Substantial Issue: Jan-Feb 2021

February 2021 SubstantiaL Issue

OWNING Your Brand And 2021

An inclusive interview with Donald thompson, CEO and Diversity Executive

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OWN /ŌN/ verb

have (something) as one’s own; possess. admit or acknowledge that something is the case or that one feels a certain way.

We often say we own our time, our day, our work, our possessions, but do we?

Substantial Issue 2021

SUBSTANTIAL EDU A centralized online learning environment for all things substantial to our community.

COMING SUMMER 2021 Subscribe to our e-list or support with a premium subscription. wearesubstantial.com

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Table of Contents KAMALA AND ME FOREVER SUBSTANTIAL A TRIBUTE TO BLACK HISTORY

COACH MOTON TIPS FROM OUR READERS WELLNESS, LOVE AND FINANCES

THE GREENVILLE BLM PROJECT WE TALK WITH DEBORAH SHEPPARD

THE NEW SOUTH AND OLD CUSTOMS AN INTERVIEW WITH RYAN AND ED MITCHELL

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND BUSINESS DENISHA HARRIS TALKS DOING BUSINESS AS AN MWBE

DONALD THOMPSON A SUBSTANTIAL FEATURE WITH A CEO, DIVERSITY EXECUTIVE, AND INVESTOR

A VIDANT HEALTH MOMENT AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. EARIC BONNER

SUBSTANTIAL NEWS UPDATE

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Evelyne Del Editor-in-Chief

Letter from the Editor-in-Chief Thoughts. Musings. Starting Over.

Sometimes starting over comes with the looming fear of the unknown. It can give us a level of discomfort that either tempts us to retreat and stay in the realm of what’s familiar, or fast forward and pray that we forget the past. Last year gave us so many surprises that many of us didn’t know which way to turn. Our hopes for a brighter day in 2021 were all that kept us going through the day.

But as the great Carter G Woodson once said, “If a Race has no history, it stands in danger of being exterminated”. The truth is, we must never forget our past; even when it’s painful or uncomfortable. We can never truly move forward until we’ve made peace with our past. We can never be of service to anyone else until we’ve first poured into ourselves. Without confronting our past, we have no foundation to build upon. Although last year may not have been what we expected, the lessons of resiliency and perseverance are without a doubt a powerful springboard for a beautiful new beginning. What lies behind us is a year full of truths that many of us did not want to face. The wakeup call that we should have taken the leap before it was too late; that we should have made that phone call sooner rather than later; that we should have asked our boss for a raise before the company started layoffs; that it’s important to pay attention to our health all the time, not just when we get sick; that it may be time to have the talk with our children about racial equity. There were so many things that we neglected to do. But in 2021 we get the chance to rewrite the narrative.

According to the Pew Research Center, a quarter of adults in the US say that they or someone in their household lost a job due to the coronavirus pandemic. Another 32% have reported that their wages have been cut. The public opinion fact tank also reported that 67% of American adults felt that Black Americans were treated differently by the police than White Americans. Research also showed that women continued to earn much less than their male counterparts, even when they had the same educational backgrounds. But in the beginning of 2021, we saw more people going back to work or opening new businesses, more cities across the country passing legislation to protect against racism or racial profiling, and we saw a Black woman take her seat as the Vice President of the United States. Not a bad way to start the year.

But these are just the stepping stones. In order to continue with the small progression we’ve seen over the past few weeks, we have to plan for success. In 2021 we can no longer afford to wait for things to change. We have to push forth with implementing change on our own terms. At Substantial we’ve managed to create a community where we share with the world what was always true...That we are phenomenally brilliant, innovative, powerful, loving and resilient. We’ve always known it; we just want the rest of the world to see it.

We cultivate nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for our community because we want all of you to adopt a measure of success and happiness that is absolutely contagious. We want our message of power and fortitude to spread like wildfire. We want our children to receive wealth beyond their wildest dreams. History has taught us that the key to owning our future is to create it. But we can’t create greatness alone. It takes the hearts and hands of everyone in our community to make a tangible difference. It takes sharing and creating positive content. It takes figuring out what powerful nuggets you have to share with us as well. We plan to OWN 2021. And we want you along for the ride.

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“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”

- Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut Substantial Issue 2021

KAMALA AND ME

V

isualization changes the way we process things in our minds. We can listen to things, process them, and maybe have faith that they will come true. But the day you see something with your own two eyes is the day that your mind solidifies that your dreams can most definitely become a reality.

Vice President Kamala Harris (Substantial does not own or claim rights to this photo) When I was a little girl I used to watch my grandmother get up and get dressed for work every day. She was meticulous in the way she styled her short curly afro, and the way she matched her hats to her purse and gloves. My grandfather and I would drive her to the train station and I would sit in the back of the car and watch her eventually blend in with all of the other commuters heading into the city for work. When I got older, she sometimes let me go with her, and we’d hop on the Long Island Railroad until we reached the subway in the city. Her office building was located on Wall Street on what seemed like the 2,000th floor. Every time I went to work with her I felt like a tiny little boss. I even dressed up and carried a briefcase similar to hers. I carried all of my markers and scrap papers in my briefcase neat and organized as if I were preparing for my next meeting. It was routine. It was what we did. In no way did it seem foreign to me that my grandmother, a Black woman from Washington NC was the boss at a Fortune 500 bank on Wall Street. To me, she was just Gram doing her job. And it wasn’t until I got much older that I realized most little girls didn’t have that same image of their grandmothers.

