ONYX Magazine May/June 2025

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 A N D B E YON D

Volume 28, Issue 3 | May/June 2025

WHAT'S GREAT ABOUT JACKSONVILLE THE RITZ MUSEUM AND LAVILLA MUSEUM PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION THE GREATS OF JACKSONVILLE

FLORIDA BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL PAVING THE HISTORY OF DUVAL

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CONTENTS

6

From the Publisher

7

Perspective – You First: Secure Your Mental Health

8

For the Culture – Rap is Art, Not Evidence

10 Mother's Day – Happy Mom, Happy Home 12 Leadership – Women on the Move 2025 16 African American Appreciation Month 17 The Greats of Jacksonville: Deborah McDuffie 18 The Greats of Jacksonville: Glenn Jones 19 The Greats of Jacksonville: Jevon Hill 20 The Greats of Jacksonville: 95 South 21 Music & Entertainment – What’s on the Horizon 22 Art & Culture – Ritz Theatre & Museum: Past, Present, Future 25 Travel – 8 Seconds Rodeo 27 Florida Scope – Interesting News in the State 28 ONYX Reads – Books That Inspire the Music in Us 29 Father’s Day – Stay at Home Dad 30 Business – How to Fund Your Small Business 33 The Quad – News on College Campuses 34 SAGE – Find a New Hobby in Your Older Years 35 Smart Consumer – Support Small Businesses 36 Workplace –Including Those With Disabilities Helps Everyone 38 Health & Wellness – Personal Wellbeing 41 Real Estate – Homebuying in This Market 42 Black History – What’s Good About Jacksonville 44 Wealth/Finance – Car-buying Tips and Teaching Kids About Money 47 Special to ONYX – Disney Dreamers Academy 48 Education – Classical Music Stimulates Your Brain 51 ONYX on the Move – ONYX Magazine at Community Events 54 Wine & Food – Wine and Music Pairs

Cover photos Clockwise from left: • Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing Park, courtesy of Visit Jacksonville • Historic marker, courtesy of Visit Jacksonville • Jacksonville skyline • EverBank Stadium • Deb McDuffie, courtesy of Deb McDuffie • Clara and Eartha White, public domain photo • 95 South, courtesy of 95 South • Jevon Hill, courtesy of Jevon Hill • Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, courtesy of Ritz • Edward Waters University, courtesy of EWU • Glenn Jones, courtesy of Glenn Jones

4 ONYX MAGAZINE

CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE. SUBSCRIBE TODAY CONTROL OUR NARRATIVE. $39.98 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 MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews, Marianne Eggleston SENIOR FEATURES WRITER Penny Dickerson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelsey Brown, Mitch Hermann, Halli Kil, Angela Pittman-Leath, Bria Overs, Sara Rosen, Lauren Shallish

Dear Family,

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Scharad Lightbourne MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro

Welcome to this issue of ONYX Magazine.

Nearly 28 years ago, ONYX Magazine got its start in the enterprising city of Jacksonville, Fla. Since then, it has found its niche in Central Florida where it thrives as the state's premier publication to celebrate Black achievement throughout Florida and beyond. However, in May, we return to Duval to reestablish our roots and start a new chapter as an intricate partner in this great community. We look forward to telling the important stories of residents around the metro area.

We start by highlighting native musicians who have cast a bright light over Jacksonville. During African American Music Appreciation Month, we recognize songwriters, producers and performers Glenn Jones, Deb McDuffie, Jevon Hill, and members of 95 South. Each of them have brought fame to their hometown in their own unique way, and we are proud to herald them The Greats of Jacksonville. Read how they are inspired to stay on top in their musical genres.

We also look at what is so great about Jacksonville: the history, of course. Follow these pages to the African American Heritage Trail that meanders throughout Duval, spotlighting the wonders of North Florida. We hope you are charged to take mini day trips to learn the rich history that unfolds. In June, we celebrate Small Business Month. This issue helps you get your ideas flowing about starting your own small business—and be a part of the backbone of America. Don't miss the useful tips. As a small business, ONYX relies on our community for support—without you, we could not continue to be a beacon throughout the state. Help our continued success by purchasing a one-year subscription, then ask your friends and family to join you. Thank you in advance for playing your part in keeping our community engaged.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT AND CEO Rich Black FOUNDATION PRESIDENT Cherlynn Williams VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Nancy Port Schwalb GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Burton, Damonic Robertson EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sade Cole ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair Ricky Anderson Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Sherri Brown Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler

Yolanda Cash Jackson Cynthia Chestnut, D.P.A. 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 Samuel Wright, Ed.D.

FOUNDERS

As always, ONYX Magazine enjoys bringing you the news that entertains, inspires and informs. Thank you for continuing to receive it for nearly 28 years.

Sincerely,

Rich Black 6 ONYX MAGAZINE

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 $39.98 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at connect@onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2025 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.

PERSPECTIVE

YOU FIRST M

ay is Mental Health Awareness Month.

People from all walks of life have experienced stress–job insecurity, financial instability, loss of loved ones, lack of access to necessary resources, family members who are separated from each other, or people with pre-existing mental health conditions who face difficulties in accessing mental health services during lockdowns. The list is long.

It is understandable to feel scared, anxious or helpless during an unprecedented time. But whatever situation you are in, you have the power to look after your mental health and well-being.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, here are six things the World Health Organization suggests you can do to help you cope with any event that may cause stress.

1. Talk to Someone You Trust

Talking to someone you trust – whether a friend, a family member, or a colleague – can help.

You may feel better if you are able to openly share what you are going through with someone who cares about you. If you live

5. Take Two Minutes to Focus on the World Around You

in an area where face-to-face interactions are limited, you can still stay connected with your loved ones through a video call, phone call or messaging app.

2. Look After Your Physical Health

Taking care of your physical health helps improve your mental health and well-being. Be active for at least 30 minutes daily, whether that’s running, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or even gardening. Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure to get enough sleep.

3. Do Activities You Enjoy

Try to continue doing the activities that you find meaningful

and enjoyable, such as cooking for yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, walking in the park, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Having a regular routine with activities that make you feel happy will help you maintain good mental health.

4. Steer Away from Harmful Substances

Don’t use harmful substances such as drugs, kava, alcohol or tobacco to cope with what you’re feeling. Though these may seem to help you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse in the long run. These substances are also dangerous and can put you and those around you at risk of diseases or injuries.

Help free yourself of constantly swirling thoughts by reconnecting yourself with where you are at this moment in time. Follow along with the video below or simply take three slow deep breaths, feel your feet grounded on the floor and ask yourself: • What are five things I can see?

• What are four things I can hear?

• What can I smell?

• What does it feel like to touch my knees or a something else I can reach? How does it feel underneath my fingers?

6. Seek Professional Help

If you feel like you cannot cope with the stress that you are facing, seek professional help by calling your local mental health helpline or getting in touch with your counsellor or doctor. Remember you are not alone, and there are things you can do to support your emotional wellbeing.

ONYX MAGAZINE 7

F O R T H E C U LT U R E

T

hough rap music is the most listened to genre in the United States, it is still the only creative medium consistently being used to prosecute and incarcerate people. The ongoing criminal trial of Grammy-winning artist Young Thug exposed this prosecutorial tactic to many people for the first time, but it’s in no way a new practice, with nearly 700 documented cases of lyrics being used to criminalize artists, predominantly young Black and Latino men.

As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, a documentary by J.M. Harper, Emmy-nominated director of jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, intricately examines the evolution of racist attitudes and actions toward Black music genres that spans centuries, connecting the current legal weaponization of rap music to a long-standing history of Black musical genres being deemed immoral and illegal.

“At every stage of a new Black [musical] genre being made, it was stifled,” Harper says. “It was bringing white and Black people together. It was erasing these fabricated racial boundaries that allowed one people to oppress another. That was, and still is today, a very contentious thing to do. So why are lyrics used in this way? There’s 400 years of history to go through to answer that question.”

During the trans-Atlantic slave trade, enslaved people used song as a way to hold onto home, hope, and culture.

While working in fields, Negro spirituals often disguised hidden messages that could be sung in front of plantation owners. Following the Stono Rebellion, the largest rebellion by enslaved people in the British mainland colonies, South Carolina created the Negro Act in 1740, banning drums and citing them as a tool of insurrection.

There were also protest songs in the rhythm and blues era. Both jazz music, which emerged in criminalized places like brothels and speakeasies, and rock ’n’ roll (before it was stolen from Black artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and appropriated by artists like Elvis Presley) were demonized. During the civil rights movement, soul music was a clear outlet for Black voices to be heard, like James Brown’s “Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud.”

Hip-hop followed shortly after, emerging from the underground scene and quickly growing into a whole new genre and culture that encapsulated DJing, graffiti, breakdancing, and eventually rap, born out of frustration and chaos of negligent social structures within the South Bronx, New York. Sally Banes, one of the first journalists to report on breakdancing back in ’81, described it as “ritual combat that transmutes aggression into art.”

Hip-hop and rap created an outlet for battles to diffuse nonviolently, repurposing struggle to provide social mobility while being therapeutic, and providing systemic critique and social commentary that was upfront, anti-establishment, and anti-police. It’s no surprise that the genre—which includes N.W.A’s “Fuck tha Police,” which can be viewed as political speech— hasn’t been received well by institutions. As Harper says, “No system of entrenched power wants to be questioned [or] threatened in such a way.”

Lyrics read during court, isolated from music and meaning, is undeniably an attack on the art form. Rap is embedded with metaphors, allegories, double entendres, and references to other musicians’ bodies of work, which can easily be misinterpreted or misunderstood.

“The only voices that are speaking are the district attorney, the prosecutor,” Harper says. “The only person who’s silent in that whole constellation of people is

8 ONYX MAGAZINE

IS

RAP

ART, NOT EVIDENCE A 2024 documentary chronicles efforts to keep rap lyrics from being used by prosecutors, combatting a longstanding trend of criminalizing this particular art form.

By Kelsey Brown

J.M. Harper, director of As We Speak, believes prosecutors are missing the “brilliance and poetry” of rap music.

Photo courtesy of Harper

the rap artist, the person on trial. It just seemed so bizarre that the person who was at the center of the circus was quiet, and these are people who live for the stage.”

Harper was inspired to create the documentary after reading Erik Nielson and Andrea L. Dennis’ 2019 book, Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America, which is full of testimonies from people whose lives were forever changed because of this prosecutorial tactic. Nielson and Dennis estimate that in 95% of cases where lyrics were admitted into evidence, the defendant was a Black or Latino man.

Nielson, a professor of liberal arts at the University of Richmond, focused his Ph.D. research on the policing of Black creative expression in the United States from antebellum South to the present day. He has since testified, on behalf of defendants, in more than 100 cases.

“I really see the prosecution of rap as a trap,” Nielson says. “You systemically put people in circumstances where they have very few ways out. You dangle a couple of options, and then if you pursue one of those options, you slam the door as soon as they take it.”

A group of rappers discuss the impact of their lyrics potentially being used as evidence, from the documentary “As We Speak.”

Photo courtesy of Paramount+.

Mac Phipps is a living example of this. While performing at a show in Louisiana in 2000, a fight broke out that eventually resulted in gunfire. Knowing his family was in the audience, Phipps drew his firearm for protection, leading to him being identified as the primary suspect.

There was a lot of conflicting evidence: Phipps’ gun was never fired, there was no forensic evidence tying him to the crime was uncovered, witnesses changed their stories, and a description of the shooter didn’t resemble Phipps. Even after another man confessed to the crime, Phipps was still charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years, despite having no previous criminal record.

The real incrimination came in the courtroom, when a prosecutor presented lyrics from two of his songs. The prosecutor spliced them together, one from a battle rap and another rap referencing his father’s experience as a Vietnam vet, to create a more violent verse that Phipps had never spoken nor written. Phipps served 21 years, refusing to accept parole because he would not say he was guilty for a crime he did not commit, before being granted clemency by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards in April 2021.

“It almost seems ridiculous when a judge is reading a lyric out, divorced from its music [and] its context,” Harper says. “It’s very easy to mischaracterize that music. And it just totally ignores the fact of the tradition of hip-hop, of lyrics passed from one song to another, or one artist to another.”

Even with the First Amendment, Nielson says artists’ creative expressions are able to be criminalized because in most cases it’s not the lyrics themselves being punished. A crime is being punished, and the speech is used to establish involvement. If the actual lyrics are being punished, it’s because they’ve been deemed a threat.

Yet Johnny Cash, who sang, “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die,” and Freddie Mercury, who famously belted, “Mama, just killed a man / Put a gun against his head / Pulled my trigger now he’s dead,” are beloved.

Authors who write horror or crime novels are not accused of being killers because they possess the knowledge to write about it. There’s a clear distinction between author and narrator that is respected and not questioned.

Hip-hop artists aren’t afforded that same distinction because, as Harper sees it, there’s a cultural disbelief in

the idea that Black people have the intelligence and creativity to create anything besides a direct account of their life, failing to see the “brilliance and poetry” of rap.

Rap has grown into a radical tool for social mobility, allowing communities who’ve been systematically oppressed and excluded the opportunity to get rich relatively quickly. When asked whether he believes prosecutors are using this tactic to stifle social mobility, Nielson said, “In some instances, maybe knowingly [or] subconsciously, I see this as an attempt to check these young men. As a way to say, ‘Remember who you are. Know your place.’”

“Too often, prosecutors are not really focused on a just outcome. They are focused on a win. And for them, a win is a conviction,” Nielson continues. “Any kind of foothold they can get, they’re going to use it. It’s a combination of much broader systemic inequalities and racism, but also just the nature of what it means to be a prosecutor in the American criminal legal system.”

While prosecutors use lyrics to incarcerate rappers, there are also many cases in which lyrics are used against people with no ties to an alleged crime or even to the music itself. Just being in the background of a music video or having lyrics from a favorite rapper scribbled in a notebook can be enough for prosecutors.

Thanks to visibility sparked from Young Thug’s trial, there’s hope that this heightened attention can be used to address inequities in the criminal legal system. In 2023, Georgia Rep. Henry C. Johnson reintroduced the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act, a first-of-its-kind federal legislation that attempts to limit prosecutors’ ability to use creative expression as evidence in criminal trials.

However, in order for the legislation to be truly effective, Nielson says it needs to be implemented on both a federal and state level. California, which has seen the most cases of lyrics introduced as evidence, passed Assembly Bill No. 2799. Although it isn’t the strictest legislation, it’s a start. A New York state law, passed in the senate, limits the admissibility of lyrical or creative evidence. In March, the Georgia Supreme Court overturned a conviction of an incarcerated man whose lyrics were used in his trial.

