March_April_2023

C E L E B R AT I N G B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H RO U G H O U T F L O R I DA

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 2 MARCH/APRIL 2023

TELLING HERSTORY WE CELEBRATE FLORIDA’S MOST COMPELLING BLACK WOMEN

TIME TO GET AWAY? MAKE IT A GIRL’S TRIP

PUBLISHER RICH BLACK LAUDED FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE ACTIVISM

WOMAN OF THE YEAR WRITES HER OWN RULES ON GENERATIONAL WEALTH

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CONTENTS 6

From the Publisher

7

Elevate: Women warriors rise

facing real estate now

8

SAGE: Time to step into your

42 WOTM Tammie Fields

soft era

43 WOTM Olive Gaye

10 Tribute: Rich Black receives social justice award

45 WOTM Kim Johnson 47 ONYX Reads: Sister Girl:

16 Travel: Girls trip 18 Education: Black women and student debt 20 Art & Culture: Black Beauty: A history of the African American beauty industry 22 Business: Black women lead entrepreneurs 24 WOTM Vivian Bryant

COVER STORY

Photo of Trisha Bailey Cover Photo: Trisha Bailey, Ph.D., M.B.A., ONYX Magazine's Woman of the Year.

Photo by Melissa Ortiz.

4 ONYX MAGAZINE

44 WOTM Dr. Terri Ann Graham

12 WOTM Dr. Trisha Bailey 15 WOTM Mercy Gilbert

12

41 Real Estate: The biggest issues

25 WOTM Patrice Cates-Lonberger 26 WOTM Patrice Cates-Smith 27 WOTM Iranetta Dennis 28 Workplace Increasing Black Women's Access to Education/Economic Power 30 Health/Wellness: Stories on your health 33 Medically Speaking: The lyes that can kill you 34 WOTM Gail Thomas DeWitt 35 WOTM Tara L. Dorsey

Reads for the book club 48 WOTM Daralene Jones 49 WOTM Sytia Messer 50 WOTM Lynn Mims 51 WOTM Gwen Myers 52 ONYX on the Move: ONYX in the community 54 Wealth & Finance: Get your money right in 2023 56 WOTM Dawn Ofodoli 57 WOTM JoJo O'Neal 58 WOTM Sherry Paramore 59 WOTM Sharon Riley 60 Community: The Hearts at West Lakes 61 Entertaining: Entertain at home 62 WOTM Tee Solomon 63 WOTM Ethel Isaacs Williams 64 Commentary Social Justice 66 Smart Tips: Keep your car safe on the road

36 WOTM Ohme Entin

67 Profile: Paula Hoisington

37 WOTM Sandra Fatmi-Hall

68 Perspective: A liberated

38 Florida Scope: Stories around Florida 39 The Quad: Stories from college campuses

brown girl in STEM 70 Wine/Food: Cosmo, the flirty girl drink

CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE. SUBSCRIBE TODAY CONTROL OUR NARRATIVE. $29.99 for 12 In-Home Issues $11.99 for 6 Digital Issues SUPPORT BLACK MEDIA. WWW.ONYXMAGAZINE.COM ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE. INFORM.

FROM THE PUBLISHER PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Janet Pal VICE PRESIDENT Deidre “Dee” Parker MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. SUBSCRIPTION MANAGEMENT Rose Love ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Laura Dorsey Kristen Glanton Sharon Fletcher Jones Trina Ryan Nancy Port Schwalb

RICH BLACK MARCH/APRIL 2023 Dear Family, Welcome to the women’s empowerment issue of ONYX Magazine.

March is Women’s History Month — an opportunity for us to recognize the significant impact women have on societies all over the world. From the board room to the living room, women continue to play important roles that bring strategic growth across the globe.

To date, we have recognized 167 sheroes who are shattering glass ceilings in business, education, sports, health and more. This month, ONYX Magazine celebrates 24 additional women during ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move, “Telling HERStory.”

In this issue, we honor Trisha Bailey, Ph.D., M.B.A., as the Woman of the Year. Dr. Trish Bailey, a former University of Connecticut (UCONN) track athlete and reportedly one of the richest women in America and the richest woman in Jamaica, her native home. Black Enterprise has listed Bailey’s net worth as $650 million to $700 million. In her story, she shares how she is creating and passing down generational wealth.

Our 2023 ONYX Magazine’s International Woman of the Year is Mercy Gilbert, a native of Zimbabwe, Africa, and a citizen of the United Kingdom, (UK). She’s considered to be the most influential Black women in London, England. President and CEO of Gilbert Media Group and Public Relations, Inc., Gilbert has worked to organize high-end and political events for her “A” list clients. She “crosses the pond” to share insights from the United Kingdom.

All these women are awe-inspiring and their stories tell you why.

Read about them in this issue. Also, are you looking for the next read for your book club? We give you some tips that could get the group talking. Another story tells us why African American history is important to keep in school curriculum around the nation — no matter who tries to take it away.

MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Burton BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Yolanda Baruch Catherine Day Patricia Brown Denis Salma Elakbawy Lakeisha Fleming Victoria Jackson Ebony Kenney Jaleesa Robinson Ellen Terrel Kevin Washington, Ph.D. Brittani Williams

NURTURE WARRIOR HEALERS RISE

BY MWATA KAIRI (KEVIN WASHINGTON, PH.D.)

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Melissa Ortiz Remy M. Pugh

ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair

Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Sherri Brown Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler Yolanda Cash Jackson

Dr. Cynthia Chestnut John Crossman Quibulah Graham Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Ann Jenkins Eugene Jones Connie Kinnard

Larry Lee, Jr. Brenda March Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright

FOUNDERS

As you pore over these pages, we hope you glean inspiration from their words. As always, we are happy to bring you stories that entertain, inspire and inform. Thank you for following us.

Sincerely

Rich Black

6 ONYX MAGAZINE

HONORING DIVINE FEMININITY:

Lester and Lillian Seays ONYX Magazine is published by ONYX Communications and Media Group, Inc., Address: P.O. Box 555672, Orlando, Florida 32855-5872. Phone 321-418-7216. Subscription rate is $19.95 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@ onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2023 by ONYX Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee and not necessarily those of the publisher.

Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from ONYX Magazine.

T

he full potential of a society is not realized until the women of that society are elevated and allowed to express their divine essence. This was common knowledge in ancient Kemet (Egypt). When examining the various iconography (statues, drawings, etc.) one will see that no aspect of that society moved without women.

One has only to reference the headwear worn by Kings in the middle Kingdom. The Nebety Tawy (two ladies), a symbol of protection, was at the center of the head piece worn by Kings. The feminine energy was seen as a great source of protection.

Also, there were sacred Queens such as Amanirenas, Nefetari and Tiye among others guided the society. Their divine insight Ancient Kemet represents a great society of high culture and great accomplishments. Women were essential of the ancient civilization’s elevation to such a position.

Ancient Kemet, which is the home of the earliest universities such as Ipet Isut, is where one can see how women were revered as being sacred and divine. In the ancient schools one went to learn how to be more Divine. These ancient schools, which gave birth to the seven Liberating Arts (Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Astronomy, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Music), were seen on sacred places. The liberating arts existed because a student was to study them and become liber-

ated from the bondage of ignorance of one’s divinity. Women did not go to these schools because it was believed that women were divine.

Men went to school learn what women already knew. Women have the capacity to allow life to gestate within their bodies, pass life through their bodies and then sustain that life with substance from their bodies. Women are seen as a God on earth in ancient Afrikan society.

The Warrior women spirit has been alive in the U.S. in women such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Ida B. Wells Barnett, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Dorothy Height, Mamie Till, Sabrina Fulton, Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks. These women have advanced and continue to advance the cause of Afrikan liberation. These spirits of these women address the inequities of a society. Like the Goddess Maat Of Kemet they seek to uphold righteousness in our society. It is the Divine feminine that allows a society to experience the best aspect of itself. The Western society has to relegate women to being the weaker sex, however societies that rise to their greatest potential always place a high value on the sacred woman.

We need divine women now more than ever.

Black women, ascend into the highest aspects of yourselves.

• Know your worth and value in the world. You are essential society being great. Make a commitment to honor yourself by developing yourself mentally, physically and spiritually daily.

• Read content that elevates your mind, engage in exercise and eating rituals that fortify the body as well as meditate and pray daily. Yoga is a good activity to engage.

• Pass on what you know about life and living to the others. Share insight and enlightenment that will elevate the spirit of others.

• Fight for and defend the peace and sanctity of our community. If you are a parent, be active in your child’s Parent Teacher Association/Organization (PTA/PTO). Involve your children in music, dance and art classes. Make sure they know how to swim as well as communicate well with others. Inform them of the beauty and power that they divinely possess.

• Be an example of sacred women daily. Be an active agent of change within your family and community.

Live like you know you are sacred and divine. Never allow anyone to move you from your position of sacredness. Respect others. Honor all and be divine.

Rise up, Warrior Healer. Your light is our Life.

Kevin Washington, Ph.D., is the head of Sociology and Psychology at Grambling University in Grambling, La. ONYX MAGAZINE 7

SAGE/OPINION

AGE INTO THE SOFTER SIDE OF LIFE

FIND WAYS TO SLOW DOWN, REST AND SAY NO. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

BY JALEESA ROBINSON

W

hen it comes to taking a break or doing the bare minimum, Black women all over are not familiar with that concept or lifestyle and it’s because unfortunately, we were not given the opportunity to do so. For centuries, Black women have had to be the butts of everyone’s jokes, the strong and hardworking ones, the ones who have to accept the worst of the worst, and the ones who have to do 10 times more to get a fraction of love, freedom and acceptance from the world. And after all of this, what are we left with?

Sickness, diseases, high blood pressure, stress that ages you immensely, and even early death.

We can no longer do this, Black women. It is killing us, literally. Yes, our mothers, grandmothers and ancestors were strong, independent and hardworking, but it cost them their life, freedom and happiness. It is time for us to step into our soft era, our soft life because all of this hard work and weight of the world being on our backs is definitely making our Black crack.

WHAT IS A SOFT LIFE AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? If you have been on social media within the last year and you follow the right people, all over you saw people on the internet talking about how they want a “soft life” or it is their time to live in ‘Black girl luxury.” As redundant as it is now and somewhat overwhelming to see all day, every day, it is definitely something that more Black women need to tap into.

A soft life is exactly what it says: a soft life. It is not allowing stress from work and others to consume you. It is taking breaks when they are needed and not working yourself to the bone. It is limiting your interactions with negativity and changing your views in life to where you reap more benefits. A soft life is making sure to take care of yourself first (however that looks for you) before you pour into anything else.

Living a soft life is so important because it allows you to be a healthier version of yourself. Consuming and interacting with so much negativity, stressing yourself out and having the weight of 8 ONYX MAGAZINE

5 WAYS YOU CAN START STEPPING INTO YOUR SOFT ERA 1.

2.

3.

4.

Slow Down. Life is not a race. Slowing down will allow you to breathe better and handle situations with a clearer mind.

Rest. Slowing down includes stopping fully and resting.

Sleep more, relax more, and be comfortable with doing nothing every once in a while.

Eat Better. Health is wealth, and you already know eating healthier and being more mindful of what you consume will make you feel better and look better.

Say No. It’s okay to put yourself first and say no. If it’s

5.

something you do not want to do for someone else, then say no. If someone is treating you poorly and you don’t like it, say no and if they continue, remove them, choose you.

Ask for Help. Black women, ask for help and accept it when it is being offered. You cannot do everything.

Allow someone else to step in so you can take a step back.

Treating yourself as much as you can (without putting yourself in debt or trying to keep up with an image) and being true to yourself are also ways to step into your soft era. It is time to prioritize you because you deserve that and so much more Black women. So, step into a new you and a new life.

the universe on your shoulders not only ages you early, it also can also cause serious health conditions and deteriorate your body.

HOW STRESS AFFECTS YOUR FUTURE AND AGES YOU FASTER In a statement made by Andrea King Collier sourced from the CDC, she noted that Black women have a life expectancy that is three years shorter than white women and some causes for this is due to stress.

Black women internalize stress differently than other races and life stressors are responsible for faster biological aging in Black women. When stress starts to show on your body, it will show on your face.

Wrinkles will begin to appear and you will be wondering why because technically you are too young to be experiencing them. You will have bags under your eyes that make you look extremely tired (which you probably are), you will experience acne and dry skin, your hair will start graying and your teeth can start decaying. Constant stress will have you at looking 70 when you are 45. So, if stress doesn’t kill you, it will surely age you.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SLOWING DOWN AND TAKING A BREATHER To say that you can completely eliminate stress from your life forever would be a bigger lie than all of the nonsense men and women have told you in the past to try to get over. You cannot get rid of all of life’s stresses because life is going to stress you out, one way or another but how you handle stress is important.

Slowing down and taking a breather can save your life. It can lower your risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Managing stress better can stop you from aging so fast and having you look older than you really are, which could raise your confidence. Limiting and managing what stresses you out can make you feel physically better, freer and lighter.

ONYX MAGAZINE 9

ONYX TRIBUTE

SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD

ONYX Magazine Publisher Receives prestigious award during 5000 Role Models 30th anniversary

O

Rich Black

NYX Magazine Publisher and CEO Rich Black received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Award for Social Justice during the 30th anniversary of the 5000 Role Model of Excellence MLK Breakfast in Miami on the observance of Dr. King’s birthday. The recognition will be chronicled in the United States Library of Congress.

Led by founder Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Miami Gardens), the event brought together more than 2,000 elected officials, business professionals, foreign delegates, and other community members.

Known to many as “The Great Connector,” Rich Black was recognized for his community compassion and innate ability to galvanize people, encouraging them to stand in the gap for those in need. The devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2022 encouraged him to gather a group of leaders representing the faith-based community. Their charge was to advocate for their communities and speed FEMA funds to the hardest-hit residents. The success of that charge led Black to receive the Emmett Till Award from the National Conference of Black Churches.

Black also thought of his community first at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. He and his team launched a campaign to distribute information about COVID-19 safety in Black communities in the Orlando metro area.

Further, Black was at the helm of the movement to build a statue of Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune on Bethune-Cookman University’s campus during its centennial in 2004. The statue project was the model in the marketing campaign for Bethune’s statute in Washington D.C.’s Statuary Hall in July 2022.

Award recipients

“As the architect of the ONYX Foundation, Black and his team illuminate paths to excellence through cultural enrichment, literacy, community enhancement, and financial well-being.”

As a visionary, he transcended the publication by creating innovative programs that amplify community

triumphs: ONYX Speaks, ONYX Business Connect, the annual Women on the Move luncheon, and the annual

Men of Honor black-tie gala, all which reign as exceptional programs. Collectively, they have highlighted the masterwork of more than 200 of Florida’s most impactful and influential professionals since 2016.

As the architect of the ONYX Foundation, established in 2017, Black and his team illuminate paths to excellence through cultural enrichment, literacy, community enhancement, and financial well-being. The Foundation introduced a scholarship program to assist high school and college students who aspire to attend an institution of higher learning.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Rich Black and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

10 ONYX MAGAZINE

Omari Hardwick and U.S. Second Douglas Emhoff Gentleman

Dee Parker, Connie Kinnard, Rich Black, Omari Hardwick

More event highlights included the swearing in of 50 young men into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. Omari Hardwick, known

Rich Black and Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis

for his role as Ghost on hit series “Power” was named the National Spokesman of the 5000. Also U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff spoke passionately about his platform to battle hate. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis was sworn in as a Role Model.

Other award recipients are Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Brown, the parents of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; Octavio J. Visiedo, former Miami-Dade County Public School superintendent; Dr. George Koonce, Jr., former Miami-Dade County Public School associate superintendent; Michael Putney, Emmy Award-winning senior political televiONYX MAGAZINE 11

COVER STORY

TRISHA BAILEY:

WRITING HER OWN RULES ON GENERATIONAL WEALTH THE WOMAN OF THE YEAR TALKS ABOUT BUILDING LEGACY AND GIVING BACK.

BY YOLANDA BARUCH

K

nown to many as “The Great CoDr. Trisha Bailey encapsulates the grit, exceptional work ethic, and altruism laid down by her Jamaican heritage, which caused her to become the wealthiest woman in Jamaica's history. Growing up, she resided in a rural place called Woodland St. Elizabeth, which had a population size of about 200-300 people and lived in abject poverty.

"When I was growing up, we had no running water, no electricity. We walked three and a half miles to school, one way, and three and a half miles to 12 ONYX MAGAZINE

return home," she recalls.

Her mother immigrated to Hartford, Conn., with Bailey's aunt, later bringing Bailey, at the tender age of 13, along with her sister to the United States. She spent her middle school years there, then went to Weaver High School and matriculated to her alma mater, the University of Connecticut.

Bailey began her career as a stockbroker in her early 20s while she lived in Connecticut and subsequently left that role to venture into pharmaceutical sales; she eventually relocated to Florida to pursue her career further.

Her role as a stockbroker did not allow Bailey to start a family, "Your schedule is minimal for personal time.

[For] my work schedule, I was in the office at 6:30 a.m. and sometimes didn't leave until 11:00 p.m., sometimes [even] later. When starting a family, I knew that I would not have the time to be able to give to my child the way that I would like. As a result, I ended up transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry, which gave me more flexibility with time and schedule," she says.

