ONYX Magazine September/October 2021

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

Volume 24 Issue 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

BLACK HISTORY FACTS RECOGNIZING TOP ACHIEVERS

MEN WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF

BROTHER, GET CHECKED

PROSTATE CANCER HITS BLACK MEN HARDER

MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS ONYX MAGAZINE’S MAN OF THE YEAR

$3.50 onyxmagazine.com

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BALD? HONOR YOUR CROWN

CONTENTS

FEATURE

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BY FAITH

ONYX Magazine’s Man of the Year Mayor Jerry Demings leans on his belief in God and his mother’s wisdom to excel in leading the masses.

Photos by Frank Weber, Orange County Government

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6 7 8 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 46

From the Publisher ONYX Magazine’s Men of Honor Man of the Year: Jerry Demings Little Known Black History Facts Excellence in Education Award: Belvin Perry Publisher’s Award: Alzo Reddick The Rich Black Vanguard: Desmond Meade Health & Wellness – Benefits of Vitamin D Men of Honor: Innocent Akujuobi Men of Honor: Norton Bonaparte Art & Culture – Events around the state Men of Honor: Alvin Cowans Men of Honor: Jaret Davis Men of Honor: John Davis Men of Honor: Samuel Eubanks Business – Women in Business Men of Honor:Greg Francis Men of Honor: B. Lee Green Men of Honor: Eugene Jones Men of Honor: Roderick “Rod” Love ONYX Reads – My Brother’s Keeper Men of Honor: Esu Ma’at Men of Honor: Bishop Derrick McRae ONYX on the Move Men of Honor: Derrick Wallace Men of Honor: Clarence Wilkerson Men of Honor: Antwan Williams Florida Scope – tories around the state The Quad – Florida’s HBCUs Travel – Tips for safe travel amid COVID Beauty – Bald and sexy Medically Speaking – Colon cancer Workplace – Worklife Balance Food & Wine – The Muscadine grape

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black VICE PRESIDENT Marianne Eggleston, M.B.A. MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. EXECUTIVE STRATEGIST Lena Graham-Morris EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Maria Barnes

RICH BLACK

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Laura Dorsey Sharon Fletcher Jones Trina Ryan

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 Dear Family, This year marks ONYX Magazine’s 24th anniversary. Over the years, we have brought you the most positive and vital news about the black community throughout Florida and beyond.

Your support is why we can continue to be that voice, and we are grateful.

We are proud to bring you the second Men of Honor. Formerly Black Men Honors, this recognition of men who make significant moves as they lead Florida forward, is one of the most anticipated social events in Florida. Nineteen of Florida’s finest are on our list this year and they represent only a small sampling of the pacesetters across the state.

Men like Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who is on this issue’s cover. His story is one of faith and courage as he moved through the ranks to ultimately lead a community that nurtured him. Demings is joined by outstanding leaders who are being recognized for their integrity, leadership and vision and we are honored to acknowledge them.

In this issue, we also take a look at prostate cancer. This terrible disease takes the lives of Black men at a disproportionate rate and we have information that could help save your life. This issue is full of information that could be vital to your family and the home. We hope you will take the time to read each article.

As always, we are committed to bringing you stories that entertain, inspire and inform. Thank you for being our champion.

Sincerely,

DESIGN DIRECTOR Jason Jones GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Burton BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Blanchard Sharon Fletcher Jones Veronica Charnell Steven King Demario Easley CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lori Sax Photography ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler Yolanda Cash Jackson Dr. Cynthia Chestnut James Clark

John Crossman Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Tony Hill Alma Horne Rodney Hurst Ann Jenkins Connie Kinnard Larry Lee, Jr.

Brenda March Marisol Romany Margaret J. Thompson Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright Lady Dhyana Ziegler

FOUNDERS

Rich Black

Lester and Lillian Seays ONYX Magazine is published by ONYX Communications and Media Group, Inc., Address: P.O. Box 555672, Orlando, Florida 32855-5872. Phone 321-418-7216. Subscription rate is $19.95 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@ onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2021 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.

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A CELEBRATION OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL AND INFLUENTIAL MEN IN FLORIDA. Since the beginning of time, men have been charged to guide in their houses of worship, their homes, the business sector, and their communities. ONYX Magazine’s Men of Honor (MOH) is in celebration of those men who do it with unparalleled excellence. MOH presents a positive portrayal of Black men on every spectrum. ONYX Magazine, along with our sponsors and supporters, takes exceptional pride in introducing 19 of the most dynamic mentors across the state.

Publisher Rich Black Chair Deidre “Dee” Parker Co-chair Nancy Port Schwalb Managing Editor D. Shenell Reed Founding Partner

Presenting Sponsor

Reception Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Program Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

COMMISSIONER REGINA HILL

ONYX MAGAZINE 7

ONYX MAGAZINE’S MAN OF THE YEAR ONYX MAGAZINE’S MAN OF THE YEAR MAYOR JERRY DEMINGS LEANS ON HIS BELIEF IN GOD AND HIS MOTHER’S WISDOM TO EXCEL IN LEADING THE MASSES. INTERVIEW BY SHARON FLETCHER JONES

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MAN OF THE YEAR

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“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” –The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ayor Jerry L. Demings is an Orlando native and graduate of Jones High School. He was sworn in on Dec. 4, 2018, as the 5th elected Mayor of Orange County. As its first African-American mayor, Demings oversees more than 8,000 Orange County employees and a $4.9 billion budget as the County’s chief executive officer. He says that his goal is to make Orange County the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow” by creating a community culture of innovation, collaboration and inclusiveness.

A lifelong public servant, Demings became Orlando’s first African-American police chief in 1998 and was elected the first African-American Orange County Sheriff in 2008. He was re-elected in 2012 and again in 2016. Demings holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and graduated magna cum laude with a master’s degree in business administration from Orlando College. He is also a graduate of the 194th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and has studied at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Demings is married to former Orlando Police Chief Valdez B. Demings, who also made history as the first female police chief in Orlando and is now serving her second term in the United States Congress. They have three sons who are all graduates of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University.

Demings has been recognized by “Orlando Magazine” as one of the 50 most Influential Central Floridians each year since 2009 and has been recognized by the “Orlando Sentinel” for many years as one of the 25 most influential people in the area. He is no stranger to crisis management and has been recognized for his leadership during crises including the events of 9/11, the Florida hurricanes of 2004, the Casey Anthony trial of 2009-2010, and the June 12, 2016 Orlando massacres at PULSE nightclub. He was appointed to the FEMA National Advisory Council in July 2014 and served until 2018.

Demings currently serves on several regional boards of directors, including the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Metroplan Orlando, Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Lynx, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, Orange County Tourist Development Council, Orlando Economic Partnership and he is involved in numerous civic organizations. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and is a steward at Saint Mark AME Church in Orlando. Demings has a passion for working with organizations that support children and volunteers with several non-profit agencies.

Recognized as Man of the Year for the ONYX 2021 Men of Honor Awards, Demings’ offered personal and professional insights into the journey he is currently on and perhaps, into what lies ahead.

ONYX Magazine: In retrospect, growing up in Orlando/Central Florida, was there any one instance or occurrence during your childhood that may have been an indication of where you are today in your career as a public servant?

Mayor Jerry Demings: In retrospect, my first leadership role was one of service as an elementary age school safety patrol. This occurrence served as a wonderful indicator of how I would spend 40 years as a public servant.

OM: You have received accolades for your leadership at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic and its aftermath. What are some of your main focal points going forward, especially as we contend with the Delta variant?

JD: Pursuant to the Orange County Charter, as mayor of Orange County, during a state of emergency, the countywide elected mayor becomes the lead emergency manager for the entire county, inclusive of the municipalities. I humbly say that my 40-year career more than adequately prepared

Mayor Demings performs with Orlando Taiko Dojo for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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Mayor Demings and Orlando Mayor Dyer at Brightline Construction Site

me for my present role. My focus during the COVID-19 pandemic has been on the preservation of human life. The core principles of managing any crises are to isolate, contain, evaluate, and report on the threat in order to keep people safe. Our goal is to reduce transmission of the disease by ensuring that residents know their infection status, follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for wearing facial coverings and get vaccinated. Over 150 press briefings have been held to keep residents informed.

OM: Orange County boasts diversity and inclusion among its residents, communities, enterprises and outreach. What areas of growth do you see as most impactful as far as visioning and planning? How can the people who live here contribute to and support your vision for our future?

JD: According to 2020 Census data, Orange County’s population exceeds 1.4 million residents and grows by nearly 1,000 new residents weekly. The county’s “Vision 2050” growth management plan is currently being developed for the next 30 years. Residents may attend various community meetings and offer their input during the coming months and they may also complete an online survey at www.orangecountyfl.net/vision2050.

My vision for the future of Orange County is centered on addressing housing, transportation, employment, education, public safety and social equity in the near term. I encourage residents to get involved by volunteering for the various county advisory boards. Applications may be submitted at www.ocfl.net/advisoryboards .

OM: What piece of advice have you been given that you totally ignored or avoided and why?

JD: I was once told that because of the color of my skin, it was unlikely that I would ever amount to anything good. I ignored that advice because my mother told me differently. She taught me to trust God.

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OM: What advice would you give someone who is seeking a similar career path as the one you have taken?

JD: Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church once told me to “Pray first, aim high and stay focused.” I offer that same advice to others who are seeking leadership roles in public service.

OM: If you could choose a theme song for your life so far, what would that be and why?

JD: My theme song is “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” written by Albert A. Goodson. I love this song because it is the epitome of my ancestral journey.