Harper is hopeful that legislators on both sides of the aisle can come together to address this issue. For Republicans, it is an issue of freedom of speech. For liberals, it is an issue of racial justice.

“There’s a rare opportunity for there to be agreement that this is something that shouldn’t be happening constitutionally,” Harper says. “The system won’t correct itself.

Prosecutors’ job is to win with any tool in front of them.

It’s a matter of making this tool less available, so that it’s not so easy to abuse and put people away wrongfully.”

In 2024, the last election year, Nielson encouraged people to be vigilant about local elections. As We Speak discusses the case of Drakeo the Ruler, an influential rapper who was wrongly incarcerated for three years. The day after Jackie Lacey, the former district attorney for Los Angeles, was removed from office and replaced with George Gascón, he was released from prison. (Drakeo’s freedom only lasted a year; he was killed in 2021.)

Nielson is hopeful that this prosecutorial tactic can be thwarted through continuous conversation and education about this issue and pressuring elected officials to pass legislation. However, in the meantime, rappers have begun censoring their own work, starting music videos with self-protective disclaimers.

“These artists attesting to the fictional nature of their lyrics, combined with all the disclaimers you now see on these videos [stating that] everything here is a prop,” Nielson says. “All of it reveals the sort of specter of the law hanging right over what they’re doing and their awareness that they are being watched. A mistake could be tragic for them. That to me, is not a healthy way for art to evolve.”

Kelsey Brown is a freelance journalist based in California, who is passionate about storytelling and social justice.

As a queer, Black biracial person, her work often explores the intersections of race and gender on culture and society. The story has been republished under a Creative Commons license with Yes! Magazine.

ONYX MAGAZINE 9

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

Happy Mom, Happy Home Mom’s happiness reverberates through the entire family

M

other’s Day is coming up soon, and many will be celebrating moms, grandmothers and other maternal figures in their lives.

Whether biological or adoptive, moms have an important hand in shaping our identities and guiding our moral compass throughout our childhoods.

Although Mother’s Day is an occasion to celebrate mothers, we don’t often hear about the considerable benefits this kind of appreciation can bring moms — benefits that can trickle down to the entire family.

Based on my research and those of other psychologists, here are some tips for celebrating moms on Mother’s Day, and every day, to enhance well-being for both moms and their loved ones.

Boost Mom’s Happiness and Lower Mom’s Stress

Generally, mothers who feel valued and loved are happier and less stressed.

However, many can face challenges that increase stress and make them feel devalued. Many still contend with a lack of gender parity in the workplace and social pressure to be the perfect mother. In addition, feeling a lack of emotional connection with family members can translate to a lot of day-to-day stress for moms.

So what can families do to boost moms’ happiness? Psychology research suggests that Hallmark cards have it right — building a mother’s confidence by telling them that they’re an amazing mom or that they always know how to make the family feel better can be tremendously effective in enhancing moms’ happiness.

If you’re an adult living far away from your parents, don’t forget to call your mom. Compared to fathers, mothers generally report feeling more emotionally connected to their kids and more strongly identifying as a parent. A phone call or a chat over tea with their kids, no matter the age, can really boost a mom’s happiness.

Support for mothers isn’t limited to the family. Moms can also benefit from celebrating Mother’s Day with other sources of support, like friends. Instead of limiting Mother’s Day celebrations to a family affair, consider organizing a surprise dinner with mom’s close friends.

Kids Benefit When Mom Feels Happy

The benefits of celebrating moms also trickle down to their kids.

Research shows that parents who feel more positive can better support their children’s mental health and social relationships within the family and beyond. For example, my research has found that moms who are less stressed are seen by their adolescent kids as being better at understanding the kids’ perspective.

Stress can also impact how attentive moms are to their family, which impacts kids’ development. In a recent study, my colleagues and I found that less stressed and more attentive moms can foster their 10 ONYX MAGAZINE

children’s good coping skills by modelling how to effectively manage emotions.

When mothers feel positive, they have better interactions with their kids and their kids feel better. That means it’s important to send appreciation mom’s way every day, not just on Mother’s Day.

A Day to Celebrate Grandmothers, Too

Don’t forget grandma this Mother’s Day! Grandmothers have a bigger impact in shaping who you are than you might think. For example, research has shown that daughters’ and grandmothers’ attachment styles overlap by up to 75 per cent. This means that how you connect with your partner, best friend and kids may even be inherited from your grandma.

Despite their important role, grandparents often don’t get the appreciation they deserve. Psychologists have found that grandparents often feel more emotionally connected to their grandkids than the other way around. This suggests that for many grandmothers, that phone call or weekend visit can mean a lot more to them than grandkids realize.

By celebrating Mother’s Day with grandma, she may feel a greater sense of meaning in her family relationships which can improve her general happiness. Grandchildren could even improve their social skills when they have a positive and close relationship with their grandmothers.

Mothers are the main source of comfort and care for many families around the world, yet it’s easy to take them for granted most days across the year. While brunch and flowers on Mother’s Day is surely appreciated, let’s celebrate moms every day. Helping moms feel happy will help the family feel happy, too.

Hali Kil is an assistant professor of Psychology at Simon Fraser University.

Congratulations ONY X M AGA ZINE 2025 WOME N O N THE MOV E Bisa Butler (American, b. 1975), Wangari Maathai, 2020,

Quilted wax print fabric, 29 x 18 in.

Collection of the Orlando Museum of Art, Acquisition Trust purchase, © Image courtesy of Bisa Butler and the Orlando Museum of Art.

Scan to learn more about Bisa’s artwork:

LEADERSHIP

10 YEARS of Outstanding

Woman of the Year Joy Jibrilu

Magazine unveiled

Leadership!

O N Y X M AG A Z I N E C E L E B R AT E S 27 I M PAC T F U L & I N F L U E N T I A L WO M E N

N

earing its 28th year of celebrating Black achievement throughout Florida, ONYX Magazine hosted the 10th Annual ONYX Magazine's Women on the Move (WOTM) along with Founding Partner Orlando Health, Presenting Sponsor Orlando Shakes and Kickoff Reception Sponsor Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board.

The nationally recognized event lauded 27 of the most influential and impactful women in Florida and beyond during a sold-out awards ceremony on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the illustrious J.W. Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.

12 ONYX MAGAZINE

2025 WOTM Scholars

LEADERSHIP

Honorees from 2025 and past at reception

The event, held annually during Women’s History Month, pays tribute to the tireless contributions of stellar women. Honorees have achieved many feats while making pivotal changes in their professions and persevering against many odds.

ONYX Magazine was excited to collaborate with its sponsors to present these glass-ceiling-shattering leaders at the helm of businesses known for national and international success.

"I am humbled and ecstatic and express best wishes to the Women on the Move class of 2025,” said ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black. “I am amazed when I am approached by business and community leaders who have shared with me that they cannot find qualified Black men or women to serve on their boards or key positions. I find this to be troubling, as I encounter these accomplished Black professionals every day. It is my hope that

Master Class with distringuished honorees hosted by Ginger Gasden at reception

the ecosystem that has been created with ONYX Magazine’s WOTM and “Men of Honor” will be engaged by a cross-section of business leaders to select qualified applicants.

Joy Jibrilu of The Bahamas received the "Woman of the Year" designation during the ceremony. Jibrilu, now the first Bahamian and woman appointed as chief executive officer of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, is known for boosting The Bahamas's tourism brand's global presence. Her appointment came after a successful tenure as director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Jibrilu joined the MOT in 2014 and led the turnaround of the No. 1 industry for eight years, including during the COVID era. She then went on to head the NPIPB in August of 2022 and has already taken that board to new heights in promoting and marketing tourism for the member hotels of The Bahamas.

Nancy Port Schwalb, Rich Black, Honoree Claudette McGowan, Dee Parker

“I stand before you deeply humbled to be named ONYX Woman of the Year. When Rich Black called me to apprise me of this honor, I was at a loss for words. To be recognized among such phenomenal women—leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers—is an honor beyond words. Congratulations to each of you. Your stories, your successes, and your resilience inspire me, and I am grateful to stand alongside you,” Jibrilu told the audience. “This recognition is not mine alone. I accept it on behalf of the extraordinary women I am privileged to work with every day. My team—made up of dynamic, intelligent, and passionate women—has been the driving force behind everything we achieve. This is for them, for us, and for the power of women supporting women. But even before them, I stand on the shoulders of the But even before them, I stand on the shoulders of the incredible women in

Rich Black, Nancy Port Schwalb, Michael Laderman, Honoree Dr. Opal Lee, Dee Parker, Quibulah Graham

ONYX MAGAZINE 13

LEADERSHIP

Trish Bailey

Quibulah Graham, Honoree Kim Fields, Linda Braynen, Rich Black

my family. My mother, whose strength, grace, and wisdom shaped me into the woman I am today.

My grandmothers, aunts, and the generations of women before me who paved the way—whether through sacrifice, determination, or quiet resilience. Their stories are woven into mine, and their dreams live on in the work I do every day.”

ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black and the WOTM committee recognize Jibrilu's many achievements. They agreed to herald her on an international level for keeping The Bahamas as a global destination.

"We look far and wide, not just in Florida, but also the Bahamas and the Caribbean, for outstanding women who are impactful and leaders in their field," said Black, the founder of ONYX Magazine Women on the Move. "When Jibrilu was nominated, our vetting committee was impressed with what they discovered about her, and the selection was unanimous. She is the first Bahamian and first woman ever to be CEO of this major tourism marketing arm for The Bahamas. Bahamians and women especially should be proud of this phenomenal woman and celebrate with us as we honor her."

Other distinguished honorees include 97-yearold activist Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, who received the Publisher's Award. Lee, a recipient of the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, worked tirelessly to make June 19 a national holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in America; President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021.

“If you can teach someone to hate, you can teach them to love,” Lee said in her short and sweet acceptance speech.

Lee is the oldest living board member of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation 14 ONYX MAGAZINE

If you can teach someone to hate, you can teach them to love.

— Dr. Opal Lee

10th Annual WOTM Honorees

(NJOF) a national movement started by the late Dr. Ronald Myers to have Juneteenth declared a National Holiday. At 90 years of age, she started her walking campaign from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, DC, to bring awareness to the need for celebrating Juneteenth nationally.

Opal currently serves on the board of Unity Unlimited, Inc. and is Honorary Chair of the National Juneteenth Museum. She has received seven honorary doctorates, has been named 2021 Texan of the Year by the Dallas Morning News editorial board, the 2021 Unsung Hero of the Pandemic, Fort Worth Inc.’s 2022 Person of the Year, is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and became the second African American to have her portrait hung in the Texas State Senate.

LEADERSHIP

м Honorees with gifts from Sponsor Jones and Rose

Renowned actress and healthcare advocate Kim Fields received the Udell T. Black and Linda Y. Braynen Visionary Award for her inspirational movement "Refresh by Kim Fields," encouraging women to take time for themselves. Claudette McGowan, the CEO of Protexxa, received the International Impact Award. Her global IT leadership and cybersecurity prowess have made her a Canadian standout. They, along with Jibrilu, will lead the 27 women receiving honors.

This year's theme, inspired by National Women's History Month, is "Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Future Generations." In addition, ONYX Magazine invited previous national and international honorees, who have excelled across various professional disciplines, to reunite during this 10th-anniversary celebration.

Punctuating the importance of education, the ONYX Foundation awarded eight scholarships to high school and college students provided by Orlando Health and the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes during the event. Scholars were Winny Adriene of Evans High School; Caliya Benson of Bethune-Cookman University; Lynda Girvin of the University of Central Florida; Tamone A.R. Humes-Dean of the University of The Bahamas; Aleria Lester of Vero Beach High School; Landina Sauveur of Lincoln Park Academy; Antonia Yarborough of Evans High School; and Alissa Whitfield of Florida A&M University.

Other highlights included a beautiful performance by Darrell Moody and Ocean Breeze.

Chair Dee Parker of Parker Realty, Co-chair Nany Port Schwalb of Schwalb Public Relations, and the Women on the Move Steering Committee led the event. Award-winning journalist Carolyn Fennell served as emcee while Daralene Jones

of Orlando's WFTV Channel 9 introduced the Women on the Move.

"Through the leadership and vision of our honorees, communities and workplaces actively undergo a transformation, benefitting future generations," said Parker. "I applaud our steering committee, staff, volunteers, and the supportive community for acknowledging these phenomenal women. We are also so grateful for our sponsors who have made this beautiful day come to fruition."

WOTM was a part of a two-day observance of amazing women. On Friday, February 28, the event commemorated Women’s History Month with a high-powered networking opportunity.

During this event, guests mingled with the 2025 honorees and sponsors while engaging with business and community leaders.

ONYX Magazine, Founding Partner Orlando Health, Presenting Sponsor Orlando Shakes and Kickoff Reception Sponsor Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board led the event.

Other sponsors were Commemorative Booklet Sponsor Disney Experiences; Meet & Greet Breakfast Sponsor Bailey’s Pharmacy; Commemorative Lapel Pin Sponsor Protexxa; Events Sponsor, OUC, 26 Health, Regions Bank, St. John, Orlando Museum of Art, City of Orlando Police Department, Central Florida Urban League, Central Florida Public Media, Star 94.5, Jones and Rose, Patty E. Mason Accounting, Visit Tampa Bay, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, No. 1 Flowers, Community Connections Transportations, and Altogether Lovely Health & Wellness Center.

Joy Jibrilu laughs with Opal Lee during the Master Class

ONYX MAGAZINE 15

African American Music Appreciation Month THE GREATS

of Jacksonville

A

frican American Music Appreciation Month, observed annually in June, is a celebration of the rich cultural legacy and contributions of African American musicians and music to American culture. It was initiated by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, recognizing the significant impact of Black music on the nation. This month serves as a time to appreciate the diverse genres, styles, and influential artists that have shaped American music and culture. ONYX Magazine pays tribute to some of the greatest and most noted musicians native to Jacksonville, Fla., in this special issue. On the next pages, learn about some Greats of Jacksonville on the music scene.

Historical Significance The month celebrates the history and evolution of Black music, from its roots in African traditions to its influence on various American genres like Jazz, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, Hip-Hop, Country, and more.

Cultural Impact Black music has had a profound impact on American culture, influencing everything from social movements to fashion and entertainment.

Celebration and Recognition The month provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Black musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters, and to celebrate their artistry and impact.

Education and Appreciation African American Music Appreciation Month encourages people to learn more about the history and significance of Black music, fostering a deeper appreciation for its rich heritage.

16 ONYX MAGAZINE

THE GREATS

of Jacksonville AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

Deb McDuffie PRODUCER, COMPOSER “THE JINGLE QUEEN”

C

redited with being the first Black female producer/ composer in the advertising/record industries, Deb McDuffie is a multi-award-winning pioneer, a “behind the scenes” legend.