Visuals change our life. They change what we think we’re capable of doing. My visuals growing up were of women who exuded confidence and power, regardless of their circumstances. And luckily, for a new generation of little girls, they’ll also have visuals that show them what they’re capable of doing. Seeing Kamala Harris elected as the first African American Female Vice President changes how the world views Black American women and our ability to create pathways for change. Vice President Harris is representing an end to an archaic system of business and leadership. Her election shows that Black women are no longer accepting that we must walk behind men in the dysfunctional systems that America has created for us. Her election destroys stereotypes of HBCU grads, interracial marriage, and inner city living. Her election also opens up dialogue for healing within the Black community.

When most of the world started to become familiar with Kamala Harris, there was just as much focus on her appearance, her ethnicity, and her upbringing as there was about her professional background. Kamala represented everything “questionable” about what people thought a Black woman politician should be. She was raised by an Indian immigrant mother, she was tough on crime even when it came to black folks, and she was married to a white man. People immediately questioned whether she was really a true “sista”, and whether or not she would do everything in her power to protect the black community. The focus on her “blackness” became a major point of contention for many people, with some arguing that because she was only “half-black” and was married to a white man, that she couldn’t possibly be fit to advocate for Black Americans. Unlike our Former President Barack Obama, who is also biracial, the California native is a graduate of an HBCU, and a member of a Substantial | 7

H

Madam Vice President Kamala Harris being sworn in on Jan. 20, 2021 during the 59th Inaugural Ceremony.

(Substantial does not own or claim rights to this photo)

istorically Black Greek Letter Organization, both strong symbols of representation and belonging in the black community. But somehow people felt as though they should dictate the authenticity of Kamala Harris’ blackness.

The ever looming curse of colorism in the black community became prevalent again. The conversations of being “black enough” suddenly went from a whisper to a roar. For a moment there, it was a scary predicament to be in, and it made me question whether or not we were going backwards in a time where our unity was of the utmost importance. If you’ve ever watched School Dayz, then you’re fully aware of the way we can succumb to societal pressures and divide ourselves based on color and class. It’s a sneaky little by-product of the trauma inflicted on us when we were first divided in the fields and in the big house. It’s a psychological trigger that still affects the way many of us interact with one another. It’s an element that can sometimes cause us to lose the battle because we’re so distracted with the divisive tricks of the enemy.

What I’m most proud of is that my community didn’t let me down. We collectively decided that whether or not we were fans of Kamala Harris that we would bond together and support her. With our current tragedies on the front page of every paper throughout 2020, we needed a beacon of hope and a fresh start. We needed to be able to have our children see images of black success instead of black disaster and devastation. We needed to counteract the leaders who were telling our children what they could NOT do. We needed to SHOW our babies that brown skin was still just as powerful as it was when we were Kings and Queen in Africa. And we needed to show them that even though we may not agree on everything the other person stands for, that we can still stand in unison in pursuit of a better future.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I grew up with Black Excellence living and breathing within my own household. I lived with women whose education went beyond what they learned in a classroom; women who were not afraid to be the first of many to hold positions of leadership; women who were unapologetic about who they were and how they felt. It made me relate to Kamala. It made her human.

As Black women, we tend to engage in a pattern of nurturing that unfortunately opens us up to unhealthy patterns of people pleasing, insecurity, and dysfunction. We are judged collectively, and not as individuals. And as women, we’re conditioned to step back and stay quiet. We’re told that it’s not lady-like to be a disruptor, and that leadership for a Black woman is akin to standing in a supportive role behind men and women who do not look like us. But in this new day, let it be known that there are a lot of us who are no longer apologizing for being a disruptor. And we are raising a new generation of young women who will not apologize for being disruptors. This year on Inauguration Day I woke up, looked over at my grandmother’s picture and whispered “We did it Gram. You told me we could”.

Thank you Kamala for reminding me to carry my little briefcase with confidence.

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Forever

SUBSTANTIAL

A celebration of Black History—of American History.

ForeverSubstantial.com

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February is Black history month In celebration of Black History Month Substantial Magazine has developed Forever Substantial, which is our way of honoring our heroes and sheroes of Black History—of American History. Forever Substantial recognizes those that will forever hold a place of considerable importance in our history.

JOHN LEWIS 1940 - 2020 An American politician, statesman, civil rights activist and leader who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020.

CICELY TYSON 1924 - 2021 An American actress and fashion model. In a career spanning more than seven decades, she became known for her portrayal of strong African-American women.

C.T. VIVIAN 1924 - 2020 An American minister, author, and close friend and lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. Vivian founded the C. T. Vivian Leadership Institute, Inc.

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When we named our company Substantial, we wanted it to be so much more than just a brand, we wanted it to be a rallying cry, a statement of both purpose and power. Of considerable importance size and worth. Strongly built and made. That is our Black community, that is our Black History. Visit ForeverSubstantial.com to read more about these amazing individuals and others.

SHERIFF PAULA S. DANCE Pitt County, NC Sheriff Paula Dance is a veteran law enforcement officer, having served the public for almost three decades. On December 3, 2018, she became the first African-American female Sheriff in North Carolina history. She also became the first African-American of either gender to hold the post in Pitt County. She is in rare company as she is only the fifth African-American female Sheriff in the history of our nation.

JAMES EDWARD BRIDGERS 1919 - 2021 Princeville, NC native, former Princeville mayor and influential community leader.

Mr. Bridgers worked to get the Army Corps of Engineers to build a 3-mile levee to protect the town of Princeville from frequent flooding by the Tar River. Princeville, NC is the oldest town incorporated by African Americans in the United States. It was established by freed slaves after the Civil War and incorporated in 1885.

EVA CLAYTON In Office 1992 – 2003 An American politician and community leader. Eva McPherson Clayton was the first African-American woman to represent North Carolina in Congress. Clayton also became North Carolina’s first Black Representative since 1901 when she took office in 1992.

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COACH MOTON

Evelyne Del sits down with the North Carolina Central University Men’s Basketball Coach to get his Substantial Point of View.

