Twitter. n

SOCIAL MEDIA

Industries Thriving During Global Pandemic Have Strong Digital Strategies

BY DR. TRACY TIMBERLAKE

The U.S. economy has certainly been shaken up by COVID-19. Much of what you will hear is the gloom and doom of employees being laid off and businesses shutting their doors.

However, there are some industries that have been uniquely positioned to

thrive.

Those who have fared well had a business that catered specifically to helping people navigate COVID-19.

Cleaning services, grocery delivery, fitness equipment and on-demand entertainment have seen upticks in their profit margins. They had something available that made it easier for people to adhere to social distancing protocols.

Others have products that are necessities during a world health crisis. This includes: medical supply companies, technology-based companies that made it possible for learning and working, as well products that appealed to the panic buyer (i.e. toilet paper). Before March 2020, I don’t think Purell knew it was going to have one of the best fiscal years ever.

However, there are other types of businesses who do not fit in these categories, yet have still been able

to thrive. They all have something in common as well, and that is a solid digital strategy.

I co-own and operate a digital marketing firm, Flourish Media, in South Florida. We have doubled our client base in the last three months because everyone needs online marketing support in this season

Whether it’s Facebook ads, Instagram graphics, or YouTube videos, going digital is 100 percent the right thing to do for any type of business.

We have been so excited to see increased revenue across many of our clients’ industries, including real estate, medical offices, law practices, apparel, you name it. Here are a few tips to help get you started: 1. Focus on strengthening your digital community, not just sales.

Your followers will appreciate the

personal touch they get from being a part of your online tribe. Ask them what they would like to see. Encourage them to engage. Let them be a part of the narrative.

2. Have a sales funnel in place for your products and services. Outline how you plan to have someone go from stranger to paying customer. This should include email marketing, digital advertising with Facebook and Google, as well as strong content strategy.

3. Put as much effort into this as any other form of advertising. Your social media accounts should never be mere afterthoughts, especially in this season.

Your clients and customers are there, you should be too!

Dr. Tracy Timberlake is a multiaward winning digital business coach.

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EXECUTIVE SUITE

Black Bank Movement Encourages Financial Power to Create Social Change statement about racial equality in America.

“It’s all about garnering the economic spending power of Black America and rechanneling it back to our communities in ways that can help us build political and social strengths,” said Cohee, owner, chairman, and chief executive officer of OneUnited Bank, the largest Black-owned bank and the first Black-owned Internet bank in the country.

In 2016, he also spearheaded the #BankBlack movement, where Black Americans were encouraged to transfer their money into Black-owned banks as a form of social protest. The movement continues with the intention that when people #BankBlack, the result is better circulation of Black dollars with Black businesses, and the power of the Black dollar is increased.

“We need to rechannel that money back into Black-American communities

Kevin Cohee

BY MICHELLE SOLOMON

Like the collective unity seen in protests across the United States, Kevin Cohee said the same effect for change works when looked at from a financial point of view to make a powerful

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and causes,” said Cohee, who is at the forefront of making it happen.

Aligning financial literacy with social protest is an agent of change, Cohee explained. “OneUnited Bank started to help organize Black Americans to be more effective from an economic perspective…to empower the community and close the racial wealth gap,” Cohee added.

There are 21 Black-owned banks in the U.S., a staggeringly small number considering that there are more than 5,500 banks across the country.

Minority-owned banks and credit unions represent just 1 percent of America’s total commercial banking assets.

It is Cohee’s OneUnited Bank that remains the largest Black-owned bank.

Since 1996, OneUnited’s assets have grown from $56 million to more than $656 million.

OneUnited Bank’s People’s National Bank of Commerce in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami became part of the OneUnited Bank group when Cohee began combining several community banks across the country after purchasing a controlling interest in Boston Bank of Commerce in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood in 1995. That was the beginning. The Liberty City bank was one of three Cohee picked up, which also included Founders National Bank, and Family Savings Bank in South Central, Los Angeles.

The seed of this fire for the power in financial literacy started as a kid growing up in Kansas City, Mo.

“In the beginning, there was little Kevin who was born into a family of Black Panthers,” Cohee reflected. “I had all of these uncles and all of these cousins who were young, strong men, on their way to college or in college, who, in the 1960s, were doing what they could to bring equality to society....