McDuffie has an impressive career including talents in production, live performance, composing, arranging, marketing, special promotions, education, and lecturing.

She appears in the Luther Vandross documentary, “Never Too Much-Luther Vandros.”

Her multi-media autobiography, Reign of the Jingle Queen, featuring hundreds of music videos, photos and artist’s memories, is available at the Bookbaby Bookshop website, Amazon Books, Apple Books and her website, www.thejinglequeen.com (for autographed copies).

She has composed for, produced, and performed with superstars such as Luther Vandross, Gladys Knight, Al Green, Patti Labelle, Janet Jackson, Michael Bolton, Roberta Flack, Teddy Riley, Ashford & Simpson, BB King, Bobby Caldwell, Isley Brothers, Peter Allen, Patti Austin, Wynton Marsalis, George Duke, Bill Withers, Deniece Williams, Manhattans, Will Smith, James Ingram, Larry Graham, Jennifer Holliday, Gerald Albright, Howard Hewett, Teddy Pendergrass, Temptations, Grover Washington, Jr., Jose Feliciano, Four Tops, MC Hammer, The Spinners, MC Lyte…and more.

Since relocating to Jacksonville from New York City in 1996 to pursue a second career in education, Ms. McDuffie has been active in the community, as Artistic Director for Ritz Theatre & Museum, which includes Ritz Voices, Puttin’ on the Ritz, as well as many other programs dedicated to providing arts events for the Jacksonville community. She is also active in local television, having served as a judge on WJXT’s “Gimme the Mike”, and most recently, “Oh Say Can You Sing”.

McDuffie launched the JQUEEN MUSIC indie record label in 2023, producing a variety of talented local musical artists “a la Quincy Jones.” You can hear her projects on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, iTunes, Amazon Music and Apple Music.

ONYX MAGAZINE 17

THE GREATS

of Jacksonville AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

Glenn Jones

RECORDING ARTIST, PRODUCER, COMPOSER “WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN”

T

he story of Glenn Jones’ life and musical success is compelling and standouts among the stars due to his God given talents as a most extraordinary vocalist.

Glenn is a Grammy Nominated Recording Producer, Artist, and Songwriter. You can catch him on stage performing back-toback dates throughout the USA and around the world from South Africa to London, and other countries abroad.

Glenn Jones is still one of the most sought after “live” performers in the music industry today. His fans want to hear his original chart-topping hits, and his signature songs.

He has also shared the stage with many industry greats including Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and so many others.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Jones fondly recalls, “Since the age of 4 or 5, I’ve always loved music.” Reared in the Pentecostal church, he often found himself risking punishment just to sneak a listen to the secular sounds of Stevie, Bobby, Marvin and Donny, in particular. Heavily influenced by the sounds of the time, Jones formed his first group, “The Modulations,” at the age of fourteen and was later discovered by the late, great gospel legend, Reverend James Cleveland.

No stranger to pen and paper, Jones received a coveted Stellar Award for his crafty lyrics, superior vocals and for lending his production talents to the gospel quartet, Canton Spirituals (Verity Records), garnering favorites, including “Never Let Go” and “They Need to Belong.” In conjunction with his writing, producing, recording and performance schedule, Jones added acting to his repertoire. Although he initially made his mark in the gospel arena, Jones’ voice caught the ear of acclaimed musician, Norman Connors, with whom he toured and ultimately began performing R&B music.

Having officially made the transition from Gospel to R&B, Jones joined the roster at RCA Records. Four years later, he signed with Jive Records and enjoyed success with his self-titled album, which spawned the hit singles, “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)” and “Stay,” respectively. His move to Atlantic Records produced contemporary up-tempo hits “Here I Go Again”, #1 Top Billboard single and “I’ve Been Searching (Nobody Like You)”.

18 ONYX MAGAZINE

THE GREATS

of Jacksonville AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

Jevon Hil

PRODUCER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN RECENT GRAMMY AWARD

J

evon Hill is a Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician from Jacksonville, Florida, celebrated for his dynamic contributions to gospel, R&B, and soul music.

Known for his emotional depth and musical precision, Hill has become a sought-after collaborator in both sacred and mainstream circles.

His roots in the church shaped his distinctive sound — a powerful blend of heartfelt melodies, lush arrangements, and spirit-filled intensity. Over the years, Hill has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Fantasia, Tamela Mann, Tank, LeAndria Johnson, Fred Hammond, TGT, Tye Tribbett, Nicki Minaj, Ciara, Dave Hollister, Chris Brown, and many more.

His ability to navigate genres while maintaining authenticity has earned him industry-wide respect and a Grammy Award for his exceptional production work.

Despite his success, Hill remains grounded in faith and community. He continues to pour into the next generation by mentoring up-and-coming musicians, serving in local ministries, and returning to his Jacksonville roots to uplift and inspire.

With a career that bridges the spiritual and the soulful, Jevon Hill stands as a defining voice in modern music.

“Jevon Hill crafts music that moves hearts, lifts souls, and leaves a legacy.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 19

THE GREATS

of Jacksonville AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

95 South

SOUTHERN HIP-HOP PIONEERS “WHOOT, THERE IT IS”

95

South is a pioneering Hip-Hop group from Jacksonville, Fla., best known for being the originators of their 1993 hit single Whoot, There It Is. Composed of members Michael 'Mike Mike' Phillips and Carlos 'Daddy Black' Spencer, the group played a key role in popularizing the Miami bass sound—a high-energy subgenre of Hip-Hop that dominated clubs and airwaves throughout the 1990s. Their

20 ONYX MAGAZINE

breakout hit became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread recognition as a party anthem, frequently heard at sporting events and celebrations worldwide. Beyond their initial success, 95 South continued to shape the Southern Hip-Hop landscape with subsequent releases, collaborating with major artists and influencing the crunk and bass music movements. Their legacy extends beyond their own discography, as they helped lay the groundwork for the booming Southern Rap scene that followed. With their infectious beats and unmistakable energy, 95 South remains an iconic name in hip-hop history, proving that their impact endures more than three decades later.

M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

2026 Cruise Will Celebrate Divine Nine™ Scholarships

H

omecoming: The Cruise is proud to announce an impactful new partnership with the National Pan-Hellenic Council™ (NPHC™) as the official billing sponsor of biennial 2025 NPHC National Leadership Conference. This collaboration reflects the National Panhellenic Council Officers cruise’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the Divine Nine™, celebrating Black excellence, and investing in the next generation of HBCU students and leaders—especially in a time when traditional funding sources are being reduced or eliminated. One hundred percent of net proceeds from the cruise will go directly toward scholarships and support for HBCUs and members of the Divine Nine. “In times of financial cutbacks, Homecoming: The Cruise stands firm in its commitment to supporting HBCUs and scholarships, empowering the next generation of leaders,” said Donna Jones Anderson, President of the NPHC™. “This partnership represents the power of collaboration and shared purpose. With Homecoming: The Cruise sponsoring our Annual Leadership Conference, we are expanding our global influence while embracing cruising as a premier and culturally rich vacation experience. Picture an entire ship filled with Divine Nine™ members, families, and friends, coming together for concerts, comedy shows, themed parties, and empowering moments that celebrate who we are.” Set to sail January 15-20, 2026, Homecoming: The Cruise is more than a vacation—it’s a floating cultural experience centered on Black Greek unity and HBCU pride. With intentional programming, entertainment, and community engagement, the cruise combines fun with purpose, creating a one-of-a-kind space for legacy-building and scholarship support.

For more information call us at 888.381.4420.

Cowboy Carter Rides Again …this time on tour. Beyoncé recently kicked off her Cowboy Carter Tour! The Album of the Year and Best Country Album Grammy winner wowed the BeyHive on opening night with performances of "YA YA," "Ameriican Requiem," and even tracks off of her groundbreaking dance album, Renaissance. Blue Ivy Carter and her little sister, Remi, both made appearances on the star-shaped stage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. And Beyoncé is just getting started, with the tour poised to stop in Las Vegas, Chicago, the New York City area, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, London, and Paris. There are still tickets available for Beyoncé's 2025 tour. Beyoncé tickets prices range quite wildly, though, from $85 reaching $1,000+ for a spot in the pit.

UPCOMING EVENTS Fort Myers CRA Music Walk at McCollum Hall Friday, May 16 1400 Jackson Street Fort Myers fortmyerscra.com 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Jacksonville Jazz Festival Thursday - Sunday, May 22-25 Downtown Jacksonville jacksonvillejazzfest.com Check website for times Orlando Caribbean Carnival Downtown Friday - Sunday, May 23-25 orlandocarnivaldowntown.com Check website for times New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival Friday – Sunday, May 30 – June 1 www.nsbjazzfest.com Check website for times/ locations The Southern Soul Black Rodeo Friday, June 6 at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center, Jacksonville www.blackrodeousa.com Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber Tuesday, June 10 Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 8:00 p.m.

Lil Baby Thursday, June 12 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville 7:00 p.m

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

C E L E B R AT I N G O U R P A S T, P R E S E N T A N D F U T U R E

By Mitch Hermann Ritz Museum Photo Exhibit

Ritz Theatre interior

Ritz Theatre circa 1925

Ritz Theatre with marquis lit

Ritz Voices in concert

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A R T & C U LT U R E

O

n the northwest corner of Davis and State Streets in Jacksonville’s historic LaVilla neighborhood, there stands a marquee. A bright red sign that has become an icon in the community. It has stood there in various states of repair for nearly a century, towering above the box office of the Ritz Theatre like a beacon. A reminder of a vibrant community that once was, and the promise of a bright future that lies ahead. Long ago, it was a movie house. But to the community that surrounds it, it was so much more.

The Ritz Theatre opened its doors in September of 1929 and was owned and operated by Joseph Hackel, a Jewish immigrant from Estonia. It was one of a handful of theaters in the area catering to Black audiences during segregation.

Known as Film Row, this network of theaters included the Strand, the Roosevelt, and the Frolic, and each one played a vital role in the neighborhood. During the Jim Crow era, movie theaters were a gathering place for the Black community, an opportunity to claim their own space and foster a sense of belonging. In many ways, movie theaters were as important as the Black church, or the local barbershop.

But Hackel couldn’t have chosen a more unfortunate time to start a business. Just a few weeks after he opened his doors, Wall Street collapsed, and the country was plunged into the Great Depression. Unable to pay his rent, Hackel offered his landlord Neel Witschen a stake in the business, making him a silent partner and giving him 50% of the profits. By the mid 1950s, Hackel’s health was in decline, and ownership was transferred completely to Witschen. Witschen ran the Ritz until his death in 1966, then his son Neel Witschen Jr. took over until it closed its doors in 1972.

Despite its ups and downs, many senior members of the community have shared fond memories of the Ritz in those days. For some, it was

a memorable first date that led to a lifetime of marriage and friendship.

For others, it was sneaking in food from the Ritz Grill next door when the manager wasn’t looking. But for most, it was a place to relax and unwind with friends. And everyone remembers the various promotions it ran, like when three bottle caps of Coca-Cola could get you into the show for free.

LaVilla has a long and storied history. A history that is worthy of recognition not only locally, but nationally. Established in 1866 by freedmen and Black soldiers fighting for the Union Army, LaVilla rapidly grew during Reconstruction. Thanks to the construction of the railroad, LaVilla quickly became a thriving community and cultural exchange partner with cities like New Orleans

LaVilla has earned itself the moniker the “Harlem of the South.”

Unfortunately, like so many historically Black neighborhoods in America, LaVilla began to decline in the 1960s. Several factors, including desegregation and the construction of Interstate 95, fractured this once thriving neighborhood and ushered in a period of deterioration and neglect. By the mid 1990s, many of the homes, businesses and landmark structures that populated the neighborhood were no more. Casualties of urban renewal.

In many ways, the Ritz’s story mirrors the story of LaVilla; one of bustling activity and eventual decline. But this story has many chapters, and the story isn’t over yet. As early as the 1980s, plans were being formulated to save the

T h e re i s o n e c o n s t a n t t h ro ugh o u t t h e s to r y of the Ritz , and that is our commitment to t h e c o m m u n i t y . and Atlanta. By the turn of the century, the neighborhood was a hotbed of music, art and culture, solidifying its role in America’s cultural heritage and launching the careers of many artists like Ma Rainey, Blind Blake, Ray Charles, Charlie “Hoss” Singleton and Billy Daniels. As an established stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, LaVilla played host to many national acts, such as Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Not to mention that LaVilla is the birthplace of James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson, who cowrote Lift Every Voice and Sing, widely recognized today as the Black National Anthem. With so much star power, it’s no wonder

Ritz and to secure its place in the community once again. Thanks to Mayor Ed Austin and his River City Renaissance plan, those dreams were realized in September of 1999, when the newly renovated and restored Ritz Theatre and Museum opened its doors with a mission to educate, entertain and inspire.

Today, the Ritz looks much different, but its mission remains the same.

Now occupying a full city block, the Ritz is a performing arts center, museum, and event space committed to honoring the rich cultural heritage of LaVilla and Northeast Florida through high quality entertainment, community outreach, and the arts.

Our galleries feature several curated exhibitions each year, showcasing

many of the talented local artists this city has to offer. And our permanent history exhibit has inspired countless visitors young and old.

There is one constant throughout the story of the Ritz, and that is our commitment to the community.

When our original leadership made a call to action to fill our museum with history, the community responded in droves with artifacts and stories to tell. They are the ones who continue to fill the seats. They are the ones who show up and support our programming, because they love local art and culture as much as we do.

And most importantly, they are the ones who have placed their trust in us to preserve and honor their legacy, and we are grateful for the privilege to fulfill that promise. Ultimately, our mission it to be an organization where this community not only feels welcome but that they belong, connected to their heritage.

Now in its 25th year, the Ritz Theatre and Museum keeps its feet firmly planted in its history, but its eyes are always fixed on the horizon for what’s to come. We remain steadfast in our commitment as a premier destination for world class entertainment, exceptional public programs, education initiatives, and outstanding exhibitions that celebrate and elevate the culture and heritage of the area. A place where our rich history is preserved, and new conversations are started. Connecting our past with the present, and therefore shaping our future.

We have some amazing concerts, exhibits and projects planned this year to commemorate this significant anniversary. Chief among them is a large-scale renovation of the museum. Guests are sure to marvel at the many interactive and innovative upgrades we’ve got planned. We hope you’ll be as excited as we are to experience what’s next for the Ritz.

Mitch Hermann is the Ritz Theatre and Museum archivist.