“These athletes...they pay them all of this money, and then they have the nerve to want to make political statements. Just play ball. We never asked you to have an opinion”.

This was the narrative I overheard from a middle aged nurse in Eastern NC. In that moment, I was a little surprised, and definitely at a loss for words. But in the grand scheme of things, this is often the norm for many Americans. In their minds, once you agree to hold a ball, you relinquish all rights to an opinion on what goes on in our country. But for Levelle Moton, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. The NCCU Coach, husband, and father of two is never at a loss for words when it comes to character, morals, and human dignity.

A

t first glance, Levelle Moton is what you would expect from any former collegiate athlete. His height commands the room, but it’s his intellect and genuine conversation that keeps you intrigued.

As a Coach, mentor, husband, and father, he is adamant about making sure that he is creating something more than just points on a scoreboard. Moton is determined to leave behind a world that thrives off of community support, economic development, and equity for young black men and women.

GRANDMA’S WORDS OF WISDOM “I was only 10...”

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In 2019 the NCCU Eagles basketball team made headlines as they won their third consecutive NCAA tournament. The Eagles successfully dominated and won the MEAC tournament for the third year in row. This was a first in the school’s history. But Moton doesn’t wallow in the accolades very long. For him, coaching is about making an impact. It’s a small part of what he does to give back to the world. That mindset was instilled in him at a very young age. He recalls his grandmother imparting strong words of wisdom when the two of them sat alone to talk. In one instance he remembers his grandmother telling him about the importance of legacy building and how people perceive you.

Moton says he thought to himself “But Grandma, I’m only 10...I don’t even have a job yet”. But it’s moments like those that shaped his life and led him to remember that his life was about more than just basketball.

Having lived through “less than desirable” conditions where food was scarce, and neighbors were fighting to keep their kids off the streets, Moton learned by example that being your own cheerleader and staying true to your values and morals is the only thing that will take you through life successfully. Although very young, he quickly learned how to take lessons from those around him. He recalls a popular athlete from his neighborhood who taught him not to place value in the hype surrounding being an athlete. “I learned that when that ball stops bouncing, nobody cares. People will use you for their own personal gain, and then nobody cares”. It’s a harsh lesson that’s helped him keep his eye on the prize over the years as both a player and a coach.

ON RELATIONSHIPS IN SPORTS “I didn’t choose coaching. Coaching kinda chose me.”

Born in Roxbury Massachusetts, Moton migrated to the South as a youth and ended up becoming that kid you would see at the Boys Club all the time. It kept him out of trouble and allowed him to create long lasting relationships that would carry him throughout his career. After college, Moton flirted with several different options within the sports industry, and eventually ended up taking a job at a Raleigh middle school. But he had no idea that this position would lead to him being a coach at his Alma Mater.

Having grown tired of playing overseas and living such a hectic travel schedule, Moton felt like basketball was becoming more

of a “business” than it was fun. When Moton decided to coach at a local school, he ended up working for one of his favorite educators. That same educator was the one who convinced him to take a leap of faith and throw his hat in the ring for the coaching position at Central. Moton insists on making decisions with loyalty in mind. Because of his relationship with his then Principal (now Superintendent) Kathy Moore, Moton felt the obligation to stay and continue to work on molding the students he agreed to coach. But Moore strongly insisted that he go for it, and make the shift to coaching on the collegiate level.

THE COACHING COMPLEXITIES OF COVID Like most people in a leadership position, Covid has definitely changed how we interact with others on a daily basis. The sports world was turned upside down when Covid hit, as physical gatherings were immediately limited.

Not only were people unable to attend games in person, but athletes couldn’t practice. Some students didn’t even know if they would be able to return to school, let alone practice. And unfortunately for some students, sports is the only way out of their neighborhoods. Playing a sport is not just a physical outlet for them. It is the hope for how their lives will change. Basketball is not just a trip up and down the court for them, it is a sense of emotional empowerment that shows them that they can use their talents to change their circumstances. Moton recalls being in that same position, and living a completely different life once school was over. “For three months, we go back home, and now we’re marginalized. And we’re followed by the police”. He continues, “When this is all over with, there’s a real world that exists out there. It’s important to nurture them and develop the totality of them as men, so they can be great husbands and great fathers and great people one day”.

Moton says he makes a point of providing guidance for his team, but also allowing them to make their own mistakes.

He doesn’t hound them or pressure them when it comes to getting them to walk a straight path, simply because he wants them to be prepared when they enter the real world after college. “When you go out into the world and you get hired by a company and they tell you to be there at 9:00, but you get there at 9:15, you don’t have to worry about them calling you asking where you are. It’s over”. There is no hand holding in the real world, so in essence there is no hand holding in Coach Moton’s world either.

ON BEING YOURSELF “Always speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

“Since the beginning of time, Black people have always been dope”, says Moton. The problem is that not everyone realizes that Black people are truly dope. When the NCCU Eagles won their third consecutive NCAA title, there came this buzz about HBCUs and the talent at schools that have

always been revered in the black community. “I tell people all the time that all of our heroes back in the day went to HBCUs. We have to understand our talent, we have to understand our leverage, we have to understand our power. And once we understand, that trickles down to the next generation, and now we can keep our talents there within our own schools, in our own communities. For so long, the world has profited from Black talent, Black labor, and Black entertainment. I think we need to understand our value and our talent, and monetize off of our own abilities”.

M

oton has also been very vocal about the lack of support from coaches and athletes outside of the minority community. He unapologetically expresses his frustration for the lack of vocal support on issues of racial injustice from those with large platforms and lots of influence on the mainstream media. He makes no qualms about telling other coaches to step up and show support for black athletes who are directly impacted by racial inequality. He wants young athletes to know that they are valued for more than just entertainment.