OM: What is your personal mantra?

JD: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

OM: Is there a final word that you would like to leave with our readers?

JD: Stay tuned, the best is yet to come!

Mayor Demings takes Tour of Home Depot

BLACK HISTORY

BLACK HISTORY FACTS

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here are some Black history facts everyone knows. We hear them in February and we celebrate them at their anniversaries. However, we also know there are many more testimonials to unveil. Below are just a few little-known (or rarely recognized) facts about Black men that occurred in September and October throughout history—facts that should make you proud.

SEPTEMBER 3, 1838 Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery disguised as a sailor. The abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate Frederick Douglass made his dramatic escape from slavery—traveling north by train and boat—from Baltimore, through Delaware, to Philadelphia. He was responsible for recruiting African Americans to fight for the Union, and his own two sons, Charles and Lewis, enlisted in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment. The Library of Congress

SEPTEMBER 9, 1915 The Association for the Study of Negro Life is established. Recognizing the dearth of information on the accomplishments of blacks in 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). In 1926, Dr. Woodson initiated the celebration of Negro History Week. ASALH

SEPTEMBER 14, 1940 (NATIONAL ARCHIVES) African Americans were allowed to join any branch of the US Military when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Selective Service Act on September 14, 1940. Although allowing African Americans to join any branch of the military may have been a small part of the overall controversy of creating a military draft system, it would eventually have a major impact upon African Americans role and service in the military. Black History Today

SEPTEMBER 20, 1830 The First Negro Convention of Free Men agreed to boycott slave-produced goods. Sixteenyear-old Hezekiel Grice inspired a convention to discuss whether Black people should migrate to Canada. Forty Black people from nine states attended the National Negro Convention in Philadelphia, including AME Church founder Richard Allen. It formed the American Society of Free People of Color, and named Allen president, to improve conditions in the US, purchase lands, and establish a settlement in the Province of Canada. Africans in America on PBS

OCTOBER 2, 1967 Chief Justice Earl Warren swears in Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. As chief counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the 1940s and ’50s, Marshall was the architect and executor of the legal strategy that ended the era of official racial segregation. History.org

OCTOBER 17, 1888 The first bank organized and operated by African Americans was Capital Savings Bank in Washington, D.C. Just four years after it opened, its deposits had grown to over $300,000. Capital Savings Bank provided the capital essential to the growth of black businesses, capital that whiteowned banks were unwilling to lend. Capital Savings Bank helped many African-American businesses and property owners until it closed in 1902. Partners for Progress

OCTOBER 25, 1940 Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., becomes the first Black general. Davis entered the military service on July 13, 1898, during the War with Spain. He became brigadier general (temporary) on October 25, 1940. Center of Military History

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EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD

BELVIN PERRY, JR.

FORMER CHIEF JUDGE OF THE 9TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

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“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

–Sir Winston Churchill

elvin Perry, Jr., values public service. Jessie M. Perry, his mother, worked as a public school teacher. Belvin Perry, Sr., his father, served in law enforcement as one of the first two African-American police officers to be hired by the Orlando Police Department. Perry is married to, LaDrean, and they have two children and two grandsons.

An active member of the Chess Club and the marching band, Perry graduated from Jones High School in Orlando and went to Tuskegee University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in History and a Master of Education in Student Personnel Services. He earned his Juris Doctor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Perry began his legal career with the Office of the State Attorney as a Trial Attorney. In January of that same year, Perry became the first African American to be elected to the circuit bench of the Ninth Circuit without first being appointed. During his 25 years on the bench, Perry served as administrative judge in Osceola County and served nine terms as chief judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Perry retired from the bench and is currently with Morgan and Morgan, P.A. He serves as chair of the Board of Trustees for Bethune Cookman University, Board of Trustees Florida A & M University, and University Foundation, Board of Directors of Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, and Board of Directors of the Belvin Perry, Jr., Central Receiving Center. In addition, he is a member of the Florida Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, and the Orange County Bar Association. He is also involved with 100 Black Men of Greater Orlando, Inc., and formerly served as chair of the Orange County Central Receiving Center.

“Orlando Magazine” recognized Perry as one of Orlando’s 20 most powerful people. “Ebony Magazine” also recognized him as one of their Power 100. In addition, “Orlando Sentinel” Columnist Scott Maxwell multiple times recognized him as one of the 25 most powerful people in Central Florida.

ONYX MAGAZINE 13

PUBLISHER’S AWARD

ALZO J. REDDICK, SR., ED.D.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD GUARDIAN CARE HEALTHCARE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, RETIRED | UCF DIRECTOR, RETIRED “Keep up the Fire!” –Slogan of the 2nd Infantry Division

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lzo J. Reddick, Sr., Ed.D., was born in Alturas, Fla., on November 15, 1937. His family moved to Orlando in 1944 where he graduated from Jones High School (1956). He married Elouise Williams in 1961, has two daughters, a son and several grandchildren. He is a member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.

Dr. Reddick earned his bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn College (1960), then served in the U.S. Army (1961-64). Upon returning home to Orlando, he pursued education and taught at Phyllis Wheatley High School (1964) and Winter Park High School (1967-71). In 1971, he joined the staff of Rollins College where he served as a professor and administrator for 12 years, continuing his career as an administrator at Valencia Community College.

Dr. Reddick retired from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2019, after serving as the assistant V.P. for University Relations and Director of Defense Transition Services. He was the Founder and Director of the UCF Soldiers to Scholars program that addressed critical teaching, nursing shortages and social services of the inner-city communities.

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Dr. Reddick was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1982-2000, becoming the first African American from the Orlando area elected since Reconstruction. He had the distinction of having passed two constitutional amendments, one for historic preservation and the other for single member districting being the author of the legislation for the Juneteenth Observation in Florida.

Reddick later earned a Master of Education degree from Florida A&M University in 1971, a doctoral degree in Education from Nova University in 1977, and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He serves as President of the Board at Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Orlando’s 1st and only African American nursing home), served on the Board of Directors for the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, the Blue Ribbon Panel on Education, serves on the Board of Black Business Capital Financing Corporation.

RICH BLACK VANGUARD AWARD

DESMOND MEADE

PRESIDENT FLORIDA RIGHTS RESTORATION COALITION

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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

–The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

esmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, a graduate of Florida International University College of Law, and a Ford Global Fellow.

“Time Magazine” recognized him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2019. Meade presently leads efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities across the state, reshaping local, state, and national criminal justice policies. His work has resulted in his being named Floridian and Central Floridian of the Year 2019.

As president and executive director of FRRC, which is recognized for its work on voting and criminal justice reform issues, Meade led a historic victory in 2018 with the successful passage of Amendment 4. The grassroots citizen’s initiative restored voting rights to more than 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. Amendment 4 represented the single largest expansion of voting rights in the United States in half a century and brought an end to 150 years of a Jim Crow-era law in Florida.

A sought-after speaker, Meade appears on radio and television. He spoke before national organizations such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Bread for the World. Meade testified before Congress and was part of a delegation to the United Nations, where he gave testimony regarding disenfranchisement in Florida. In addition, he orchestrated a historic meeting at the White House between returning citizens and President Obama’s administration.

Meade has appeared on numerous shows such as “Al-Jazeera,” “Democracy NOW,” MSNBC with Joy-Ann Reid, FOX News with Dana Perino and Tucker Carlson, Samantha Bee, and “All In with Chris Hayes.” As a guest columnist for the “Huffington Post,” one of his articles about the death of Trayvon Martin garnered national attention. Meade has been featured in several newspaper and magazine articles and was chosen as a “Game Changer” by Politics 365 and recognized as a “Foot Soldier” on the “Melissa Harris-Perry Show” on MSNBC. Meade is married and has five beautiful children.

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

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THE VITAMIN THAT MIGHT BE YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST COVID-19.

STORY BY VERONICA CHARNELL

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itamin D is a nutrient we get just by walking outside in the sun. It also comes through common foods, like fatty fish, cheese and egg yolks. But did you know a deliberate intake of vitamin D as a part of your health regimen could be life-saving? In this interview, Veronica Charnell chats with Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews, a professor of surgery and the director of Surgical Critical Care Medicine at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

Known as one of the world’s top vitamin D experts, Dr. Matthews studies vitamin D deficiency in surgical intensive care patients and the positive effect of vitamin D therapy on critically ill patients. He also reveals that the vitamin strengthens the body against COVID-19.

WHAT IS VITAMIN D THERAPY? Vitamin D3 is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Up to half of the world’s population is deficient in vitamin D3. This makes vitamin D3 a pandemic that is just as important as the coronavirus pandemic. Vitamin D3 therapy is supplementing or replacing the deficient vitamin D3 in people to optimal levels. Vitamin D3 can be replaced by getting adequate sunlight; eating foods fortified with vitamin D3 such as fatty fish; supplementing with vitamin D3 liquids, capsules, soft gels, or sublingual sprays.

IS VITAMIN D TRULY CONSIDERED TO BE A HORMONE? Vitamin D3 is a true steroid hormone that controls 3,000 out of 30,000 genes in the human body. It is an anti-stress hormone that controls ten percent of the human body’s DNA or genes. Genes controlled by vitamin D3 include the immune response system which makes white blood cells. White blood cells fight bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic infections, and cancer cells.