ONYX MAGAZINE 23

TR AVE L

8 SECONDS AN EXHILARATING FEW MOMENTS COULD BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR NEXT VACATION.

By Sara Rosen

Athletes to Watch:

T

he 8 Seconds Rodeo returns for its third and most electrifying year, expanding to two major cities and celebrating today’s Black cowboys on a national stage. On June 15 in Portland, Ore., (Veterans Memorial Coliseum), and October 11 in Philadelphia (Liacouras Center), this groundbreaking rodeo will bring together 8,000 fans per event for a night of high-stakes competition, Black culture, and world-class entertainment.

This year’s rodeo will feature an intense lineup of events, including Bull Riding, Bareback Bronco Riding, Barrel Racing, and Mutton Bustin’, with top Black rodeo athletes from around the country competing for $60,000 in prize money. Hosted by comedienne X Mayo, the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo delivers more than just action—it’s a powerful, physically and spiritually moving experience that showcases the grit, talent, and heritage of Black rodeo athletes.

“This rodeo is about celebrating Black excellence in the Western world and providing a platform for future generations of Black rodeo athletes to thrive,” says Ivan McClellan, founder of the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo. “With this expansion, we’re bringing the culture and excitement to new audiences, proving that Black cowboys belong on the national stage.”

Athlete Development – 8 Seconds Rodeo is committed to the future of Black rodeo, hosting bull riding and bareback riding clinics in Oregon to help young rodeo athletes improve their skills and advance their careers with no-cost professional instruction.

The Bluebird Riders (Jaelah & Jiyah) – At just 11 and 13 years old, this dynamic barrel racing duo has taken the rodeo world by storm, winning against much older riders—including the 2024 8 Seconds Rodeo in Portland. The sisters, who both aspire to be veterinarians, represent the next generation of Black cowgirls breaking barriers.

Tank Adams – The ultimate rodeo wild card. This Oklahoma-born cowboy brings a fearless, hard-hitting approach to bull riding, carrying the weight of his family’s legacy with every ride. Tank drives trucks, fights MMA, and is a crowd favorite of the 8 Seconds Rodeo.

Au’vion Horton (A.V.) – Hailing from Hope, Arkansas, A.V. is a rising bull riding star with ambitions to make it to the National Finals Rodeo. Raised by his mom, grandmother, and aunt, he found his path in rodeo as a way to stay focused and out of trouble, now dedicating himself to perfecting his craft.

Photos by Ivan McClellan

ONYX MAGAZINE 25

On view through July 6, 2025 On view through July 6, 2025

Roberto Diago, a graduate of Havana’s Academia San Alejandro in the early 1990s, was Roberto Diago, a graduate Havana’s Academia Alejandro in the An early 1990s, was influenced by the artwork ofofhis grandfather, after San whom he is named.

Afro-Cuban artist influenced by the artwork of his grandfather, after whom he is named.

An Afro-Cuban focused on the history of slavery, Diago is a critical voice in the discourse of racism in artist Cuba. focused on the history of slavery, Diago is a critical voice in the discourse of racism in Cuba.

Presente en tu vida (Present in Your Life) centers Diago’s iconic silhouette-figure on raw Presente tu vida (Presentworn in Your centers Diago’s on raw canvas toen echo the clothing

by Life) slaves.

The black andiconic whitesilhouette-figure figure, stark against a red canvas to echo clothing worn but by slaves.

Theorblack andtowhite starkline against a red background, hasthe eyes to witness no mouth power speak.figure, A knotted bisecting background, has eyes to and witness the figure suggests rope skin.but no mouth or power to speak. A knotted line bisecting the figure suggests rope and skin.

Diago codes Black skin through references to keloids—raised scars from rope bondage Diago codes Black skinenslaved through people references to keloids—raised from rope bondage or whippings marking as property.

The work’s scars title acknowledges extant or whippings marking enslaved people as property.

The work’s title acknowledges extant issues of Black heritage and history and reflects ongoing struggle. issues of Black heritage and history and reflects ongoing struggle.

Photo by Alain Gutiérrez. Courtesy of The Harvard Gazette.

Photo by Alain Gutiérrez. Courtesy of The Harvard Gazette.

Presenting Sponsor: Presenting Sponsor:

TampaMuseum.org TampaMuseum.org

Community Sponsors: Community Sponsors: Anonymous Foundation Anonymous Foundation

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm Hours: Monday Sunday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am –– 8pm Thursday: 10am – 8pm

Roberto Diago (Cuban, b. 1971), Presente en tu vida (Present in Your Life), 2011.

Mixed canvas.b.Framed: 51 x 39 ¼ inches.

Robertomedia Diagoon(Cuban, 1971), Presente enxtu2 vida (Present in Your Life), 2011.

Collection of Susie and Mitchell Mixed media on canvas.

Framed:Rice.

51 x 39 ¼ x 2 inches.

Collection of Susie and Mitchell Rice.

Exhibition Sponsors: Exhibition Sponsors: Maureen and Doug Cohn Maureen and Doug Cohn

Exhibitions supported in part by: Exhibitions supported in part by:

Program Sponsors: Program Sponsors: CZ Interior Designs – Carin Zwiebel CZ Interior Designs – Carin Zwiebel Debra Williams/AMF Foundation Debra Williams/AMF Foundation

SNAP Benefit Recipients get free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art! SNAP Benefit Recipients get free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art! Funded By: Funded By:

ONYX READS

IN THE GROOVE

BOOKS THAT INSPIRE THE MUSIC IN US DEARLY BELOVED: PRINCE, SPIRITUALITY, AND THIS THING CALLED LIFE

By Pamela Ayo Yetunde Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.” When Prince spoke those words over celestial organ sounds in the opening moments of "Let’s Go Crazy," he wasn’t just inaugurating yet another Billboard Hot 100 hit—one of 47 in his career; he was also giving voice to the deep-seated and richly complex spiritual underpinning of his art. Dearly Beloved decodes the spiritual and sexual messages behind Prince’s work, from For You to Graffiti Bridge to The Rainbow Children and beyond.

DIGGING: THE AFROAMERICAN SOUL OF AMERICAN CLASSICAL MUSIC

By Amiri Baraka For almost half a century, Amiri Baraka has ranked among the most important commentators on African American music and culture. In this brilliant assemblage of his writings on music, Baraka blends autobiography, history, musical analysis, and political commentary to recall the sounds, people, times, and places he's encountered. As in his earlier classics, Blues People and Black Music, Baraka offers essays on the famous artists and those whose names are known mainly by jazz aficionados. Baraka's literary style, with its deep roots in poetry, makes palpable his love and respect for his jazz musician friends.

THE DARK MAESTRO

By Brendan Slocumb From the author of The Violin Conspiracy and Symphony of Secrets comes a mesmerizing page-turner about a musical virtuoso who’s forced into hiding when his family runs afoul of a ruthless criminal organization—and how he uses music to bring his enemies to justice. A propulsive and moving story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, The Dark Maestro is Slocumb at the height of his powers.

MUSIC IS HISTORY

By Questlove Bestselling author and Sundance award-winning director Questlove offers a thrilling, music-driven ride through the last fifty years of American history. In Music Is History, bestselling author and Sundance award-winning director Questlove harnesses his encyclopedic

knowledge of popular music and his deep curiosity about history to examine America over the past fifty years. Choosing one essential track from each year, Questlove unpacks each song’s significance, revealing the pivotal role that American music plays around issues of race, gender, politics, and identity.

AIN’T BUT A FEW OF US: BLACK MUSIC WRITERS TELL THEIR STORY Edited By Willard Jenkins Despite most of jazz’s major innovators and performers being African American, most jazz journalists, critics, and authors have been and continue to be white men. Ain’t But a Few of Us presents over two dozen candid dialogues with Black jazz critics and journalists discussing the obstacles to access for Black jazz journalists. They outline how they contend with the world of jazz writing dominated by white men and point out that these racial disparities are not confined to jazz but hamper their efforts at writing about other music genres as well.

RESPECT: A CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK

By Otis Redding, Illustrated by Rachel Moss R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care, TCB Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me) A little respect Respect is a children’s picture book based on lyrics written and originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin’s iconic rendition of the song later peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1967.

Redding’s lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today.

With lyrics by Otis Redding and illustrations by Rachel Moss, this irresistible book shows a young girl, her brother, and her parents conjuring as many positive futures for each other as they can dream.

ONYX MAGAZINE 27

MRU’ N FCAO TM HE S IDTAYY

By Bria Overs

This article first appeared in Word in Black

I

n a demonstration of engagement and support in education, thousands of fathers and male figures across more than 100 cities in 31 states accompanied their children to school last September. They showed up and showed out to signify the importance of fathers and their presence in all aspects of their children’s lives.

The event, called The Million Fathers March, brought out an estimated 64,8000 participants, according to Fathers Incorporated, an Atlanta-based non-profit supporting fathers through services and programming.

What demographic had the largest turnout that late summer day? Black men, Kenneth Braswell, CEO of Fathers Incorporated, says.

“If you stand outside of any low-income school in this country, including D.C., and you watch the cars that come around to drop off children, I guarantee you the vast majority of people that you will see dropping off children will be Black men,” Braswell tells Word In Black.

Parenthood looks different from years past.

Importantly, who stays home and who does not has also changed.

Nearly a quarter of children under 15 with married parents have a stay-at-home mother, while 1% have a stay-at-home father, according to November 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Regardless of marital status, dads now represent 18% of all stay-at-home parents, a Pew Research Center analysis found, up from 11% in 1989.

Some are retired or in school, others are unable to find work. A majority of men today said they took on this role in their families because they are ill or disabled. They also increasingly said they wanted to take care of their homes and families.

White men make up a larger share of stayat-home dads at 50% of the group, followed by 21% of Hispanic fathers. Black fathers “are a larger share of stay-at-home dads than they are of working dads.”

Stay at Home Dad

Flexible work, rising childcare costs, and a desire to spend time with family created the conditions for Black men to explore being stay-at-home dads.

Why Black Men Are Staying Home An increase in stay-at-home dads, especially among Black men, does not surprise Braswell. A decade ago, research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found Black fathers were most likely, at 70%, to “have bathed, dressed, diapered, or helped their children use the toilet every day,” compared with white and Hispanic fathers.

at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, says wages and non-labor income are two main factors behind the decision to work. Like Black women, Black men also face a wage gap, earning 80% of the median earnings of white men.

“Maybe they decide to stay home because the wage offer they’re getting is not high enough to induce them to want to work,” Rodgers says. “It could be that they have other

He says flexible schedules, thanks to entrepreneurial endeavors, the availability of parttime work, the gig economy, and remote work, allow dads to show up and be more engaged.

But this is only one aspect.

The rising cost of childcare is likely pushing more parents, across genders, to stay home. In 2021, 17% of Black children under 5 lived with a family member who had to quit, change, or refuse a job because of issues with child care, according to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

William M. Rodgers III, vice president and director of the Institute for Economic Equity

sources of income. If they’re married, it may be that their wife is garnering a higher wage.”

Empowerment and smashing glass ceilings by women could be another contributor, Braswell says, as well as embracing the idea of nurturing from men, which is positive for families and the economy.

“You’re not only growing productivity by investing in creating good young people who are going to be more productive,” Rodgers says. “These early childhood investments, particularly Head Start, if sustained, have longer lasting positive impacts.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 29

BUSINESS

Fund Your Small Business DURING SMALL BUSINESS MONTH IN JUNE, MAYBE IT’S TIME TO GO OUT ON YOUR OWN. HERE’S HOW.

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t costs money to start a business. Funding your business is one of the first — and most important — financial choices most business owners make. How you choose to fund your business could affect how you structure and run your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration has some expert guidance on how to get started.

Determine how much funding you'll need

Every business has different needs, and no financial solution is one-size-fits-all. Your personal financial situation and vision for your business will shape the financial future of your business. Once you know how much startup funding you’ll need, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get it.

Fund your business yourself with self-funding

Otherwise known as bootstrapping, self-funding lets you leverage your own financial resources to support your business. Self-funding can come in the form of turning to family and friends for capital, using your savings accounts, or even tapping into your 401(k).

With self-funding, you retain complete control over the business, but you also take on all the risk yourself. Be careful not to spend more than you can afford, and be especially careful if you choose to tap into retirement accounts early. You might face expensive fees or penalties, or damage your ability to retire on time — so you should check with your plan’s administrator and a personal financial advisor first.

Get Venture Capital from Investors

Investors can give you funding to start your business in the form of venture capital investments. Venture capital is normally offered in exchange for an ownership share and active role in the company.

Venture capital differs from traditional financing in a number of important ways. Venture capital typically:

• •

• •

Focuses high-growth companies Invests capital in return for equity, rather than debt (it’s not a loan) Takes higher risks in exchange for potential higher returns Has a longer investment horizon than traditional financing

Almost all venture capitalists will, at a minimum, want a seat on the board of directors. So be prepared to give up some portion of both control and ownership of your company in exchange for funding.

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How to get venture capital funding There’s no guaranteed way to get venture capital, but the process generally follows a standard order of basic steps.  Find an investor. Look for individual investors — sometimes called “angel investors” — or venture capital firms. Be sure to do enough background research to know if the investor is reputable and has experience working with startup companies.  Share your business plan.

The investor will review your business plan to make sure it meets their investing criteria. Most investment funds concentrate on an industry, geographic area, or stage of business development.  Go through due diligence review. The investors will look at your company’s management team, market, products and services, corporate governance documents, and financial statements.  Work out the terms. If they want to invest, the next step is to agree on a term sheet that describes the terms and conditions for the fund to make an investment.  Investment. Once you agree on a term sheet, you can get the investment! Once a venture fund has invested, it becomes actively involved in the company. Venture funds normally come in “rounds.” As the company meets milestones, further rounds of financing are made available, with adjustments in price as the company executes its plan.  Use crowdfunding to fund your business. Crowdfunding raises funds for a business from a large number of people, called crowdfunders. Crowdfunders don’t generally receive a share of ownership in the business and don’t expect a financial return on their money.

Instead, crowdfunders expect to get a “gift” from your company as thanks for their contribution. Often, that gift is the product you plan to sell or other special perks, like meeting the business owner or getting their name in the credits. This makes crowdfunding a popular option for people who want to produce creative works (like a documentary), or a physical product (like a high-tech cooler).

Crowdfunding is also popular because it’s very low risk for business owners. Not only do you get to retain full control of your company, but if your plan fails, you’re typically under no obligation to repay your crowdfunders. Every crowdfunding platform is different, so make sure to read the fine print and understand your full financial and legal obligations.  Get a small business loan. If you want to retain complete control of your business, but don’t have enough funds to start, consider a small business loan.

BUSINESS

To increase your chances of securing a loan, you should have a business plan, expense sheet, and financial projections for the next five years. These tools will give you an idea of how much you'll need to ask for, and will help the bank know they’re making a smart choice by giving you a loan.