When speaking with ESPN, Moton said that he was irked by the silence of white coaches from Power 5 schools when it pertains to showing support for the African American community.

“Everyone is silent. And I have a major issue with that. And for

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Coach Moton during a NCCU practice (photos provided by LeVelle Moton)

years I’ve never really said anything, but now I think enough is enough”. “The reality is that a lot of these coaches have been able to create generational wealth because athletes who were the complexion of George Floyd were able to run a football, throw a football, shoot a basketball, or whatever have you. So they have benefited greatly from athletes that look like George Floyd, and many more”. He goes on to say “But whenever people the complexion of George Floyd are killed, assassinated, murdered in the street in broad daylight they’re silent”. He makes a strong point that coaches, who are considered leaders, have a moral obligation to stand up for the players that make their lives what they are.

ON LEVELLE MOTON PARK “Cultivate and Foster Relationships, but don’t compromise who you are.”

I

n 2019 Moton helped Coach the USA Men’s basketball team to win the World Cup Gold medal.

One would think that an honor like this tops the list of achievements for a career athlete and coach, but for Moton one of the greatest honors is being acknowledged in his own community and continuously being a part of it’s growth. In 2020 Moton had a park named in his honor in Raleigh NC. The first thing he did was take his kids to the park and let them play on the swings because “as a kid, I never had the opportunity to play at the park. It was a cesspool of everything that was bad”. He recalls that the park was a hotbed for drug dealers and drug addicts. There was always the threat of danger or violence inside of that park. So for Moton, he wanted to see his kids simply just play, and not be worried about what was going on around them; something he was never able to do as a young child.

Moton also started to work on developing the park into a hub for the community. A place where people could go for medical testing, education, and events. His next goal is to

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create a STEM center for black youth in the area. With RTP becoming the “Silicon Valley of the South”, positioning these youth to be familiar with STEM related companies and executives is a way of creating a pathway to success for area youth; thus creating a way for them to create their generational wealth. These are the stepping stones that allow us to make permanent change in our communities.

Moton tends to forge ahead without thinking about the time and effort spent on his initiatives. When asked how the community can be a part of it he responds, “I’ve never been asked that question...But you can support it by being a part of it in so many ways. The Foundation has so many opportunities.

We have the Single Mother Salute, the Reading Literacy Program, the upcoming STEM Center, the Back to School Community Giveaway, the TV Show that I Executive Produced to give these young men a platform to express themselves and not bottle up all of these emotions...the way to support is to be a part of one of those ventures’’.

For Moton, his family, and his players, 2021 is already showing the world the value of black leaders who are transforming our communities. In a venture with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and the NBA’s Chris Paul, Moton is featured on the docu-series ‘Why Not Us: North Carolina Central University Men’s Basketball’. The series captures some candid moments with Moton and his players as he schools them on life, basketball, and the harsh realities of the cruel world around them.

Viewers get a glimpse at life at NCCU, and the way Moton runs his practice. For many, seeing this side to an HBCU is something new, something foreign. But for Moton and many others, it just confirms what the award winning Coach has already shared...

That “Black people have always been dope”.

‘Why Not Us: North Carolina Central University Men’s Basketball’ is available on ESPN+

Tips for a Healthy Wellness Routine 1) Sleep

Everything starts with a good night’s sleep. Adults 18-60 should get at least 7 hours of sleep. 60+ 7-9 hours.

Everything else required of you will come easier with rest.

2) Hydration

There are water bottles and apps created to help you reach your daily goal. Aim for one ounce equal to half of your current weight. Hydration can improve your mood and brain function.

3) Quiet Time

We live in a society of screens and constant outward stimulation. We give our attention to so many other things and other people. Give yourself the gift of your own attention. Take time to meditate, journal or just breathe.

4) Movement

Move your body if for no other reason than you can. Do not worry about your “bad knee” or “bad hip”. Shift your focus on the parts of your body you can move. There are movement practices that can be done from a chair and even laying down.

5) Meals Phelicia Price, Owner Fit Phe Yoga

Do not skip meals. Eat more food without an ingredients list. It’s simple, don’t overcomplicate your relationship with food.

Bonus: Get outside! Fresh air and sunshine have a positive impact on your energy, immune system and creativity.

As always, please consult your physician for personalized medical advice.

Love & Light, Phe

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2. Get your Credit Score together • Having an excellent credit score would allow you to purchase a home under a 3% interest rate in 2021.

3. Open a Brokerage Account and Invest as soon as possible • Having a 401K retirement is “okay”, but you need to get active within the market. With an active trading/ active investing account, you’re able to have access to profit and income now (not later). You want to live your life with no limitations, so making sure your money is not handcuffed

•

Uri Robinson, Financial Coach, Speaker and Agent

SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS FOR 2021 “As we kick off the New Year and enter into February, I’m sure there have been alot of fitness goals attempted in January. One thing that I believe is consistently overlooked is making sure that you’re setting financial goals for 2021. To help you take control of the rest of the year, here are my Top 5 Things that you can accomplish financially in 2021 to supercharge your 2022.

1. Write down your budget for the rest of the year • One of the top mistakes I’ve noticed with alot of people is that they do not budget! When you know how much money is coming into your household, in addition to how you plan to spend it, you’ll able to curb any frivolous spending.

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Actively investing and trading outside of a retirement account allows you to begin getting paid on a monthly and quarterly basis. A person that doesn’t make their money work for him/her will always spending their life working for money.

4. Invest $5 into a company every time you spend money with them • I spend money at Verizon Wireless every month for my Cell Phone bill. I’ve made it a rule that I put at least $5 a month into Verizon (you can find it on any Brokerage Account with the “VZ” ticker) • Think about the Top 10 places where you spend your money. Are those businesses publicly listed on the Stock Market? If so, you should consider investing your money in places where you already know that money is going to.