From the time I was 3, 4, 5-years old – they’d be in the basement of my house having meetings.” Cohee said he would be at the top of the stairs listening.

He recalled, “like it was yesterday” a defining moment.

“One day, one of the brothers says to me, ‘You know, Katman, look,

the thing is we have enough brothers out here in these streets fighting these battles, what we need are some brothers to be doing some stuff to be in control of some institutions in order for us to be effective in our society. We need you to do something like get a bank, own a bank, something like that.’”

Banking didn’t happen first.

Entrepreneurship was Cohee’s initial route. He founded a consulting firm in 1979, which specialized in acquisitions of minority-owned radio and television stations. Six years later, he earned his Juris Doctor degree, a Master of Business Administration, and became an investment banker.

Three years after that, he acquired Military Professional Services, a company that marketed credit cards to military personnel. He turned it profitable and by 1993, sold the company’s assets, which by that time had a $40 million portfolio and 20,000 customers.

“The advice that I was given when I was little Kevin guided me through life,” he shared. “I made a lot of money when I was really young, so it gave me the freedom and the resources.”

Since then, Cohee has harnessed the power of the Internet for banking, which he says is a continually opening door.

“Technology levels the playing field for every American,” he said.

In July, OneUnited Bank doubled its customer base to “50,000 new customers because of technology that can bring in accounts across the county,” he explained.

Corporations are also taking notice of Black America’s spending power and the racial wealth gap.

At the end of June, Netflix became the latest corporation to invest major resources in Black-owned banks, CNN reported. It has committed to depositing 2 percent of its cash, or an estimated $100 million, into Black-owned financial institutions.

“Corporations are recognizing that maybe they need to do the right thing to help perpetuate American values – justice and liberty, all those concepts that have bypassed Black Americans since we got here.” n

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LEGACY 40 UNDER 40 HONOREE

Assistant State Attorney Mixon Relies on Faith, Competence to Land Convictions

Mixon, 38, as “fierce” in the courtroom.

“I appreciate the compliment, and I don’t know that I’d consider myself fierce, but when I enter the courtroom, I want the jury to know that I’m in charge… that it’s my courtroom,” said Mixon, who’s only the second African-American homicide prosecutor in two decades in Palm Beach County. “I’m not just confident, I’m competent.”

Mixon said she Assistant State Attorney Chrichet Mixon shows her passion in the explains to victim’s courtroom while prosecuting a murder case in Palm Beach County. families that she can’t guarantee a specific jury

BY DAPHNE TAYLOR verdict, but she can guarantee them

An onlooker described West Palm she’s giving them her all.

Beach homicide prosecutor Chrichet

“I’m fully prepared,” she said, adding that she’s known since childhood she wanted to give a voice to the voiceless. “I knew early on that certain people didn’t have a voice. I wanted to speak for them.”

Having prosecuted major crimes for nine years, she said it was a different beast when she was promoted to prosecute murders.

“It’s a great weight that I carry on my shoulders,” she said, but maintains that her faith gets her through. “I believe in Jesus,” she said. “It’s been a huge part of my life and career. In my role, we change people’s lives, so I pray for God’s guidance in each case.

I always pray that I make the right decision.”

One of the men she prosecuted told a witness he fed his girlfriend’s body to the alligators. Indeed, the body was never found and Mixon successfully prosecuted him and got

a guilty verdict. He is now serving life in prison, and it’s all thanks to Mixon’s courtroom skill, acumen and determination.

Because of the depth and gravity of her work, Mixon said she also tries to have fun. A former member of Florida A&M University’s acclaimed Marching 100, Mixon marched last year with the alumni band, taking to the football field as she had done years earlier during undergrad. Her guilty pleasure is watching movies on Netflix, she added.

Mixon gives back to the community by working with a local Girl Scout troop. To get away from the pressures of the courtroom, she has traveled extensively but says Africa and Israel are at the top of her wish list. n

BROWARD HEALTH

Wearing a Mask Helps Curtail Spread of COVID-19

BY JOY OGLESBY

Studies show that face masks and cloth coverings play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 when combined with everyday preventative actions, such as handwashing and social distancing. The virus spreads from person to person primarily through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person if that person sneezes, coughs, talks, yells or sings. Masks help stop those droplets from spreading to others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends

that everyone, whether sick or healthy, wear a mask or cloth covering in public places, particularly where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. A mask may protect the person wearing it, but it will certainly help protect others who might be vulnerable.