Bailey spent eight years in the pharmaceutical industry, worked with

Takeda Pharmaceuticals for three years, then progressed to Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, where she was employed for five years. During her time in Florida, Bailey exhibited exceptional skills with her tasks, received a promotion every year at Takeda, and experienced the same advancement at Boehringer. One of her promotions transferred her to California. Armed with her master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a doctorate in leadership and organizational leadership with a concentration in finance, seven finan-

cial licenses, a CFA-certified financial adviser license, a series 763 life, health, annuities insurance license, and a cardiology certificate from New York University medical school and a pulmonary degree from the University of Kentucky, needless, to say, Bailey is overqualified for any offered position.

"When I was considered for the new position in California, the company policy is to interview everyone, regardless of who they are, whether they're in the company or not, but because of my accomplishments, and my accolades, I was also ranked number one in the company at the time.

The manager hired me without an interview, so he didn't get to see what I looked like; when I got to California, everything was approved before I left and accepted the role. In my first meeting with him, he looked at me and said, 'I didn't realize that you were Black, and when he said that, it didn't resonate," Bailey said, unperturbed she shrugged off the prejudiced comment. However, her manager began harassing her and claiming her work was inefficient.

"There were critiques and everything that they could find; they were coming at me because of that, I ended up starting my own company. I started a medical recruiting company, and the reason is that I knew physicians that were all my clients. I figured, since I already know physicians, it will be easy for me to get them jobs across the country," she expounds.

In 2008, a severe health scare inspired her to launch a medical equipment and supplies business. Bailey slipped into a coma for eight days in California. Upon flying back to Florida, she had a layover, but she was alone, even though she had an associate speak to the flight attendants to care for her during her travel.

"They put me in a wheelchair because, at the time, I couldn't walk or talk because my larynx was clipped. I had no vocals. I was in Atlanta, and I sat there trying to signal someone to help me because they took me off the plane and sat me in the wheelchair at the gate. I was trying to signal for someone to help me; it took me three hours with lots of tears, and a young girl helped me

translate to someone else to take me to the next connecting flight. During that moment, I realized that the disabled were invisible to the world, and I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make a change, so I started the medical equipment and supplies business, which is now my core foundation business," she says.

While she no longer has the medical recruitment business, she has expanded into owning 15 different companies that encompass: a pharmacy, selling medical scrubs, an equestrian property, entertain-

ment, Bailey's real estate that owns real estate companies and buildings throughout the United States, as well as, two real estate development companies in Jamaica.

"I'm building a couple of things; a few projects are going on; I have two phases into luxury condos that are ongoing right now in Red Hills, Kingston. I own half of an island off of Jamaica, and the person who owns the other half is Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. I am building my luxury 32,000-square-foot beach house there as well. So those

are things that are ongoing right now in Jamaica. I spent January 1 in Jamaica at a concert with the prime minister, and then the next day, we met to discuss some of the developments of the island and how to impact the island in positive ways," Bailey informs. She is in conversation with government officials on how to improve the hospitals through her philanthropic endeavors and lends her input to enhance the island's economic development.

"I'm working closely with some hospitals directly involved in develop-

ONYX MAGAZINE 13

COVER STORY ing Jamaica, not only for jobs but also with young women. I was talking to the first lady about being able to impact young women and boys as well. But my focus is young women and how to get them scholarships in different formats to enhance and collectively get them in the places they need to go to thrive," she adds.

The economic prowess she employs today stems from the steps she took to build her lucrative enterprises by focusing on providing service to the medical industry. Providing optimal service is paramount to Bailey's vision and essential to building "any successful business [through] service and consistency." This concept is simplistic in thought but challenging to implement.

Her first foray into entrepreneurship began in a 600 square feet space because one of Bailey's business methodologies is predicated on sustaining a low overhead, "With a low overhead, the stress of maintaining a large overhead and not knowing if sales are coming in will become the death of you. When I started, I had a very low overhead; my office rent was $600. I ensured that the first employee I hired was a sales rep. Why is that important? I'm in the office, taking care of the clerical things and patients, but I need someone to bring in the business. So, my first employee, who is still with me today as my CEO, was a salesperson."

Utilizing the Medicare Competitive Bid, which is technically still in existence but to a certain extent, the bidding program permitted suppliers to submit bids to provide particular services or supplies to people with Medicare.

"If you win the bid, you get to provide services to all Medicare patients within the geographical area that you win for [like] all disabled and elderly, patients over 65 are Medicare patients, whether it's Medicare replacement plan or straight Medicare. If you're an equipment business, you don't get the bid; you're out of business, essentially.

So, when they implemented it, it was not in the area where I was; my home offices are in Vero Beach, Fla. I said, let

14 ONYX MAGAZINE

me try to see what I will mess up on, and that way, if they come to my area, I will know what I did wrong and what to correct so I can continue having the business," she says, and continues. "I applied for most of the South Florida, Central Florida areas, and I ended up winning all of the bids I applied for."

She then had three months to expand to Central Florida, such as the Orlando area and South Florida; from there, everything Bailey had planned for began to rocket upward.

"Then the second round of bids came about, and I won all of them. I was doing more and more expansion at the time. Subsequently, later on, there were no more bids because they decided it wasn't financially feasible for the government to continue the bidding process," she says. Instead, the government allowed all providers to service any area that Bailey saw as an opportunity and expanded throughout Florida, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Connecticut, Illinois, and New York, to name a few.

In her first year, the business drew in revenue of approximately five million; in her second year, she landed a government contract. Her company is in its twelfth year of operation. As a mother of five, Kayla,8, and Ocean, 4, Bailey is actively training her children how to become entrepreneurs. Her oldest daughter, Tia, 23, is enrolled in

medical school, her 20-year-old daughter, Natalia, is part of the Innovation Academy program at the University of Florida, however, her 13-year-old son, Gabriel, is heavily engaged in planning and developing to one day take over her company.

"I've been prepping him where he's joining the first official meeting that I have will be with my estate and trust attorneys to go over all the assets and the company," she proudly states. Balancing motherhood while building her business was challenging; Bailey had to work 18-19 hours daily while raising little children, and her mother sometimes brought them to the office to visit her.

Bailey declares all of her hard work was for the benefit of her children, "My foundation, which is my children, is essential to my success outside of the home because success outside the home it's not relevant if there's none inside. I've always made sure I take time, even though I was in the process of building; when I had a little personal time, it was always theirs. I didn't even engage with friends at all."

Bailey's advice for Black girls and women inspired by her story and who would like to follow in her footsteps is to become disciplined when managing their money.

"I always say be disciplined first and consistent with money, which affects every aspect of your life. If you are

working somewhere and you are not the best employee at that job, you won't be the best employee when you start your company. So, you should stay employed. If you're working somewhere and you're there early, you're leaving late; you do all these extra things, you're practicing behaviors of being an entrepreneur. When you become an entrepreneur like myself, what will naturally happen is you won't feel like you're killing yourself because you have developed this skill over the years. So, when you get into your own space, you will apply it and be successful. As long as you've been consistent with what you're doing, service well, you will be successful in your endeavors," she advises.

Bailey continues to pay it forward by donating a significant amount to the University of Connecticut, being the lead platinum donor for a scholarship program, and funding after-school activities. She also oversees another program for young Black girls interested in science that awards recipients full scholarships.

"I also did this with Sandra Fatmi-Hall and served over four million meals since the pandemic for a food drive. I also donate to cancer research societies and a plethora of others.

But my Christmas toy drive is very near and dear to my soul and heart.

I've been doing this since I owned the company, so this is the 12-year mark, every city we're in, we choose one or two charities for the children. We buy Christmas toys for each charity so that children can have the things they need or at least bring a smile to their faces.

I do because when I first came to the United States, we lived in a one-bedroom apartment in the ghetto. My mom didn't have much, my sister and I were sleeping on the sofa bed, and she didn't have money for toys or Christmas presents. So, she took my sister and me to a toy drive, and the first toy I ever had in my life was at age 13, and it came from a toy drive. So, that part of my charity is near and dear to my soul and heart; it's something I will always carry forward," Bailey says.

Mercy Gilbert

M

INTERNATIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR CEO GILBERT MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS UNITED KINGDOM

ercy Gilbert has been chair of the Conservatives Party of Orpington (United Kingdom) for five years. During her tenure, she has met and welcomed several prime ministers into her constituency. Gilbert also has been a key part of Shaun Bailey's campaign which saw him come second in the mayoral elections.

A native of Zimbabwe, Africa, and a citizen of the United Kingdom, (UK), she is considered to be the most influential Black women in London, England. President and CEO of Gilbert Media Group and public relations, Inc., Gilbert has worked to organized high-end and political events for her “A” list clients. A sought-after public relations and marketing brand strategist, Gilbert has uniquely used her influence to connect people and resources throughout the United Kingdom and Africa to address the issues of race, diversity and inclusion and women’s suffrage.

Gilbert made history in the U.K. becoming the first Black woman ever to be elected chairperson of Petts Wood and Knoll conservative party, which she’s won consistently for the past five years.

She is vice-president of the Clapton Football Club and currently is setting up a women’s football team under that club with the goal of women receiving equal pay while playing both nationally and internationally. Gilbert’s enthusiasm and passion for women’s empowerment has led her to be appointed as the country’s head for the Global Women Development Network (GWDN), part of the United Nations initiative for women’s empowerment. She also holds the title of United Kingdom ambassador.

Gilbert has previously served as a United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) children's ambassador and she lobbied on issues pertaining to child immunization. She has helped African countries in development facilitate sanctions as well as assisted in other political issue solutions.

Gilbert moderated panel discussions for Commonwealth Summit in 2022, co-hosted several trade missions from Africa, which include London political summit, Nigeria trade mission and an investment mission from Africa. She has hosted various African country leaders and will soon organize a summit in the U.K. She holds her yearly events in parliament and House of Lords and in Mr. Speaker’s palace to empower the Black community.

She has spearheaded numerous political programs, interviewing politicians from across the continent, and has written for various publications showcasing African culture.

"Always treat everyone well on your way up."

ONYX MAGAZINE 15

TR AVE L

FIVE ESSENTIALS FOR A GIRL’S ROAD TRIP

BY CATHERINE DAY

W

health benefits, mentally & physically. Here are five things you need to bring when you finally do start tripping!

1. Enthusiasm: Usually to qualify as a road trip, the ride must last more than a single episode of “Sistas.”

And considering you’ll be trapped in a limited amount of space for the better part of four hours dependent upon the destination, it is good to keep an open mind to the trip.

Therefore, commit wholeheartedly, think of it as a mini vacay if you must but whatever mindset you do take, make sure it is filled with positivity as a good attitude is worth miles.

2. Communication: We live in an age where most interaction does not occur in person. However, when given the opportunity to engage with actual humans,

please do so. Surprisingly, it’s fun.

Also, good conversation eases the discomfort of a bumpy ride. I will not reveal what we gossiped… but good laughs always make the drive more tolerable.

3. Snacks: Healthy snacks (i.e. grapes, nuts, water) keep the driver/s alert. Take munchies that everybody can agree on — or have each person bring her own.

This also is a great way to save money and avoid buying heavy meals along the way, which could weigh you down and make your trip miserable.

4. Compromise: The itinerary for weekend trips almost never gets followed exactly. When traveling with a larger group, each person has her own agenda. There has to be some level of compromise. So, split

amicably down the center, going your separate ways. Team A may depart in search of rations while B (clearly the inferior team) may find solace in the form of retail therapy.

5. Resourcefulness: In every situation, there is a personality that somehow makes the trip more extraordinary.

That’s why you always need the resourceful one. The resourceful one gets the accommodations. Whether it is finding the right cab company for a discounted price or extending your check out time, she gets it done.

A rule of thumb is to remember that when in a group, there are several different personalities to consider, each gal touting her own bit of pizazz.

Consistently laugh as inside jokes bring back found memories; and keep liquid intake at a bare minimum as stops rest stops soon grow tedious.

CATHERINE DAY WRITES FOR TRAVEL NOIR WHERE THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED. D. SHENELL REED CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ARTICLE.

e were all excited when we heard that producer Will Packer was rounding up the troops to bring us Girl’s Trip 2. That’s probably because we all need a break — and sometimes it’s just nice to fantasize about it while watching a flick. But instead of seeing it play out on a 40-foot screen, why not make it happen in real life? You need a trip and you need it with your squad. Day tripping by car is a good place to start.

Girls trips are notoriously known for being that needed reset button in your life. Whether you are traveling with your best friends, your favorite cousins, sisters, co-workers, moms, or daughters you probably already know that you are going to have the time of your life. Not only are girls trips a guaranteed good time but they can result in great

16 ONYX MAGAZINE

E D U C AT I O N

EXHIBITIONS

#BlackStudentDebt

SPRING 2023

BLACK WOMEN AND STUDENT DEBT

BLACK WOMEN ARE BURDENED THE MOST BY THE HIGH COST OF COLLEGE

TIME FOR CHANGE: ART AND

SOCIAL UNREST IN THE JORGE M. PÉREZ COLLECTION

College costs have risen dramatically over the past several decades, as state funding for public colleges and universities has declined.4 In 1980, the average cost of a public four-year college — including tuition, fees, and room and board — was $9,307 (in 2019-20 dollars). By the 2019-20 academic year, the average cost was $25,593.5 Financial aid hasn’t kept pace with college costs, which are now unaffordable for most Americans. In 1980, the maximum Pell Grant, the nation’s most important need-based grant, covered more than 50% of the full cost of a public four-year college; in the 2020-21 academic year, it covered only 28%, driving many students to borrow to make up the difference.6 The high cost of college is particularly burdensome for Black women, who because of structural racism and sexism, have fewer financial resources to pay for a higher education and little choice but to borrow higher amounts.7 A year after completing a bachelor’s degree, Black women hold more student debt than any other group — with an average of $38,800 in federal undergraduate loans.

BY VICTORIA JACKSON AND BRITTANI WILLIAMS Black female borrowers who attended graduate school hold an average of $58,252 in graduate loans (see Figure 1).

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PURVIS YOUNG: REDUX

WITH MORE EDUCATION, BLACK WOMEN NEED TO BORROW MORE, BUT STILL MAKE LESS.

WHAT CAN BE DONE? (Authors’ Opinion) The student debt crisis among Black women is the result of failed and intentionally racist policies.

Policymakers must act. The Biden administration and Congress should take the following actions to end the student debt crisis and make college affordable for future students: • More than 80% of the participants in the “Jim Crow Debt” study think the federal government should cancel all student debt. The Education Trust supports cancelling at least $50,000 of federal student debt and opposes limiting eligibility

18 ONYX MAGAZINE

Grant and create federal-state partnerships to make public college debt free.

Victoria Jackson is assistant director of Higher Education Policy, and Brittani Williams is senior policy analyst in Higher Education at The Education Trust. Read the entire article at edtrust.org.

JACOB HASHIMOTO:

THIS PARTICLE OF DUST On view now

LIFE & DEATH IN THE ANCIENT WORLD: INTRODUCTION TO THE

ANTIQUITIES COLLECTION On view now

TRAVELS IN ITALY: A 19TH-CENTURY

APRIL 2022 | HOW BLACK WOMEN EXPERIENCE STUDENT DEBT

an assistant professor at Villanova Univer- FIGURE 1: CUMULATIVE AMOUNT OF FEDERAL UNDERGRADUATE LOANS, INCLUDING PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST, 12 MONTHS AFTER BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION, AND CUMULATIVE FEDERAL GRADUATE sity and co-founder of the Equity Research LOAN AMOUNT OWED, INCLUDING PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST Cooperative, highlights the crisis of Black $35,997 student debt and the experiences of Black Black or African American male $49,416 borrowers. The report is based on the $38,800 Black or African American female $58,252 National Black Student Debt Study, which $26,582 Hispanic or Latino male $31,971 was led by Mustaffa and includes a sur$25,927 Hispanic or Latina female $40,185 vey of nearly 1,300 Black borrowers and $32,619 American Indian or Alaska Native female $36,795 in-depth interviews with 100 borrowers. $20,829 Asian male $9,913 College costs have risen dramatically $20,417 Asian female $21,180 over the past several decades, as state $30,524 Male of more than one race funding for public colleges and universi$28,628 Female of more than one race $43,984 ties has declined. In 1980, the average cost $24,348 White male $25,905 of a public four-year college — including $27,068 White female $29,323 tuition, fees, and room and board — was $9,307 (in 2019-20 dollars). By the 2019Undergraduate Graduate 20 academic year, the average cost was $25,593. Financial aid hasn’t kept pace with Source: Education Trust analysis of U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, National For Black Women, More Debt college; in the 2020-21 academic year, it college costs, which are now unaffordable Postsecondary Student Aid Study: 2016 Graduate Students (NPSAS:GR) and Baccalaureate and Beyond: 2016/2017 (B&B). covered only 28%, driving many students Does Not Equal a Higher Salary for most Americans. In 1980, the maxi- Note: American Indian or Alaska Native males were not included because reporting standards were not met. to borrow to make up the difference. mum Pell Grant, the nation’s most importThe gender and racial pay gaps are The high cost of college is particuant need-based grant, covered more than larly burdensome for Black women, who well documented, and Black women 50% of the full cost of a public four-year because of structural racism and sexism, experience them no matter their eduhave fewer financial resources to pay for cation level. Gender wage gaps are a higher education and little choice but widest among workers with at least a for cancellation by income, loan to borrow higher amounts. A year after bachelor’s degree. Among bachelor’s type, or degree type (e.g., undercompleting a bachelor’s degree, Black degree holders across all fields of graduate vs. graduate degree). women hold more student debt than study, men make more than women. any other group—with an average of But women of color face particularly • In the absence of total broad$38,800 in federal undergraduate loans. acute pay disparities. Black women based debt cancellation, the Black female borrowers who attended must obtain a bachelor’s degree Biden administration should graduate school hold an average of or higher to earn more than White make significant improvements to men who have some college but no $58,252 in graduate loans (see Figure 1). income-driven repayment (IDR) And yet, despite the enormous cost degree. In other words, Black women plans to make monthly payments of going to college, Black women are still need additional credentials to commore affordable, reduce negative pursuing a higher education, because pete in the labor market, but they get amortization, and shorten the they can’t afford not to: In order to a lower financial return on their coltime-to-forgiveness window. achieve their academic and professional lege investment than men of all races goals and improve the financial situation and most women, except for Latinas • To make college affordable, of their families, they need a degree (if with a bachelor’s degree or higher, Congress should double the Pell not two or three). according to the data.