Once you have your materials ready, contact banks and credit unions to request a loan. You’ll want to compare offers to get the best possible terms for your loan.  Use Lender Match to find lenders who offer SBA-guaranteed loans. If you have trouble getting a traditional business loan,

you should look into SBA-guaranteed loans. When a bank thinks your business is too risky to lend money to, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can agree to guarantee your loan. That way, the bank has less risk and is more willing to give your business a loan.

Use Lender Match to find lenders who offer SBA-guaranteed loans.

SBA investment programs  Small Business Investment Company (SBIC). SBICs are privately owned and managed investment funds licensed and regulated by SBA. They use their own capital, plus funds borrowed with an SBA guarantee, to make equity and debt investments in qualifying small businesses.

Learn more about SBICs to see if your business might qualify.  Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This program encourages small businesses to engage in federal research and development that has the potential for commercialization. Find out if the SBIR’s competitive awards-based program(Link is external) makes sense for you.  Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. This program offers funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development arena. Small businesses who qualify for this program work with nonprofit research institutions in the early and intermediate stages of starting up. Find out if the STTR program makes sense(Link is external) for your business.

CALCULATE YOUR STARTUP COSTS

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ow much money will it take to start your small business? Calculate the startup costs for your small business so you can request funding, attract investors, and estimate when you’ll turn a profit.

Calculate Before You Launch The key to a successful business is preparation. Before your business opens its doors, you’ll have bills to pay. Understanding your expenses will help you launch successfully.

Calculating startup costs helps you:

U.S. Small Business Administration

 Estimate profits  Conduct a break-even analysis  Secure loans  Attract investors  Save money with tax deductions

Identify Your Startup Expenses Most businesses fall into one of three categories: brick-andmortar businesses, online businesses, and service providers.

You’ll face different startup expenses depending on your business type.

There are common startup costs you’re likely to have no matter what. Look through the following list, and make sure to Under 40 add any other expenses that are unique to your business:

 Office space  Equipment and supplies  Communications  Utilities  Licenses and permits  Insurance  Lawyer and accountant  Inventory  Employee salaries  Advertising and marketing  Market research  Printed marketing materials  Making a website

Estimate How Much Your Expenses Will Cost Once you have your list of expenses, you can estimate how much they’ll actually cost.

This process will be different for each expense you have.

Some expenses will have well-defined costs — permits and licenses tend to have clear, published costs. You might have to estimate other costs that are less certain, like employee salaries. Look online and talk directly to mentors,

vendors, and service providers to see what similar companies pay for expenses.

Add Up Your Expenses for a Full Financial Picture Once you’ve identified your business expenses and how much they’ll cost, you should organize your expenses into one-time expenses and monthly expenses.

One-time expenses are the initial costs needed to start the business. Buying major equipment, hiring a logo designer, and paying for permits, licenses, and fees are generally considered to be one-time expenses.

You can typically deduct onetime expenses for tax purposes, which can save you money on the amount of taxes you’ll owe.

Make sure to keep track of your expenses and talk to your

accountant when it’s time to file your taxes.

Monthly expenses typically include things like salaries, rent, and utility bills. You’ll want to count at least one year of monthly expenses, but counting five years is ideal.

Add up your one-time and monthly expenses to get a good picture of how much capital you’ll need and when you’ll need it.

Use Your Startup Cost Calculations to Get Startup Funding It’s a good idea to create a formal report of your expected startup costs.

You want it in a format that’s clear and easy to understand.

Investors and lenders compare expected costs to projected revenue and determine the potential for your business to profit.

ONYX MAGAZINE 31

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THE QUAD

FAMU TAPS HEISMAN WINNER/ NBA VET TO LEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL

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lorida A&M University Vice President and Director of Athletics Angela Suggs announced that Charlie Ward, National Basketball Association veteran, and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, has been named the 16th head men’s basketball coach. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for our men’s basketball program as we proudly welcome Charlie Ward—a true legend and exceptional leader,” said Suggs. “Coach Ward brings with him a championship mindset and a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly ignite a new level of inspiration and ambition in our stu- FAMU Interim President Timothy Beard proudly dent-athletes. His arrival is a game-changer for welcomed Charlie Ward to "The FAMUly" along with Vice our program.” Ward retired as a player in 2004 President of Athletics Angela Suggs, and Venom. (Photo

by Glenn Beil/FAMU Office of Communications) and began coaching for the NBA’s Houston Rockets under Jeff Van Gundy. Ward coached for the Rockets for two seasons before serving as an assistant basketball coach and head football coach at Westbury Christian School in Houston. After six seasons at Westbury, he was named head football coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Fla. Since 2018, Ward has been the head coach at Florida High School. In 2022, he led the team to its first state championship victory since 1963.

FAMU Communications

UNCF Program to Prepare Students for Financial Sector

U

NCF announced the launch of Project ACCLAIM (Accelerating Learning in Asset Investment Management), a groundbreaking initiative designed to cultivate a robust pipeline of students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) entering the financial services sector.

This ambitious program, which will launch at Morehouse College and Howard University in fall 2025, is made possible by a transformative $10 million gift from Adage Capital Management and Elizabeth and Phill Gross. The panelists participating in the exclusive chat were Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF; Phill Gross, co-founder and managing director, Adage Capital Management and Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president, Ariel Investments. The panel moderator was Kim Godwin, former president, ABC News and career journalist. “Project ACCLAIM represents a groundbreaking partnership between UNCF, Adage Capital Management, and visionary philanthropists Elizabeth and Phill Gross,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. Project ACCLAIM will provide HBCU students with a comprehensive undergraduate learning experience in investment management, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the asset management industry. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on experience, and co-curricular activities, the program aims to enhance finance and investing curricula at HBCUs, foster a strengthened community of practice among faculty, and establish a centralized student-managed investment pool.

B-CU TO DIRECT GRANT FUNDS TO YOUNG BLACK MEN

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ethune-Cookman University (B-CU) recently was named as part of the NBA Foundation’s 14th grant round, which awarded $16.3 million across dozens of U.S. nonprofit organizations. B-CU will use the funding to continue preparing young Black men for college and beyond.

Bethune-Cookman University’s Black Male College Explorers Program was established on campus in 1993 to provide mentorship and guidance to local youth in grades 6 through 12. The B-CU Black Male College Explorers Program stands as a transformative program dedicated to empowering minority male youth throughout Florida.

The program aims to cultivate academic excellence, foster high school graduation, promote access to post-secondary education, and ensure long-term personal and professional success. By employing innovative and evidence-based interventions, the program inspires participants to unlock their full potential. “This generous investment of $300,000 from the NBA Foundation enables us to expand our influence and support young Black men as they begin to carve out their futures,” stated Dr. Sherry Paramore, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at B-CU. “Together, we are not merely altering individual life trajectories but also fostering the development of stronger, more resilient communities through education, empowerment, and access to meaningful opportunities.”

B-CU Communications

UNCF Communications Left to Right: Phill Gross, co-founder and managing director, Adage Capital Management, Kim Godwin, former president, ABC News, and career journalist, Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president, Ariel Investments, and Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF, had a conversation on advancing Black wealth and economic mobility at Martha’s Vineyard.

ONYX MAGAZINE 33

SAGE

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to finally visit that bucket list destination you’ve been dreaming of. While foretirement should be relaxing, not boring. In fact, taking on new hobmal lessons are great, you can help ensure your skills truly progress through bies can keep your mind sharp and body vital as you age. Here are five conversation. Lean on services like Tandem to connect with a language partner. ways to stay active in your golden years: By taking on new hobbies and expanding your interests, you can carve 1. Play Music: There are numerous cognitive and emotional benefits out a retirement that is active, adventurous and good for your body, mind associated with playing music. Whether you’re a beginner just looking to and soul. pick up the basics or a seasoned musician with the hopes of performing in public, you can equip yourself to sound amazing with a high-quality instrument like the CT-S1-76 keyboard from Casio. Or, learn to play a piano to occupy your down time.

2. Join a Gym: Joining a gym is one of the easiest ways to ensure you perform a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing both will help keep your bones and muscles strong and your heart and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget to add in yoga and stretching to promote balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach, see what other nearby opportunities are available for working up a sweat.

Many towns and cities offer free and budget-friendly, community-based exercise programming.

3. Start a Book Club: It’s always more fun to read books when you can discuss them with friends. From tackling the classics, to diving into Risks and Real Talk on Potential Relief non-fiction works that will challenge your perspective, to enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads, it’s important that the other members of the group have the same reading goals as you. So do a little leg work Watch a Conversations on Cannabis in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page.

4. Number Crunch: You don’t have to be in virtual forum to learn how some women school to take up math as a hobby. There are plenty of recreational mathematicians of all ages who enjoy are using medical cannabis to manage crunching numbers to work puzzles, compete in games, and uncover patterns in the real world. To menopause symptoms and what experts get into your mathematical groove and to support say about the risks and benefits. your hobby, use a graphing calculator such as the fx-9750GIII from Casio. Its over 2,900 functions, including random number generation, metric conversion and object measurement, make it a great tool for any mathematical project.

5. Learn a Language: Learning a new language not only creates new neural pathways in the brain, it can be just the motivational ticket you need

Can Medical Marijuana Help With

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SOMETHING NEW

SMART CONSUMER

Go Green

HOW TO SUPPORT GREEN SMALL BUSINESSES

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he wave of eco-friendly business is no fad.

It is a game-changing shift in how humanity relates to the planet. Every time one buys something from them, it means they are not only purchasing an item or receiving a service but invested in a sustainable future. The decisions we make bear an impact far greater than the checkout counter—right down to the level of local economies and international environmental policy.

Knowing what it means for us to be supporters of eco-friendly green business empowers us with control over choice, helping us live by our values ​​and creating positive change regarding our environment.

We all know that supporting small businesses is key to strengthening our communities.

According to the Small Business Administration, they create 1.5 million jobs annually and account for 64% of new jobs created in the US. But how can we support green and local businesses without overconsuming? Check out our list of tips for some ideas on how to diversify the ways that you support your local businesses during Small Business Month in June.

Boost Their Online Presence If any of your local businesses have a social media presence, funnel more eyes towards their pages by tagging them in your own posts, writing reviews on sites like Yelp and Google and signing up for any promotional newsletters that they may have. You can also find new small businesses on sites like Etsy and Shopify, browse and buy from local businesses on Sook and find used, out-of-print and rare books from independent booksellers on Alibris.

Vocalize Your Support

From Green America

Recommend your favorite local businesses to friends and family.

Word of mouth is an incredibly powerful marketing tool: a study by global marketing research firm Nielsen found that 92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all forms of advertising. Leverage the power of your endorsements to bolster support for local businesses.

Open Your Eyes, Ears, and Laptop The impulse to click “place order” online before shopping at a brickand-mortar store is stronger than ever. Counteract this by evaluating your online purchases and taking notice of local businesses in your city or town.

By Attorney Taalib Saber

There are plenty of ways to find new favorites. Your local Chamber of Commerce, community Facebook groups and Nextdoor forums are all resources to broaden your index of neighborhood businesses. Make an adventure out of exploring new community businesses with friends. These local stores may carry items that you would otherwise buy online; increasing your knowledge of your surrounding merchants allows you to shift from buying shipped items to making purchases from small businesses.

Pickup is Preferred Though getting meals or groceries delivered is tempting, ordering from most delivery services reduces the profits received by merchants. Companies like Postmates, DoorDash, and Instacart charge additional fees to the businesses who use them, whittling down already thin profit margins. When you’re able to buy from a local restaurant or grocery store, picking up your dinner order and grabbing products in-store bolsters the impact of your purchase.

Start Networking Green products and services are at high demand with more and more people keeping people and the planet at top of mind. Businesses that join the Green Business Network® (greenbusinessnetwork.org) can get lots of resources for going green and meet other eco-entrepreneurs.

For everyday purchases or special occasion shopping, remember to think small and explore the independent storefronts in your community or online. When you support small business, you make the world smaller—in all the best ways.

ONYX MAGAZINE 35

WO R K P L AC E C O M M E N TA RY

Including People With Disabilities Benefits Everyone

By Lauren Shallish

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he presence of employees with disabilities can make companies and organizations more collaborative, inclusive, and attractive to job seekers.

Whether it’s declaring that blindness prevents government employees from doing their jobs or suggesting that hiring workers with intellectual disabilities contributed to Federal Aviation Administration safety lapses, the Trump administration has repeatedly questioned whether people with disabilities belong in the workplace.

This stance reflects widespread stigma and misconceptions about what people with disabilities can and do accomplish.

Negative stereotypes and exclusionary practices persist despite the fact that people with disabilities are the largest minority group in the United States, representing nearly 30% of the population.

Whether or not you identify as disabled, most people live or work in close proximity to others with a disability.

For years I have researched how people with disabilities have been kept out of efforts to guarantee equal access for everybody, particularly in higher education. This exclusion is often due to unfounded beliefs about capacity, intellect, and merit, and the false premise that disability inclusion requires lowering standards.

However, studies demonstrate that including people with disabilities is good for everyone, not just disabled people. Schools and workplaces are more collaborative and responsive when people with disabilities are included at all levels of the organization. In other

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words, disability inclusion isn’t about charity; it’s about making organizations work better.

Rolling Back Protections

President Donald Trump issued executive orders the day he took office for a second time that aimed to end government and private-sector efforts to make U.S. workplaces and schools more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. In addition to affecting LGBTQ communities and people of color, these measures could erode years of progress toward protecting the rights of people with disabilities to earn a living.

Between 40 million and 80 million Americans identify as disabled.

Even the higher end of this range underestimates the actual number of people with disabilities, because some individuals choose not to identify that way or even realize they qualify as such. That includes people with impairments from chemical and pesticide exposure, as well as many older people and those who are living with HIV and AIDS, to name some examples.

Only 15% of people with disabilities are born with their impairment, so most individuals become disabled over their lifetime.

Tracing Historical Precedents

Blaming failures on people with disabilities and people of color echoes the harms embedded in eugenics, an attempt to scientifically prove genetic inferiority of disabled, LGBTQ, Indigenous, and Black people.

WO R K P L AC E C O M M E N TA RY

Eugenics led to the institutionalization and forced sterilization of, and the coercive experimentation on, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people of color across the U.S. Even the Supreme Court endorsed the concept in the early 20th century.

These studies began to fade after World War II, but their legacy persists. Even today, forced sterilization continues to be lawful in U.S jurisdictions in 31 states and in Washington.

Due to widespread activism and the advent of new legal protections, many states finally dismantled their eugenic policies in the late 1970s. But eugenics-era experiments provided foundations for contemporary medical research, standardized testing, and segregated school placements.