“Being healthy starts with being safe,” said Joshua Lenchus, D.O., regional chief medical officer at Broward Health Medical Center. “We cannot stress enough that masks – and wearing the mask correctly – are critical in preventing the spread of the disease. If we prevent one person from contracting the virus, it is well worth the effort to wear a mask.”

Here are some mask-related helpful tips during this pandemic: Kinds of masks and face coverings There are a variety of masks available to choose from. Cloth masks or face coverings are recommended for the public so that surgical masks, face

shields and N-95 respirators can be reserved for healthcare workers.

Disposable and cloth masks can be found in retails stores and online.

Making your own with household items is also an option, with instructional videos available on CDC.gov.

How to properly wear a mask Properly wearing a face mask or face covering is imperative. Before putting on a mask, wash your hands. With clean hands, place the mask over both your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Try to fit it snuggly to the side of your face but make sure you can breathe easily.

Avoid touching the mask while it is on your face. When removing the mask, handle it only by the ear loops or ties. Paper masks should be discarded after each use.

Caring for your mask “Face masks should be washed often,” said Dr. Lenchus. “That’s why it’s important to have a supply on hand, if

possible. I recommend washing a face mask or covering after every use to be safe.”

If you are going to wash it in the washing machine, include the mask in your regular laundry with detergent and on the warm water cycle. If washing by hand, use hot soapy water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.

To dry the masks, either use the dryer on the highest heat setting or let air dry by laying it completely flat until dry.

If everyone can commit to wearing masks, together we can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community. For more information on preventative measures, visit BrowardHealth.org/ PreventativeMeasures. If you have health concerns and wish to speak with a registered nurse, call Broward Health’s Nurse Connect line at 954320-5730.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020

LEGACY BRIEFS QUENTIN MORGAN HEADS UF ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ALUMNI

Quentin Morgan has been elected president of the University of Florida Association of Black Alumni. He will serve a two-year term.

Morgan is a Martindale-Hubbell Morgan AV Preeminent-rated attorney at the South Florida law firm Brinkley Morgan. He focuses his practice on governmental affairs, land development, and local government law, as well as estate, business and financial transactions, litigation, and wills, trusts and probate proceedings.

Morgan earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and his Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Florida.

MDC SELECTS MCCOLLUM AS NEW ONLINE VICE PRESIDENT

Dr. Walter McCollum, a Fulbright Scholar, has been appointed vice president of Online Learning at Miami Dade College. McCollum will manage MDC’s daily online operations and students, as well McCollum as report to Wolfson Campus President Beatriz González.

Prior to MDC, McCollum spent 14 years at Walden University, where he most recently served as Dean of Student Affairs for nearly four years. He has also taught business and research courses at New York University, University of the District of Columbia and Northcentral University and others.

DR. MARC WILLIAMS LEADS NEW FMU PROGRAM

Dr. Marc Williams has been named Global Scholar Practitioner at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. Williams will create an Innovative STEM program that focuses on coding and technology while blending business and Williams entrepreneurship to provide students with exposure and career opportunities in e-sports, sports, music, film, and fashion industries.

Over the past 25 years, Williams has been widely regarded as a sports marketing pioneer and worked for three of the largest sports brands in the world: Champs Sports, Footaction, and Reebok.

Williams earned his bachelor’s in sociology from William Paterson University, a master’s in sport management from the University of Massachusetts and a doctorate in Education Leadership & Curriculum from West Virginia University.

BROWARD WELCOMES LATOYA DAVENPORT AS CHILDREN’S SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR

LaToya Davenport has joined Broward County Government as the new Children’s Services Administrator for the Community Partnership Division.

In this role, Davenport is responsible for the development and oversight of the $15 Davenport million county-funded children’s services system of care delivered through a range of contracted public-private partnerships.

With more than 14 years of experience working in human services, Davenport has dedicated her career to serving her community and representing Florida’s most vulnerable population through advocacy and leadership. Prior to accepting this position, she was the executive director of the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region in Tallahassee.