Presented in part by:

JOURNEY THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

On view January 28 through July 9, 2023 Supporting Sponsor:

14TH CONGRESSIONAL AND NEXT GENERATION HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION – 2023 On view February 4 through April 16, 2023

SALMAN TOOR: NO ORDINARY LOVE

THE EDUCATION TRUST

F

orty-five million Americans collectively owe $1.7 trillion in student loan debt. Women hold nearly two-thirds of that debt, and because of the gender pay gap, are more likely than men to have trouble paying off their debt. Black borrowers are the group most negatively affected by student loans, in large part because of systemic racism, the inequitable distribution of wealth, a stratified labor market, and rising college costs. Black women enroll in college at higher rates than Black men. But because they exist at the intersection of two marginalized identities and experience sexism and racism at the same time, they make less money and often need to borrow more to cover the cost of attendance, and struggle significantly with repayment.

“Jim Crow Debt: How Black Borrowers Experience Student Loans,” a 2022 report published by The Education Trust in partnership with Jalil B. Mustaffa, Ph.D.,

On view through June 30, 2024

On view February 23 through June 4, 2023 Presenting Sponsor: Life On Canvas

DRAPO VODOU: HAITIAN VODOU FLAGS

2

FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION

Opening early 2023

CHILDREN’S BOARD FREE FAMILY DAY APRIL 29, 2023 Installation view, Purvis Young: Redux, 2022 Photographer: Cait Peterson

TampaMuseum.org E D Q M C Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am – 8pm

Children’s Board Free Family Days are funded by:

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A R T & C U LT U R E / B L A C K H I S T O R Y

A R T & C U LT U R E / B L A C K H I S T O R Y JOHN H. JOHNSON, January 19, 1918 – August 8, 2005

Cutting each other’s hair in front of plantation store, Mileston Plantation, Mississippi Delta.

Marion Post Wolcott, 1939.

BLACK BEAUTY:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BLACK BEAUTY INDUSTRY

S

BY ELLEN TERRELL

arah Breedlove, more commonly known by the name, Madame C.J. Walker and Anne T. Malone, are perhaps two of the better-known African American entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in the beauty and hair industry. However, Marjorie Joyner, Rose Meta Morgan, Anthony Overton, and John H. Johnson also made lasting contributions to the beauty and hair industry, paving the way for eventual brands, including the pop musician Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty. Many African Americans have made an impact on the industry. Here are five notable African American businesswomen and businessmen in the trade.

ANTHONY OVERTON, March 21, 1865 – July 2, 1946 Born into slavery in 1865, Anthony Overton became a leading African American entrepreneur during the twentieth century with the establishment of his Chicago-based empire. However, before moving to Chicago, Illinois, in 1898, Overton created the Overton Hygienic Manufacturing Company in Kansas City, Missouri. The company sold baking powder, cosmetics, perfumes, hair products, and toiletries. In 1911, Overton moved his company to Chicago. The company’s success allowed Overton to employ over four hun20 ONYX MAGAZINE

In 1942, John H. Johnson founded Johnson Publishing Company, which published Negro Digest, Ebony, and Jet magazines. However, in addition to Johnson’s commercial ventures in magazine and book publishing, he owned Supreme Beauty Products and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the largest black-owned cosmetics company in the world at the time. Fashion Fair was created with the goal of creating makeup to meet the specific needs of women of color, and they went on to manufacture skin care, fragrance and hair care products.

The National Visionary Leadership Project did an oral history interview with Johnson in 2002.

Detroit Tribune. 19 May 1948.

Permanent Wave Machine M. S. Joyner Patent: 1,693,515 Issue Date: November 27, 1928

ROSE META MORGAN, August 9, 1912 – December 16, 2008

MARJORIE JOYNER, October 24, 1896 – December 27, 1994 In 1916, Marjorie Joyner opened her first salon on Chicago’s South State Street. Joyner’s experience in beauty and hair led to her creation of a permanent hair-wave machine. In 1928, Joyner filed a patent petition for her invention, stating, “The object of the invention is the construction of a simple and efficient machine that will wave the hair of both white and colored women.”

Although Joyner never received payment for her creation, she continued to give back to the community. In 1945, Joyner co-founded the United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association and the Alpha Chi Pi Omega Sorority and Fraternity. The sorority and fraternity, which seeks to “uplift the educational and economic standards of the beauty industry,” is still in existence today.

As with Marjorie Joyner, Rose Meta Morgan opened her first salon, the Rose Meta House of Beauty, albeit decades later in 1945, in New York.

The salon offered hair and skin care, as well as other services catering to black women. Several newspapers had advertisements for the grand opening of the salon, including the May 29, 1948, issue of The Detroit Tribute, in which it stated, “Women, This is What You’ve Been Waiting For! Everything to Make You Beautiful All Under One Roof.” Just a year later, Ebony deemed her salon “the biggest Negro beauty parlor in the world.”

The salon went on to amass more than $3 million in sales only a few years after opening. As with Anthony Overton, Morgan’s entrepreneurial interests expanded beyond the beauty business to eventually include banking. In 1964, Morgan helped start Freedom National Bank, a blackowned commercial bank operating in New York.

RIHANNA, February 20, 1988 – Present Although perhaps best known for being one of the most famous and recognized female pop musicians of our time, Rihanna became the world’s wealthiest female musician and a respected entrepreneur with the launch of Fenty Beauty. The company brought in $570 million in profit in only 15 months after its opening. Known for its inclusive branding, Rihanna created Fenty Beauty with the goal of creating products that “performed across all skin types and tones.” Contributions from Anthony Overton with his cosmetic empire to Rose Meta Morgan with her enormously successful black beauty salons to Rihanna in the present day with her cosmetics line, there have been significant changes to the beauty and hair industry for African American consumers.

TO LEARN MORE:

The Overton – Hygienic Manufacturing Co., 1925. From the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

dred people, and in 1912, they exported over fifty-two cosmetic products to countries including Egypt, Liberia, and Japan. The success of his hygienic company made it possible for Overton to establish The Douglass National Bank, The Victory Life Insurance Company, The Half-Century Magazine, The Chicago Bee, and The Great Northern Realty Company.

• Explore the Library Guide Business of Beauty: A Resource Guide, as well as the blog posts Madam C.J. Walker and The Beauty Entrepreneur: Madam C. J. Walker • Read the book African American Millionaires by Otha Richard Sullivan or African-American Inventors by Fred M. B. Amram and Susan K. Henderson for a more general overview of African American entrepreneurs.

• For biographies on the people listed above, read The Merchant Prince of Black Chicago: Anthony Overton and the Building of a Financial Empire by Robert E. Weems Jr. and search the Library of Congress’ Catalog for more.

• View Doing Historical Company Research to learn how to conduct more in-depth research on these African American entrepreneurs and their companies.

Advertisement showing images of cold cream, and hair and complexion products, 1920.

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

BUSINESS

BLACK WOMEN

OUTPACE ALL ENTREPRENEURS

BY LAKEISHA FLEMING

P

andemic job layoffs and job market shifts are leading women to create companies in larger numbers. They are changing the face of entrepreneurship on a national level.

Entrepreneurship among Black women has experienced explosive growth. Businesses owned by Black women grew 67% from 2007 to 2012 and by 50% from 2014 to 2019.

Research from the Harvard Business Review shows that 17% of Black women in the United States create or lead a business, compared to 10% of white women. We look at why this fast-growing segment started their businesses, their ability to weather the pandemic, and resources to help other women step out as entrepreneurs.

Learn and talk about cannabis in a safe space.

THE NEW FACE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP Women in the United States own over 12 million businesses. Black women run more than a third of those businesses.

The business landscape completely changed with the COVID19 pandemic. As consumer needs shifted, these women seized opportunities to provide new services.

Other women-owned companies have continued to prosper despite the impact of the pandemic. Businesses led by women employ over 10 million workers. Female entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the economy. Combining their interests and expertise, they create thriving businesses that supply viable sources of income.

WHAT LED TO LAUNCHING A NEW BUSINESS? Millions of workers lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Black people were disproportionately affected by job market losses, with higher job losses and lower rates of employment recovery than other ethnic groups. The losses led to creative solutions, with more than four million new business applications filed in 2020 alone — an increase of more than 20% from 2019.

HOW TO SUPPORT WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS Buying products and services that women-owned businesses offer is one of the best ways to show your support.

Women entrepreneurs also need support with business planning, strategizing, and access to capital to help their businesses grow.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council offers scholarships, programs, networking, and certifications. The U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership (WOSB) provides access to credit and finances, along with training and federal contracts.

Women's Business Enterprise National Council is an approved certifying entity for WOSB's federal contracting program.

Supporting these businesses makes a difference now and in the future.

22 ONYX MAGAZINE

Educate. Learn. Talk About Cannabis in Florida.

WHAT IS AN INTRAPRENEUR? An intrapreneur is an individual who acts like an entrepreneur while working at a big company, instead of owning their own business. Although working in a corporate management system, an intrapreneur introduces new ideas and takes calculated risks with new ventures. An intrapreneur shows initiative, seeking out creative solutions and projects.

HOW DO I START MY OWN BUSINESS AS A WOMAN? Determine your area of interest and expertise. You want to start your business with a solid foundation. Put systems in place to keep you organized, with everything from finances to customer interactions. Reach out to local organizations for tips on growth and support in your area. Network with other business owners who can share information on business grants and other resources.

Be open and adaptable to change. Be flexible in creating the schedule that works for you. If you are most creative first thing in the morning, shift other administrative duties to keep that time free. Make taking breaks in the day a priority. Self-care is not selfish; it's a necessity to help you function.

Continue to learn about your industry and stay aware of consumer trends.

Explore FAMU’s free online cannabis education modules

MMERI.FAMU.Edu/Educate

Get relevant information about marijuana in Florida

MMERI.FAMU.Edu/Learn

Join Conversations On Cannabis each month on YouTube and Facebook

MMERI.FAMU.Edu/Talk

Follow ‘Conversations on Cannabis’ on

@MMERIForumRadio

Marijuana Use Poses Great Risk for

ADOLESCENTS

We know there's a much stronger correlation between suicide and depression, so the studies are not saying that marijuana is a cause of suicide, it's correlated,” she explained.

Every parent knows the challenges that come with raising a child going through adolescence. It’s a period during which many youths cope with anxieties related to peer pressure, schoolwork, family life or other personal struggles.

It’s also a time when young people’s brains are still developing, a phase that usually lasts until they are about 25 years old. Dr. Miriam Mandel describes the teen brain as a “huge construction site,” the kind of workplace where marijuana use is best avoided.

Dr. Mandel, a board-certified pediatrician in Ohio says teens using recreational or street marijuana may experience cognitive and behavioral problems, including memory lapses, brain fog, insomnia, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and or paranoia. She warns that those using cannabis with high potency THC Tetrahydrocannabinol) are at risk of psychosis, such as schizophrenia, which she says typically emerges during the adolescent years.

While frequent pot use is not good for youths’ behavioral health and can cause depression, “there are no statistics to support there is actual marijuana causing suicide,” says Dr. Lyn-Lassiter, a qualified medical marijuana and a licensed emergency medicine physician practicing in South Florida.

However, Dr. Mandel said there are studies showing a correlation between “chronic” use and suicide.

“This chronic use may start a slow creeping anxiety and/or depression, and they may need more marijuana to satisfy their anxiety relief.

Both doctors encourage parents to educate themselves — and their children — on marijuana and recommend the National Institute of Drug Abuse’s website, https://nida.nih.gov, as a good resource for information.

“If a lot of these kids in high school and college knew some of the risks that they're doing to their developing brain, such as how marijuana lowers their IQ, changes their concentration, increases their risk of mental health issues and greatly affects their attention, they wouldn't do it,” Dr. Mandel says.

Visit https://bit.ly/CannabisYouthRisk to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring board-certified pediatrician Dr. Miriam Mandel and Dr. Safiya Lyn-Lassiter, a Florida qualified medical marijuana physician, discuss why marijuana use is causing some teens and young adults to consider suicide.

This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

Vivian Bryant, Esq. V

PRESIDENT & CEO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ORLANDO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF SANFORD

ivian Bryant is a nationally recognized leader and advocate for affordable housing and community development throughout Florida and the United States. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her career to elevating living conditions and quality of life for low- to moderate-income families. It is an issue close to her heart given her experience also growing up in public housing.

As president & CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Orlando (OHA) and the Sanford Housing Authority (SHA), Bryant oversees 7,000 public and non-public housing units, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and Veterans Administration Special Housing Program. During her tenure, she has secured and implemented two successful United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOPE VI Revitalization Grant Awards totaling $25 million. The grants leveraged $65 million of public and private investments and replaced dilapidated public housing in Orlando with vibrant, mixed-income communities that give residents better housing options including renting or home ownership.

Bryant’s expertise has brought her attention on a national level.

Her knowledge and perspective are highly sought after, as she is a frequent presenter at industry conferences. She is a current trustee and former Housing vice president for the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA), president of the Housing and Development Law Institute (HDLI) Board of Directors and member of the Moving to Work (MTW) Collaborative Executive Committee. In 2019, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) awarded Bryant its highest honor, the prestigious M. Justin Herman Memorial Award.

A Florida native, Bryant received a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Florida. She is a Florida-licensed attorney and a member of The Florida Bar. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Incorporated, and she attends Macedonia Baptist Church. Bryant’s pride and joy are her daughter and three grandchildren.

“The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving who you are.”

JOHNETTA B. COLE, PH.D.

24 ONYX MAGAZINE

P atrice M . Cates–Lonberger, M .D. PHYSICIAN ORLANDO HEALTH PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES

P

atrice M. Cates-Lonberger, M.D. was born in Gary, Ind., and completed her high school education at the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts in Gary along with her identical twin sister, Pamela Cates-Smith, M.D. She knew at the tender age of five that she wanted to be a doctor. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Howard University in Washington, D.C., Dr. Cates-Lonberger continued her education at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis where she earned her master’s degree in Medical Science, medical doctorate degree, and completed her residency training.

Dr. Cates-Lonberger is a primary care physician with Orlando Health Physician Associates. She specializes in internal medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the American College of Physicians. As an internist, Dr. Cates-Lonberger provides comprehensive medical care and counsels patients on a range of lifestyle choices and changes to promote health and prevent disease. In addition to well patient visits, she combines her experience and clinical expertise with the latest scientific research and medical advancements to diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of conditions from common illnesses to complex diseases.

Before joining Orlando Health, Dr. Cates-Lonberger worked at Eskenazi Health serving the needs of the Indianapolis and Central Indiana community for 10 years while also serving as assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Dr. Cates-Lonberger is the co-founder of Grace Girls Empowerment Foundation, Inc., alongside her twin sister. Their mission is to promote and empower girls in their hometown through mentorship to develop self-esteem, self-worth, and self-awareness through character development, community service, leadership, and scholarship.

Dr. Cates-Lonberger is married and has a son and daughter. She enjoys spending time with family and being a basketball and volleyball mom.

“F or I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

JEREMIAH 29:11

ONYX MAGAZINE 25

Iranetta J. Dennis

Pamela C. Cates-Smith, M .D. PHYSICIAN ORLANDO HEALTH PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES

I

S

ince 2009, Pamela C. Cates-Smith, M.D., has been a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Orlando Health Physician Associates.

She cares for women through all stages of life. She has a special interest in adolescent gynecology, irregular menstrual cycles and higher risk obstetrics. In her career, she has been awarded the Patients Choice Award, Most Compassionate Doctor, Woman of the Year and most notably, Top OB-GYN Physician in Florida in 2018. She was recently featured in “Orlando Style” magazine as one of the Elite Physicians of 2022. She also currently serves as the medical director for The Pregnancy Center.

A graduate of Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts in Gary, Ind., Dr. Cates-Smith received her bachelor's degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Graduate and medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis followed, where she found her specialty. She completed her residency at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando.

Dr. Cates-Smith, along with her identical twin sister, Dr. Patrice Cates-Lonberger, are co-founders of Grace Girls Foundation, Inc., where their mission is dedicated to promoting and empowering girls to develop self-esteem, self-worth, and self-awareness through character development, community service, leadership and scholarship.