Vitamin D3 also controls the inflammatory response system. This system regulates inflammation and the “cytokine storm” cascade is seen in very ill coronavirus patients. Inflammation causes fever, congestion in the lungs, and end-organ damage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EPI MEDIA GROUP

FOR YEARS VITAMIN C HAS BEEN CONSIDERED NO. 1 IN BOOSTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. WHY DO YOU FAVOR VITAMIN D OVER VITAMIN C? Vitamin C is a true vitamin that is water-soluble and has limited capabilities compared to vitamin D3. Vitamin C does not regulate genes like vitamin D3 nor controls the entire immune response system. Vitamin D3 is required for optimal health. Plus, it is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world.

IF SOMEONE HAS A DEFICIENCY IN VITAMIN D, HOW CAN IT NEGATIVELY IMPACT THIS PERSON DAILY? Vitamin D3 deficiency can impact almost all aspects of health since it controls 3,000 out of 30,000 human genes. Some of the symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency include: brain fog, lack of focus, decreased attention span, lethargy, lack of energy, bone pain, joint pain, insomnia, depression, hair loss, brittle nails, muscle weakness, and frequent upper respiratory tract infections.

Dr. Leslie Ray Matthews

PEOPLE ARE REALIZING HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. WHAT ARE SOME HEALTHY ACTIVITIES WE CAN DO WHILE MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCING? There are many things that you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. First, eating healthy meals, limiting excess carbohydrates, and maintaining a healthy weight. Next, stay well hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water. Get proper sleep and rest. Pay close attention to your mental health and seek professional help when needed. Wash your hands after using the restroom, wear a mask when you are out in public, avoid large crowds, and practice safe social distancing.

CAN VITAMIN D STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19?

Yes, Vitamin D3 is very important for optimal immune health. Vitamin D3 works by making the immune system stronger to fight off any type of infection whether it is viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic. Unlike the mRNA vaccines, the coronavirus can’t develop resistance to vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 uses a different mechanism of action to destroy the coronavirus. While the mRNA vaccines produce antibodies against the spike protein, vitamin D3 drills a hole in the lipid envelope layer that surrounds the coronavirus.

Vitamin D3 then enters the coronavirus shell and directly inactivates the coronavirus RNA.

WHAT ARE SOME DIETARY REQUIREMENTS TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN HEALTH AND WELLNESS? FDA produces the RDA which is a chart that tells you how many dietary requirements are needed to maintain health and wellness.

This story has been republished with permission by Veronica Charnell of Veronica Charnell Media.

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INNOCENT AKUJUOBI, M.D. EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN ORLANDO HEALTH

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“It is easy to be ordinary. It takes courage to excel and excel we must.” Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Xi Chapter Motto

nnocent Akujuobi, M.D., is an emergency medicine physician at Orlando Health and the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Diversity Council chair. He is a faculty member in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. He completed his undergraduate education and received his medical degree from Howard University in Washington D.C., where he also served as a member of the Board of Trustees. He completed his emergency medicine residency program at Orlando Health’s tertiary care and Level One Trauma Center in Central Florida.

Dr. Akujuobi serves as the first African-American Administrative Fellow for Orlando Health, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a member of the organization’s Corporate Diversity committee, Dr. Akujuobi is creating initiatives to recruit a more robust and diverse mix of talented residents and physicians to the organization. One of those initiatives includes developing the inaugural Orlando Health/Bayfront Health visiting minority rotating medical student scholarship program for Family Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology. In addition, he is part of the team of instructors

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who helped develop the Medical Mentorship Navigation Program at the University of Central Florida, bridging the gap for underserved populations to explore careers in medicine. He serves as one of the mentors in the program for undergraduate students.

Before joining Orlando Health, Dr. Akujoubi was an Instructor for the Mentoring in Medicine Science Pathfinders Program in Washington, D.C., preparing inner-city students who are interested in careers in medicine.

His interest and passion are in improving educational access globally. He has been featured in articles and publications, including the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) on “Altering the Course: Black Males in Medicine.”

Dr. Akujuobi is a member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and the National Medical Association. He is also an active member of the community and a proud member of of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Dr. Akujuobi enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out and traveling

NORTON N. BONAPARTE, JR. CITY MANAGER CITY OF SANFORD

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“Lord, help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I together can’t handle.”

orton N. Bonaparte, Jr., has served as the city manager of Sanford, Fla., since September 2011. The city manager is appointed by and reports to the mayor and the city commission. As the City’s chief administrative officer, he oversees all City operations, including a $195 million budget and more than 540 employees.

Bonaparte is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and has earned its credentialed manager designation.

He is the vice chair of the National Academy of Public Administration Board of Directors, the chairman of the University of Central Florida’s School of Public Administration Advisory Board, and the first vice president of the Florida Tri-County League of Cities.

Bonaparte serves on the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board, the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Sanford Rotary Club. He is a member of the Florida City and County Management Association and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. Prior to his current role, Bonaparte was president of both the New Jersey Municipal Management Association and the Maryland City/County

Management Association. He formerly was a board member of the Florida City and County Management Association and the Kansas Association of City/County Management.

Bonaparte has been a speaker at various city management conferences throughout the United States and China, and has authored articles in the ICMA “PM Magazine” and the “American Society for Public Administration’s PA Times.” He taught graduate public management courses at Rutgers University and undergraduate courses in management at National-Louis University’s School of Management and Business. In addition, Bonaparte served as a principal instructor for the University of Kansas’ Emerging Leaders Academy. He also is a guest speaker at the University of Central Florida’s School of Public Administration.

Bonaparte holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University’s Graduate School of Business, and is a graduate of Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State/Local Government Program.

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A R T & C U LT U R E

JOINING GENERATIONS

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ASALH ENCOURAGES BLACK FAMILY REUNIONS

n continuing its theme of “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) announced a new campaign: “The Black Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling” Designed in collaboration with NY Life and Archival Alchemy®, the campaign encourages participants to host intergenerational Black family reunions—virtual or in person—to explore their unique African American heritage and family history.

The year 2020 began on a high note with many African Americans having just returned from Africa to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans to reach North American shores in 2019. The “Year of Return” marked a closing of many gaps among the African diaspora, scattered in the wake of the triangular trade. Just a few months later, the global Black family itself was disbanded by the COVID-19 pandemic. We wrestled with grief—from the loss of jobs, health, and family members and numerous deaths at the hands of police—but we also celebrated graduations, weddings, and births of the next generation.

With “The Black Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling,” ASALH hopes to inspire families to reconnect and re-emerge stronger, through archiving, storytelling, and breaking bread. This program highlights the legacy of Black family reunions and encourages families of all backgrounds to build or create their own family reunion traditions. “The Black

Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling” will include pre-recorded workshops, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and a certificate program to guide participants through tools of oral storytelling, genealogy, and familial archiving that may serve as a roadmap to their reunions, after a year apart.

To learn more about the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and “The Black Family: United by History, Restored by Storytelling,” please contact us at familyhistory@asalh.org.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FESTIVALS AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

CELEBRATION OF CRAZYSEXYCOOL TOUR TLC IN CONCERT

BE SURE TO CHECK EVENT WEBSITES

September 27, 2021 7:30 p.m.

FPL Solar Amphitheater Miami

FOR ANY COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

September 29 – October 3, 2021 Downtown Jacksonville www.jacksonvillejazzfest.com

FUNK FEST – FLORIDA JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

March 11-12, 2022 Miami Gardens www.jazzinthegardens.com APOPKA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD& WINE FESTIVAL

July 15 – November 20, 2021 EPCOT World Showcase www.disneyworld.disney.go.com The 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE serves up 129 days of tasty fun from July 15 through Nov. 20, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Harrison Cooney, photographer)

October 14-17, 2021 Check the website for announcements www.clearwaterjazz.com AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

November 3-7, 2021 Miami Beach www.abff.com FLORIDA BLUE FLORIDA CLASSIC

November 18-21, 2021 Camping World Stadium, Orlando www.floridaclassic.org

West Palm Beach Arts and Entertainment District www.sunfest.com

Saturday, March 19, 2022 The Apopka Amphitheater VIP Seating - $75; Preferred Seating - $55; General Admission - $35 www.apopkainternationaljazzfest.com

May 2022 More details to come www.funkfesttour.com NEWTOWN ALIVE! BUS TOURS

All Year Long $40 Book at: www.newtownalive.org/ book-trolley-tour/

SOUTH FLORIDA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 30, 2022 Miramar Regional Park, Miramar www.southfloridasmoothjazzfestival.com SUNFEST

April 28 – May 1, 2022 West Palm Beach along the Intercoastal Waterway

BLACK BUSINESS BUS TOUR

Check dates and information at www.blackbusinessbustourflorida.com ONYX MAGAZINE 19

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

ALVIN J. COWANS, C.C.U.E. PRESIDENT/CEO MCCOY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?” –Pslam 27:1

lvin J. Cowans, CCUE, became president and CEO of McCoy Federal Credit Union in Orlando in November 1985. Entering the financial industry in 1978, Cowans joined McCoy Federal in 1983 as a senior vice president and assumed his current role at 30.

McCoy Federal Credit Union is a community credit union with more than $820 million in assets and over 71,000 members. The Credit Union’s field of membership is the Orlando metropolitan statistical area, currently with 14 branch offices serving Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Lake Counties.

Cowans earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1977. He was a four-year letter winner for the Fighting Gator Football Team from 1973 to 1976 and was co-captain in 1976. He was inducted into the University of Florida Gator Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.

He is a graduate of the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Orlando Program, the Florida Credit Union League Management Institute and CUNA’s Advanced Management Institute. He also obtained the designation of Certified Credit Union Executive.