5. Hire a Tax Professional to thoroughly file your taxes each year and maximize the United States Tax Code • You may not realize this, but taxes are your largest expense. You should be actively figuring out how not to pay taxes. Let a professional take care of this work.

H

ey there! I’m KS Lewis. You’ve known me for quite some time now as the author of The Game According to Life and other books, the host of The Kicks & Giggles Show podcast, and The Love Dish™ Show, where my guests and I infuse the richness of love and relationships with the goodness of great food. Something you may not know about me however, is I am a Certified Relationship Coach, otherwise known as The Love Connector!

I can’t even begin to count the number of people over the years who, after working with me, have had because I helped them connect to one main thing, really the only thing that matters...their AUTHENTIC VOICE. My philosophy on relationships is simple, it’s all about our DNA, our “Relationship Desires, Need Action!” Of course to some degree, we are predestined by our true genetic makeup to operate within relationships a certain way. But I want to encourage you through the Relationship D.N.A. Program to find your authentic voice, become your best advocate, and maneuver in a way you have yet to experience! Visit: iamkslewis.com

KS LEWIS LOVE TIPS Below is a quick three thoughts for anyone wanting to re-enter the dating world. I would encourage them to consider these and above all else, trust their GUT:

• Get connected to your own inner voice and be clear on your desires, needs, and the ways you can contribute to a relationship.

• Understand actions over words--Be certain on what is actually happening as opposed to what is being said. If

someone says they have interest, but limited time, be realistic in your expectations of how to interact with them.

• Trust your instincts--If someone makes statements that seem to lack transparency, honesty, or are less than

forthcoming about their intentions, believe your instincts and walk away. Conversely, if your instincts tell you the person is being open, has similar relationship goals and a desire to explore with you, go for it!

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GREENVILLE BLACK LIVES MATTER MURAL PROJECT rt has had a strong history of healing in the Black community. The power of artistic healing can be traced all the way A back to African villages where tribesmen created from the tools of the Earth, and has slowly adapted over the years to include creative mediums of expression that show love, pain, and the circle of life. In 2020 we watched cities across the world pay homage to those in the struggle for justice by painting Black Lives Matter murals; many created by everyday citizens of the streets that these murals adorned. We spoke with Deborah Sheppard about her involvement in the Greenville BLM Mural project.

SM: This mural is pretty historic for the City of Greenville. What was the experience like being a part of it?

DS: Being part of the physical project created a mixture of emotions. This was a six-month process that involved a lot of conversations, disappointments, and frustrations. When this project had to get approved by the city, it created so many roadblocks that we didn’t foresee in the beginning. However, being out there (to complete the project) was amazing. The creative energy from the group was dope and unmatched. There was a great vibe that we created, we met amazing people and built stronger relationships. I think we all felt different emotions while creating the specific message within our individual letters. I feel humility, when it comes to the historical significance of this project. There has never been a public art display by Black artists in this city, so to be a part of the first to do it, is pretty humbling and dope.

SM: Why was it important for you to be a part of this project?

DS: It was super important to be a part of this project for a number of reasons. Not only was I an artist for this project, but I was also a member of the subcommittee that helped get this project pushed. It wasn’t just important to give the artists a chance to showcase their work, but it was just as important to use this project as a tool to have these tough conversations in our community surrounding race relations. Conversations revolving around systemic racism, social inequalities and inequities, have all started to take place and will continue beyond this project. That was the initial goal of this project and we are glad to see that element unfolding. I think it is truly important to give art a space in these important dialogues and this project proved that can be done.

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Deborah Sheppard poses at “Black Lives Do Matter” mural on 1st street between Washington and Cotanche in Greenville, NC

SM: What are your hopes for what people will gain from having this symbolic project in Greenville?

DS: It is my hope that through symbolism, people will become intentional about seeking change. We have the symbol now, great. Next, let’s put the symbol to work. Let’s allow this symbol to be a reminder of the work we have ahead of us and a work that we shall not stray from.

SM: Do you have any insight on how difficult it was to get this initiative passed? What were some of the oppositions that you were aware of?

DS: It was a difficult road. Originally, we wanted to paint “Black Lives Matter” and then that’s when the roadblocks came. We compromised and agreed to paint, “Black Lives Do Matter”, to set the painting apart from the national organization. When we thought that was going to be enough, we were blindsided when the majority of the council members decided to change the wording of the mural to “Unite Against Racism”. We were heartbroken. However, we bounced back. Although they were able to control the wording, they could not control our message. I truly believe the message in each letter, still screams, “BLACK LIVES MATTER” Since participating in the mural project, Sheppard has continued to move forward with initiatives that use art as a way to facilitate social change. In addition to recently being appointed to the Greenville Museum of Art Board of Trustees. Sheppard says it is her mission to ensure that the “museum, its curators, exhibitions, events and membership, embrace inclusion, equity, and diversity”. She also recently launched HeARToscope; an initiative that seeks to work with local artists, businesses and organizations to bring murals to the West Greenville area to bring social, cultural and economic benefits, as well as positive mental health. This initiative will serve as an equity-advancement strategy for economic development in the West Greenville area.

Sheppard says they are releasing two projects in the coming months. The first project is a PSA that focuses on trauma in schools, and features local African American students from Greenville NC. The second project is a partnership with the Pitt County Arts Council and a few local restaurants that will serve the homeless community. Sheppard is hopeful that her impact will be felt throughout her community, and that people will see the value of utilizing art as a means of recovery from social, political, and emotional issues.

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Ryan Mitchell (left) and Ed Mitchell (right) (photos provided by Ryan Mitchell)

The New South and Old Customs Father/Son business team.