SOUTH FLORIDA MOURNS DEATH OF JOHN W. RUFFIN JR.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist John W. Ruffin died July 24 at his Coral Springs home following a long bout with prostate cancer.

He was 79.

As a businessman and entrepreneur, Ruffin established Ruffin several ventures including purchasing WRBD in 1986, becoming South Florida’s first Black radio station owner. As a philanthropist, he helped raise millions of dollars in scholarships for minority students.

He served on the board of trustees at Florida Memorial University for nearly two decades and created the John and Dorothy Ruffin Endowed Scholarship Fund at FMU.

Ruffin is survived by his wife, Dorothy, two children, Jonathan and Jehan, as well as three grandchildren.

JACQUELINE HILL JOINS FMU AS SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DEAN

Dr. Jacqueline Hill has been named dean of the School of Education and associate provost for Continuing Education and Professional Studies at Florida Memorial University.

Hill has served in academic leadership roles in higher education since 1990,

including associate provost for Academic Affairs, dean of Education, associate dean for Outcome Assessments and Compliance, associate professor of education, science district director, and public health Hill educator.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Administration and Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis; and a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership from Vanderbilt University.

ELIZEE MILHOMME JOINS COASTAL WEALTH

Elizee Milhomme has been hired as a financial services professional at Coastal Wealth, a Mass Mutual firm in Fort Lauderdale.

In this position, Milhomme helps business owners create, build, and preserve wealth through Milhomme personalized retirement, insurance, and financial advice.

Previously, he was a registered representative for New York Life Insurance Company. He’s currently the chapter president of the National Black MBA Association’s South Florida chapter.

SPIVEY NAMED SPECIAL ADVISER TO UM PRESIDENT

Dr. Donald Spivey has been appointed special adviser on racial justice to University of Miami President Julio Frenk. Spivey is a distinguished professor of History at UM. He has been a member of UM’s faculty since 1993. He has frequently Spivey appeared in the media as an expert to discuss the Black experience and the Civil Rights Movement.

GILES-SMITH APPOINTED LAUDERHILL CITY MANAGER

Desorae Giles-Smith was unanimously appointed by Lauderhill commissioners as the city’s first Black and first woman city manager. She was formerly the deputy city manager.

Giles-Smith has worked with the City of Lauderhill for 31 years. She has served in many capacities including deputy city manager for 18 years. Her tenure at the City of Lauderhill began right out of college,

holding titles such as administrative manager to the mayor, human resources and risk management director, and assistant city manager.

Giles-Smith replaces Charles “Chuck” Faranda who Giles-Smith retired in March after 43 years with the City of Lauderhill. .

ROYAL CARIBBEAN HIRES CALVIN JOHNSON AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Royal Caribbean Group has named Dr. Calvin Johnson as global head, public health and chief medical officer. In this new role, Johnson will lead the Group’s global health and wellness policy, manage its public health and clinical practice, and determine the strategic plans and Johnson operations of its global healthcare organization. Johnson will also collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel to ensure the company establishes and implements its protocols and recommendations.

Johnson was most recently principal at Altre Strategic Solutions Group. He is the former chief medical officer for Corizon Health, then the largest provider of correctional health care in the United States, and for Temple University Health System

He served as Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2003-2008 and was medical director for the New York City Department of Health from 1998-1999.

Johnson earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Morehouse College.

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Save energy and money together with the FPL Energy Analyzer Activate your free FPL Energy Analyzer to get easy ways the whole family can save together.

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“AROUND THE COUNTRY, THE POLICE ARE LOSING THE COMMUNITY’S TRUST.

Here in Broward County, we’re working to change that.”

–Sheriff Gregory Tony

Sheriff Gregory Tony has taken on the

toughest challenges, cracking down on excessive force and working to rebuild trust with the community.

Cracked down on police brutality and fired deputies guilty of using excessive force Upgraded deputy training to deal with crises, including active shootings Invested in new tools, like real-time video monitoring, and bleed kits to make schools, churches, and other public places safer Appointed the most diverse command staff in the 105-year history of the office

PAID ELECTIONEERING COMMUNICATION PAID FOR BY BROWARD FIRST, 10850 WILES ROAD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33076