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Cowans served 17 years for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions in various positions, including chairman. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (District 6) appointed Cowans to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC), and he was the District 6 Chairman representing the District at the Washington CDIAC. Alvin completed a three-year term on the Federal Reserves Consumer Advisory Council and nine years as Region III director for the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.

Cowans is a member of the City of Orlando’s Finance Committee; Chairman of the Orange County’s Sports Incentive Committee; the University of Florida’s Athletic Association Board of Directors, and the Gator Booster Board of Directors.

He was named to the Official Registry of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” and the Who’s Who of American Business Leaders and selected into the Who’s Who In America’s Credit Unions.

Cowans is married to Shirley Cowans and has two sons, Dr. Alvin J. Cowans, II, and Marcus A. Cowans, one grandson and four granddaughters.

JARET L. DAVIS

CO-MANAGING SHAREHOLDER GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A. – MIAMI “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.” –Benjamin Franklin

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aret L. Davis is the co-managing shareholder of the Miami office of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., and a member of the firm’s global executive committee. Overseeing approximately 170 attorneys and 200 business staff in the founding office in Miami, he focuses his corporate and securities practice on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, capital markets transactions, and large financings. Most of Davis’s clients are technology players ranging from information technology companies to life sciences companies.

Davis has notable representations in the IT space, including serving as the lead shareholder of the team that represented Medina Capital in its $3 billion joint venture with global private equity fund BC Partners. The company acquired a global portfolio of 57 data centers and a suite of cybersecurity and data analytics companies. In addition, he acted as lead shareholder of the 40+ attorney legal team representing Terremark Worldwide, Inc., in connection with its $2 billion acquisition by Verizon Communications, Inc. At closing, the Terremark-Verizon transaction ranked as the largest pairing

of a telco and a colocation provider and the largest transaction in the cloud computing space; and as Verizon’s largest acquisition since its acquisition of MCI in 2005.

Davis also has outstanding representations in the life sciences space, including serving as lead shareholder of the team that represented Exactech, Inc., in connection with its $737 million acquisition by global private equity fund, TPG Capital.

Davis is a thought leader at leveraging digital health solutions. He is the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Board of Directors chairman and a co-founder and general counsel of the eMerge Americas global technology conference.

Recently, he served as the “Miami-Dade Beacon” Council chairman. He is part of Miami-Dade County’s Official Economic Development Partnership, where he led Miami’s efforts in bidding for Amazon’s HQ2 headquarters. As a result, Miami became a finalist in the process. Davis member of the Board of Directors of City National Bank.

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JOHN F. DAVIS

SECRETARY OF THE FLORIDA LOTTERY STATE OF FLORIDA “We all can be leaders. With the opportunity to be able to lead, be the absolute best at everything you get involved with.” –John F. Davis

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ov. Ron DeSantis appointed John F. Davis to be the Florida Lottery’s 10th secretary on October 26, 2020. Davis holds the Florida Lottery’s mission—to maximize revenues to enhance education in Florida—near and dear to his heart. In this role, Davis ensures that every Florida Lottery decision continues to act with the welfare of Florida’s students and schools in mind. That leadership has provided funding for more than 880,000 Bright Futures Scholarships, benefitting students statewide for 33 years.

Davis has always had a passion for helping others maximize their talents and live their dreams through education, political and economic empowerment. In previous leadership roles in the greater Orlando community, Davis was rooted in helping youth and students achieve their dreams. He served as the executive vice president of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he established solid organizational structures that accelerated revenue and growth. He also was the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, the driving force and the preeminent resource in fostering economic success for Black and

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minority-owned businesses in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia Counties. In 2018, “Orlando Magazine” named Davis one of the Top 15 Leaders to Watch.

Davis is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of service in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Davis co-founded a private business, ProStyle Training, offering professional training services and youth sports programs. He also was CEO of JFD Consulting Group, a political consulting company.

A native of Pahokee, Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida State University. He was a standout safety for the Seminole football team as team captain playing for legendary coach Bobby Bowden. Today, Davis continues to be an active member of his community, volunteering his time with the United Way, Valencia College, Florida A&M University Law Dean’s Advisory Council, Volunteer Florida, and the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Achievement Foundation.

Davis resides in the Metro Orlando area with his beautiful wife, Felicia Haslom Davis.

SAMUEL G. EUBANKS, III

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER BANK OF AMERICA

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“There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking.”

amuel G. Eubanks, III, is a senior vice president and senior portfolio manager with Bank of America’s Private Bank. He joined Bank of America as a portfolio manager in 2008 and has been in the financial services industry for more than 19 years. As a portfolio manager, Eubanks is responsible for creating and maintaining personalized investment strategies for high-net-worth families and organizations throughout the country.

Prior to joining Bank of America, he served as a financial advisor with a major brokerage firm where he helped individuals and families plan their financial lives. This role required him to take a comprehensive view of the needs and goals of each client and helped him prepare for the position he holds today.

Eubanks is also committed to enhancing professional development for Black talent at Bank of America by being a co-chair of the Black Professionals Group of Metro Orlando: one of Bank of America’s employee networks. In this role, Eubanks leads a team of individuals who work together to provide education, advice, and networking opportunities for colleagues throughout Central Florida.

Because of his extensive knowledge and experience in finance, Eubanks also makes it his mission to expand financial literacy throughout his community. He is one of Bank of America’s ‘Better Money Habits’ champions and frequently volunteers to conduct seminars and classes for children and adults.

In 2019, Eubanks received the prestigious David Brady Award from Bank of America which is given to associates who best demonstrate the spirit of partnership and are willing to go beyond expectations in their dedication and commitment to clients. Eubanks strives to consistently deliver an exceptional experience in each connection and he is held in high esteem by his clients and colleagues.

Eubanks earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from Michigan State University, where he was a member and captain of the varsity tennis team.

He earned his MBA degree from the University of South Florida and he also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Eubanks lives in Orlando with his wife of nine years and his 6-year-old daughter.

ONYX MAGAZINE 25

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

THE BOSS HOW WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS CAN PLAN FOR SUCCESS

MENTORSHIP Connecting with mentors is a powerful way for women business owners to share best practices and learn from each other but it’s often hard to know where to find them or initiate those relationships. A new program between Wells Fargo and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center called Connect to More is giving women entrepreneurs complimentary support through its signature Milestone Mapping Coaching Circle. Born from the challenges of COVID-19, participants get hands-on help setting and reaching business goals from a network of peer mentors and industry experts.

“As a non-profit committed to access and equity in entrepreneurship, we are grateful to partner with Wells Fargo to help women business owners accelerate their personal and professional growth as leaders and gain support as they solve big problems that make their families and communities 26 ONYX MAGAZINE

stronger,” says Nicola Corzine, executive director, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center.

NETWORKING Networking is more than a buzzword. It can help open doors to growth.

Check the local chamber of commerce or consider joining a well-known organization like the National Association of Women Business Owners.

KNOWLEDGE Knowledge is power. Visit Wells Fargo’s Women-Owned Business Resources page for free tools to support critical business decisions. Also, female entrepreneurs should check out some of these women-specific podcasts to pick up new strategies from savvy leaders: • Being Boss digs into the mindsets and tactics that can help women business owners make money doing what they love.

• She Leads features respected female leaders from all industries who let listeners know what it takes to rise to the top.

• The Center offers a playlist of workshops and classes for women-identifying entrepreneurs.

• Women at Work, hosted by Harvard Business Review editorial staff, features conversations about where women are and how they can move forward.

STRATEGY Having a concrete business plan is essential to running a successful business. During the pandemic, many small businesses had to create more online offerings, change relationships with supply chains or reduce hiring.

Now’s the time to review which of these adaptions can be built upon in the future.

Running a business is never easy. But new resources and support can help women entrepreneurs overcome the distinct challenges they face and plan for growth as the economy picks up.

PHOTO BY MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS/STORY COURTESY OF STATEPOINT MEDIA

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he nearly 13 million small businesses owned by women nationwide are essential to the U.S. economy. Accounting for 42% of U.S. small businesses, they employ nearly 9.4 million people and generate $1.9 trillion in revenue annually.

Healthy and growing women-owned businesses are vital to an inclusive economic recovery, yet women entrepreneurs face distinct challenges, including fewer resources and less access to professional networks, on top of having a greater share of caregiving duties.

“For many small businesses, having access to trusted experts in areas like marketing, business planning, technology and legal can be a critical turning point for getting back to growth,” says Jenny Flores, head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. Right now, the company is deploying over $55 million from its Open for Business Fund to 93 nonprofits across the country to provide more women and diverse entrepreneurs with resources.

According to Flores, these tips and resources can help entrepreneurs pivot from surviving to thriving as they recover from the pandemic and look to the future:

GREGORIO A. FRANCIS, ESQ. ATTORNEY OSBORNE & FRANCIS LAW FIRM, PLLC

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“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” –The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ith more than 25 years of experience, Gregorio “Greg” A. Francis, Esq., established himself as one of the most successful personal injury and class-action attorneys in the United States. Named to the National Black Lawyers Top 100 and a current member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), he received the Vince Monroe Townsend Legends Award by the National Bar Association.

From 2005-2018, Francis was a partner at Morgan & Morgan, P.A., in Orlando, where he excelled in handling medical malpractice, police misconduct, wrongful death, and catastrophic personal injury cases. In 2013, Francis made history when he helped secure a $1.25 billion settlement for Black farmers in a civil rights case against the United States Department of Agriculture. Despite his great success at Morgan & Morgan, P.A., Francis ultimately decided to join longtime friend and colleague, Joseph A. Osborne, in forming Osborne & Francis Law Firm, PLLC, in 2018.