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arbeque is a staple in the South. It’s something that can unite us or divide us. Debates on vinegar, mustard, pulled, chopped, wood fired or charcoal have caused many an argument amongst those who profess to be the expert in the proper way to do barbeque. The longstanding history of Pitmasters is a conversation piece that goes all the way back to southern plantations. And for some families, their history runs a little deeper than others. There is an art and a science to cooking. And there’s also the deeper side of running a successful business.

The Mitchell family in Wilson NC Ed Mitchell has been known in the Wilson NC area for years. But before we knew Ed Mitchell, we knew the Mitchell family. When Ed returned to Eastern NC to help his mother at their family business - Mitchell’s Grocery Store, he had no idea that the family business would eventually turn into Mitchell’s Ribs, Chicken & B-B-Q. The humble business owner tells us that the first time he successfully cooked an entire hog was by accident. It was a right of passage in the life of a young boy that usually didn’t happen until much later in life. But for Mitchell, he ended up experiencing this honor at a very early age. The elder of the Mitchell team recounts the first time he “accidentally” cooked a hog by himself. It was Substantial Issue 2021

during a family reunion where his father and grandfather were socializing and preparing the hog for the next day with the rest of the men in the family. As the men began to socialize, the moonshine began to flow. As a young boy, he was to be responsible for making sure that the fire was still lit while the men continued to cook. But unfortunately, when Southern Moonshine comes into play, things don’t always go as planned.

Mr. Mitchell laughs as he recalls how the men began socializing “a little too much”, and eventually began to doze off, leaving the young Pitmaster in training to “tend to the hog”. He talks about how his grandfather jumped up around 5am and yelled “Who’s been tending to this hog?”. With a crowd of silent Moonshine drinkers, the young Mitchell quietly revealed that he was the one who had been up all night tending to the hog. In that moment, Mitchell didn’t know if his admission would be met with gratitude or disapproval.

But when his grandfather saw what Mitchell described as a “caramelized hog” laying there, he grabbed the bottle of moonshine and told Mitchell that he had done so great of a job that he deserved his first swig of moonshine. And from there, the Pitmaster was born.

Ryan returns after college

“There’s a certain pressure of being the legman or woman involved in carrying out your family legacy.” - Ryan Mitchell

Much like his father, Ryan got his start in the family business very early on at the family’s local grocery store. As a young boy you could find Ryan in the store standing on top of a milk crate cashing out customers and learning his way around.

For him, it was second nature to be active in the family business, but it wasn’t necessarily something he considered a long term commitment. As he got older, working at the family business was simply a way for him to keep a little bit of change in his pockets for new clothes or football cleats.

It wasn’t a part of his long term plan for success. There is a certain pressure that comes along with being the next leg in your family’s long history.

Ryan’s sights were set on something completely different than the Mitchell family business. But as the old saying goes, “Tell God your plans and He’ll laugh at you”. Ryan had no idea that he would end up working with his father years later, and he most certainly didn’t expect to be doing it with such passion.

After graduating from ECU, the former Pirate football player had plans to dominate the business world. But a series of events led him back to working in the family business. The first couple of years of the father-son duo working together actually ran a little smoother than expected. Ed Mitchell allowed his son the room to introduce new concepts to the business. He knew that if he laid the foundation, that his son would add his expertise from the business world in order to make the company grow. Ryan added technology to the daily operations, while his dad continued to work on maintaining the integrity of the brand. But for Ryan, it was a difficult road emotionally coping with being back in Eastern NC in a capacity that was different from what he had originally envisioned. “I graduated with an Econ degree. I didn’t want to go back home and cook barbeque. I’m trying to get out into the world in New York or LA, or whatever my peers were. So I was struggling with being in Eastern NC and all of the racial politics involved in trying to be a minority entrepreneur”.

The politics of Que “As a minority business, there is always some sort of pandemic that we are having to maneuver.” - Ryan Mitchell Although the tradition had been in the family for years, the Mitchell duo cooked their first commercial hog in 1991.

But the commercial environment was a little different than their normal routine. Ryan talks about the beginning of their commercial journey. “For the first 3 or 4 years, we were going through a bunch of underground politics and business disruptions behind the scenes.” He says he learned how small farmers were treated and the difficulty of having access to animals and agriculture. It was an entirely different world that he had no clue existed when he was growing up.

“If you’re dealing with animals or agriculture in Eastern NC, your pockets better be deep and you better be ready for another world”. His father says he remembers several moments where he could sense his son’s frustration. It was something that he had seen and experienced time and time again, and knew that if he was going to be in the business for the long run that he had to dismiss the nonsense and keep his eye on his craft.

Ryan says he came back “with a cape on” ready to take on the world. He says there was a pivotal moment when he came to the realization “I’m going to get more gratification doing this with family than I ever will sitting in a cubicle somewhere”. So he rolled up his sleeves and decided that he was going to put his heart and soul into growing the family legacy. It was the notion of being able to see the sacrifices that his family had to deal with that set off the light bulb in his head. “You have to want to wear the cloak of continuing the legacy more than you want to be famous or make a certain amount of money. The dollars are going to come, but the value is in the story and to be able to talk about the test of time that you’ve had to go through”.

Notoriety and remaining genuine

“I don’t do anything quick...I do everything with passion.”

- Ed Mitchell Ed Mitchell takes pride in his esteemed title of Pitmaster. The term goes all the way back to the early days of the plantation. As Ed Mitchell describes, it was an honor to be chosen to be the person on the plantation to prepare the hog for a big occasion. But in the old days they referred to the esteemed chef as a “pit boy”. It wasn’t until later years that people began to treat the role with more respect, and designating terms like Pitmaster to distinguish between any other person who was simply manning the grill.