Grace Girls helps young women realize they are leaders with spiritual gifts in every aspect of their lives and remember that “there but for the grace of God go I.” Her greatest professional and personal achievement is the ability to maintain balance between career and family including her husband and two children, daughter, Giselle and son, Gavin. She enjoys traveling, exercising, liturgical dancing, fine dining and spending time with family.

Dr. Cates-Smith stands on the scripture, Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

ranetta J. Dennis is the Supplier Diversity Director with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX). As the director, she is responsible for implementing CFX’s Supplier Diversity Policy and programs. She has 24 years in state government, 17 of which have been in areas of program development for small, minority and women-owned business enterprises.

Dennis holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, as well as acquiring her certification as a Master Compliance Administrator. She has been acknowledged for her contributions and support of small, minority and women-owned businesses. Throughout her career, her primary objective has been to transition these businesses from the role of subcontractors to sustainable prime contractors within the community.

Dennis is the president of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Central Florida, a team of professionals with years of leadership, experience and knowledge in the transportation industry. The board provides ongoing counsel and oversight of the business strategy and organization affairs and are dedicated to ensuring longterm growth and success. COMTO Central Florida is a dynamic, multimodal transportation organization that provides leadership programs as well as advocacy services to businesses, members and communities within the Central Florida area including but not limited to; Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Sarasota Counties.

“If you cannot fly, then run, if you

can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

– THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

26 ONYX MAGAZINE

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY DIRECTOR CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.

It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.”

NELSON MANDELA

ONYX MAGAZINE 27

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WORKPLACE

lack Women’s Equal Pay Day, which took place last year on September 21, is a nationally recognized day to highlight the pay and income disparities of Black women compared to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts in the United States. Black women had to work 21.5 months to make what the average white man has earned in just 12 months. Despite being more likely to be the breadwinners of their families, Black women, on average, need a bachelor’s degree to make what white men make with just a high school degree. As a result, the targeted exclusion of Black women from education and equal pay has meaningful generational implications.

Education is often hailed as the most reliable path to economic success; however, the history of institutional racism and misogyny still permeates the majority of educational spheres and inhibits the progress of Black women. IWPR research found that, due to the impacts of systemic racism, many Black parents must send their children to underfunded high-poverty schools. In fact, an IWPR study found that 72% of Black children in New York City attend schools characterized by run-down facilities, high teacher turnover, high student-teacher ratios, and a lack of basic school supplies.

INCREASING BLACK WOMEN’S ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC POWER

BY SALMA ELAKBAWY

Additionally, Black girls are suspended or expelled from public schools at much higher rates than other girls, with punishment often leading directly to imprisonment. Black women are systemically pushed out of educational spaces starting from girlhood. The school-to-prison pipeline leads them to miss out on vital education and has long-term harrowing educational, economic, and political consequences.

Colleges and universities also have a legacy of excluding Black women – antiBlack racism and misogyny are deeply ingrained in higher education. Despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and efforts to integrate women in higher education, many Black women were forced to attend vocational schools instead of baccalaureate programs due to institutional misogynoir. Although Black women today enroll in college at higher rates than non-Black women, equity gaps in college completion persist.

IWPR research has particularly highlighted the challenges that Black mothers’ face when seeking to attain a secondary degree. IWPR studies report that one in three Black women in college are single mothers, and, first-time enrolled students with children are twice as likely to leave college 28 ONYX MAGAZINE

before graduating than students who are not parents. Existing racial and gender barriers to education are often exacerbated by those of motherhood, adding additional obstacles for Black mothers in higher education.

Additionally, the history of targeting Black women through reconstructed welfare reform still heavily impacts Black mothers’ ability to complete a secondary degree. The sweeping welfare reforms of the 1990s included workfirst policies that forced Black mothers out of higher education by making it challenging to both receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and attend college. As a result of these policies, there was a direct decline in the number of Black women in higher education.

Moreover, higher education is a key determinant of income, the ability to accumulate and pass down generational wealth, generational education attainment, and overall well-being and health. Systemic racism, including the history of exclusion from higher education, contributes to Black families having less wealth to draw from for college tuition, forcing Black students who attend colleges or universities to take out more debt than their peers of other backgrounds. In addition to the numerous barriers Black women must over-

come to participate in higher educational spaces, Black women also have the highest average student loan debt. Black Women’s Equal Pay Day highlights the disadvantages of the pay disparities specific to Black women, one being that the wage gap further exacerbates student debt rates.

Several policy interventions can address the targeted exclusion of Black women in education: Cancel student debt: due to systemic racism, Black students, particularly Black women, are forced to take out more student debt than their peers. Canceling the national student debt would relieve a significant hurdle that prevents the accumulation of generational wealth and the opportunity for economic mobility.

Educational equity: state and federal legislators should prioritize educational equity. By addressing school district lines through a racial and gendered lens, legislators have the opportunity to address educational funding in varying school districts. Legislators should prioritize academic development in underfunded schools and prioritize the elimination of the school-to-prison pipeline. This includes examining the presence of

police in academia and prioritizing funding the education of students rather than policing in schools.

Support the Paycheck Fairness Act: this act would help close the pay gap and eliminate loopholes in the 1963 Equal Pay Act, helping to end discrimination in pay and provide additional workplace protections for women. Among other critical provisions, it prohibits employers from weaponizing an employee’s pay history against them. Black women, despite educational levels, are targeted victims of being underpaid and overworked due to both racism and misogyny. Passing this bill into law would create new oversight and accountability mechanisms to help ensure the protection of individuals of multiple marginalized groups’ in the workplace.

Meet the needs of student parents: 1 in 3 Black women in college are student parents. By instating state and federal data collection programs about student parents, funding must be allocated to resources such as childcare and school/housing to alleviate some burdens that prevent Black mothers from attaining a higher educational degree.

ONYX MAGAZINE 29

H E A LT H / W E L L N E S S

L

CLOSE YOUR PORES

arge, clogged pores are a big no-no for your clear skin goals! But how exactly can you unclog and minimize them? Pores are tiny openings in the skin that release oils and sweat. They’re also connected to your hair follicles.

If you’re suffering from large pores, it may be because of the following: • acne • increased sebum production, which causes oily skin • sun damage • noncomedogenic makeup Although you can’t change the size of your pores, four products can help minimize their appearance.

Start with an exfoliating cleanser. The best ones contain either AHA or BHA or both. Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for oily skin with zinc pidolate effectively cleanses away dirt and oil while respecting the skin’s pH balance. It cleanses without over-drying your skin, and is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Next, you will need a niacinamide serum. Most dermatologists recommend 2%-5% for our skin; however, the oilier your skin, the higher percentage of niacinamide is recommended. The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is an excellent serum for everyday use. You can add retinol with your niacinamide, but please add it slowly.

NEED MORE BLACK REPRESENTATION IN ALZHEIMER’S STUDY

Niacinamide reduces inflammation, which may help ease redness from eczema, acne, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It helps minimize pore appearance. Keeping your skin smooth and moisturized may have a secondary benefit — a natural reduction in pore size over time. Too much niacinamide can irritate, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer. A daily moisturizer is essential.

We recommend looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier.

Lastly, WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN! Sunscreen is vital for keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Aveeno’s Hydrate + Protect Broad Spectrum Sunscreen is perfect for your sunscreen needs.

Formulated with SPF 60 & prebiotic oat, the facial sunscreen helps leave skin feeling soft & hydrated.

Another “bonus” step that many of us forget is not to go to sleep in our makeup. Double cleansing is a great way to ensure your face is cleared of all residue.

HITTING YOUR PEAK

M

ost people would assume that the sexiest time of your life would be when you’re young, in your 20s, before the kids and the houses and the adult responsibilities. But according to new research, most women reach their sexual peak around age 36.

Contraceptive app Natural Cycles commissioned a study of 2,600 women, asking them about their experience with sex—from orgasms to sexual enjoyment.

The answers were segmented by age group (younger than 23, 23 to 35 and 36 and older), and the results were surprising.

Women in the older than 36 group reported feeling sexier and more confident than their younger counterparts. Eighty-six percent of the older age group said they had great sex in the last month, compared to only 76 percent of the middle group and 56 percent of the youngest, The Independent reported.

And not only were the older women having better sex, they were orgasming more, too. The 36 and older cohort reported higher frequency of reaching climax with their partners as well.

So ladies in your 20s and early 30s, the best sex of your life is on its way.

– Hello Beautiful

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A

WALK TO REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR

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here are numerous benefits to walking. It makes you feel good, and a nice walk can improve your health. However, did you know a quick stroll can reduce your blood sugar?

According to a 2022 study in Sports Medicine, a two-minute walk after a meal will do the trick. In addition, standing up after a meal can help, but not as much as walking.

“Intermittent standing breaks throughout the day and after meals reduced glucose on average by 9.51% compared to prolonged sitting.

However, intermittent light-intensity walking throughout the day saw a greater glucose reduction by an average of 17.01% compared to prolonged sitting,” Aidan Buffey, a doctoral student in the physical education and sport sciences department at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

“This suggests that breaking prolonged sitting with standing and light-walking breaks throughout the day is beneficial for glucose levels,” he added.

BENEFITS OF A SHORT WALK The study showed that a quick walk after a meal stabilized insulin levels in the participants. According to experts, keeping blood sugars from spiking is good for the body as large spikes and fast falls can raise the risk for diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, studies proved blood sugar levels would spike within 60 to 90 minutes after eating.

Our muscles need glucose to function. Therefore, movement helps clear sugars from the bloodstream. For instance, runners rely on carbo-loading before a big race. If you want to put in a more significant effort to lower your blood sugar, then make sure you are doing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle training per week.

“People who are physically active for about 150 minutes a week have a 33% lower risk of all-cause mortality than those who are physically inactive,” the U.S. CDC. Meaning that just 21.43 minutes each day of the week cuts your risk of dying by one-third.

lzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, which is a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, and make decisions that interfere with everyday activities.

It’s a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and Blacks are about twice as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to develop AD and other forms of dementia. Among Black Americans ages 70 and older, 21.3% are living with AD. Blacks are also carrying a disproportionate burden of the overall national cost for AD, which is mainly from caregiving costs, as well as loss of income and productivity, according to Stephanie Monroe, director of the African American Network Against Alzheimer’s. “Alzheimer’s is costing Blacks generations and generations of income and wealth that’s been built since the Civil Rights era,” Monroe told Caregiver Crossing, a podcast focused on caregiving.

Researchers are still examining why Blacks are impacted disproportionately by AD. Studies show that it’s a combination of socioeconomic disparities, higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and genetics. Lack of participation in trials is another contributing factor. Last year, the National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, launched an online tool, OutreachPro, to help researchers and clinicians increase awareness and participation in clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, especially among traditionally underrepresented communities.

In order to qualify for the study, potential participants are adults ages 55-80 who have not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. The treatment is experimental and participation is approximately four years with a variety of options available to accommodate participants’ busy schedules. Most study sites provide reimbursement for travel and a stipend for attending study visits. Those interested in participating in the AHEAD study can apply at https://www.aheadstudy.org/pre-screener/.

ONYX MAGAZINE 31

M E D I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

THE LYES THAT

CAN KILL YOU

be valued.

choose well.

Congratulations to the honorees. Orlando Health is proud to sponsor the ONYX Magazine’s 2023 Women on the Move.

OrlandoHealth.com/Diversity

PART OF THIS ARTICLE IS REPUBLISHED FROM THE CONVERSATION UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, STORY BY KIMBERLY BERTRAND. THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ARTICLE.

W

omen who used chemical hair straightening products were at higher risk for uterine cancer compared to women who did not report using these products, according to a new study from the National Institutes of Health. The researchers found no associations with uterine cancer for other hair products that the women reported using, including hair dyes, bleach, highlights, or perms.

The study data includes 33,497 U.S. women ages 35-74 participating in the Sister Study, a study led by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH, that seeks to identify risk factors for breast cancer and other health conditions. The women were followed for almost 11 years and during that time 378 uterine cancer cases were diagnosed.

The researchers found that women who reported frequent use of hair straightening products, defined as more than four times in the previous year, were more than twice as likely to go on to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.

“We estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70; but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05%,” said Alexandra White, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group and lead author on the new study.

“This doubling rate is concerning. However, it is important to put this information into context - uterine cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer.”

Uterine cancer accounts for about 3% of all new cancer cases but is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with 65,950 estimated new cases in 2022. Studies show that incidence rates of uterine cancer have been rising in the United States, particularly among Black women.

In 2021, another study found that frequent and long-term use of lye-based hair straightening products, or relaxers, may increase the risk of breast cancer among Black women, compared with more moderate use.

Boston University’s Black Women’s Health Study followed 59,000

self-identified African American women for over 25 years, sending questionnaires every two years on new diagnoses and factors that might influence their health.

The study found that Black women who used hair products containing lye at least seven times a year for 15 or more years had an approximately 30% increased risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer compared with more infrequent users.

There is an urgent need to address racial disparities in breast cancer. Black women diagnosed with breast cancer are 40% more likely to die from the disease than white women. While systemic factors such as delays in diagnosis and poorer health care likely contribute to this disparity, they don’t seem to fully explain the survival gap between Black and white women.

Black women are more likely than white women to develop highly aggressive breast cancers that have higher mortality rates, but researchers don’t really know why. However, scientists do know that chemical hair relaxers, more often used by Black women, contain potentially harmful chemicals, including possible carcinogens and chemicals known as endocrine disrupters, which can interfere with hormone function and could raise breast cancer risk. In the Black Women’s Health Study, 95 percent of women reported past or current use of these products.

This study fills a knowledge gap on the potential health effects of a consumer product popular among Black women. Given these findings, women may want to be cautious about the types of personal-care products they choose.

Thanks to 59,000 study participants in the Black Women’s Health Study, our research team continues to investigate risk factors for breast cancer and other diseases in Black women. By understanding what causes disease and learning about ways to lower risk, society can move one step closer toward eliminating health disparities.

ONYX MAGAZINE 33

Gail Thomas DeWitt

Tara L. Dorsey

FUNERAL DIRECTOR IN CHARGE GAIL & WYNN’S MORTUARY

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G

ail Thomas Dewitt knew from a very young age that she wanted to become a funeral director. Soon after graduating high school, she enrolled in the mortuary science program at Miami Dade Community College. After receiving her associate degree in 1976, she quickly began her journey as a Florida-licensed funeral director and embalmer.

DeWitt received formal training from Willie J. Bruton of the Bruton's Funeral home in Orlando and later returned to her hometown of Chattahoochee, Fla., to run Smith & Thomas Funeral Home. In 1995, she was elected as the first African-American woman mayor of the City of Chattahoochee. She returned to Orlando in 1996 and purchased Bruton's Funeral Home, which is now Gail & Wynn's Mortuary.

Her poise, confidence, and professionalism were easily noticed by others, and this led then Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to her appointment as the first African American woman to serve as vice chairperson on the newly formed Florida Board of Funeral Cemetery and Consumer Services in October 2005.

She served as convention coordinator and education director for the Florida Morticians Association. She has been a member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (US DMORT) since 1996, where she serves as chief of Morgue Operations under Health and Human Services. She is the only African American member of the US DMORT team for the state of Florida. During her second term, she served as vice chairperson of the board.

In 2010, she was appointed to the board of directors of The International Conference of Funeral Examining Board for District 3, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico. She also served on the Board's Science Committee. This committee was charged with reviewing and writing the national conference examination. After serving as secretary/treasurer in 2011 and vice-president in 2012, DeWitt was inaugurated as president of the conference in February 2013.

DeWitt has one son, the joy of her life, Ryan DeWitt, an Embry Riddle graduate of Aeronautical University, and Jetblue commercial pilot.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR 26HEALTH

“Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance” ROY T. BENNETT

ara L. Dorsey is a highly regarded public affairs leader with more than two decades of experience developing and implementing corporate, public, regulatory, and government relations strategies. Dorsey has spent the last 20 years advocating for marginalized groups, ensuring these historically underserved communities have access to education, employment opportunities and access to healthcare. Further, she works to provide them the support necessary to not only survive, but thrive in their environments.

As government affairs director of 26Health, one of the largest all-inclusive healthcare organizations in the country, Dorsey has continued to serve marginalized and underrepresented communities. By partnering with local community leaders and legislative bodies alike, 26Health aims to fill gaps and provide care to those who typically are forgotten.

Dorsey’s passionate nature and forward-thinking mindset paired with her extensive leadership experience has allowed 26Health to deliver more comprehensive and compassionate care to those who have historically gone without it.

Dorsey’s role at 26Health is not limited to her title, and whether assisting with the organization’s marketing, community relations, events, or even the Beautiful You Medi-spa, her community remains top of mind. Her involvement is far from limited to Central Florida. As of January 2023, Dorsey will be the co-chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee. She recently attended a delegation trip to Puerto Rico to search for ways 26Health can support the island community, still reeling from storm damage. Though her professional career has been varied, her unwavering commitment to those in need–in Central Florida and beyond–has remained a true constant.

“Every professional decision I’ve made has been to make a difference not only in my own community, but any community where there is a need. My position at 26Health allows me to do exactly that.”

“Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”

MICHELLE OBAMA

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ONYX MAGAZINE 35

Ohme Entin

Sandra F atmi-H all

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, ORLANDO HEALTH ORLANDO REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER VICE PRESIDENT, ORLANDO HEALTH

O

hme Entin serves as chief operating officer of Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Orlando Health and home to the area’s only Level One Trauma Center.

In this role, Entin is instrumental in driving the operational performance and executing strategic initiatives for the 808-bed hospital located in the heart of downtown Orlando. As one of the largest tertiary facilities in the region, Orlando Health ORMC sees more than 85,000 patients per year.

Prior to this role, Entin served as the president of Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, where she made history as the first Black woman ever to lead an Orlando Health hospital. During her tenure there, Entin was responsible for leading strategic and operational direction for the 84-bed hospital, rapidly elevating it after acquisition to the high standards of an Orlando Health facility. She also made her mark expertly guiding the hospital through the many challenges of the pandemic and navigating a transformational conversion to a new comprehensive health record system. Entin also previously served as chief operating officer of the 285-bed Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.

Highly regarded for her approachable leadership style and success in boosting team member engagement, Entin’s contributions resulted in both Orlando Health St. Cloud and Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips being named for the first time as Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare, a significant achievement in the healthcare industry. Entin is known throughout Orlando Health as a champion for promoting the organization’s culture of caring for and about each other.

Ohme holds a master’s degree in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Rutgers University. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

A native of New Jersey, Entin lives in Orlando with her husband, Hindolo, and two daughters, Zaria-Grace and Nova.

S

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from.

The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.”

– OPRAH WINFREY

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FOUNDER, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNITED FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

andra Fatmi-Hall is the founder, CEO, and executive director of the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. (UFCF), a 501c3 public foundation formed with love on February 14, 2014, to "empower communities one family at a time, using a holistic approach." Fatmi-Hall has more than 25 years of experience in leadership, Finance, Marketing, and Business Development. She collaborated with a professional group of loyal, dedicated individuals to form UFCF to bridge the gaps through programs that aid in job training, housing, addressing food insecurities, utilities, childcare, and afterschool enrichment and mentoring programs, to name a few. Through the commitments of Fatmi-Hall's team, her foundation has amassed $4,907,965.00 in economic impact on the Central Florida community, yielded from 49,080 hours of volunteerism and programming hours.

Her dynamic, practical, results-driven leadership continues to enhance the community. On December 6, 2022, for the second time in five years, Fatmi-Hall was voted in as the 2023 president of the Pine Hills Community Council (The oldest advocacy organization for the 78,000-plus residents of Pine Hills).

She created an after-school enrichment and mentoring program, the Future Leaders United (FLU) Program, which is her pride and joy. Working diligently to empower the youth through creating new opportunities, she has proudly graduated 180 students, with 168 pursuing degrees in higher education, 10 enrolling in the military, and two in the workforce and vocational/trade school. FLU has a 100% success rate with students that complete the program. FLU has seven target pillars, all focused on the holistic development of a child. Under Fatmi-Hall's leadership and with the support of her board of directors, junior board of directors, and dedicated community partners, students in the FLU Program have received more than $180,000.00 in educational scholarships.

Over the past nine years, Fatmi-Hall has received more than 47 community service and philanthropic awards. She is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, and married to her best friend, Dennis.

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”

– REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

ONYX MAGAZINE 37

FLORIDA SCOPE

LAW SCHOOL ANNOUNCES CENTER FOR JUSTICE

R

enowned attorney Ben Crump and St. Thomas University College of Law announced Thursday an initiative to prepare new and diverse lawyers to lead the fight for justice.

The Benjamin L. Crump Center for Social Justice at the St. Thomas University College of Law will provide innovative programming, symposia and training to catalyze the next generation of social justice engineers. The Center is initially funded by a $1 million leadership grant from Truist Financial Corporation through its Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at The Winston-Salem Foundation.

Thursday also marked the opening of a $35 million campaign by the College of Law to support ongoing transformative efforts to champion students from traditionally marginalized communities and diversify the legal profession.

Attorney Crump has been a leader in civil rights litigation this century, representing the families of Trayvon Martin, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others, testifying in the United States Congress as well as at the United Nations, and was recognized with accolades on the global stage

by Time magazine. Throughout his career, he has vigorously defended the rights of marginalized people in a wide range of cases including environmental issues, healthcare, intellectual property, and workplace safety. Mr. Crump has been a consistent advocate for access to the courts in all cases irrespective of race, class, or economic status.

“I believe America can be a country that lives up to its ideals, if we work for it,” Crump said. “Lawyers can be the social engineers, using the tools found in the Constitution, to expose the nature and depth of injustices — and to eliminate these injustices through education and advocacy. This Center will serve as a pipeline for historically marginalized students to get

From left to right: STU Board of Trustees Chair John Dooner, STU President David A. Armstrong, J.D., STU College of Law Dean Tamara Lawson, Benjamin L. Crump, EVP at Truist Financial Wendy McSweeney, Herman Russomano, J.D., and Truist South Florida Regional President Tony Coley. Photo and story courtey of The Benjamin L. Crump Center for Social Justice at the St. Thomas University College of Law.

their law degrees and give back to society, following the legacy of my personal hero, Thurgood Marshall.”

The Benjamin L. Crump Center for Social Justice is intentionally located at the St. Thomas University College of Law, one of the nation’s most diverse law schools with established expertise in the areas of civil rights and intercultural human rights consistent with its Catholic mission.

I

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HBCU PRESIDENTS MEET WITH NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR

F

TAMPA’S RIVERWALK LANDS SECOND ON LIST OF BEST

News Channel 8 – Tampa; photos courtesy of The Tampa Riverwalk

THE QUAD

f you’ve ever been to downtown Tampa, you’ve likely come across the city’s signature riverwalk, but now, the scenic path is gaining national recognition as one of the best in America.

After four weeks of online voting, the results are finally in. On Friday, Friends of the Riverwalk announced that the Tampa Riverwalk came in second place behind Detroit’s International Riverwalk on USA Today’s “America’s Top 10 Riverwalks.”

“We’re grateful to everyone who voted and it was truly an honor to be nominated alongside some amazing cities and riverwalks,” MaryBeth Williams, executive director of Friends of the Riverwalk said in a statement.

“Our vision is for the Tampa Riverwalk to be America’s iconic riverwalk and we are on our way to seeing that vision materialize. We hope this inspires people from all over the U.S. to include the Tampa Riverwalk in their travel plans and see for themselves what our amazing our city has to offer.”

Although Tampa Bay was awarded the second-place feat, the riverwalk was up against some tough competition, including the Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky, and Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, which were ranked behind Tampa. Detroit International Riverwalk claimed the No. 1 spot last year in the “10Best Riverwalk readers’ poll” as well.

lorida A&M University (FAMU) President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., was among 18 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) chief executives who met at the White House with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in February. Robinson was the only HBCU president from Florida to attend.

Sullivan met with the HBCU leaders to discuss a range of issues, including partnerships to advance national security, recruitment of graduates from their campuses for national security careers, and campus security, according to the White House. This was the first ever engagement with HBCU leaders by a national security advisor.

HBCU presidents shared their desire to expand partnerships with federal agencies to support groundbreaking research and improve curriculums to meet national security needs. HBCU presidents discussed ongoing work connected to critical national security topics including data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence &

S machine learning, nano-technology, energy systems, and international affairs, the White House announced in a statement.

“I was honored to be among HBCU leaders who were invited to discuss with the National Scurity advisor the vital role of these institutions to provide much needed talent through our academic programs and conduct research in areas critical to the well-being of this nation,” Robinson said of the visit. “Developing strategies to effectively engage our students, faculty and staff will lead to outcomes that advance democracy and freedom around the globe.”

FAMU/Andrew Skerritt

SPECTRUM HIGHLIGHTS BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

B

ethune-Cookman University was among several Historically Black Colleges and Universities to be highlighted in a Black History feature curated by Spectrum News. Anchor Curtis McCloud spoke with the institutions about their past and where they are going. According to McCloud’s article, Historically Black colleges and universities — known as HBCUs — were established in the United States in the 19th century to provide undergraduate and graduate level educational opportunities for people of African descent. Black students were unwelcome at existing public and private institutions of higher education, despite the passing of specific legislation, which resulted in a lack of educational

EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY ADDS EIGHT NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS

opportunities. It is important to chronicle the history. Reports can be found on Spectrum News 13 in Orlando.

takeholders and constituents of Edward Waters University (EWU) have witnessed a period of transformational growth and historic achievement over the past nearly five years in areas ranging from increased philanthropic investment and record student enrollment to greater financial viability and planned or under-construction new campus facilities and capital renovation projects.

At the same time, EWU’s recent upward trajectory has also been marked by significant advancements in another critical area: the establishment of new academic programs.

Accordingly, by the outset of the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year, the university plans to have introduced ten new academic programs to its academic curriculum since 2018, thereby increasing its overall degree offerings by 187.5% to fifteen total. An additional eight new degree programs are currently or slated to be on-boarded at EWU later this year, including six new undergraduate degree offerings and two new graduate degree(s) to include the following: • B.S. in Forensic Science • B.S. in Computer and Information Science; • B.S. in Social Work; • B.S. in Accounting; • B.S. in Public Health; • B.S. in Sports Management; • Nursing Pathways | BS & BSN Program • Master of Public Administration (MPA) • Master of Cyber Security (MS-Cybersecurity) According to Donna H. Oliver, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Edward Waters, these new academic offerings at EWU are not only progressive — in keeping with the Edward Waters ‘Eminence 2025’ strategic plan — they are also distinctive and relevant in that they are strategically focused upon aligning student interest with business, industry, and community work-force needs.

Edward Waters University ONYX MAGAZINE 39

R E A L E S TAT E

THE LONG SE ARCH FEAR OF MISSING OUT ON HOMEOWNERSHIP? READ ON.

T

he biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply: “Two dynamics are keeping existing-home inventory historically low– rate-locked existing homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy.”

Let’s break down these two big issues in today’s housing market.

THE FEAR OF NOT FINDING SOMETHING TO BUY

RATE-LOCKED HOMEOWNERS

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below):

AVERAGE MORTRAGE RATE IS LESS THAN 4% Current FHFA Loans with Mortrage Rate at Time of Origination 40.8% Avarage mortrage rate of all loans: 3,8% 24.4%

Keeping Current Matters

20.1%

The other factor holding back potential sellers is the fear of not finding another home to buy if they move. Worrying about where they’ll go has left many on the sidelines as they wait for more homes to come to the market.

That’s why, if you’re on the fence about selling, it’s important to consider all your options. That includes newly built homes, especially right now when builders are offering concessions like mortgage rate buydowns.

These two issues are keeping the supply of homes for sale lower than pre-pandemic levels. But if you want to sell your house, today’s market is a sweet spot that can work to your advantage. Be sure to work with a local real estate professional to explore the options you have right now, which could include leveraging your current home equity. According to ATTOM: “. . . 48 percent of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the fourth quarter, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by those properties was no more than 50 percent of their estimated market values.”

This could make a major difference when you move. Work with a local real estate expert to learn how putting your equity to work can keep the cost of your next home down.

BOTTOM LINE

≤3%

3.01-4%

4.01-5%

7.1%

7.5%

5.01-6%

>6%

Rate-locked homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy are keeping housing inventory low across the country. But as mortgage rates start to come down this year and homeowners explore all their options, we should expect more homes to come to the market.

ONYX MAGAZINE 41

Tammie F ields

Olive Gaye

NEWS ANCHOR & JUSTICE FOR ALL HOST SPECTRUM NEWS 13

T

ammie Fields is the weekday evening co-anchor at Spectrum News 13. Whether Fields is in the newsroom, anchoring in the field, covering a special report, or writing a weekly A+ Teachers segment, she makes sure to give a voice to those you might not normally hear from.

Fields has been honored by the Associated Press with an individual achievement award for her coverage of the hurricanes in 2004.

In 2005, she earned an award from the American Heart Association for Excellence in Cardiovascular Communications for her “Take It to Heart” segments. In 2009, she was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists for investigative reporting.

In 2020 Fields was named one of Orlando's Women of the Year.

Most recently News 13 was recognized for her “Justice for All: Hate Groups on the Rise" episode with a regional Edward R. Murrow award and a Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists Award.

It is her love of history that shaped her future. She has interviewed white supremacist David Duke and John Paul Rogers, a Central Florida former grand dragon of the United Klans of America who ran for mayor of Lake Wales as well as leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio.

Fields has flown with the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and interviewed former first lady Laura Bush and R&B singer Brian McKnight. She has also had the honor of meeting the late civil rights leader Coretta Scott King and her daughter, the late Yolanda King, at an annual breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Fields serves as the president of the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

She and her husband are active at church where Fields serves as a deaconess and works in the media ministry. She and her husband enjoy camping with their son, visiting historical sites, and attending community events.

F

“In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

42 ONYX MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT GENCARE RESOURCES

or more than 10 years, Olive Gaye has provided focused, decisive, and innovative leadership as founder and president of GenCare Resources. GenCare Resources provides compassionate first-class clinical care to individuals of all ages in Florida. Services are provided both in client homes and her newest commitment to care, within a medical day center (PPEC) for children.

During her tenure as a decorated Human Resource Executive at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority–the managing body for Orlando International Airport–Gaye developed a passion for people, relationships and treating all human beings with dignity and respect regardless of their personal circumstances. This mantra has served as the backdrop of GenCare’s culture in the areas of service.

As an engaged and involved member of the community, Gaye passionately pursues opportunities to give back to the community, which is evidenced by her membership and involvement in more than eight professional organizations, such as Board Leadership Regional Chamber of Commerce, Home Care Association of Florida (HCAF) Region 7 Board of Directors, and All Women Empowered (AWE), among others.

Gaye currently holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College in Florida; and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work as a successful community builder, mover and shaker in the healthcare industry, with her latest recognition as the “Orlando Magazine” Women of the Year 2022.

When Gaye is not actively engaged in business and community-based partnerships, she enjoys the solitude of exploring a well-written novel or writing poetry. Her published work has graced the stages of the Orlando Museum of Art. Among her other passions, Gaye enjoys cooking, traveling, indulging her adventurous palate with a range of exotic foods, and exploring the unique attributes of other cultures.

Gaye has embraced her personal story and leveraged it to help shape the lives of other women who are actively pursuing their dreams and passions as a highly sought-after motivational speaker and storyteller.

“We never know the circumstances in which our life will turn. We certainly don't know all the circumstances that have befallen others.

F or these reasons, we must treat everyone with dignity and respect.”

– OLIVE GAYE

ONYX MAGAZINE 43

Kim M. Johnson

Terri Ann Verschell Graham,Ph.D.

PRESIDENT & CEO FLORIDA IMPACT TO END HUNGER

CAMPUS PRESIDENT, MUELLER CAMPUS INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE

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K

“Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances. You are a child of God. Stand up straight.”

MAYA ANGELOU

44 ONYX MAGAZINE

Kim Johnson photo by Remy M. Pugh

erri A. Graham, Ed.D., serves communities by ensuring access to education. She currently is serving as the first Black campus president at Indian River State College’s Mueller Campus. She is a seasoned leader with more than 28 years of instructional and administrative experience in all sectors of public and higher education.

Graham’s career started by teaching elementary and middle school for five years. She was nominated for teacher of the year numerous times. She then transitioned to higher education, where she held senior-level leadership positions at multiple state colleges. These roles include director of Workforce Development at Florida State College at Jacksonville, dean of Academic Foundations at Seminole State College and executive dean and interim campus president at Valencia College.

In these positions, she utilized her influence to increase retention of minority students and raised thousands of scholarship dollars. She has an extensive background developing and promoting workforce education certificates and degrees for communities.

Graham has a story of resilience that serves as a model for others in her own quest to get an education. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Graham also has a master’s degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Management and Marketing from Rollins College. She holds a doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida.

Graham has mentored countless students and young professionals o n their journeys. She has a spiritual coaching website that focuses on mental and spiritual empowerment and perseverance. She serves on numerous workforce development, chamber of commerce and community boards. Graham is an in-demand speaker for ceremonies and workshops focusing on education, health and personal development.

She has been selected for various awards due to her service, including Exemplary Leader by the International Chair Academy and Woman of Distinction by the Bridges to Success program.

im M. Johnson has spent the last 32 years working on the frontlines of underserved communities in Central Florida, helping to improve the lives of children and families. Johnson’s professional experience includes management, program development, training, teaching, grant writing, and community engagement in social service, schools, university, and nonprofit settings. Working with the community and inspiring young people has always brought her great joy.

Over the years, Johnson has created programs to help first-time youthful offenders, provided workshops for parents with difficult teens, counseled youth struggling to find their way, and helped many community members find resources they need during difficult times.

It was when she began managing the Callahan Neighborhood Center in 2007 where her love of anti-hunger work began. While serving on the board of Florida Impact, she was quickly recognized for her passion and commitment to the community and hired as the Central Florida Project Manager from 2010 until 2017.

During that time, she served on the board of Central Florida Second Harvest Food Bank. Johnson then moved on to work for Orange County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services as their grants, nutrition, education, and community programs manager until she re-joined Florida Impact as president and CEO in January 2021. She currently is the board chair of the University of Central Florida (UCF) Wesley Foundation and board member of the National Education and Empowerment Coalition.