Although his courtroom achievements are remarkable, some of Fran-

cis’s most impressive achievements come through his acts of service and giving back to the community. Francis volunteers his time to numerous local non-profit organizations in the Orlando area. He is a member of the Orlando Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, and is a Board member for Nap Ford Charter School. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees at Bethune-Cookman University. As an active member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Winter Park Chapter, Francis received recognition in the “Kappa Journal” and “RYSE Magazine” for his contribution to the local community.

In addition, he launched his own philanthropic platform, “Believing in Good,” which funds and hosts an annual toy drive at Christmas in his childhood neighborhood where he distributes gifts to the children. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Mark AME Church; and was legal counsel to the Lay Ministry of the AME Church, which boasts more than 3 million members.

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B. LEE GREEN, PH.D., M.ED.

VICE PRESIDENT OF DIVERSITY, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MOFFITT CANCER CENTER

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“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” The Apostle Paul –Philippians 4:13

Lee Green, Ph.D., M.Ed., is the vice president of Diversity, Public Relations, and Strategic Communications for Moffitt Cancer Center. He is also a professor in the Health Outcomes and Behavior Program at Moffitt.

Green has been working in the field of diversity and health disparities for more than 20 years. As vice president for Diversity, Green is responsible for ensuring that Moffitt is responsive and actively creating a culture of diversity and inclusion as it contributes to the prevention and cure of cancer. This includes addressing issues such as awareness and education of cancer prevention and control, community outreach activities, cultural competency, equity and inclusion issues, development of strong partnerships with community organizations, and support for other key initiatives.

Under Green’s leadership, DiversityInc ranked Moffitt among its Top 10 Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations fostering diversity and inclusion.

Moffitt was the only Florida hospital, the only non-system hospital, and the only free-standing cancer center on the list. In addition, the National Diver-

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sity Council named Green as a Top Chief Diversity Officer for the U.S. Green’s research interests focus on cancer health disparities, particularly minority participation in research studies. As a critical member of various research teams throughout his career, Green has secured more than $30 million in grants as a principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or investigator to support these research endeavors. His work related to minority participation in research studies led to Green’s membership on the Tuskegee Syphilis Study Legacy Committee and an invitation to the White House for the formal governmental apology. Green has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications as lead author, co-author, and senior author.

Before joining Moffitt, he was an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University. He also was the founding director of the Texas A&M University Center for the Study of Health Disparities. He serves on various national and regional advisory boards. Green received a joint Ph.D. from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Green also is a licensed minister.

EUGENE G. JONES, PH.D. EXECUTIVE DEAN VALENCIA DOWNTOWN CAMPUS

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” –Ephesians 3:20

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ugene Jones, Ph.D., a higher education administrator with more than 25 years of experience, serves as the executive dean for Valencia’s newest and highly innovative campus in downtown Orlando and in partnership with the University of Central Florida.

The campus is the anchor development for Creative Village, a nationally recognized collaboration between the City of Orlando, Valencia College, and the University of Central Florida. The vision for Creative Village focuses on developing a true “live, work, learn and play” urban innovation district that supports a synergistic and dynamic mix of uses, including higher education, PS-8 education, mixed-income residential, student housing, office space/creative studios, retail/commercial, hotel, and parks/open space.

In his role as executive dean, Jones oversees the academic operations and campus operations as well. In addition, he works closely with the student affairs teams of both institutions as Valencia students are housed on campus in a joint housing arrangement with UCF. Jones states that one of this role’s huge appeals was the opportunity to be an integral part of genera-

tional change in the local community. In addition, as a father of two, he knows education is a powerful agent for personal development and fulfillment.

Highly engaged in the community, Jones serves on various boards, including the Parramore Community Engagement Council, Polis Institute, Coalition for the Homeless, the Salvation Army, and the Orlando Science Center. Jones also engages in civic duty through his service on the Downtown Development Board.

Before coming to Valencia, Jones served at several state colleges in higher administration roles, including Director of Information Technology Education at Santa Fe College, Dean of Business and Engineering Technology at Broward College, and associate vice president at Workforce Programs Lake-Sumter College. With his roots in collegiate teaching, Jones also held a tenured position at Santa Fe College in Computer Science.

Jones received several awards over his career, including Hall of Fame at Santa Fe College and Innovation of the Year from the League for Innovation in the Community College.

ONYX MAGAZINE 29

RODERICK “ROD” LOVE PRESIDENT & CEO COMMUNITY SYNERGY GROUP, INC.

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“There’s got to be rain in your life to appreciate the sunshine.” –Dorothy Norwood

oderick “Rod” Love was born in St. Petersburg, Fla., and grew up in Miami. He and his wife, Quandra, have spent the last 22 years together and have been blessed with two daughters, Re’Anna and Raegan.

As a child, Love loved sports. He participated in track and football, which paved the way for him to attain a college scholarship. He took his studies very seriously to earn his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Business Management from Youngstown State University.

Following his graduation, Love moved to Orlando to pursue a career in the criminal justice field. He worked one year as a probation officer and joined the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League for four years, where he rose to the executive management level. He assumed the district administrator position of the Florida State Department of Juvenile Justice of Central Florida and oversaw Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard Counties.

He was promoted to the assistant secretary of Prevention and Intervention Services of the State Department of Juvenile Justice in Tallahassee.

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His reputation and hard work propelled him to be appointed to deputy secretary of the State Department of Juvenile Justice a few years later. He wasted no time displaying his knack for innovation and leadership in this role, leading and managing the agency’s $740 million budget and statewide personnel of more than five thousand employees.

Love founded Community Synergy Group, Inc., (CSG) in 2003. CSG is the holding company for public & private ventures, which includes home healthcare services for seniors, veterans, and disabled in the four-county Central Florida area and software technology services. In 2018, Love was appointed to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners by then Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Commissioner Love served proudly and historically as the first African American to occupy the District 2 commission seat.

Love hosts a weekly radio talk show, “Let’s Talk Nation,” and articulates valued information sharing at the local, state, and national levels. He sums up his values in one word: family.

ONYX READS

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER BOOKS FOR EVERY BLACK MAN ONYX MAGAZINE PICKS

BLACK MINDS MATTER: REALIZING THE BRILLIANCE, DIGNITY, AND MORALITY OF BLACK MALES IN EDUCATION

BY J. LUKE WOODS, PH.D. In 2017, the first “Black Minds Matter” course was offered in response to the killing of Alfred Olango in San Diego. Alfred was unarmed and killed by law enforcement officers.

Black Minds Matter was designed as a free, public course to draw parallels between the violence facing Black Lives in policing and the symbolic violence facing Black Minds in schools, colleges, and universities. In the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery and others, the organizers received numerous requests to offer the course again. It included two co-hosts– Dr. Luke Wood (returning) and Dr. Donna Y. Ford (new). Each course opens with commentary from Drs. Wood and Ford and then introduce guest speakers and interviewees who will discuss their perspectives on the education of Black students at all levels of education.

THE AKWARD BLACK MAN

BY WALTER MOSLEY Bestselling author Walter Mosley has proven himself a master of narrative tension, both with his extraordinary fiction and gripping writing for television. “The Awkward Black Man” collects seventeen of Mosley’s most accomplished short stories to showcase the full range of his remarkable talent. Mosley presents distinct characters as they struggle to move through the world in each of these stories—heroes who are awkward, nerdy, self-defeating, self-involved, and, on the whole, odd. He overturns the stereotypes that corral black male characters and paints a subtle, powerful portrait of each of these unique individuals.

Touching and contemplative, each of these unexpected stories offers the best of one of our most gifted writers.

A PROMISED LAND

BY FMR. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA In the stirring, highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Barack Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world, describing in strikingly personal detail both his political education and the landmark moments of the first term of his historic presidency—a time of dramatic transformation and turmoil. Obama takes readers on a compelling journey from his earliest political aspirations to the pivotal Iowa caucus victory that demonstrated the power of grassroots activism to the watershed night of November 4, 2008, when he was elected 44th president of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office. A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective—the story of one man’s bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage.

NO ASHES IN THE FIRE: COMING OF AGE BLACK AND FREE IN AMERICA DARNELL L. MOORE When Darnell Moore was fourteen, three boys from his neighborhood tried to set him on fire. They cornered him while he was walking home from school, harassed him because they thought he was gay and poured a jug of gasoline on him. He escaped, but just barely. It wasn’t the last time he would face death. Three decades later, Moore is an award-winning writer, a leading Black Lives Matter activist, and an advocate for justice and liberation.

In “No Ashes in the Fire,” Moore reminds us that liberation is possible if we commit ourselves to fighting for it, and if we dream and create futures where those who survive on society’s edges can thrive. “No Ashes in the Fire” is a story of beauty and hope-and an honest reckoning with family, with place, and with what it means to be free.

BLACK FACES IN WHITE PLACES

BY RANDALL PINKETT, JEFFERSON A. ROBINSON WITH PHILANA PATTERSON The story begins in 1619—a year before the Mayflower—when the White Lion disgorges “some 20-and-odd Negroes” onto the shores of Virginia, inaugurating the African presence in what would become the United States. It takes us to the present, when African Americans, descendants of those on the White Lion and a thousand other routes to this country, continue a journey defined by inhuman oppression, visionary struggles, stunning achievements, and millions of ordinary lives passing through extraordinary history.