When the term “foodie” began to be a popular phrase, it shined a spotlight on southern cooking, and more specifically on barbeque. Ed Mitchell, having come from several generations of men who prepared legendary whole hog barbeque, never sought out to prove that his ‘que was the best. But others sought out to

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try and prove that they could possibly beat him at his game.

When Internationally known Chef Bobby Flay called on Ed Mitchell and his son Ryan for his infamous ‘Beat Bobby Flay’ challenge, the father-son duo didn’t miss a beat, and they most certainly didn’t change a single thing when showcasing their skills to an audience who wasn’t as familiar with Eastern NC barbeque. The Wilson NC native has traveled and showcased his skills everywhere from NYC to Melbourne Australia. And at each location, he maintains the integrity of his craft, insisting that nothing be done quickly, no shortcuts be taken, and that only quality ingredients are used throughout the entire process.

He says he doesn’t mind sharing his techniques with others because his passion is what sets him apart from others.

The future for Ed Mitchell’s Que: Sauces, Shows, & collaborations Although the Mitchells had always relied on the freshest of ingredients in their cooking, it was when Ed Mitchell became ill and was diagnosed as prediabetic in 2017 that their team decided to venture into the world of condiments and sauces.

With his everyday entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan ended up spearheading a partnership with True Made Foods, and created a line of sauces that uses all natural ingredients and promotes using products with less sugar or preservatives. He approached his partner with the idea of developing some old family recipes but without sugar.

Although most of the Pitmasters thought the idea of changing the products in this manner was crazy, there were a lot of consumers who were constantly questioning why there were not as many minority owned companies producing healthier products; especially since minority communities are the ones who are suffering most from poor health. Ryan says that he went back to his roots and relied upon the techniques that his grandparents used before there was such a thing as commercially processed sauces and spices.

like Whole Foods, and have already become best sellers. There are also plans to release a line of rubs and hot sauces in 2021.

The collaboration has led them to recently partner with the Boston Red Sox to become the official condiment of the baseball stadium. They are hoping to continue to expand and get into other sporting arenas across the country.

This newest venture has opened up the Mitchell family to a different world of entrepreneurship where they are learning the ins and outs of production, marketing, branding, and of course quality control. In addition to the product line, the Mitchells are also claiming their spot in front of the camera as well. They are in preparation for several television and streaming series where they travel the country, test out cooking techniques, and talk with others about their own family traditions. In staying true to their nature of sharing their family history, the Mitchells are also releasing a cookbook, as well as a virtual kitchen and partnership with DoorDash, and the brick and mortar restaurant in the Triangle. It’s almost full circle for Ed Mitchell as it strongly resembles his start in the world as a Pitmaster in training sitting around the fire watching his family socialize and create magic.

Ed smiles and declares his gratitude for the experience of building the business with his son, noting that he was grateful to “be there with him and see that he and I could lock arms and figure it out together”. He credits his son’s patience and growth in business, along with the balance that they each bring to their growing brand as the reason they are as successful as they are today. Together he and Ryan have figured out how to maneuver in a world that isn’t always very welcoming to black entrepreneurs.

You can catch Ed & Ryan Mitchell on Moonshiners on Discovery+ airing in March.

The products are sold in over 5,000 stores across the country

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Read the full article at Wearesubstantial.com

From the When We All Vote Headquarters: The Georgia Runoff In advance of Georgia’s runoff election for its two U.S. Senate seats, When We All Vote invested in Georgia voters with extensive voter and volunteer engagement through creative partnerships, COVID-safe events (including a drive-in concert!), relational organizing, and direct voter contact. We recruited and trained thousands of volunteers, student leaders and educators, partnered with 4 mayors, 28 colleges and universities, and 92 local organizations and schools. In just two months, we registered over 30,000 voters, held 18 COVIDsafe events to encourage registration and early voting, and visited nearly 500 highschool classrooms to provide critical voting information to first-time voters.

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Building Relationships, Building Businesses: The NC MWBE Coordinators’ Network Is Here to Help

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ow many of us have heard the sentiment that people want to do business with people they know? Of course, many of us have heard this familiar phrase. It is the reason social media has transformed how business connects to consumers and why influencers are one of the go-to marketing strategies for driving profit margins. Indeed, business IS all about relationships. The desire to trust and feel confident in the person or entity that you decide to engage is a natural instinct that often eclipses even reasoned factors such as the bottom line or overall experience.

As a procurement manager for local government, I often see how not having a relationship with a firm or not trusting the capacity and/or capability of that firm will create doubt in the eyes of a project manager. Black and brown along with women owned businesses often fall into the category of not engendering trust or confidence for a number of reasons.

Research consistently illustrates the impact of direct discrimination and implicit bias, a lack of access to human and to financial capital, and the far and few between business networks that are essential in mentoring and growing diverse firms. A 2018 study from Morgan Stanley reports $4.4 trillion in missed economic opportunity due to these disadvantages.

The Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) professional has the unique task of serving as a bridge between private sector MWBE firms and the government agency. MWBE professionals are available to help firms navigate the bid process, provide an introduction to the right people, and speak on their behalf even when they are not in the room. Yet, these advocates often stand alone. More than not, they are the “onlys” in an organization, challenged with internal and external push back along with the responsibility to build interventions from scratch.

The NC MWBE Coordinators’ Network (the Network) is a “think tank” of diversity professionals designed to build community within the industry and build relationship among fellow advocates. With representatives from universities, community colleges, and other state agencies; local governments; and private sector firms, the Network is committed to ensuring that all segments of society have an equitable opportunity to participate in professional service contracts, procurement contracts, and construction projects in both public and private sectors. Professionals join this organization to enhance their knowledge on the implementation of MWBE programs and to learn best practices to advance business inclusion. Through an Annual Conference and quarterly professional development workshops, members stay up to date on current trends and legislation, find seasoned mentors, and connect with our cohort of Emerging Leaders who provide training and resources specific to those new to the field.