Johnson was born and raised in Great Neck, N.Y., and received a track scholarship to Adelphi University where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work. Johnson is married to Langston Johnson and the proud mother of three amazing daughters Robyn, Renee, and Ryanna. Johnson is a devoted member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando where she serves with passion as the youth director and a proud silver member of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

PHILIPIANS 4:13

ONYX MAGAZINE 45

ONYX READS

SISTER GIRL BOOKS FOR YOU NEXT CLUB MEETING.

BY PATRICIA BROWN DENIS

EARTHA & KITT: A DAUGHTER'S LOVE STORY IN BLACK AND WHITE

By Kitt Shapiro with Patricia Weiss Levy If your mother is famous but you don’t look anything like her, it could make you want to explain the relationship. What winds up being more important than how they look is revealed through the eyes of the only daughter of Eartha Kitt who asks the reader to understand that no one should have to explain their parentage.

ACT LIKE YOU GOT SOME SENSE: AND OTHER THINGS MY DAUGHTERS TAUGHT ME

By Jamie Foxx Stories of women often ignore the influences that men have had on their lives. This is Jamie Foxx’s story of parenting his daughters. Foxx often speaks of his upbringing with fond references to his loving grandparents who raised him. It’s no surprise that he attributes his fatherly guidance as wisdom from his grandmother. You find that he also learns from his own children and considers their relationship the best guide for good parenting.

The forward by his daughter is a peak at the basis of the work.

THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN

By Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray Many major corporations would not be what they are today had it not been for the women who ran them from behind the scenes. This novel is based on the true story of the life of the librarian to the financial maverick JP Morgan’s private collection. She doesn’t take over the place, but her life certainly takes her places. The fact that she gets a referral from the moguls’ nephew is precisely the influence she will need career trajectory. The moment she had prepared for through her personal life that becomes the most interesting circumstance of how she managed to be in their presence in the first place. The best word for the story of Belle da Costa Greene is riveting.

ASSUME NOTHING

By Tanya Selvaratnam As we have faced a national health crisis, isolation, and uncertainty, we have also witnessed a rise in cruelty, and domestic violence. The table of contents for this novel, which is based on a true story of power, corruption, and abuse, begins with the opening chapter called Fairy Tale. As many victims will attest to their experience starting in the same manner.

BLACK CAKE A NOVEL

By Charmaine Wilkerson Wilkerson’s debut novel about a family, a matriarch, and a beloved Caribbean holiday sweet cake. There’s something about dessert and death that brings families together.

HELLO SUNSHINE

By Laura Dave If you have ever had your identity stolen, or wonder about having your accounts hacked this story will cause a pause and ring with familiarity for many of us.

What happens to the character in the struggle to regain her image is the key to making the difference for her world, once managed through social media.

LIVING IN COLOR: WHAT’S FUNNY ABOUT ME

By Tommy Davidson The characters Davidson created on the hit show, In Living Color, make it easy to consider what tales he has from behind the scenes of the show, shared in his book. His take on the experiences that made him funny to millions of viewers of the hit show is worth the read.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

By Bonnie Garmus This is an interesting story of how taking a career of obscurity to a sensation can happen with the proper team. That team has power they don’t always recognize or use. The character Elizabeth Zott has seen herself have a meteoric rise and a plummet to earth that she has to analyze as the premise for the story.

Patricia Brown Denis is an educator and a writer in Tampa, Fla. ONYX MAGAZINE 47

Daralene Jones

Sytia Necole Messer

ANCHOR/REPORTER WFTV-CHANNEL 9

D

aralene Jones is an Emmy award-winning news anchor and investigative reporter at WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando. She anchors the 4 p.m. newscast, alongside Greg Warmoth.

She is the executive producer of the award-winning Ocoee Massacre documentary and Groveland Four: Journey to Exoneration, leading both projects that culminated into specials, airing on WFTV and its streaming platforms. The Ocoee Massacre is now required instruction in Florida schools, thanks to legislation championed by former State Senator Randolph Bracy.

Jones has a reputation for producing in-depth reports, with meticulous detail, focused on major issues. She was lured to journalism through her college newspaper and television station, where her first stories were about health-related matters, which hit close to home because she lost her mother to a brain aneurysm when she was just 8 years old. She was inspired by Ida B. Wells and Ethel Payne. Both journalists were fearless in their pursuit for truth, writing about monumental moments in our nation’s history.

Jones previously worked as a reporter for the NBC-owned and operated television station in Philadelphia, where she was the lead reporter on some of the region’s biggest stories, including the Gov. Chris Christie G.W. Bridge scandal, which gained national attention, the 2013 Oklahoma tornadoes, the D.C. Navy Yard shooting, Boston Marathon bombings, and murder trial of abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell.

She is a community leader and volunteer, serving as a board member for the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, and the Boys and Girls Club. Jones is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, and Florida Executive Women. She is also a frequent guest speaker and moderator.

Jones has lived in New York City, Memphis, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Decatur, Georgia, and Springfield, Illinois. She and her husband have three children and live in the greater Orlando area.

HEAD COACH UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

S

ytia Necole Messer, was born on to the late Stella and E.J. Messer. She is the youngest of eight children. She is a 22-year coaching veteran who won a national title and

appearances as an assistant coach, was named the 13th head women's basketball coach in UCF history on April 3, 2022.

Messer is the head coach of the University of Central Florida women’s basketball team following a stint as associate head coach at Louisiana State University for the 2021-22 season. As an assistant coach at Baylor from 2013-14 through 2020-21, Messer helped lead the Bears to a combined record of 260-23 (.918) in eight seasons, winning eight Big 12 Conference regular-season championships, six conference tournament titles, an NCAA title in 2019, and making six NCAA Elite Eight appearances.

With Messer’s help, Baylor won 32 or more games in each of her

in 2019 and second in 2018. Messer’s eight seasons at Baylor included 23 NCAA Championship victories and at least a tie for the Big 12 regular-season title every year.

Messer got her start in coaching as an assistant coach for two years at Arkansas State in 2000-01 and 2001-02. Other coaching stops for Messer include assistant coaching positions at Memphis (2002-03 and 2003-04) and Georgia Tech twice (2004-05 through 2008-09; 2012-13).

She has been an honorary chair of Habitat for Humanity and she also is a 2012 graduate of the Center for Coaching Excellence. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of the Black Women Coaching Association.

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

IDA B. WELLS

“Courage is the most important of all virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.”

MAYA ANGELOU

48 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX MAGAZINE 49

Lynn Mims

Gwen Myers

PRESIDENT MIMS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

P

resident of Mims Construction Company, Lynn Mims has led one of Orlando’s most notable minority- and woman-owned businesses for nearly 34 years. Mims Construction is a certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise whose award-winning projects are showcased at Disney World and Universal Orlando, as well as stadiums, airports, schools, and a convention center.

Her company’s motto, “Everyone deserves a second opportunity to change. Do not let your past dictate your future,” drives the corporate culture. Mims Construction offers an in-house job creation program and other workforce initiatives, including apprenticeship programs and training.

Mims is passionate about giving people an opportunity to prove they have changed. She hires formerly incarcerated people, helps restore their rights and assists in providing workforce housing.

She has served for more than 18 years on the Orange County Code Enforcement Board, has twice been elected chairman of the Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board, and serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ Housing for All Task Force.

Mims has mentored and assisted many companies seeking to earn minority certifications and secure bid awards, opening the doors of opportunity to other minority- and woman-owned businesses.

She also is passionate about community involvement and support.

Mims is engaged in sponsorship and student involvement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Despite the demands of running a major construction company, she still serves those in need of transportation or food, as well as older adults and people with disabilities.

The proud mother of three beautiful daughters and five grandchildren, Mims is also a godmother to many godsons and goddaughters, who have given her monikers such as Momma Lynn, Auntie Lynn and Boss Lady.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY GOVERNMENT

C

ommissioner Gwen Myers is a native and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County. She was elected to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), District 3 November 2020 and re-elected in November 2022 to serve her constituents for four more years. She serves as the vice chair of the BOCC and has long been an advocate for improving transportation, affordable housing, and healthcare in the county. Myers utilizes the theme, “It’s About the People”.

Myers helped lead the county through the COVID-19 crisis during the height of the pandemic, working with the community and local churches ensuring that African Americans had access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Since being sworn into office, Myers continues to work hard fulfilling her campaign promise, “It’s About the People.” As part of her duties as a county commissioner, she serves on numerous boards and councils including as chair of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board, the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Board, the Environmental Protection Commission, the Florida State Fair Authority, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board, and as Chair of the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization Board.

She also advocates for minority and small businesses with the county’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program, fought for gun violence prevention initiatives, led the county with the new construction of an African American Arts and Cultural Center, and is currently working to expand opportunities for minorities to serve on county boards and councils.

Myers has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). She is married to Randolph T. Myers, Sr., and has one adult stepson.

“Somewhere along the way we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others.”

“It's About the P eople.”

GWEN MYERS

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

50 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX MAGAZINE 51

ONYX ON THE MOVE

T T

COMMUNITY HERO

he Tampa Bay Lightning honored Samuel Lamar Wright, Sr. as the Lightning Community Hero this evening during the first period of tonight's game against the Colorado Avalanche.

Wright, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, presented by Jabil, will donate the money to Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc./GuideRight Foundation, Tampa Black Heritage Festival, CDC of Tampa Bay, Voice the Movement, and the NAACP/The Tides Foundation. Dr. Wright, a member of ONYX Magazine’s Advisory Committee, is a well-known community activist and public servant who has been influential in numerous ways to better African American students and the Tampa Bay community. He has spent 27 years working in various roles at University of South Florida, where he has used his leadership roles to advise student organizations about diversity and urged their involvement in communities of color. His work has directly led to a diversification in roles not only at USF but throughout our community.

T

VALENTINE’S DAY BIRTHDAY PARTY

he seniors of West Lakes community in Orlando really know how to throw a party! Each Valentine’s Day, they gather for food, dancing and a great time at the L. Claudia Allen Center in Orlando. They also always have cake and balloons in celebration of ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black, who was born on the day of love!

52 ONYX MAGAZINE

O Founded in 1870, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the longest standing, and most important African American churches in Tampa, is now a part of Soulwalk. Photo courtesy of City of Tampa.

a city that honors its history, a city that is not afraid to confront its challenges of the past, and a city that highlights the Black voice and the accomplishments that helped shape our community.” Brown is the Multicultural Business Development executive at Visit Tampa Bay. The Soul Walk is scheduled to open in 2024.

HIGHWAYMEN HISTORY

SIXTH ANNUAL COLLARD GREEN FESTIVAL

TAMPA LAUNCHES THE SOUL WALK

ampa Mayor Jane Castor and other city leaders launched an exhibit called, Soul Walk in February to highlight African American contributions from the past to the present. The walkable exhibit spans 46 miles and 25 neighborhoods within the city of Tampa. Along the routes, visitors can take in nearly 100 stops from lenticular prints at the Perry Harvey Sr. Park to historical landmarks, churches, and murals that highlight the Black communities. ONYX Magazine’s 2019 Women on the Move honoree Sherri Brown said, “this walk will be attributed to the people who built this great city and to the challenges that they overcome,” she said. “The Soul Walk represents

BE A PART OF

NYX Magazine joined the sixth annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCFG) in St. Petersburg in February. TBCGF Inc. engages the community by hosting the Publix 2023 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival in partnership with the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum. Collard green festivals are on the rise nationwide, however, this one has a unique twist! From fresh produce, plant cultivation, exploring diverse cooking methods, to dietary enlightenment and so much more, TBCGF embodies a communal and holistic focus toward living healthier lifestyles. Also, the streets around the festival were lined with vendors selling their products. The photo shows festival founders Boyzell Hosey and Samantha Harris; and vendor Howard Gunn.

Order your Florida Highwaymen Specialty License Plate Voucher

www.flhsmv.gov Proceeds from the sales of Highwayment specialty license plates will help fund the construction of the Highwaymen Museum and African-American Cultural Center, as well as art education projects in St. Lucie County.

W E A LT H & F I N A N C E Invest Windfalls: Invest any unexpected cash, such as bonuses or tax refunds, and make your money work harder for you.

If you find yourself with significant new assets, such as an inheritance, a CFP® professional can help you make the most of your good fortune.

Review Your Retirement Plans: The new year may bring changes such as buying a home, updating a will or navigating a higher tax bracket. A CFP® professional can provide a new year review to keep your retirement plans on track no matter where you are in your working life.

Plan Your Tax Payments: Consider paying estimated taxes throughout the year to avoid a large tax bill in April. Estimated tax payments can be especially helpful for contract workers or freelancers who don’t have taxes taken out of their pay automatically.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information about financial planning and how to find a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional near you.

“The new year is a great time to review your strategies for smart spending and saving so you can weather whatever the future has in store.”

IS A DEBT-FREE LIFE POSSIBLE? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

WELCOMING WEALTH in 2023

SPENDING AND SAVING STRATEGIES FOR 2023 The past few years have upended many perceptions of financial stability. A layoff or career change, inflation never before seen by younger generations and the lingering uncertainty of the pandemic might have thrown off your financial planning.

The new year is a great time to review your strategies for smart spending and saving so you can weather whatever the future has in store.

Financial planning professionals suggest that you start by creating a budget.

Online trackers such as Mint.com can help you understand your spending.

Also, reviewing your expenses with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ 54 ONYX MAGAZINE

professional is a great way to get a handle on spending smart today while saving for tomorrow.

Try these tips for saving and spending in 2023: Use Credit Responsibly: Pay off credit cards each month, if possible, to avoid accumulating debt and build good credit.

Set Up Automatic Savings: You can do this through your bank and via your employer’s payroll. Use the new year to take a fresh look at the savings options through your employer, including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which can be carried over from one year to the next.

In margin: Stories by NewsUSA

IT’S NOT TOO LATE IN 2023 TO GET YOUR NEW YEAR’S FINANCIAL PLAN TOGETHER. THESE THREE STORIES SHOW YOU HOW TO HAVE FINANCIAL PEACE.

"To say we were disorganized is putting it mildly."

Like so many Americans, they didn't have a plan for their money.

The problem is often not how much money a family makes, but that they have no idea what they're spending it on. Seventy-eight percent of fulltime workers say they live paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent report from CareerBuilder. Worse, most feel it will always be that way. But it doesn't have to be.

Financial experts agree that the best way to break the vicious cycle of scrambling to make ends meet is by having a written budget and sticking to it.

Leslie heard about a website, EveryDollar.com and the EveryDollar budgeting app that makes it simple to create a budget, manage money, and track spending. They signed up, set up their budget, and they've stuck to it for years. "We paid off $165,000 in debt since we got started. Now we're in a position to be completely debt-free, including our house and rental property, in the next three years."

The "B" word has gotten a bad rap. Budgeting sounds hard. It sounds restricting. Frankly, it sounds boring. But people who've made budgeting the center of their financial behavior have discovered quite the opposite. The technology behind apps like EveryDollar make budgeting easy.

Rather than feeling restricted, they say it feels as if they have permission to spend - just not permission to waste.

Sierra was surprised by how much having a budget changed her attitude.

She's a single mother whose bills include daycare, rent, and student loans.

"I felt so far behind every month, and things seemed hopeless," she says.

"Now, I keep track of every dollar, and the numbers are right in front of me.

I'm getting ahead instead of falling behind. Every month I feel more confident that I can wipe out the debt that's been so stressful."

Sierra and Leslie empowered themselves to take control of their money.

You can, too. Creating a budget and sticking to it could change your life and help you take control of your money in the new year.

EveryDollar is a free budget app that allows users to create customized

monthly budgets, and seamlessly track expenses, income and savings from the convenience of their computer and phone. It's available for both iOS and Android devices.

EveryDollar launched in March 2015 and now has more than three million users.

Learn more by visiting www.everydollar.com.

HOW FINANCIAL PLANNERS CAN ADVANCE EQUALITY

Financial planning is about helping individuals and families make sound financial decisions that enable them to achieve their life goals. When financial planners provide these services to diverse clients, they help bridge the gaps between different communities.

A growing body of research shows that minority communities in the United States are both increasing in size and building greater wealth. However, studies have also found persistent racial gaps in wealth, financial literacy and access to or use of professional financial advice.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has found, for example, that African American and Hispanic individuals tend to score lower on financial literacy tests than Asian American and white test takers. African American and Hispanic adults are also more likely to experience unexpected drops in income, be unbanked or underbanked, and have difficulty making ends meet or saving for future expenses, according to FINRA. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals play a vital role in helping to close those gaps. CFP® professionals guide clients through building wealth, managing financial challenges and securing their families’ financial futures. Depending on the client, that work could be as simple as helping a family create and stick to a monthly budget, or as complex as developing a diversified investment strategy to save for retirement. In either case, a CFP® professional helps their clients build financial knowledge along with their wealth — both of which can lead to greater equality among diverse communities.

Thousands of CFP® professionals around the country also partner with organizations that provide free, quality personal financial advice to individuals who cannot otherwise access financial planning services. The Foundation for Financial Planning, for example, connects volunteer financial planners with individuals and families in need through a variety of programs. These programs provide the many benefits of financial planning to people who might not be able to afford professional financial advice, those who live in an underserved community or those who have other personal challenges.