The editors, Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain, have assembled ninety brilliant writers, each of whom takes on a five-year period of that fourhundred-year span. The writers explore their periods through a variety of techniques: historical essays, short stories, personal vignettes, and fiery polemics.

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ESU MA’AT

CHIEF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION OFFICER ORLANDO MAGIC

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“Live every day of your life in pursuit of worthy goals, aspirations and dreams that make you happy, inspires others, makes your family proud and honors God.” –Anonymous

su Ma’at is the chief officer of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Orlando Magic. Ma’at’s role with the team is multi-dimensional, integrating DE&I strategy with the Magic’s business goals, along with the team’s values and key performance indicators; attracting, engaging and retaining diverse talent; owning accountability for driving equity and belonging; and enhancing organizational culture, brand reputation and social impact.

Ma’at is a trans-disciplinary thought leader who has a distinguished track record of success, driving a 21st century vision for diversity, equity and inclusion. He works closely with the Magic’s executive leadership team and the entire staff, along with the team’s social justice task force, to implement a holistic and impactful DE&I strategy, bringing a powerful impact to the organization, the NBA and the Central Florida community.

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Prior to joining the Magic, Ma’at created and led the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern Diversity and Inclusion department. He serves as an advisory board member for the All-In Diversity Project, a London-based, non-profit organization focused on DEI indexing and worldwide standards. He was appointed to the Orlando Economic Partnership DEI Task Force in March and will begin serving as Class Chair for Leadership Orlando Class 101 this fall.

Ma’at earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a master’s degree in sports management from Columbia University. He also completed his D&I training at the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

BISHOP DERRICK L. MCRAE SENIOR PASTOR THE EXPERIENCE CHRISTIAN CENTER

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“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’”

–The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

ishop Derrick L. McRae, the senior pastor of The Experience Christian Center in Orlando, first answered the call to ministry in 1997 and became licensed under the Church of God in Christ in 1998.

He served as a youth pastor in Central Florida, which allowed him to serve, learn, lead, and grow the ministry. This role served as a launchpad for his ministry and business, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

At 35, Bishop McRae established his pastorate of The Experience Christian Center, “where souls are saved, lives are changed, and God is given all the praise.” In 2009, he held his first service on Watch Night with more than 700 in attendance. However, the first official Sunday service featured only 22 members. Presently, The Experience Christian Center is the church home to more than 1,600 members and continues to grow at a phenomenal rate.

In 11 short years, The Experience Christian Center, under the leadership of Bishop McRae, has proudly served more than 148,000 community members through various outreach efforts. They also have an online viewership that averages 2,000 people per week through a combination of weekly

bible studies and Sunday services. The high-energy, charismatic, robust worship experience is like no other in the country. Bishop McRae’s inspiring yet relevant messages and infectious personality make him a highly sought-after preacher, teacher, and motivational speaker.

Throughout his life and ministry, he has demonstrated a caliber of leadership and insight beyond his years. He is a recognized instructor, preacher, lecturer, motivational speaker, church growth coach, mentor, talk show host, drummer, radio personality, choir director, and business owner.

Bishop McRae currently serves as the president of the African American Council of Christian Clergy. He also serves as Chaplain at Saints Academy School and mentors at Lockhart Middle School. In addition to pastoring and teaching, he serves on the following boards: African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, Orange County Parks and Recreation, My Brother’s Keeper Orlando, and Orlando Economic Partnership Taskforce.

Bishop Derrick L. McRae is a doting husband to Lady Taja C. McRae and father of two sons, Brailon and Derrick II, and daughter, Kayla.

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ONYX ON THE MOVE

Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Central Florida chapter, in partnership with ONYX Magazine, hosted a back-to-school event on Saturday, August 7, 2021. The event was held at the Gilbert McQueen Park in Orlando Florida. More than 100 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed by COMTO members Carla Williams, the president of COMTO Central Florida, left, and Iranetta Dennis.

JOIN OUR TEAM ONYX Magazine celebrates 24 years of entertaining, inspiring and informing African Americans throughout Florida. Join our team as we continue to expand. We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Sales Representatives and Writers. Send your resume’ and writing clips (for writers) to info@onyxmagazine.com or call 321-418-7216.

CELEBRATING BLACK ACHIEVEMENT THROUGHOUT FLORIDA

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DERRICK D. WALLACE CHAIRMAN AND OWNER CONSTRUCT TWO GROUP

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Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle… when the sun comes up, you’d better be running. –African Proverb

errick D. Wallace is the chairman and owner of Construct Two Group. Construct Two Group creates, sustains and transforms the future through innovative private-public partnerships and unique developments. At Construct Two Group, Wallace has built a company that stands on principles as true for this generation as they were for his great-grandfather’s. Integrity. Dedication. Responsibility. These are the standards for dealing with others–from the largest client to the hourly construction worker. Headquartered in Orlando, the company has a satellite office in Tallahassee.

Wallace continues his community-minded philosophy by involving himself in many organizations. He served as chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission’s Education Foundation. In 2001, he was appointed to serve an annual term as the first minority chairman of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC), a private-public commission that works to attract businesses to the area and helps existing businesses expand.

He has also been involved with the following boards: Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Business Force, Central Florida Innovation Corporation, Central Florida Technology Partnership, and Goodwill Industries of Central Florida.

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Wallace has dedicated himself to helping other minority/women business enterprises succeed. He was a founding trustee and member of the Minority/ Women Business Enterprise Alliance and the Businesses for Better Education.

In 2021, Construct Two Group Ranked #1 African American Construction Business and #15 General Construction Firm by “Orlando Business Journal.” In addition, Wallace received the Florida A&M University Distinguished Alumni in Business Award and the “Minority Advocate Magazine’s” 100 Fastest-Growing Businesses recognition award in Washington D.C. Currently, he holds a seat on the Fifth Third Bank Community and the Hannibal Square Community Land Trust Boards.

A native and long-time resident of Orlando, Wallace attended Florida A&M University. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration. In addition, Wallace completed several executive education programs, including the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business Management Program and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management’s National Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s Advanced Management Education Minority Director Development Program.

CLARENCE O. WILKERSON JR. EAST DIVISION MANAGER WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY

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“Leadership, Respect and Accountability Everyday.” –Clarence Wilkerson, Sr.

larence Wilkerson has been a constant leader in the lumber and building material industry for more than 33 years. He is deeply passionate about the industry and has spent years of dedicated service and outstanding contributions toward advancing the mission and goals of Weyerhaeuser, lumber and building material industry partners, his family, and community. In 2008, he received an award for Top 100 Most Influential Black Professionals in Corporate America in “Savoy Magazine.”

He graduated from Florida A&M University in 1988 with a degree in Business Administration and later attended the University of Wisconsin School of Business in its executive program. Wilkerson began his career with Weyerhaeuser as an intern in 1986. Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world’s largest forest products companies was incorporated in 1900. In 2020, sales were $7.5 billion with operations in 13 countries. He has received several awards and accolades from Weyerhaeuser, including: Top Team in North America Award, Supply Chain Process Design Improvement Award, Weyerhaeuser’s PROS Award and served on the Weyerhaeuser PAC Board. He also

completed the Weyerhaeuser Leadership Institute program, is vice president of National Account and currently serves as the East Division Manager.

Wilkerson has been an invaluable member to National Lumber Building Material Association. He has served as the chairman of the Manufacturers and Services Council for the past four years, in the role of vice chair from 2015-2017 and as MSC chair from 2017-2019. He also currently serves on the NLBMDA Investment Oversight Committee, Board of Directors, and the Strategic Sustainability Task Group.

An advocate of lifetime-learning, Wilkerson serves as a mentor to many and has a passion for supporting at-risk youths. He is deeply committed to his community through his role as Business Manager for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Lambda Chapter, Children’s Home Society Board of Directors of Northeast Florida, past vice president for the Jacksonville chapter of 100 Black Men, and past Commodore of Queen’s Harbour Yacht Club. He is a loving husband to his wife, Joya, and devoted father to their son, Jaylen.

ONYX MAGAZINE 37

ANTWAN WILLIAMS

ADMINSTRATOR AND EXECUTIVE ORLANDO HEALTH ARNOLD PALMER HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

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“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” –Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

ntwan Williams serves as an administrator and executive for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. He directs various operational, financial, and strategic initiatives in this role as the organization seeks to continually offer excellent care to the community and be a “best place to work” for its team members. Williams leads a team of four hundred dedicated clinical and non-clinical experts who work hard to provide high-quality care and service every day.

Before leading within Orlando Health, Williams served as a director of Emergency Medicine Operations for Geisinger Health in Pennsylvania, providing oversight for seven emergency departments and related services.

Williams firmly believes that leaders within the healthcare ecosystem must find ways to deliver an impact outside the hospital’s walls, too. This belief led him to co-found the Advancement League, a social movement and membership organization that mobilizes passion for social change into teams dedicated to improving social determinants of health. This includes affordable housing, mental health, and healthy food issues all year-round.

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Williams deems that there is too much opportunity to stop there.

He was hyper-aware of the wealth gap, and he saw the need for minority youth to receive financial education earlier. Armed with this information, he wrote a Best-Selling children’s book series, “Mansa’s Little Reminders,” committed to youth financial literacy and wealth creation.

Williams currently serves as a board member for the Orlando Science Center. He has spearheaded initiatives such as the food heroes exhibit that opened in 2021. The exhibit’s goal is to educate children and families on the importance of healthy eating and producing healthy food. Williams also serves as a board member for City Year Orlando.

