FROM THE PUBLISHER PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Richard “Rich” E. Black EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Marianne Eggleston, M.B.A. MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Laura Dorsey Gayle Andrews Sharon Fletcher Jones
RICHARD “RICH” E. BLACK NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 ONYX Magazine is proud to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. What an incredible journey it has been! Throughout the years, the company has seen significant growth. We have secured numerous new partnerships, participated in community events, and appointed new members to the team. During this season of thanksgiving and holiday cheer, we take a moment to say thank you for your continued support. Our holiday issue is uplifting and festive with new holiday recipes and tips on how to search for the perfect Christmas gift. On the cover, ONYX is excited to introduce Judge Hubert Grimes as Bethune-Cookman University’s interim president. Also in this issue you will meet Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Royalty and Queens. We love our queens and take every opportunity to recognize them for the influence and inspiration they provide to the communities they serve. This year’s leaders are just as beautiful and impressive as they have been in the past. We would be remiss not to include one of America’s greatest past-times…football. One of the most exciting games in Florida football history is the Florida Classic. This battle is the best on the gridiron: Bethune-Cookman University’s Wildcats and Florida A&M University’s Rattles. Since the game moved to Orlando 20 years ago, each team has won 10 games. This year will tip the scales. Who will take the lead in the series? The Rattlers or the Wildcats? We can’t wait to find out! It is also the time of year when high school seniors complete their college applications. This can be a most hectic experience for students and their parents. However, the Orange County Library has several useful tips which can help relieve the stress. Also, research shows that people tend to get a bit gloomy around the holidays because of missing loved ones or spending time alone. We have some help for you to beat the holiday blues and start some new traditions of your own. We are committed to communities across the great State of Florida. So, look for some awesome things to come from ONYX in 2018. Women on the Move, our annual acknowledgement of top Florida women, is emerging nicely, and we are excited about the return of the ONYX Awards. We will have more fabulous news to share with you very soon, so stay in touch. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and don’t forget to check out our website for updates at www.onyxmagazine.com. As always, we remain committed to bringing you news that entertains, inspires and informs. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year! Enjoy.
Rich
6 ONYX MAGAZINE
DESIGN DIRECTOR Jason Jones PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Brandi Jordan BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager
Talia E. Ashley Jenny Boniface Keisha Boyd Gigi Brooks
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sam Gardner Constance Brown-Riggs Penny Dickerson Ursula Jorch Laura Dorsey Maud Purcell Roniece Weaver Marianne Eggleston Sharon Fletcher-Jones Mary Williams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Pop Lancaster, John Reeves ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Deidre Parker, Chair Michelle Tatom, Immediate Past Chair Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Hon. Mable Butler Dr. Cynthia Chestnut James Clark John Crossman
Tony Hill Alma Horne Rodney Hurst Ann Jenkins Larry Lee, Jr. Zita Steglich-Ross Margaret J. Thompson
Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright Lady Dhyana Ziegler
FOUNDERS
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 (407) 451-2891, or (407) 298-0544. Subscription rate is $19.95 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2017 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.