People with disabilities have far-reaching legal guarantees of civil rights and access today due to the Americans With Disabilities Act. The statute, which was enacted in 1990 and strengthened in 2008, provided protections in the workplace, educational settings, transportation, and places of recreation and commerce, among others. It also guarded against negative perceptions of disability.

For example, if an employer perceived someone as disabled and denied them consideration in the hiring process because of that, the candidate would be protected from discrimination under the ADA— whether or not they had a disability.

While these advances are significant, many people with disabilities still do not have access to their basic civil rights. This is particularly true of Black people with disabilities, as they are disproportionately pushed out of school, disciplined more harshly, targeted for incarceration, and marginalized in disability representation and research.

Gaining Workplace Accommodations Critics of inclusion efforts sometimes wrongly argue that employing people with disabilities is too costly due to the accommodations they may require. But the Job Accommodation Network in the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy found in 2023 that nearly 60% of these accommodations cost nothing.

What’s more, many tax incentives are available to cover these costs. Disability civil rights law does not mandate hiring people who are not qualified or lowering standards to include the disabled. The law requires that candidates meet the “essential functions” of the job in order to be hired.

According to a 2024 Labor Department report, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities was 38% compared with 75% for nondisabled people. Though there are countless reasons for this disparity, many people with disabilities can and want to work, but employers don’t give them the opportunity.

Providing Benefits for Everyone

Many accommodations designed for people with disabilities also benefit others.

Captioning on videos and movies was originally meant to benefit the deaf community, but it also helps multilingual speakers and people who simply are trying to follow the dialogue. Similarly, visual or written instructions assist people with depression, Down syndrome, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but they can also make tasks more accessible for everyone, along with breaking assignments into smaller components.

Sensory break rooms benefit people with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder, while also providing a reprieve in a noisy work environment and minimizing distractions. Remote work options can make it easier for people with chronic illnesses to be employed, and they similarly benefit others who may have caregiving responsibilities—helping attract and retain talented employees.

Text-to-speech software provides people with cerebral palsy and nonspeaking individuals with options for communication, similar to options that many people already use on their phones.

A large body of research demonstrates the broad benefits of making jobs and schools more accessible to people with disabilities, which is ultimately an advantage for everyone.

Studies on diversity in educational and workplace settings also demonstrate positive outcomes. In a study of 10 public universities, researchers found that students who reported positive, informal interactions with diverse peers had higher scores on measures of more complex thinking, a concern for the public good and an interest in poverty issues, and were more likely to vote and develop strong leadership skills.

In a national survey of human resources managers conducted in 2019, 92% of the respondents who were aware that one or more of their employees had a disability said those individuals performed the same or better than their peers who did not.

Research published by Harvard Business Review found many advantages to hiring people with disabilities.

For one thing, people with disabilities can have unique insights that contribute to the workplace culture.

The presence of employees with disabilities can make the environment of entire companies and organizations more collaborative. Earning a reputation for inclusiveness and social responsibility can improve customer relations and can give businesses an edge when they seek funding and recruit talented new employees.

Ultimately, I believe it’s important to create conditions where anyone can thrive, including people with disabilities. Doing so benefits everyone.

Disability inclusion isn’t about charity; it’s about making organizations work better.

Lauren Shallish Ph.D., is an associate professor of critical disability studies in education in the Urban Education Department at Rutgers University-Newark. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

ONYX MAGAZINE 37

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

Raise Your Voice Around Mental Health

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his May, take action, raise your voice, and help change the conversation around mental health! Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a driving force in addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Now, more than ever, NAMI needs you to be part of this movement. Whether by sharing your story, spreading awareness, or advocating for change, every action helps break the stigma and build a more supportive world for all.

Theme: “In Every Story, There’s Strength.”

Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. “In Every Story, There’s Strength,” highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within our community. NAMI’s campaign celebrates the power of storytelling to fuel connection, understanding, and hope for those navigating their own mental health path. Each story shared is a testament to the possibility of recovery and the strength that lies within us all.

Know Your Sunscreen

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unscreens come in many formulations and delivery methods, and it can take trial and error to find the one you like best. Whether it’s a sport spray, an easy-to-use stick or a rich moisturizer with antiaging ingredients, the best sunscreen is the one you will use every day.

SPF stands for sun protection factor. The number tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays would take to redden your skin when using a particular sunscreen compared with the amount of time without sunscreen. So if you use an SPF 30 product exactly as directed (applied generously and evenly, and reapplied after two hours or after sweating or swimming), it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.

Broad spectrum. The words “broad spectrum” on a label indicate that the

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sunscreen contains ingredients that effectively protect against UVA rays as well as UVB. Water resistance. While sunscreens can’t claim to be waterproof, they can be labeled water resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. Yes, you can burn even when you’re in the water, so reapplying is key!

Sensitive skin. Products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sometimes referred to as mineral or physical formulas, may be less likely to cause skin irritation in people who have sensitive skin.

The pitfall: Most people don’t apply sunscreen exactly as directed. They may not apply it liberally enough, might miss spots and may forget to reapply regularly. Slather it on!

The Skin Cancer Foundation advises everyone to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

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

Got Allergies? Get Answers

I MEDICAL CANNABIS OFFERS RELIEF FROM MS SYMPTOMS

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hile traveling, Natasha Acoff experienced numbness on her left side, leading to an ER visit and a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. Given a pamphlet on the disease, she recalled feeling terrified for her future.

MS is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, causing symptoms like vision problems, muscle weakness, fatigue, and cognitive impairments. Though its cause is unknown, some research points to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection as a leading candidate, with women more likely to be diagnosed than men.

Since her diagnosis, Acoff has become a National Multiple Sclerosis Society ambassador and founded On My Nerves Inc., a Tallahassee nonprofit supporting MS patients. She has been on a disease-modifying therapy for 11 years but recently considered medical marijuana as a treatment option after speaking with Terel Newton, M.D. Dr. Newton is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist based in Jacksonville. He serves as Florida’s medical director for Trulieve, is a certified medical marijuana physician, and authored Endocannabinoid Medicine & Pharmacology: A Guide for Physicians and Pharmacists. “Cannabis can serve as a rescue treatment for many patients,” he says.

Medical cannabis options include cannabidiol (CBD) for inflammation and low-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) products like topicals, edibles, and capsules. Dr. Newton emphasizes that patients should consult their doctors before using cannabis. He also recommends exercise, vitamin D, and an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce flare-ups.

Acoff highlights the importance of education and treatment options, “It’s really helpful for a lot of people with MS… to understand the best way we can treat ourselves.”

Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIMarch2025 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Nataha Acoff and Dr. Terel Newton discussing “Cannabis and Multiple Sclerosis.” Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

n need of some allergy relief for your eyes? When spring arrives, summer flowers bloom, and fall leaves hit the ground, count on allergens to be an integral part of the action. And that’s only on the outside. Inside, allergens run amok throughout the year, triggering allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, and swollen eyes.

Allergies can cause the eyes to swell and become red, itchy, watery, The reason people have swollen eyes from allergies is that they’re getting contact in the eyes from airborne allergies.

Wash Your Face. Washing your face is one of the first things you should do to combat itchy, swollen eyes. It can help wash away the allergens sticking to your skin and eyelashes.

Rinse Out the Swollen Eyes. Rinse out the eyes if you can with a little bit of water, and that’s usually helpful. That will loosen the allergens from the inside of your eyes and help to flush them out.

Apply a Cold Compress. Cold compresses

around the eyes can be helpful with itching and swelling. Soak a towel or washcloth in cold water or refrigerate a damp cloth or eye pillow.

Then lie down with the compress across your eyes to let the coolness reduce swelling.

Try Allergy Eye Drops. Try an over-the-

But if the following occurs, you should call your doctor immediately:

Take Oral Medications or Get Allergy Shots. Over-the-counter

• • •

counter eye drop made to soothe itchy, swollen eyes caused by allergies.

•

Feeling like you’ve got something stuck in your eye Pain in the eye Blurry vision Decreased vision

or prescription allergy medications, including antihistamines, can provide some relief for milder allergy symptoms, including swollen eyes. Along with eye drops, you can get twice-weekly allergy shots and take several allergy medications to keep allergy symptoms under control.

Stay Indoors if Your Eyes are Swollen and You are Dealing with Allergies. Weather conditions play a role. A breezy

day with lots of pollen in the air can keep you from soothing swollen eyes because of continued exposure to allergens.

On days when outdoor allergens are high, stay inside — and save outdoor activities for just after a rain, when fewer allergens fill the air.

Dr. Terel Newton

Felicia Vance, BlackDoctor.org

ONYX MAGAZINE 39

Dr. Patty E. Mason: Your Trusted Guide to Financial Wellness For Over 30 years, Dr. Patty E Mason has been the go-to expert in taxation, guiding business owners to maximize productivity and minimize tax exposures. But financial success is more than just numbers – it’s about freedom, security, and empowerment.

Dr. Mason, as a Financial, Business & Tax Consultant offers: • • • • • • •

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R E A L E S TAT E

HOMEBUYING IN THIS MARKET

LOOKING FOR A HOME? WHAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR IN 2025?

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n 2025, the housing market is expected to see slower price increases and potentially more inventory for buyers.

While home prices are still projected to rise, the pace of growth is anticipated to be less dramatic than in previous years. This could offer more opportunities for buyers to find homes without the intense competition and bidding wars seen recently.

Here's a more detailed look at what to expect when buying a home in 2025:

1. Home Price Growth:

Slower Pace: Experts generally predict that home prices will continue to rise, but the increase will be slower than in the past.

Stabilization: Some forecasts suggest that home price growth could slow to a rate of 3% or even less in 2025.

Regional Differences: It's important to remember that the housing market can vary significantly from region to region, so local conditions could influence home prices.

ONYX Magazine staff report compilation from housing experts.

2. Mortgage Rates:

Stabilization: Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize around 6.5% for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in 2025, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

Potential Decline: Some experts predict that mortgage rates could ease slightly by the end of 2025, which could make buying a home more affordable, says Jeremy Schachter, branch manager at Fairway Independent Mortgage.

3. Inventory:

Increased Inventory: More homes are expected to be on the market in 2025, potentially leading to fewer bidding wars and more options for buyers.

More Choices: This increase in inventory could provide buyers with more choices and potentially less competition for each listing.

4. Affordability:

Slightly More Affordable: While the

overall cost of buying a home is still high, the combination of slower price growth and potentially lower mortgage rates could make buying a home slightly more affordable in 2025.

How Tariffs May Impact Construction Costs — and What That Means for You •

5. Market Outlook:

Mixed Outlook: The housing market in 2025 is expected to be more stable and less volatile than recent years, but there's still some uncertainty.

Long-Term Growth: Despite the slower growth expected in 2025, home prices are still projected to continue increasing in the long term.

•

6. Before Buying a Home:

Get Pre-Approved: Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your borrowing capacity and have an advantage when making an offer.

Research the Market: Stay informed about local market conditions, including home prices, inventory levels, and interest rates.

Work with a Realtor: A qualified real estate agent can guide you through the home buying process and help you find the right property.

Consider Your Needs: Think about your home buying priorities, such as location, property size, and features.

In conclusion, buying a home in 2025 could offer a more favorable market for buyers compared to the previous years, with slower price growth, potentially lower mortgage rates, and more inventory. However, it's important to stay informed about the market, work with a real estate agent, and carefully consider your individual needs and financial situation.

•

Tariffs on imported materials like steel, aluminum, and lumber are causing the cost of new construction to rise significantly. Added expenses are making it harder for builders to deliver affordable housing, especially at a time when demand already outweighs supply. What it means for you: If you’re in the market for a new construction home, be prepared for higher price tags or longer wait times — and consider getting pre-approved early to lock in your budget.

It’s not just homebuyers who are affected. As the cost of construction increases, developers are becoming more cautious about launching new rental projects. This could reduce the number of available rental units — especially in high-demand areas — which puts upward pressure on rent prices. What it means for you: If you’re renting, you may see fewer new options and rising prices in your area.

It may be a good time to explore longterm options like buying — especially if you plan to stay put for a while.

Beyond material costs, tariffs have contributed to broader economic uncertainty. With inflation pressures and rate shifts in play, some buyers are choosing to wait and see how the market evolves. This can lead to a cooling effect on home sales, even as housing needs remain high. What it means for you: If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to buy or invest, talking to a financial expert can help. Every situation is unique — and our team is here to guide you through it with confidence.

Luminate Bank

ONYX MAGAZINE 41

BLACK HISTORY

What’s Great B About Jacksonville?

T H E H I S TO RY, O F C O U RS E .

T H E B L AC K H E R I TAG E T R A I L PAV E S T H E H I S TO RY O F D U VA L .

rave, innovative African Americans paved the history of Jacksonville, leaving the city with the richest Black heritage in the state of Florida. Jacksonville is a premier arts destination with a growing public art scene. As a city filled with rich culture and historical treasures, visitors can celebrate Black history in northeast Florida year-round. Learn about the Black heritage in Jacksonville through the public art scene around the city. Local Black artists are contributing to this growing arts scene in Jacksonville by telling the story of African American heritage through public art. The selfguided Black Heritage Trail honors and celebrates this legacy at 25 remarkable stops. Here are just a few that will help you see what’s so great about Jacksonville.

The 501(c)3 organization is working to reunify, restore and reopen this historic complex as a thriving community, learning, research and tourism center.

Saturday Market in Moncrief Springs America's Black National Anthem Written by Jacksonville native sons James Weldon and J. Rosamond Johnson right here in Jacksonville.

The Johnson brothers were two luminaries in early African-American history and culture, hear the story behind "Lift Ev'ry Voice" and so much more at the Ritz Theatre and Museum in the historic LaVilla neighborhood of Downtown. You can also visit the birth site of the famous brother. Where their house once stood, Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing Park now stands.

Durkee Field (J.P. Small Park) One of three players to break the color barrier in the regional minor leagues, the famed right-fielder made a splash with the then-Jacksonville Braves at historic Durkee Field, now known as J.P. Small Park, before being called up to the 42 ONYX MAGAZINE

majors in 1954. The Durkeeville Historical Society was started in the 1980's. The goal of the Durkeeville Historical Society is to help educate about the historic African American community.

Norman Studios Founded in 1916 Jacksonville, as Eagle Film City and purchased by Richard E. Norman in 1921, the Norman Studios was among the nation’s first to produce “race films” starring African American characters in positive, non-stereotypical roles. Today, Norman’s five-building studio complex survives in Jacksonville’s Old Arlington neighborhood.