Williams obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida. In addition, he earned an Executive Leadership and Management Certificate in Global Business from The Wharton School.

FLORIDA SCOPE

BETHUNE STATUE GETS CLOSER TO STATUARY HALL

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he African American woman who literally changed the course of history for thousands upon thousands of lives all around the globe will be honored by taking her place in Statuary Hall, representing the State of Florida this February, in Washington D.C. The woman, who had a true passion for educating young African Americans, who started Bethune-Cookman University with literally $1.50, who would not take no for an answer or accept any type of racial inequality, who hob-nobbed with Presidents and dignitaries, will now sit amongst the statuary likes of Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, George Washington, and Gerald Ford, to name a few. Dr. Bethune’s statue will be the first Female African American educator to be installed at the great hall. Standing at 11 feet tall and weighing in at over 4 tons, the awe-inspiring statue was created by renowned sculptor Nilda Comas (pictured below), who was chosen out of thousands also vying to create the likeness of Dr. Bethune. Working out of a workshop in Pietrasanta, Italy, the marble was mined from the very same quarry that Michaelangelo's work was created from. The statue is currently being shipped to the United States, along with a smaller bronze statue, and will make a historic visit to Daytona Beach along the way to Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. The statuary committee is currently planning some events to celebrate the homecoming and will be announcing updates shortly. The statue is currently anticipated to arrive in September.

– Bethune-Cookman University.

Attorney Yolanda Cash Jackson, a member of the ONYX Magazine Advisory Committee, is with Bethune-Cookman interim President Dr. Hiram Powell and sculptor Nilda Comas.

FLORIDA IS THE HOTSPOT FOR NEW RESIDENTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOLANDA CASH JACKSON.

T

he Sunshine State seems to be getting a lot more foot traffic these days, with the number of homebuyers moving to Miami tripling year-over-year, a new analysis found. According to Redfin’s monthly migration report, July saw the net inflow of Redfin users packing their bags and moving to Miami rise to 7,610, up from 2,216 last year. Milagros Alvarez, a Miami real estate agent at Redfin, said that the pandemic “has brought even more out-of-towners to the area” because so many people can now work wherever they want. “Homebuyers are moving here from all over the map—Atlanta, Cincinnati, New York, Columbia, Mexico City, Pittsburgh and Philly, to name a few,” said Alvarez. “The beaches, warm weather and low taxes are the major draws. Florida has also been much less shut down than other states during the pandemic, which some house hunters see as a positive.” Tampa and Cape Coral were also hot areas for migration, with net inflows rising to 4,315 (2,778 in July 2020) and 3,109 (1,790 in July 2020), respectively, Redfin’s analysis concluded.

–Real Estate News

ONYX MAGAZINE 39

THE QUAD EWU NAMES FIELD FOR FORMER PRESIDENT GLOVER

Zachary Barnes, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering alumnus, works for NASA.

FAMU RECEIVES FUNDS FOR AEROSPACE ENGINEERING TRAINING Florida A&M University (FAMU) received $1.2 million from NASA to recruit more African Americans students to pursue careers in aerospace engineering. According to the grant proposal, FAMU will establish a multi-institution coalition to recruit underrepresented minorities (URMs) for a program that will give hands-on experience to students in NASA-relevant fields.

In addition to FAMU, the coalition includes the University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida State University (FSU), the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and four NASA centers. FAMU was awarded $1,199,977.00 as a three-year budget for its proposal to NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP). “This award will enable us to train a new generation of underrepresented students in the fast growing and very Florida-relevant field of aerospace engineering,” Carl Moore, Ph.D., an associate professor in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, a co-principal investigator of the project.

Edward Waters University (EWU) unveiled and dedicated the new Dr. Nathaniel Glover Community and Field Stadium. “Today’s occasion marks the realization of our vision to provide a state-of-the-art athletic field and stadium for our student-athletes and coaches to showcase their athletic talents. Providing elite facilities such as this one is especially important as we have been accepted as a NCAA Division II HBCU Member Institution and member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).”

Ribbon cutting for the new field with Dr. Glover, center, and President Faison, left of Glover.

Students in the college will work to eliminate health disparities.

B-CU INTRODUCES THE COLLEGE OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES The Bethune-Cookman University Board of Trustees, the administration, the faculty and staff, are all pleased to announce a new designation for the once, School Of Nursing at B-CU. The board voted and approved the creation of the College Of Nursing & Health Sciences led

by Dean, Dr. Sandra Tucker. The College will be dedicated to achieving the wellness of diverse

communities through education, community engagement, research, and professional preparation. Collaborative efforts among the units housed under the College will strive to eliminate health disparities while promoting health equity among local, regional, and global communities.

The overall goal is to empower, engage, and educate health professionals who will be leaders in their respective fields and serve the health and well-being of a global community.

FMU PARTNERS FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

xxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx

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NorthStar Academies, Inc., a Florida-based, not for profit network of alternative education charter schools managed by EdisonLearning, Inc., and Florida Memorial University (FMU), a private historically Black university (HBCU) in Miami Gardens, have established several career-related educational programs to advance the post-high school graduation career opportunities for students enrolled at or graduating from NorthStar Academies. FMU, through its Continuing Education and Professional Studies department, will welcome selected NorthStar students, and/or its graduates, to enroll in training programs in the following high-demand career areas aligned to the economic needs of the region: Home Health Aide, Digital Marketing Analyst, Construction Trades, and Commercial Real Estate. NorthStar Academies serve students in grades 6 through 12 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Pinellas, and Osceola school districts.

TR AVE L

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he spread of new COVID-19 variants and lower vaccination rates in developing countries continue to impact the ability to move freely throughout the world.

For travelers eager to venture out, Expedia Group recommends these traveling guidelines to help slow the spread of COVID-19 so the world can truly open again: 1. Mask Up While Traveling. Masks remain one of the most simple and effective ways to limit the transmission of the virus, aside from the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling requires being in close quarters, like planes, trains, rideshares and more, so it’s important to mask up to reduce the spread.

2. Travel for the Greater Good. To support UNICEF’s global COVID-19 response, Expedia Group announced an initiative to donate $10 million to vaccine efforts. To get involved, travelers can download any app from one of the travel giant’s brands, such as Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity and 42 ONYX MAGAZINE

Vrbo, to plan and purchase a trip through the platform. In turn, travelers can help get a vaccine to someone in the world who needs it.

3. Enjoy the Great Outdoors. Nature destinations have provided solitude for travelers over the last year due to the ability to easily socially distance and, essentially, disconnect. This trend is here to stay, with beaches, mountains, lakes and national parks remaining popular areas to visit.

4. Don’t Get Left Behind. More and more businesses, attractions and destinations are requiring people to show proof of vaccination. If you haven’t felt motivated to get your shot(s), know you might not have access to dining, entertainment or other activities during your next vacation.

5. Be a Savvy Traveler. Travelers are eager to get out again, but with travel guidelines changing frequently, it’s important to stay up to date with restrictions and policies around your travel bookings. Double-check your accommodations’ cancellation policies, keep local advisories like curfews or closures in mind and be prepared to submit documentations like COVID19 test results or vaccine cards.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES. FAMILY FEATURES.

5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING AMID COVID-19

BEAUTY

BALD & SEXY PROTECT YOUR SCALP IN THE FLORIDA SUN

BY DEMARIO EASLEY

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or years, many Black people truly believed they don’t need sunscreen and that they won’t get sunburned. These statements are false and everyone needs to take precautions. Protecting your skin goes beyond your face, arms or back. Any exposed skin is subject to being sunburned. Literally, from head to toe can be a victim of too much sun. The scalp can be very sensitive for those who are thinning or completely bald.

The top of your head is the first place the sun will hit with its rays.

Someone spending a lot of time outdoors in the middle of the day without a hat will get hit with the sun’s peak ultraviolet radiation. Just like the many other routines people develop to care for their bodies, protection from the sun requires the same effort. Here are a few tips to consider.

TRY A SCALP MASSAGE Rubbing a bald head stimulates your scalp promotes good blood flow and encourages healthy hair growth. Here’s how to do it: Starting with all 10 fingertips on your head, apply gentle pressure and move your fingers around your scalp, working from your forehead to the crown of your head, and down to your neck. It’s easy to do on your own—or you could convince a loved one to do it.

STOCK UP ON SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

LET YOUR SKIN WIN The skin represents the largest organ in the body. Men suffer from a variety of skin issues that need immediate and daily attention. A leader in the field of dermatology talked about what can Black men do to improve the quality of their skin.

Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield’s work in the field of dermatology has earned him high prestige in the field of physicians. He said despite the current gap between men and women attending the dermatologist, more men in recent years have been seeking medical attention.

Dr. Crutchfield offers men three steps to improve skin quality.

“The three most important things to improve skin quality is to cleanse, moisturize and protect,” said Dr. Crutchfield.

Gently cleanse using a non-detergent cleanser like Vanicream Cleansing Bar or unscented Dove. Cleansing should be done with a gentle cotton wash cloth. To maintain hydration in the skin, it is important to use a moisturizing lotion at least twice a day, but…especially after taking a bath or shower.”

Lastly, protect the skin from the damaging rays of the sun and environmental pollutants like tobacco smoke. “I recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher with UVA protection in addition to minimizing exposure to tobacco smoke,” Dr. Crutchfield said.

Those tiny hairs on your head may be hard to see, but they still need some love! Oils and dirt can build up on a bald scalp, so be sure to use a dab of shampoo when you shower and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to keep that head flake-free. And while soap or body wash may seem like an easy option, they can have a drying effect. It’s best to stick with products made for hair.