CFP® professionals help to promote financial literacy and awareness of financial planning within their communities, too. Many of them share this knowledge by participating in community events or by leading workshops or other educational programming at community centers. One program offered by Rock the Street, Wall Street has enlisted CFP® professional volunteers to provide financial literacy and investment instruction to high school girls and to encourage them to consider financial services careers.

With a career as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, you can help improve people’s financial lives and make a real difference in your community. To learn more about what financial planners do and the benefits of a financial planning career, visit CFP.net to download CFP Board’s free “Guide to Careers in Financial Planning.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 55

DawnOfodile

JoJo O’Neal RADIO PERSONALITY/COMMUNITY ADVOCATE STAR 94.5 - ORLANDO’S ONLY R&B

REGIONAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER VYSTAR CREDIT UNION

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awn Ofodile is the regional community engagement manager at VyStar Credit Union, the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida with more than 860,000 members and assets of over $13 billion. Ofodile joined VyStar’s Community Engagement team in 2022 and manages the organization’s community partnerships, sponsorships and donations, and volunteer engagement across nine counties in Central Florida, with an emphasis on organizations that support veterans/active-duty military, youth, and community-building. Since joining VyStar, Ofodile has worked alongside the Community Engagement team in service of VyStar’s purpose to Do Good. She has been instrumental in the credit union’s growth into the Central Florida market, leading the execution of several new initiatives, identifying key partners for strategic multiyear partnerships, and increasing visibility and brand awareness.

Prior to joining VyStar, Ofodile served as Fifth Third Bank’s Community & Economic Development Relationship Manager, and before that she was the community relations manager at the University of Central Florida. Over the years, she has held communications and sales and development positions in both the private and non-profit sectors in Orlando, New Orleans, and Chicago.

Ofodile has served on boards and committees for several local organizations, including the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, Orlando Economic Partnership, Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Winter Park, Winter Park Housing Authority, United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Orlando Leadership Council, Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, the City of Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Town & Gown Council. She is in Leadership Orlando Class 104, and is a graduate of Leadership Winter Park, Leadership West Orange, Connect DTO, and Athena NextGen. Ofodile grew up in historic Tuskegee, Alabama., and has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Loyola University and master’s degree in Public Administration from Bernard M. Baruch College.

She currently resides in beautiful Winter Park, Florida., with her husband, Bryan, and son, Brody.

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"Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way."

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON

oJo O’Neal is a proud Central Floridian born and raised in Deland, Fla. O’Neal studied Radio/Television Broadcasting at the University of Central Florida and has been a full-time radio personality since 1984. She also works part-time in Broadcast Operations as a technical operator at WFTV Channel 9 Orlando, an ABC affiliate.

What’s so amazing about O’Neal’s radio career is that although she has worked at several radio stations with different programming formats (including Kid’s Radio where she hosted a nationwide show), her entire career has been based out of Central Florida.

Known for her fun-loving, playful personality and genuine love for people, O’Neal’s “girl-next-door” on-air delivery has garnered her thousands of not only radio, but also social media fans.

O’Neal has worked as an influencer for clients such as Disney, BET, OWN, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Tamron Hall Show, Denny’s and more. She’s also a freelance voice actor, lending her vocals to tv and radio commercials, instructional videos, web projects, and more worldwide.

O’Neal believes in staying busy as she completed training and in March of 2022, passed the Florida Real Estate Exam. She is now a licensed real estate associate.

After an asthma diagnosis in 2004, O’Neal created the Let’s Kick Asthma Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization that educates, inspires, and supports asthma patients, encouraging them to live healthier lives by exploring ways to control the symptoms.

O’Neal has a history in dance (ballet, jazz, tap, modern, praise), and was a former junior high, high school, and college majorette, and competitive baton twirler. She offers free baton twirling lessons to any young person who’s interested in learning.

In her limited free time, O’Neal enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, reading, and riding motorcycles.

Spiritually grounded, O’Neal is a commissioned Stephen Minister, trained in Christian caregiving, and draws on her faith to face life’s challenges.

"Somewhere along the way we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

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ONYX MAGAZINE 57

Sherry Paramore

Sharon Y. Riley

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

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S

herry Paramore currently serves as vice president for Institutional Advancement at Bethune-Cookman University, a Historically Black University (HBCU) located in Daytona Beach, Fla. In her role, Paramore is responsible for developing strategic philanthropic partnerships to support the University’s students, faculty, staff, and campus initiatives. Prior to joining B-CU, Paramore was president of ELEVATE Orlando. The Central Florida non-profit organization equips and empowers underserved youth with in-school instruction, 24/7 mentoring, and post-secondary preparation.

Like many students at Bethune-Cookman and ELEVATE, Paramore is a graduate of the historic Jones High School and a first-generation college student. Her life experiences allow her to shape the lives of students and prepare them for thriving futures.

Paramore holds her B.A. in Political Science from Bethune-Cookman College, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the University Central Florida Public Affairs doctoral program.

With a laser focus on attaining educational equity for lower-income students, Paramore’s research garnered national attention and was recently featured in the “Washington Post.” The Late John Lewis once said, “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.”

Paramore feels fortunate to have a 30-year career providing leadership to local non-profit organizations that advocate for better futures for our youth. Creating systemic change gives students equal access to higher education which is crucial to empowering students to succeed, build careers and reinvest in their communities.

Paramore’s passion in life is community service, and she serves in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Metro Orlando Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, Orlando (FL) Chapter, YMCA Roper Board, Central Florida Women’s League, an ELEVATE Orlando Board member, and a member of Florida Executive Women. Paramore is married to Mike, and they have one handsome son, Mikey.

PASTOR AGAPE PERFECTING PRAISE AND WORSHIP CENTER

“Live with passion. Live with enthusiasm. Live your best life.”

LAILAH GIFTY AKITA

astor Sharon Riley matriculated through the Orange County Public School System, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Divinity at the Grace School of Theology in The Woodlands, Texas. She received an honorary doctorate degree in Divinity from St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, Fla. In 1998, Riley began to carry out the call that God had placed on her life by leading a group of seven people in the establishment of the Agape Perfecting Praise and Worship Center, a non-denominational, cross-cultural, congregation in Orlando. She has served as the senior pastor at Agape since its inception and has led the congregation in the acquisition of properties in both Orange County and the City of Orlando.

Riley has served as a guest lecturer at Faith Christian University in Orlando, is a United Way Reading Pals volunteer, holds certificates in Biblical and Grief Counseling, is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, is the former managing editor of “GospelNOW Christian Lifestyle Magazine,” and is also an executive board member of Central Florida’s African American Council of Christian Clergy.

She is an Orange County Public Schools Leadership Orange graduate, an Orange County Citizens on Patrol Academy graduate, a Valencia College Peace and Justice Institute Teachers Academy participant, a two-term mayoral appointee to the Orange County Sheriff’s Citizens Advisory Board, a mayoral appointee to the City of Orlando’s Redistricting Advisory Board, and an advisory board member for the African American Women’s History Month Project.

Riley is the recipient of numerous commendations for her engagement in social and civic affairs, an itinerant minister, motivational speaker, and published author and editor with contributions to the anthology of sermons entitled, “These Sisters Can Say It,” and the newly released book, “If Pews Could Talk.”

Pastor Riley and the members of Agape Perfecting Praise & Worship were instrumental in assisting residents who were negatively impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

"F aith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing shall be impossible."

DR. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE

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ONYX MAGAZINE 59

COMMUNITY

E N T E R TA I N I N G

CENTER BRINGS WELLNESS

ENTERTAIN IN STYLE

TO WEST LAKES COMMUNITY

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I

Below are some additional facts:

WHO IT SERVES The five historically African American neighborhoods that make up the Communities of West Lakes in Orlando’s 32805 ZIP Code. The area is located West of Orange Blossom Trail, East of John Young Parkway, and South of Colonial / SR 50 near the Camping World Stadium. Note: A membership is not required. Anyone can access the center.

BACK TO BASICS. Staying organized is key while entertaining guests in your home. Try to plan out every detail before the big event, which can allow things to go more smoothly on the big day. As you think out your plan ahead of time, making lists can be a helpful way to stay organized and ensure you get everything done. List out your guests, what needs to be picked up from the store and possible decorations you might need to buy or craft yourself. The possibilities can seem endless, but it’s important to have a plan in place before you start putting things together.

KEY FEATURES

• Floor 1. Legacy Café, Florida Blue Center Orlando West Lakes, West Lakes Financial Wellbeing Center, event and gathering spaces • Floor 2. An approximately 8,000square-foot, comprehensive healthcare center by the anchor tenant Community Health Centers Inc., as well as offices occupied by neighborhood partners, such as Lift Orlando and ELEVATE Orlando

WHY THE CENTER IS IMPORTANT A ZIP Code is the No. 1 predictor of life outcomes; currently, 32805 is identified by the US Department of Agriculture as a food desert and is the most distressed ZIP code in Central Florida, lacking vital resources needed for consumers and businesses.

• The center will create approximately 40 full-time equivalent jobs • Community Health Centers, Inc. to provide pediatrics, family medicine, behavioral health, women’s services, and a low-cost pharmacy •

The center’s convenient location makes it easy for residents to connect vital resources without leaving the community they call home

THINK ABOUT THEME. There are numerous ways your style can be shown while entertaining. One way is to pick a theme or theme-related food dishes. One way to show your theme is through decorations. Placing them throughout your home can give the party some life and help guests get into the overall theme of the party.

From left to right: Pat Geraghty, Dr. Debra Andree, Yamile Luna, Rich Black, Eddy Moratin, Terry Prather, Tom Sittema, Lainie Fox Ackerman, Kennth D. Robinson.

•

The Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center is a major part of the $100M Lift Orlando campus that was created to reverse the years of economic and health resource divestment in the area

•

PROVIDING A NEW APPROACH TO COMMUNITY HEALTH Scenarios that will soon be made possible because of the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center: • Faye and Eric, parents of two grade-school children, no longer have to take their children to an ER for minor injuries now with easy access to a comprehensive healthcare center via Community Health Centers, Inc. • Althea, a 75-year-old retiree,

•

can more easily navigate the insurance industry and enjoy community walks and wellness classes through the Florida Blue Center Orlando West Lakes.

Shawn, a recent UCF graduate, accesses the Financial Wellbeing Center to learn how to responsibly pay off his college debt and utilize the Small Business Institute to launch his startup.

Cari and John, College Park residents, drive to the Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center to meet their friends and colleagues for lunch at Legacy Café.

For more information, visit HeartofWestLakes.com.

Story by Lift Orlando.

LIGHT UP THE PARTY. Transforming your home can be made simpler by changing the lighting.

It’s typical for lights to be dimmed for parties to set a more relaxed mood.

Other ideas include using candles, lamps or even hanging lanterns if you are entertaining outside. Make sure it’s bright enough so everyone can see, but dimmed enough to set the mood for the evening’s events.

SET THE MOOD WITH MUSIC. Pick music that matches your theme and inspires that same feel throughout the house. If you’re going for a fun, energetic atmosphere, try something with a quick tempo, such as pop. If you’re wanting to relax, go for subtler, soothing tones. Try making your playlist before you entertain and listen to it a few times through, that way you can know what to expect and how guests will react to your music selections.

ENJOY IT. Through all the anxiety and stress of entertainment planning, make sure you take time to enjoy yourself during the time guests are in your home.

Some guests will notice if you’re not having a good time. Smile and remember to be present in the moment.

YUMMY FRUIT PUNCH Summertime is right around the corner. Soon, you will be planning backyard barbeques and indoor gatherings. Here is a quick, yummy punch that can spice up your event. This version skips the alcoholic libation, but your favorite rum or another dark liquor would step it up a notch.

In margin: Family Features

O

rlando nonprofit Lift Orlando hosted a beautiful ribbon-cutting celebration for its Heart of West Lakes Wellness Center. The $13.5M, 30,000-square-foot health and wellness center is located on 3.8 acres at 710. S. Tampa Ave — just outside of downtown Orlando in The Communities of West Lakes. It features first-class amenities including Legacy Café and gathering spaces, a Financial Wellbeing Center, Florida Blue Center Orlando West Lakes, and outdoor green spaces. The second floor will feature an approximately 8,000-squarefoot healthcare center operated by Community Health Centers, Inc. “Everyone is working together for the people. You can’t find this anywhere in the nation — where big conglomerates work together for the people,” said Rich Black, the president of Lake Sunset Homeowners Association and the publisher of ONYX Magazine. Terry Prather, senior advisor at Life Orlando echoed the sentiment. “None of this happens without a million miracles aligning.”

Lift Orlando's state-of-the-art center will officially open in early spring 2023. The facility will provide muchneeded resources to Orlando’s 32805 ZIP Code after decades of disinvestment and offer residents holistic health, financial, and wellness services currently not accessible to the community. The center will provide 40 full-time equivalent positions. The facility is owned by West Lakes HWC, Inc., a nonprofit supporting organization of Lift Orlando.

“Today is just the beginning of a series of celebrations. This place was first and foremost for and about the residents of our community. We want it to be a neighborhood's living room,” said Eddy Moratin, the president of Lift Orlando.

t’s never too early to plan ahead, especially when you are expecting guests in your home. Your family and friends know and might love your style, but it can be important to spice things up now and again to impress your visitors. Factors such as lights, music and food can affect your guests experience in your home.

To remain stylish and keep your party going, consider these tips for fun and festive home entertaining.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 4 cups cranberry juice (use cranberry raspberry juice, if desired) • 2 cups pineapple juice • 1/2 can frozen lemonade concentrate or limeade concentrate • 4 cups ginger ale • 3 cups ice cubes (optional) • lemon slices or lime slices, and fresh berries for garnish

• Combine the cranberry juice, pineapple juice, frozen concentrate, ginger ale and ice cubes in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

• Add the ice (between 2 and 4 cups of ice is best).

• Add some lemon or lime slices and some fresh or frozen berries.

• Serve.

Notes

ONYX MAGAZINE 61

Tempress (Tee) Solomon

Ethel Isaacs Williams, J.D. PRESIDENT THE LINKS, INCORPORATED

PRESIDENT, FLORIDA STATE COALITION OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC. NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC.

T

I

empress (Tee) Solomon is the president of the Florida State Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and also the national vice-chair of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. She is a resident of Tampa.

Solomon is a retired high school administrator, educator, and former business owner who is listed in Who’s Who for Business and Professional Women. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida and Nova Southeastern University.

Prior to retirement, in Washington, D.C., Solomon received the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Florida “A.P. Administrator of the Year” award for her success with a minority, male mentoring program at her high school.

Her presence in the local community is prevalent. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she has received the “Soror of the Year” award. She is co-chairing the 2023 Top Ladies of Distinction’s (TLOD) 41st Area IV Leadership Conference. A member of College Hill COGIC, she has chaired the annual Collegiate Day program for 12 years. She is a past recipient of The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs Unsung Hero award. In 2019, she was honored to receive the Hidden Gems, Women of Influence, and the Zetas’ Community SHERO awards.

A board member of the Hillsborough C.O.S.W, Solomon also enjoys traveling, shopping, and assisting the elderly. She has also authored a book titled “Deeply Rooted.”

Solomon is the widow of the late Mr. C. L. Solomon and the proud mother of three adult children and one grandson. She is proud of her three children: an anchor/reporter for KSDK news, a senior analyst for a corporate financial firm, and a city operations manager. She has five siblings and is the daughter of the late James & Edna Gavin.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto You.” GOLDEN RULE, MATTHEW 7:12

n July 2022, West Palm Beach native Ethel Isaacs Williams was elected as national president during The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation’s 43rd National Assembly. She has more than 30 years of legal and corporate experience, active volunteerism, and an inner spirit to help those who cannot help themselves. As the national president, she has pledged to lead with consistent values and a contemporary vision to realize an even greater impact in the communities where we live and serve. Her work and dedication to the community are profiles of purpose and she has a wealth and breadth of experience.

She is a servant leader with a love for people and whose passion for service is evident by numerous board commitments, including serving as the past chair of The Quantum Foundation, a $190 million healthcare conversion foundation, former chair of the Boca Raton (FL) Chamber of Commerce, currently serving on the Board of Trustees of Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Discover the Palm Beaches, and recent election to the corporate board of Chatham Lodging Trust, to name a few.

As National President of The Links, Incorporated, Williams's focus is on continuing the amazing 76-year legacy of friends transforming communities through service. For such a time as this, she is firmly committed to ensuring the cultural, education and economic survival and success of African Americans and those of African descent.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from George Washington University and her Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University School of Law where she was on International Law Review and studied abroad in Paris, France, and Cambridge, England. As a licensed attorney, she has worked for both large and small firms, including her own practice, the Law Office of Isaacs Williams, P.A. Williams is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is married to her loving and supportive husband, Clarence D. Williams, III. She is a mother, sister, mentor, and friend.

“If one [has] courage, nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

MAYA ANGELOU

62 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX MAGAZINE 63

C O M M E N TA RY BLACK HISTORY AND BLACK STRUGGLE

WHY AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES? F

lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ disdain for “woke ideology” is on full display.

The opening days of Black History Month 2023 coincided with controversy about the teaching and broader meaning of African American studies.

On Feb. 1, 2023, the College Board released a revised curriculum for its newly developed Advanced Placement African American studies course.

Critics have accused the College Board of caving to political pressure stemming from conservative backlash and the decision of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to ban the course from public high schools in Florida because of what he characterized as its radical content and inclusion of topics such as critical race theory, reparations and the Black Lives Matter movement.