Eartha's Farm & Market is a 10.5acre urban farm in Historic Moncrief Springs. Formerly White Harvest Farms, we are fighting to eliminate food deserts & promote food sustainability in communities of color. This initiative was launched by the Clara White Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding, training, and housing Jacksonville's homeless and veteran population since 1904. Eartha's Farm & Market is committed to regenerative, biological farming practices and is a resource for other NE Florida farms and community members. It is also committed to educating the

community through agricultural training programs like our beekeeping internship, Youth in Agriculture program, Urban Homesteading workshops, and the WHF community garden. While the farm focuses on advocacy programs to eliminate food deserts and increase conservation efforts in NW Jacksonville it has become an attraction for agrotourism. Visitors can enjoy tours that allow them to explore urban homesteading in a new and adventurous way. Some highlights include the Community Apiary, Moncrief Creek, and the Monarch butterfly conservation site. Eartha's Farm & Market is a great place to take Instagram-worthy photos.

Eartha M.M. White Museum The Eartha M.M. White Historical Museum is a tribute to the life and work of Eartha Mary Magdalene White (1876-1974), a woman who barely stood 5 feet tall, a humanitarian, entrepreneur, and social activist.

Dr. White gracefully and strategically navigated through a world where African-American women were second class citizens. She was one generation removed from enslavement in the Deep South but crossed color lines and achieved levels of success that rivaled White men in her era.

BLACK HISTORY

prominent African-American families. Dispersed throughout this part of the cemetery are the graves of 50 African American veterans, commonly referred to as Buffalo Soldiers, including several that served in the Union army.

Last Remaining Black School House in Jacksonville.

White's vision to create a museum that is accessible to all people and a symbol of excellence within the Black community has evolved into the ongoing and active work of research, documentation, exhibiting, and development of programs to perpetuate her multi-faceted legacy. The museum is housed in the landmark Globe Theatre building in historic LaVilla, a neighborhood in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

The exhibit areas are a replica of what the building looked like when it was White's residence and office space during the last forty-two years of her life (1932-1974). Eartha's Victorian era furnishings are the backdrop of the museum accentuated with captioned photographs, text panels, documents, and a wide variety of memorabilia accumulated by Eartha White. They all tell the story of the impact of her work in Jacksonville and uncovers rare facts about her mother a former enslaved woman from the Amelia Island area and the namesake of the mission, Clara White.

Jacksonville's Oldest Home at Kingsley Plantation At this National Park site, the history of freedom and enslavement takes on a different perspective. The lives of Zephaniah Kingsley and his wife Anna, herself a former slave illustrate this unique and little known part of Florida's history. Historic structures include the barn, kitchen house, the remains of 25 tabby slave

cabins, and the planter’s house, which is the oldest standing plantation era house in Florida.

Jacksonville's First Black Suburbs Laid out in the 1930s, Durkeeville was one of the original streetcar suburbs, just northwest of Downtown. It was the center of commerce and culture for the local black community during the first decades of the 20th century. Today, the Durkeeville Historical Society maintains a museum (by appointment only) that walks visitors through the area's unique history. Another significant neighborhood to explore is the LaVilla neighborhood, a suburb of Downtown, this area was once known as the “Harlem of the South” with a vibrant music and entertainment scene that attracted many nationally renowned jazz artists to play at local black clubs.

Old City Cemetery.

The Old City Cemetery was established in 1852 and located immediately northeast of Downtown Jacksonville. The cemetery property was donated by Captain Charles and Frances Willey in 1852 to the Town of Jacksonville. The cemetery was expanded in 1869 by another two acres to the north to accommodate primarily African -American burials. This part of Old City Cemetery, known as the Duval Colored Cemetery or the “Freedmen’s Cemetery”, came to be the burial ground of choice for many of Jacksonville’s

Located at the grounds of the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society, the St. Joseph’s Mission Schoolhouse for African American Children dates back to 1898. It was built for the education of black Mandarin residents, some even had to walk 4 miles to get there and back every day.ё

west Africa who were enslaved and brought to the southeast coastal Atlantic area to work on rice, cotton and indigo plantations. Currently, Jacksonville is home to one of the largest concentrations of Gullah Geechee descendants in the United States.

In 2006, the United States Congress created the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor along the coastal areas of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, including Jacksonville.

From historical sites and activities to soul-filled restaurants, learn the story of the Gullah Geechee people when you immerse yourself in their rich culture and heritage in Jacksonville.

Explore the Shops Along A. Philip Randolph Boulevard in the Eastside Neighborhood.

Edward Waters University Edward Waters University (EWU) is, distinctively, Florida’s oldest independent institution of higher learning as well as the state’s first institution established for the education of African Americans. With a history beginning in the dark yet hopeful days of Reconstruction, today’s Edward Waters University is living, thriving proof of the power of education and the resilience of deeply rooted educational institutions. The University continues to experience the triumphs and challenges characteristic of its rich history and the bold dynamic future to which it aims. It began as an institution founded by Blacks, for Blacks.

Gullah Geechee Descendants.

The Gullah Geechee are descendants of those from central and

In Jacksonville's Eastside neighborhood, A. Philip Randolph Blvd. is lined with many colorful murals and regularly serves as the host of the Melanin Market as well as other community events. A Philip Randolph was a labor unionist and civil rights activist who grew up in Jacksonville. While you're there, stop by A Philip Randolph Heritage Park.

Admire the Mosaics at the Jessie Ball DuPont Center.

Honoring prominent Black figures in Jacksonville's past and present, these 6 mosaics feature author Zora Neal Hurston, poet and performer Ebony Payne-English, civil rights leader Rutledge Pearson, historian and author Rodney L. Hurst, humanitarian Eartha M.M. White, and educator Johnetta Cole. The mosaics were created by artist Celso Gonzalez.

Stories and photos from Visit Jacksonville.

ONYX MAGAZINE 43

W E A LT H / F I N A N C E W E A LT H & F I N A N C E

Keep the Monthly Payment Low

Three essential tips for your spring vehicle purchase

T

ax refunds have started rolling in, which means many people are looking to use this influx of cash to make purchases they’ve been putting off. According to an Oxford Economics report, the amount of money received from income tax refunds this year could be among the highest in recent years, so many people may have more money in their pockets to spend this spring.

One purchase typically rises to the top this time of year: used vehicles. The Oxford report shows used vehicles are one of the most popular purchases for Americans during tax refund time as this coincides with higher resale values of used vehicles. When making this purchase, it’s important to consider several factors to make a smart financial decision.

Make Sure the Purchase Fits Within Your Budget

Data from Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive suggests average used car 44 ONYX MAGAZINE

prices are around 50% less than new vehicle prices. Trusted used car companies and dealerships often feature a wide selection of inventory, including different makes and models, so customers can select a vehicle that excites them and fits within their budget.

“While there are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a vehicle, consumers should never exceed their budget,” said Laura D. Adams, personal finance expert, host of the “Money Girl” podcast and a paid Enterprise Car Sales spokesperson.

“A vehicle that is near new is often an excellent sweet spot for consumers looking for quality without wanting to make the leap to purchase an expensive, new vehicle.”

Searching for a vehicle with a retailer you trust can help make it easy to stay within your budget. For example, with Enterprise Car Sales, the price listed is the price you’ll pay.

Purchase a Reliable Vehicle

No matter who you buy from, ensuring you are purchasing a high-quality, reliable vehicle is of the utmost importance. Do your research before signing on the dotted line and conduct a test drive if you can.

“When conducting your search, it’s important to put companies and dealerships you trust at the top of your list,” Adams said. “Maintenance costs can sometimes creep up down the road, so it’s important to make this significant purchase from a company or dealership you trust.”

Some dealers also provide additional benefits to help protect a purchase. For example, all vehicles purchased through Enterprise Car Sales are “Enterprise Certified,” pass a rigorous inspection by ASE-certified technicians and come with a 12-month or 12,000-mile limited powertrain warranty (whichever occurs first), 12 months of roadside assistance and a 7-day or 1,000-mile (whichever occurs first) buyback policy.

With a little research and careful planning, you can find a reliable used vehicle that excites you. Visit enterprisecarsales. com for more information.

Family Features

Refunds to New Rides

The more you can invest in the down payment on a vehicle, the lower your monthly cost will typically be and the less interest you will typically pay over the length of the loan. This can lead to lower, more manageable monthly payments.

“In setting a budget for a quality used vehicle, it’s important to consider the initial down payment, the monthly payments, and the interest,” Adams said. “When consumers can put a little more toward the initial down payment, while staying within budget, they often thank themselves later when they have lower monthly payments and less interest accrued.”

There are many online resources that can help consumers make this calculation. For example, an auto loan calculator can show you how a down payment can affect interest charges.

W E A LT H / F I N A N C E

PLANNING

FOR A POSITIVE ECONOMIC FUTURE FINANCIAL LITERACY TIPS FOR TEENS

F

inancial literacy is a critical skill that helps set the foundation for a stable and prosperous future. By understanding the basics of money management, teens can make informed decisions and avoid common financial pitfalls.

According to the annual Teens and Personal Finance survey, a study of teens ages 13-18 conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Retirement’s Foundation, 45% of high schoolers took a personal finance or financial literacy class at school. This is up from 31% in 2024, indicating the nation’s youth are interested in building a strong financial foundation. What’s more, of the students who took their school’s curriculum, 64% found it extremely or very helpful, yet despite this increase, data reveals knowledge gaps remain. In fact, 42% of teens surveyed are terrified they won’t have enough money to cover their future needs and goals.

“There is so much for teens to absorb when learning about finances and planning for their future, they often struggle to envision what lies ahead,” said Andre Robinson, president and CEO of MissionSquare Retirement. “Offering engaging programs that can boost financial knowledge and decision-making skills can only help to inspire young individuals to build a strong foundation of lifelong financial resilience.”

Consider discussing these economic topics with your teen to help make a positive impact on students’ financial readiness and get them ready for financial decisions they’ll face in adulthood.

of teens surveyed had never heard of or did not fully understand, can lead to better interest rates and more favorable loan terms.

Managing Common Debt Pitfalls

According to the survey, 43% of teens believe an interest rate of 18% on debt is manageable and can be paid off over time. However, it’s important to understand the true cost of debt and how interest rates can accumulate over time and lead to significant financial strain. Establishing good debt management habits early, such as avoiding high-interest debt and paying off balances quickly, can lead to a healthier financial future.

Investing and Planning Ahead

According to the survey, teenagers’ most appealing investing strategies are savings accounts, side hustles and keeping cash at home, and only 13% invest a portion of their money. Encouraging teens to learn about different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds, can help them make informed decisions and begin to build long-term wealth.

For more information to help teens improve their financial knowledge, visit ja.org.

Junior Achievement/Family Features

Mastering Saving and Budgeting

A good starting point for teens is to create a simple budget that tracks income and expenses. Because only 36% of teens surveyed save a part for their futures when they receive money, this can help them understand where money is going and identify areas they may be able to save for the future. This is particularly important considering 68% of teens agree that saving for retirement is something they can think about later in life.

Understanding Credit

Credit is a powerful tool but can also be a source of financial trouble if not managed properly. It’s essential to understand how financial behaviors, like paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low, impact their credit scores. A higher FICO score, which 80% ONYX MAGAZINE 45

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SCHOLARSHIP

Dare to Dream Students Live Out Their Dreams in Florida

F

or the 18th year, Walt Disney World has helped teenagers’ dreams come true at the Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA). DDA is an educational mentorship program fosters the career dreams of high school students from varying backgrounds and communities nationwide through hands-on learning experiences that at times turn our theme parks into vibrant classrooms.

The transformative five-day program introduced 100 Disney Dreamers to a wide range of career opportunities. It empowered young leaders with career-building workshops, networking sessions, mentorship connections, and introductions to future professional opportunities at Walt Disney World Resort and beyond.

Since 2008, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,700 students from across the country by fueling their dreams and showing them a world of possibilities as they prepare for their futures. Students apply by answering a series of essay questions about their personal stories, the influential people in their lives and their dreams for the future. The final 100 participants are selected by a panel of judges.

Throughout the five-day event, several celebrities, educators, business executives and community leaders motivated, inspired and energized students each day in an effort to supercharge their career dreams. Among the celebrities supporting the event onsite were stars such as Tyler Williams (Abbot Elementary), Rickey Smiley (The Rickey Smiley Morning Show), David and Tamela Mann (“Meet the Browns”) and Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King”), super life coach Lisa Nichols, and more.

The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Walt Disney World’s commitment to supporting communities of varying backgrounds by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams. In the 18 years since it launched at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Dreamers Academy has now inspired more than 1,800 students from across the country. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs and more and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

Dreamer Angel and her mom, Kelli, from Murphy, Texas, enjoyed graduation where the Dreamers received a graduation ring.

“Artivist” Nikkolas Smith, an author, speaker, concept artist, and film illustrator shared his newest books daring kids to be outstanding human beings.

Lisa Nichols shared wisdom for the Dreamers’ future about not giving up.

Students received expert advice about how to start a great career and take it to the next level. They listened intently while professionals in the field shared their lessons.

Tyler James Williams from ABC’s Abbot Elementary surprised Dreamers.

ONYX MAGAZINE 47

MUSICAL BRAIN STEMS LISTENING TO CLASSICAL MUSIC DOES AMAZING THINGS IN INCREASING SCIENTIFIC ABILITY.

By Angela Pittman-Leath

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esearch shows that listening to or playing Classical music helps enhance educational brain development by increasing an individual's focus and spatial learning and enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills for academic learning.

What happens in the brain when an individual listens to or plays Classical music? Kenneth Hudson, Ph.D., school psychologist and director of Life Coaching Systems, Inc., explains that the left hemisphere of the brain is Dr. Hudson the logical side of the brain and is associated with logic and language: reading, writing, speaking, and analysis, which includes calculations, logical decision-making, and sequential information processing. Listening to or playing Classical music stimulates the brain's connecting neurons or synapses. These synapses form in the fundamental years—so the younger the listener is, the better the benefit—and repetition is the key.

Classical music, because of its musical complexity, requires concentration, memory, mathematical abilities, and logical thinking. This exposure is also beneficial for enhanced spatial reasoning and academic STEM learning. The complex structure of the music requires greater concentration and memory. Therefore, individuals can improve their short- and long-term memories by focusing for extended periods. Your brain's spatial reasoning ability, which is the cognitive skill needed for problem-solving in Mathematics and Science and the cognitive skill also used for analytical thinking and understanding, 48 ONYX MAGAZINE

E D U C AT I O N

is enhanced by listening to or playing Classical music. Enhancing these cognitive skills needed for STEM adds additional academic success for students.

School districts nationwide have debated the advantages of a STEM curriculum for years.

Parents and others wonder what STEM is and if it is essential for academic and life success. A couple of factors that have contributed to the growth and popularity of STEM courses and programs are the fact that students have to apply advanced analysis and critical thinking to solve problems, and many of the careers that are STEM careers pay a larger salary. So, when we look at all of the benefits of Classical music, what do we see?