SUNSCREEN (WHAT KIND?) One of the best ways to protect your skin in the summertime is to, of course, wear sunscreen. But then the question becomes what kind? Make sure that the sunscreen is at least SPF 30 or higher. Be sure to pay attention to spots around your ears and your neck area. Do these things and you should be in some good shape!

STORIES COURTESY OF BLACKDOCTOR.ORG

KEEP A HEAD COVERING CLOSE Someone with thinning or bald hair may have a higher risk of developing some skin cancers. The easiest way to protect yourself would be to just simply stay out of the sun. In so many cases, that is just not possible. You could try hats with a brim to protect your face, neck, and ears wherever you go outside. Try to keep a hat in your car or book bag in case you have to spend an unexpected time in the sun. You could even take it as far as wearing hats made for the water when you go to the pool. Now that you have your hat and your sunscreen, one more efficient way to protect your scalp is to find some shade. Try to spend as much time in the shade as possible. Simply sitting under a tree can reduce your UVR exposure up to 75% percent.

ONYX MAGAZINE 43

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

BROTHER, GET CHECKED. PROSTATE CANCER AFFECTS BLACK MEN MORE. SEPTEMBER IS PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.

BY STEVE BLANCHARD

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Barney Morris

“ Because of my diagnosis, I have realized the importance of being proactive in health care, especially when it comes to screening for prostate cancer. Had I not had the screening, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

BARNEY MORRIS

associated with a false positive test, as over half of men who undergo a biopsy for an elevated PSA prove negative for cancer.”

Morris hopes his story will encourage all men to get screened and take health and treatment options seriously.

“Because of my diagnosis, I have realized the importance of being proactive in health care, especially when it comes to screening for prostate cancer,” said Morris. “Had I not had the screening, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”

Steve Blanchard is a public relations account coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center.

STORY AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOFFITT CANCER CENTER

ll men should be aware of their prostate cancer risks. But of all racial and ethnic groups, Black men are the most likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and they are twice as likely to die from it as white men. Researching why these disparities exist and what to do about them has been a slow process, in part because minorities in general are underrepresented in clinical trials.

Barney Morris knows the risks all too well. When he first learned that he had elevated prostate-specific antigen during a routine medical exam, he feared the worst.

“The first thing that comes to your mind is you’re going to die,” Morris said.

At 41 and after some further testing, he learned he had prostate cancer.

He was treated at Moffitt Cancer Center and his cancer has been undetectable for nearly 15 years.

But the health disparities are stark. African American men are nearly 80% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1 in 6 African American men will be diagnosed with the disease.

The key to curbing those statistics more favorably are inclusive clinical trials, said Dr. Julio Pow-Sang, who chairs Moffitt’s Genitourinary Oncology Department.

“While the results from ongoing studies Julio Pow-Sang are encouraging, we need to redouble our efforts to enroll Black patients in clinical trials to confirm the findings, to collect more tissue samples and data in order to learn what the genetic differences may be,” Pow-Sang said. “It’s necessary if we are to deliver on the promise of personalized medicine for all of our patients.”

It’s recommended that Black men with a family history of cancer begin regular screening for prostate cancer at age 40. It’s also important to live a healthy lifestyle to help your body fight off disease and to feel comfortable talking about health issues.

Guidelines put in place in 2018 suggest men at the highest risk of prostate cancer, such as African Americans and those with a family history of the disease, have a conversation with their doctor about the risks and benefits to decide if screening is right for them.

According to the American Cancer Society, an African American man has an 18% chance of developing prostate cancer, compared to 13% for white men. More than 4% of African American men will ultimately die from the disease.

Screenings can help determine a man’s risk for prostate cancer and whether treatment is necessary.

“Some prostate cancers will stay dormant or could take decades to become a problem,” Pow-Sang said. “These cases do not need to be treated, and men could have side effects from treatment such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. There are also the psychological effects

WORKPLACE

KEEP YOUR BALANCE HARD WORK PAYS OFF, BUT SO DOES RELAXATION

BY D. SHENELL REED

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ou like to think you are super-human—but that only happens in the movies. Real people can work long hours, but if you don’t add rest to the mix, you will not be able to keep that schedule for long. Can you say ‘hospital?’ None of us wants sirens and a stretcher to be our wakeup call. Hopefully, these tips can help shed some light on how desperately you need to get. your. life.

Work-life balance is the term labor experts use to explain that your personal endeavors need just as much attention as your professional efforts—and vice versa. Sometimes these things get knocked off because you get a promotion that calls for longer hours; you have a baby who calls for longer hours; or you pile on volunteerism. All these things are joyful at first, but too much of any laborious thing puts you at greater risk for burnout. You must create a schedule that works.

• First, accept that it is not going to be perfect. According to “Business News Daily,” some days you may focus more on work, other days, home.

“Balance is achieved over time, not each day.” Heather Monahan at #BossInHeels puts it this way: “…allowing yourself to remain open to redirecting and assessing your needs on any day is key in finding balance.”

• If you don’t put your health first, nobody else will. Each January, this probably is the most popular resolution. However, Betsy Mendel at the “Los Angeles Times” urges ditching resolutions and making commitments—because commitments involve an actual plan and accountability. That can only be good for your health. Check out health areas where you can do better, then make changes.

• Burnout is often spurred by a loathsome job. So, do what you love. “If you can find what is your passion, if you can find what you love, you never get tired,” Oprah Winfrey has told her followers for years. She’s right. Elizabeth Nelson left corporate America in Tampa to bake cookies for a living. “Running a business,” she said, “is the hardest thing I have ever had to do—and I couldn’t be happier.” She adds that time spent with family and friends is more meaningful now.

• FOMO will kill you. Do not be stressed by fear of missing out. It is necessary to take a break from what is happening around you just to keep your sanity in check. “Because a chronically triggered stress response can lead to decreased creativity, memory problems and other issues, a break in the stress cycle can lead to sharper thinking and increased creativity in all areas of your life,” according to “Verywell Mind.”

• Your family needs you. Yes, the job pays the bills, but an investment in your family is priceless. That is something the writer of this article had to learn. “I worked long hours when I “punched a clock,” often watching the beautiful Florida sun set from my office window. My vice president worked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and did not miss any of her kids’ activities. When we took business trips, I set fires on my keyboard while she perused the latest fashion magazines. I slowly got the picture and took a two-week European vacay with my sister. We now relish the memories of our numerous trips.” You control how often your family gets to see you. Make the right decision.

• You don’t have to answer the phone each time it rings or answer every e-mail when it pops in your inbox. Set boundaries for yourself and work. When you leave the office, leave. Career expert Chris Chancey said, “Whether you work away from home or at home, it is important to determine when you will work and when you will stop working; otherwise, you might find yourself answering work-related emails late at night, during vacations or on weekends off.”

• Is it time for a vacation? “Travel + Leisure” reports five reasons you need a vacation: to increase mindfulness, improve heart health, reduce stress, boost your brain, lift your mood. “At the end of your life, you remember moments of connection,” says Bridgid Schulte, author of “Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time.” “Psychologists call it peak human experience—and it doesn’t happen in the office.”

Setting these goals and sticking to them could determine your happiness.

You get only one life. Live it to the fullest…and take many breaks in between.

ONYX MAGAZINE 45

FOOD & WINE

THE FLORIDA MUSCADINE TIME TO PICK YOUR OWN GRAPES FOR WINE AT HOME.

BY STEVEN KING

I

know some ambitious people who built a winery in Florida. They bought some property that had gentle rolling hills of wide-open space. They envisioned vast fields of the finest French grapes thriving in the Florida sun. A rustic tasting room would be open to the public so folks could experience the magic of winemaking firsthand.

OK, property acquired, winery under construction, it was time to head to France and collect those amazing grapes. The intercontinental flight streaked across the Atlantic and they collected grape vines from world famous French vineyards. Within a week, the vines were back in Florida and in the ground. The fledgling winemakers waited for the vines to grow— the fruit that would be the core of their vino laden dreams.

They watched every single vine wither and die in the blistering Florida heat.

It is too hot in Florida for French wine grapes to grow.

The optimum yearly temperature should be around 57 degrees for old world grape vines to thrive. The humidity in Florida fosters mold, another enemy to grape vines that flourish in windy drier climates.

All hope was not lost as they turned to a grape that thrives in Florida: the muscadine grape. This fruit grows wild throughout the state and resists Florida’s punishing heat, daily rain, high humidity, disease, and pests. The wine produced by the muscadine grape has a very unique taste, but at the end of the day, produces a palatable wine.

If you want to have an interesting experience, visit the wineries in Florida. Many Florida wineries are allowing guests to pick their own muscadine grapes now through the end of September. You can also find some great homemade muscadine wine recipes to tempt your taste.

Also, visit wineries around the U.S. You will find the tastes as diverse as the people of this country.

People produce wine in most states of the union although some varieties do not come from grapes. There are dandelion, raspberry, peach and other fruits that make up regionally popular wine. After all, the definition of wine is an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of specified fruits or plants. A few years ago I visited the Schnebly Winery in south Florida. This winery is the southernmost winery in the continental United States and creates some unique wine from mango, passion fruit and lychee. Located south of Miami and north of Key Largo the Schnebly Winery is nestled in a tropical country setting boasting lush tropical waterfalls. I also found a nice Port wine in St. Augustine at the San Sebastián Winery. They have an expansive tasting counter featuring 11 different wines to include dessert and sparkling wine.

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