On Feb. 11, 1951, an article by the 82-yearold Black scholar-activist W.E.B. Du Bois titled “Negro History Week” appeared in the shortlived New York newspaper “The Daily Compass.”

As one of the founders of the NAACP in 1909 and the editor of its powerful magazine “The Crisis,” Du Bois is considered by historians 64 ONYX MAGAZINE

BY CHAD WILLIAMS and intellectuals from many academic disciplines as America’s preeminent thinker on race.

His thoughts and opinions still carry weight throughout the world.

Du Bois’s words in that 1951 article are especially prescient today, offering a reminder about the importance of Black history and what is at stake in current conversations about African American studies.

Du Bois began his “Daily Compass” commentary by praising Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, who established Negro History Week in 1926. The week would eventually become Black History Month.

Du Bois described the annual commemoration as Woodson’s “crowning achievement.”

Woodson was the second African American to earn a doctorate in history from Harvard University. Du Bois was the first.

Du Bois and Woodson did not always see eye to eye. However, as I explore in my new book, “The Wounded World: W.E.B. Du Bois

and the First World War,” the two pioneering scholars always respected each other.

RECKONING WITH HISTORY AND RECLAIMING THE PAST Du Bois’s connection to and appreciation of Negro History Week grew during the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s. During this time, whether in public speeches or published articles, he never missed an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of Negro History Week.

In the Feb. 11, 1951, article, Du Bois reflected that his own contributions to Negro History Week “lay in my long effort as a historian and sociologist to make America and Negroes themselves aware of the significant facts of Negro history.”

Summarizing his work from his first book, “The Suppression of the African Slave-Trade,” published in 1896, through his magnum opus “Black Reconstruction in America,” published in 1935, Du Bois told readers of the Daily Compass piece that much of his career was spent trying

This story has been republished through a creative commons license with The Conversation

W.E.B. DU BOIS’S THOUGHTS ON TEACHING BLACK HISTORY STILL RESONATE TODAY.

W.E.B. Du Bois

Carter G. Woodson

“to correct the distortion of history in regard to Negro enfranchisement.”

By doing so, the nation would hopefully become, Du Bois wrote further, “conscious that this part of our citizenry were normal human beings who had served the nation credibly and were still being deprived of their credit by ignorant and prejudiced historians.”

In addition to championing Negro History Week, Du Bois applauded other Black scholars, like E. Franklin Frazier, Charles Johnson and Shirley Graham, who were “steadily attacking” the omissions and distortions of Black people in school textbooks.

Du Bois went on to chronicle the achievements of African Americans in science, religion, art, literature and the military, making clear that Black people had a history to be proud of.

Du Bois, however, questioned what deeper meaning these achievements held to the issues facing Black people in the present.

“What now does Negro History Week stand for?” he asked in the 1951 article. “Shall American Negroes continue to learn to be ‘proud’ of themselves, or is there a higher broader aim for their research and study?”

“In other words,” he asserted, “as it becomes more universally known what Negroes contributed to America in the past, more must logically be said and taught concerning the future.”

The time had come, Du Bois believed, for African Americans to stop striving to be merely “the equal of white Americans.”

Black people needed to cease emulating the worst traits of America–flamboyance, individualism, greed and financial success at any cost– and support labor unions, Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial struggle.

He especially encouraged the systematic study of the imperial and economic roots of racism: “Here is a field for Negro History Week.”

Looking ahead, Du Bois declared that if Negro History Week remained “true to the ideals of Carter Woodson” and followed “the logical development of the Negro Race in America,” it would not confine itself to the study of the past nor “boasting and vainglory over what we have accomplished.”

“It will not mistake wealth as the measure of America, nor big-business and noise as World Domination,” Du Bois wrote in his article.

Instead, Du Bois believed Negro History Week would “concentrate on study of the present,” “not be afraid of radical literature” and, above all else, advocate for peace and voice “eternal opposition against war between the white and colored peoples of the earth.”

Were he alive today, Du Bois would certainly have much to say about current debates around the teaching of African American history and the larger significance of African American studies. Du Bois died on Aug. 27, 1963, in Accra, Ghana.

But he left behind his clairvoyant words that remind us of the connections between African American studies and movements for Black liberation, along with how the teaching of African American history has always challenged racist and exclusionary narratives of the nation’s past.

Du Bois also reminds us that Black History Month is rooted in a legacy of activism and resistance, one that continues in the present.

FLORIDA GOVERNOR REJECTS AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Naples.

Photo courtesy of the State of Florida.

In January, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration blocked a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies from being taught in high schools, saying it violates state law and is historically inaccurate. The state education department rejected the program in a letter to the College Board, which oversees AP classes.

Florida education officials did not specify exactly what content the state found objectionable but said, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”

In February, DeSantis said he may propose eliminating the College Board’s Advanced Placement classes from Florida schools, threatening an escalation of a weeks-long public feud between the governor and the educational group over content of its classes DeSantis has blasted as “woke” indoctrination. This story is ongoing.

ONYX MAGAZINE 65

ONYX PROFILE

SMART TIPS

KEEP YOUR CAR SAFER d THE ROAD LONGER n ON a

F

or many people, cars are huge, long-term investments second only to homes. Many are looking for ways to keep their cars on the road longer and make them safer to continue to serve their needs for years to come. Many women look to men to keep the cars up to date, but these simple tips are for everybody. No matter what or where you drive, you can keep your current vehicle looking and performing its best with this advice inspired by eBay Motors’ Parts of America tour, a cross-country tour exploring unique car cultures across America.

NEW LOOK, NEW RIDE One way to breathe new life into your ride is to take it to the next level aesthetically. With enthusiast communities growing around nearly every make and model of vehicle, it is easy to find parts to make your vision a reality. One of the most eye-catching additions is a new set of wheels, and there are thousands of brands, styles and sizes to choose from for every car. The addition of front, side and rear aerodynamics kits, such as front splitters or rear spoilers, can give any ride that athletic look. Upgrading stock headlight and taillight units–many fitted with high-visibility LEDs–has never been easier.

UPGRADE YOUR TECH Safety and creature comforts alike can add to your enjoyment of your vehicle, even if you have been driving it for several years. Many cars can be updated with the latest and greatest features available in new rides, including high-tech infotainment equipped with digital assistants, front and rear cameras, parking sensors, blind spot warning and even collision avoidance systems.

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NATIONAL BLACK CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIRES If it is time to trade in your tires, take the time to learn what options are available for your vehicle. For those in fair weather states, summer performance tires offer the best possible fuel efficiency all year round. Families living in milder states with occasional snow may consider all-season tires that trade efficiency for safety on a variety of surfaces. Finally, when it comes to driving in a winter wonderland, there is no substitute for specialized rubber and tread patterns – purchase a dedicated set of snow tires to ensure you’re safe all winter long. No matter your situation, a new set of tires can maximize safety and extend the life of your car.

PAULA HOISINGTON

POWER AND PERFORMANCE While looks and tech can bring new experiences to your car, no change has quite the same impact as improving its performance. Options abound for those looking to improve the power and handling of their ride, such as replacing the exhaust system, lowering springs, adding a coilover kit or conducting a full suspension replacement.

FIND PURPOSE-BUILT PARTS Whether you are an amateur DIY-er looking to maintain and make small upgrades to your vehicle or an expert looking to make bigger modifications, finding parts and accessories that fit your vehicle is crucial. From hard-tofind performance modifications to made-to-fit cosmetic accessories, eBay Motors offers parts and accessories for nearly any vehicle, skillset and project. The app offers an entire catalog of inventory with 122 million live parts listings at any given time, giving auto enthusiasts the ability to purchase from an expansive inventory from the convenience of a smartphone.

SKIP THE WAIT The global supply chain continues to recover from disruptions that have stretched back several years, and many customers are feeling the strain when it comes time to upgrade, maintain or repair their vehicles.

Some shops around the country are quoting waiting times of several months just to have the right part delivered for service. However, families can find relief and get their car back on the road quicker by looking online to source their much-needed parts. In fact, many technicians work with customers to have parts delivered directly to their shop from online sources to expedite and simplify the process.

aula Hoisington currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators where she leads the organization in its primary mission to develop, conduct and promote educational, research and training programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of its members, as they consider legislation and issues of public policy which impact, either directly or indirectly the general welfare of African American constituents within their respective jurisdictions.

Prior to joining the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Hoisington worked for over 17 years as the Senior Vice President for Policy & Government Affairs for Net Communications where she worked with CEOs and senior management of major communications, cable, water and electric utilities companies to developed regulatory strategies as well as coordinates public policy forums, assists clients in the identification of strategic alliance partners and facilitates the establishment of corporate and community-based coalitions. Ms. Hoisington played a vital role in developing clients’ business growth and development plans for new market opportunities. In addition, she led the Teams efforts in developing clients’ actionable strategies to increase employee engagement, counter unconscious bias, to move beyond mere compliance and build an aware and inclusive work culture. She developed strategies to assists clients in the identification of strategic alliance partners and facilitate community-based coalitions.

Hoisington served as a top African American female executive with the Florida Department of Corrections at the gubernatorial level as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Correc-

tions, serving under the leadership of two governors as the liaison between the agency and the Executive Office of the Governor on all matters involving the implementation of gubernatorial initiatives into departmental programming.

As one of the agencies top African American leaders, she served a lead instructor in the Departments specialized program for female employees, “Women Facing the Future”. She has served as a national auditor for the American Correction Association and considered a national expert on women issues and corrections policy.

Hoisington currently serves as the Chairwoman of the Central Florida Urban League Board, Chairwoman, Southlake Black Achievers, Chairwoman, Business Council, National African American Mayors Association, Vice Chairwoman, of the Abraham Johnson Legacy Foundation and immediate past Chairwoman of the Corporate Roundtable, of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

Hoisington received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida and Certified as a Public Manager from Florida State University.

Hoisington has received numerous awards and recognitions to include , 2017 National Congress of Black Women, Dr. C. Delores Tucker Award, Onyx Magazine, 2018, Women on The Move and 2018 Women's Executive Council of Orlando Women's Achievement Award.

Hoisington served on the Transition Team for Governor Bush, Governor Scott, Governor DeSantis and Mayor Jerry Demings.

ONYX MAGAZINE 67

PERSPECTIVE

Remembering you aren’t alone is the revelation. We are part of the largest and oldest network, as a woman of color in STEM.

A KUFI, A KIMONO AND A COFFEE:

A LIBERATED BROWN GIRL IN STEM

BY EBONY KENNEY

W

ith the pandemic brought a myriad of abrupt shifts in societal function.

Suddenly an entire family, working and learning remotely, needed to contend with each other's roles on the front lines as they were reduced to being excusable “background noise.” We all heard the audible battle between spouses vying for sound real estate. And workplace dynamics shifted where the discussion of fears and feelings were normalized, to some of our male counterpart’s chagrin. We became intimately familiar with each other's resting faces as Zoom Fatigue dawned. The well-labeled side effect of the daily “performances,” after hours of being on camera with coworkers, was just another in a long list of new conditions. Introverts were gently nudged out of their comfort zone, while extroverts made up reasons to meet, and the overworked resented them both for it.

The result, we had little choice but to increase our trust in a time where there was much to suspect. It’s ironic that the trust it takes to be oneself in front of coworkers, people we see everyday, seems to top our stressor list. Yet, somehow in that era of no makeup, dressed from the waist up, “one second while I get my coffee cup,” and “meet my pup,” an equalized and diverse workforce organically emerged.

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Most of us enjoyed being freed from the corporate structure we’d been indoctrinated into.

For us, this shift brought transparency and the rules of the old ways dissolved. Today, if I feel like disruption, I wear a kufi, and a kimono while I sip my coffee on a Zoom call. But, I can remember just a few years back the tech field being abuzz with the idea of disruption. This disruption should be an idea so simple that it would change an industry by its very presence. Somehow though, post pandemic, post quarantining, post remote work, post Trump, post Black Lives Matter — or in the time of it — the idea of awaiting disruption seems slightly ridiculous.

For example, we feel almost desensitized to the mass shootings, which averaged 650 per year for 2020-22 compared to a then record of 417 in 2019, according to a report from CNN. It begs the question, are we bored with disruption, like the second day of a toddlers new toy?

Meanwhile, the biggest disruption, so to speak, is that of the growing demand for justice that we all seem ready to approach and work on.

Old regimes of systemic racism are being called out and forced to either reorganize underground or reconcile with their past. Some might correctly assess that depending on the economic position of the accused, an emotional bail-out is

available. However, nationwide and global alignment of efforts continue to prove there’s a benefit to finding bias, identifying marginalization and calling out oppression. That such efforts make lived experiences real, for better or for worse.

Just now, are organizations focusing on representation with a rise of women of color (WOC) in corporate environments, and even more so in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).* In 2018, women made up 28% of STEM workers, with WOC only making up 5%. Today, we make up 33% of the STEM workforce.

With new graduates flooding the field, intent on being the change they wish to see in the world, they are met with those who have established roots in spaces that previously had no representation. In many ways, as a WOC, just being in those rooms, at that time, and maybe still today, was a disruption. Now, it might be more common to have an African American product owner or engineer, Indian developer, Hispanic scrum master or Asian behavioral scientist. No doubt, she would be a peerless brave individual who is or has found her authentic, or at least acceptable, voice amidst a sea of codeswitch techniques she’d perfected over the years. If your presence alone wasn’t a disruption, showing up as your hair coiffed, bold, brightly colored, East-

ern-inspired self, speaking in your own rhythm and cadence, loudly should do it. And unwilling anymore to adopt insecure based speech patterns, “does that make sense,” embrace stereotypes of the angry Black woman, and stand with the crowd that is willing to ignore your differences, ignore you, you emerge “self-accepted” and therefore demanding to be recognized.

Some WOC’s approach has been to find a comfy, hiding spot away from the spotlight, others have grown into themselves, toward the sun finding community. Potentially more common in STEM spaces, WOC also balance warming to other communities. Working from home freed many from lunch table topics they find it a stretch to even relate to. It also meant missing some conversations about strategy, that you might not otherwise be privy to. And as a layer cake, there is the dynamic among brethren where there are unspoken adoptions or rejection, labels as ally or opponent placing you on a tightrope. It might surprise some entering the space to know promotions, advancement and introductions aren’t compulsory. So, navigating all of this is, well, part of it. Recognizing allies when you’re in spaces of low representation is key. And those allies might or might not look like you. This is knowledge we all swallow as the era of favors-owed leaves a

bad taste on the tongue. Allyship isn’t necessarily corruption. A coordinated approach means we don't have to discover them independently, we can utilize an existing network to learn from others stories. How can you prepare for what you don’t know is coming?

In STEM there is often an unexpected call for creativity and inquisitiveness, traits many of us were discouraged from displaying, that would prove to be essential. They become our currency and equity in various dynamics. This equity highlights shared strength rather than shared need — which for some, appears to be a new concept. We demonstrate those innate abilities in product creation, and team dynamic as well as for strategy, and more, to figure out how to send the elevator down to those just starting. And for entry-level WOC in STEM, that creativity and knowledge of what’s possible can help those whose shoulders upon which we stand develop exit strategies, lateral moves or new founder journeys. Remembering you aren’t alone is the revelation. We are part of the largest and oldest network, as a woman of color in STEM. Sure, formally studying the subjects and coming away with particular documentation to acknowledge our institutional affiliation may be new, but the thinking that it takes to innovate,

create, build, and explore, is built in and hard wired. We’ve never had to think about it, and that will never change.

As potential employees, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate institutions who are forthright about historical acts of oppression or indifference, or punish them, by simply accepting the other job offer, or not. We should take that choice and wield it as the power it is, building, with every decision we make the world we want to live in. How can we push gently at institutions nudging toward social justice, despite the foundations having mixed origins, evolving this society without fully dismantling it? Then standing upright having pulled as much as possible up by our proverbial bootstraps, we seek to find what’s the proper balance between self-empowerment, an essential connection to community, and what we might receive as reconciliation. Only in that light can we successfully navigate the shifting landscape of a going flat corporate vision, bond with our “sistern” and relax into the STEM space enjoying a guilt free view of the bay, wearing a kufi and a kimono, drinking a cup of coffee.

Ebony is a studied writer, trained graphic designer and professional Market and User Experience Researcher. She enjoys exploring the scientific method as it occurs in everyday life.

ONYX MAGAZINE 69

WINE & FOOD

COSMOPOLITAN:

THE FLIRTY GIRL DRINK

W

e simply call it a Cosmo. The pretty, fruity and mellow cocktail became popular during the late 1990s when HBO’s “Sex and the City” was one of the hottest shows on the air. It was the go-to drink for the four friends for many seasons—and then you didn’t see it for a while. In one of the last episodes, when the ladies ordered the bev, one asked, “why did we ever stop drinking these?” Another quipped, “because everyone else started.”

When you’re hot, you’re hot! No matter how you feel about this flirty concoction, it’s still a good darn drink…and it is best served with girlfriends. Enjoy!

70 ONYX MAGAZINE

INGREDIENTS 1 ½ fluid ounces vodka ¼ fluid ounce lime juice ¼ fluid ounce triple sec ¼ fluid ounce cranberry juice 1 cup ice 1 lime wedge for garnish

DIRECTIONS Combine vodka, lime juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

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