C'ana Chappell-Bilbro is an 8th grader at Lavilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Fla. She plays the violin in repertory and orchestra groups. She is a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. The All-State Orchestra for the State of Florida chose her to play third and fourth chairs for the orchestra. She plays for the Honors Orchestra and is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. With such an impressive list of accomplishments at her young age in an area devoid of students her age, one might ask what sparked her interest?

C'ana explained that when she was 9 years old, she attended a School of the Arts. She was participating in dance, as she thought she wanted to be a dancer. She was in elementary school, and her school exposed the students to different forms of art and music. The school presented a String Concert, and she wanted to attend. When she asked her aunt, Julie J. Roziers, if she could attend, meaning if she had the time to take her, her aunt said, "No." However, this was not the end of the story.

C'ana asked again about attending another orchestra performance. This convinced her aunt that C'ana was serious about Classical violin, and wanted her to have all she needed to be successful. C'ana's 9th birthday was coming up, and her aunt arranged to gift her a violin. Her love for the violin grew even deeper when, one day at her school, she had the opportunity to go to the orchestra for a class, and she saw a video of Hilary Hahn, a Grammy Award-winning classical violinist who has performed all over the world.

"When I saw the video, I thought this could be me," said C'ana. "I put the dance aside and started violin."

C'ana is very determined and has the necessary family support to experience success. The

C'ana and her aunt, Julie Roziers.

Listening to or playing Classical music stimulates both hemispheres of the brain, enhancing memory, focus, and spatial reasoning—skills critical for STEM success. combination of these factors makes for a very well-organized, successful machine. C'ana's daily schedule requires an amazing amount of focus on details; the structure of classical compositions is very intricate and detailed. The amount of focus that is needed is expanded. C'ana also applies this focus and attention to her academic classes and practice. C'ana has to schedule more practice hours because research has already demonstrated the total number of practice hours needed to succeed professionally.

There are also additional hours during which she receives additional Classical violin training, and she has two schedules: C'ana has her daily schedule, but her aunt also keeps a master schedule. C'ana has other events and performances that she also plays. Her aunt and uncle ensure that she makes these performances and engagements.

Playing the Classical violin has increased her cognitive ability to focus, pay attention to intricate details, and think critically. This experience has developed C'ana's critical thinking

and spatial reasoning cognitive skills. When presented with a novel or new situation, C'ana has the cognitive skills, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning or problem-solving ability to solve the problem more effectively. Her vocabulary and other language abilities are also advanced. C'ana explains that because she has to use those cognitive skills on an advanced level to learn and play Classical compositions, it is automatic that she will transfer this ability into her everyday life.

Her everyday life includes STEM academic courses. The STEM curriculum is incorporated into the school's academic plan for student success. C'ana and her family believe that academics come first. C'ana's grades are excellent and she is an honor student on the A-B Honor Roll in her STEM and other academic courses. C'ana said that her favorite subject is reading.

Experts say that when a person listens to music in the background, without words, orchestra music also relieves stress, making it easier to focus and pay greater attention to all academic subjects. Studying academic courses is no different from learning and playing Classical violin.

They both require extended focus and attention and the application of advanced spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.

These advanced STEM skills are attractive to STEM career employers.

The benefits of listening to and playing Classical music have been evident throughout C'ana's academic and classical music journey. C'ana's goals include becoming a professional Classical violinist and continuing to mentor others so that they can see the positive benefits of listening to and playing Classical music.

C'ana and her family are firm believers in supporting each other and giving back to the community so that they, too, can benefit from the positive Cognitive impacts of listening to and playing Classical music to enhance and stimulate brain synapsis that is vital for greater development and success of Left and Right Hemisphere cognitive brain function.

Angela Pittman-Leath is a contributing Education reporter and host of The A+ Parent Show.

ONYX MAGAZINE 49

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ONYX ON THE MOVE LINKS, INCORPORATED, HOSTS SCHOLARSHIP BRUNCH ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black joined The Orlando (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for a beautiful afternoon at the White Rose Jazz and Gospel Affair. As a sponsor, ONYX helped the chapter raise funds for scholarship and community service projects. Black, third from left, was joined by ONYX Women on the Move honoree Dr. Janie Lacy, Laveta Reddick, Suzie Grace, Women on the Move honoree Brenda March, Chahinaz Williams, and Women on the Move Reception Chair Monica Riley.

NCNW On The Move

By Dr. Delores Grant, 1st Vice President CFS-NCNW The Central Florida Section (CFS) of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Inc. has partnered with a local shelter and is proud to introduce our groundbreaking mentoring program called Mirror-Mirror. The program is committed to uplifting and empowering women of all ages currently living in shelters, providing them with the compassion, guidance, and support they need to thrive. Our mission is to help these women discover and fully embrace their unique strengths and potential, creating meaningful and lasting change in their lives. Imagine a future where every woman in a shelter has access to life-changing opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. That’s our vision. We aim to make a significant impact by addressing the complexities of their lives, identifying the challenges they face, and providing a clear roadmap toward achieving their dreams and aspirations. Women—especially mothers—often carry the heavy burden of balancing work, family, and faith while navigating adversity. Our program will help them to set realistic, achievable goals focused on key areas like health and wellness, education, economic stability, and social justice. Through mentorship and support, we empower these women while honoring their resilience and strength. The mission of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and their communities. Together, we can be the change we aspire to see, ensuring that no woman, especially mothers, feels alone in her journey.

Book Signing in Tampa Inspires Women The Tampa (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, hosted a lovely afternoon of network and inspiration, and ONYX Magazine was there. Patricia Russell-McCloud, the 11th National President of The Links, Incorporated, shared insights from her book, A Is for Attitude, which she also instilled in the coaches of the women’s basketball teams in the March Madness playoffs in Tampa. Based on one of her most popular speeches, A is for Attitude brims with anecdotes, advice, and action steps, and provides a blueprint for a successful life that has meaning, substance, and contentment at its core. From A to Z, Russell-McCloud takes readers on an inspiring tour of the key principles necessary to make life richer and more dynamic and every day exhilarating and rewarding.

Her message of personal empowerment and professional accountability shows readers how to have the courage to face all that life has to offer—the pleasures and the disappointments—and how to stop making the excuses that hinder us from venturing beyond where we are. In the photo, Russell-McCloud is surrounded by her Links, Inc., sisters.

ONYX MAGAZINE ATTENDS FIRST WHISKEY FESTIVAL The Orlando Whiskey Festival was brought by Whiskey & Bizz, LLC, and is the first-ever Whiskey Festival to hit Central Florida. Features include fine single malt, blended Scotch and American whiskies including Bourbon and rye, flavored whiskies, beer, and wine. This tasting event allowed guests to sample up to 100 brands of whiskey and interact with industry professionals. Guests also enjoyed music, gourmet food selections, and cigar vendors. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Lovely Project, which empowers young girls to grow in purpose and confidence through peer mentorship, engaging curriculum, and interactive fun-filled events. In the photo, friends gathered for the Whiskey Festival.

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Gala honorees.

NATION-BUILDING O

Rich Black and Claudette McGowan with Chancellor's Award Winners from Onyx Initiative.

Rapper Kardinal Offishall and Rich Black.

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NYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black attended the Benefit Awards Gala to support The University of the West Indies, in Toronto, Ontario. Dignitaries from throughout the West Indies and Canada showed up for the students in a big way. Themed “Bridging the Gap,” the awards focused on light, learning and liberty—helping students arrive at their desired destinations. Students spoke eloquently about how the 18-year-old program has helped them succeed. ONYX 2025 International Impact Award Honoree Claudette McGowan, the president of Protexxa in Toronto and cybersecurity expert, extended the invitation along with 2024 ONYX Woman of the Year Juliette Daniel, Ph.D., a professor at McMaster University.

“ONYX Magazine’s trip is about nation-building,” said Black. “We, too, are bridging a gap when we collaborate on exchange programs and culture sharing.

We will bring back to Florida what we learn about business and relationships from Toronto and take our knowledge there.

That is how we strengthen communities and show strong international ties.”

Black, who also visited Canada’s largest museum, The Royal Ontario Museum in

Toronto, sees meshing cultures as a way to strengthen bonds.

The 16th Annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards was a spectacular success, raising $460,000 in support of scholarships for Caribbean students last Saturday night. Held at the stunning Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto, the prestigious event was attended by close to 500 distinguished guests, including corporate executives, public figures, and community leaders dedicated to supporting higher education in the Caribbean.

Among the esteemed attendees: The Honorable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant-Governor, who delivered special remarks celebrating the positive impact of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards. Other notable guests were University of Toronto Chancellor Dr. Wesley Hall, Tyndale University Chancellor Harriet Thornhill, TIFF CEO Dr. Cameron Bailey, The Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine, Olympic sprinter Donovan Bailey and Juno Award-winning rapper Haviah Mighty.

“Education is a powerful bridge that spans the divide between poverty and empowerment. As we celebrated the 16th year of this remarkable awards event, we proudly cham-

Some information pulled from a news release

ONYX MAGAZINE MAKES AN IMPACT ON A VISIT TO THE TRUE NORTH; ATTENDS SCHOLARSHIP GALA

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Rich Black, Donette Chin Loy Chang, Claudette McGowan.

Dahabo Ahmed Omer with BlackNorth and Rich Black.

Rich Black, Claudette McGowan, Juliet Daniel, Ph.D.

pioned our 2025 theme: Bridging the Gap,” shared Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Co-Patron. “For 16 years, this event has been a symbol of hope, enabling hundreds of students to transition from despair to possibility. Together, we have journeyed alongside them, offering the resources, care, and love necessary to help them realize their potential.”

One of the evening’s most moving moments came from the speeches of two of the UWI scholarship recipients, Christina Williams and Lianne Williams, who shared their emotional stories about how the UWI Toronto Benefit scholarship directly impacted them in removing financial barriers.

The distinguished honorees of the night were: • Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) – Multi-platinum rapper and producer, Def Jam – Global A&R, Canada’s Got Talent judge • G. Raymond Chang Award: Mr. Myron Garron and Mrs. Berna Garron – Canadian philanthropists, who have contributed millions to paediatric health and Canadian healthcare institutions • Chancellor’s Award: Onyx Initiative – a non-profit organization founded by Wayne and Nigela Purboo designed to expand the recruitment pipeline and close the systemic gap in the hiring, retention and promotion of Black college and university students, and recent graduates for roles in corporate Canada

• Vice Chancellor’s Award:

 Dr. Mark Beckles, Retired – Community Investment Initiatives – RBC Royal Bank, President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada)  Ms. Patricia DeGuire – Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada  Ms. Leslie Woo, CEO at CivicAction, Founder of shebuildscities.org

The evening’s entertainment was headlined by Tessanne Chin, Jamaican singer-songwriter, winner of The Voice (Season 5), and past UWI Toronto Benefit Luminary Honoree (2014) who had the audience on their feet with her rendition of Donna Summer’s Last Dance. Guests also enjoyed Thunder Dome Sounds featuring Eddie Bullen, Quincy Bullen, Tré-Michael Bullen and vocalist Belinda Brady, along with saxophonist Jesse Ryan.

The evening featured a silent auction and an exciting live auction featuring luxurious prizes such as a pair of Air Canada business class tickets to anywhere the airline flies, stays at villas in St. Lucia or Jamaica and an ultimate dining experience at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s The Chef’s Kitchen.

The Patrons of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards are Dr. Donette ChinLoy Chang, Mr. Kevin Hibbert and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert, all passionate supporters of higher education and the UWI Student Scholarship Fund.

Rich Black speaks with Chris Kennedy, AVP for Event Sales Commerical Enterprises at ROM.

Toronto's CN Tower is Canada's national icon that stands 1,815.3 feet over the city.

The University of the West Indies is ranked among the world’s best universities where students receive a world class education. Bridging the Gap captures the essence of what the UWI Toronto Benefit awards strives to achieve—bringing dreams within reach for students across the Caribbean and honoring exemplary leaders whose courage and resilience inspire.

ONYX MAGAZINE 53

FOOD & WINE

Melodious Wine Down T

Pinot Noir: Jazz is smooth. It’s soulful. Pour a glass, turn on some Miles Davis or Thelonious Monk and sway to the organized chaos.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Rock music is bold. It’s powerful. Think of the Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin. You need a wine that can match that energy, and a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon does the trick.

Rosé: Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings wrote stories of love, heartbreak, dogs and good times. It’s relatable and downto-earth, just like Rosé.

Sangria Wine: Pharrell Williams, Jerry Jeff Walker and Jimmy Buffett wrote songs about sangria wine. This low cost, tasty drink can be easily made, or comes in a can and is excellent by the pool.

Merlot: Merlot is smooth and often has deep emotional lyrics—like Alicia Keys or John Legend. Together, they just feel right.

Sauvignon Blanc: Reggae gives off chill vibes.

Think Bob Marley, beach, sun, and relaxation.

Sauvignon Blanc is the wine you want when chillin’ on a hot day.

Chardonnay: Classical music is timeless just like Chardonnay. Enjoy Beethoven or Mozart while you savor.

Syrah: Hip hop is full of energy and can be intense.

Drink Syrah with some Post Malone or, Snoop Dogg in the background.

Zinfandel: BB King, Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Blues has so much soul it touches on the highs and lows of life. Zinfandel is the kind of wine you want when you’re diving into emotions and sinking into the blues.

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From PersonalWine.com. Drink Story by Spruce Eats Responsibly.

here’s nothing like capping off the day with a nice glass of vino and a relaxing tune floating in the background. Wine and music enhance each other. So, next time you’re picking a playlist or pouring a glass, try one of these pairings. And remember, there’s no right or wrong. It’s all about what makes you feel good! Cheers.

BE PART OF THE STORY More than a bowl game. More than football. More than a stadium. Florida Citrus Sports is about impact—on our neighbors, our community and the next generation.

Since Orlando hosted its first bowl game in 1947, FCS and its predecessors have driven meaningful change in Central Florida, particularly in the 32805 ZIP code that surrounds Camping World Stadium.

Our membership makes it all possible. Join us today and be part of the impact.

FLORIDACITRUSSPORTS.COM/MEMBERSHIP

JAYLEN Bone Marrow Donor

“His big brother and Orlando Health saved his life.”

JULIAN Bone Marrow Recipient

The cure for sickle cell was a brother’s love. When 3-year-old Julian faced an uncertain future full of pain, fear, and the risk of stroke, his parents turned to the experts at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. And thanks to Julian’s brave big brother Jaylen, who was a 100% match, he received a life-altering bone marrow transplant.

Watch Julian’s story at OrlandoHealth.com/Julian

choose well.