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Our partnership with the UNC School of Government provides access to leading scholarship in the area of public procurement and supplier diversity. The School hosts a list serve where practitioners can share resources and ask questions in an open forum and co-sponsors the Certified Economic Inclusion Officer (CEIO) Certification. Professional experience, coursework, and an exam distinguish those who obtain this new credential as skilled in the compliance and administration of state, local, and federal business inclusion programs. Our first cohort will be certified in April 2021.

The MWBE Coordinators Network is a one-of-a kind resource that is here to serve and be an integral part of the public procurement landscape in North Carolina. We are proud to be a leader and trusted subject matter expert in public supplier diversity and the only network of its kind in the country! Absolutely, we are here to support and nurture diversity professionals. However, our ultimate priority is to support and be a bridge for the talented and courageous entrepreneurs we serve. Learn more about our work and how you can support at mwbecoordinators.org About the Author: Denisha Harris is a public servant and community advocate with more than a decade of experience in public procurement, supplier diversity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

Denisha also serves as the President of the NC MWBE Coordinators Network.

5 Tips for Doing Business with Government Get Certified Optimize the search by using a third party verification to identify your status as a diverse firm. Bonus: government certifications are generally free of charge. To certify in NC, visit https://ncadmin.nc.gov/businesses/hub/hub-certification

Reach out to your local MWBE or Purchasing Professional Get to know your advocate and let them point you in the right direction. They will be there to open doors and help you build critical relationships with buyers and project managers.

Know the Market Everything in government is a matter of public record, including contracts and pricing. Request bid tabulations from past bids and understand who are your competitors and the market value of your good or service.

“Hop On” and Mingle Next time you see that your local government is hosting a virtual mixer or training session, hop on and get to know who is in the room. Start relationship building, and keep the conversation going. Do the same in your community by becoming a known, respected brand. Be your own influencer.

Pay Attention to the Fine Print When doing business with government, the devil is in the details. The “boiler plate” language that envelopes the bid or contracting document holds key compliance requirements.

Understand these requirements and make sure you are compliant. Not following the rules is the number one avoidable reason why a business is not successful.

Visit mwbecoordinators.org to learn more.

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A CHAMPION OWNS SUCCESS AND FAILURE A SUBSTANTIAL CONVERSATION WITH DONALD THOMPSON, CEO AND DIVERSITY EXECUTIVE

Your past is not your future. Many of us listen to the narrative that’s programmed by other people that tells us we’re not good enough, we don’t have enough, we lack the necessary resources, we don’t have the right skin color, we’re not the right gender, or the right sexual orientation.

We accept the narrative that it’s not our time or it’s not the right time, but not Donald Thompson, CEO of Walk West a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in strategic communications, web design and development, digital media, video production and content marketing. The company has quickly scaled and been recognized by Inc. 5000 as the fastest growing marketing firm in North Carolina in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Thompson is also the co-founder of The Diversity Movement an organization that was created by a core team of innovators at Walk West that provides a comprehensive set of training, education, and strategic resources to help organizations move beyond compliance-based thinking to a mindset that enables business transformation.

Substantial got the chance to virtually sit down with Thompson to discuss branding, entrepreneurship, diversity & inclusion, investing and the beauty of owning who you are and what you do.

Written by G.L. Hedgepeth Photography credits: Walk West & The Diversity Movement

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BANKING ON SUCA SIT DOWN WITH URI AND TIYANNA ROBIN-

Donald Thompson SON speaking during 2020 Black Lens Symposium

SM: Who is Donald Thompson DT: I’m the son of a football coach that had the opportunity to travel all across the nation. From city to city, and state to state. That’s the business, where you win and people cheer and pat you on the back; you lose and you can believe a U-haul truck is coming.

I’ve lived in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Kentucky, and obviously North Carolina. I went to high school here in NC and some college.

One of the things that I would say defines me is that, I’m a dream chaser. It means very simply that when I see something that I want to go after, I have a competitive learning mentality that I want to learn about it, I want to study, I want to find people in the space that can educate me, but most importantly I believe that I can do it too. I believe enough in me that I’m not limited by somebody else’s narrative about what my life should be. I’m willing to try, and one of my superpowers is I’m willing to be bad at something for a while, until I can be good at it. I’m willing to be good at something for a while until I can learn how to someday be great at something. Alot of us listen to the narrative that’s programmed by other people that tells us we’re not good enough, we don’t have enough resources, we don’t have the right skin color. We’re not the right gender, or sexual orientation, or it’s the Substantial Issue 2021

wrong time, and I say to hell with all of that, don’t let somebody else whisper in your ear, and drown out your megaphone. Don’t let a whisper defeat a megaphone—that megaphone being how awesome you can be, and the whisper being all that’s negative.

SM: Where did that entrepreneurial spirit and attitude come from?

DT: I credit that attitude, that mindset of hopefulness and ambition to my parents, to my grandparents— they fought and marched and struggled so that I could see the world and the goodness in the world. They took some of the arrows for me. So my responsibility is to pay them back, is to succeed to the level that I could make the path smoother for people that come behind me. One of the things at any level of success that I’ve had, is a high degree of humility.

I don’t believe I’ve done things because I’m special.

What’s special about me is my work ethic. I don’t think my talent is necessarily special, it’s not my background, but I do believe it’s my commitment to the things that I try to do. I’m grateful for the opportunities that I have and have had.

SM: How do you measure success and what steps do you take to ensure it?

DT: I think most people, when they think about success, and who they are, they give a little bit too much weight to what other people think they are, and not enough weight to who they think they are. I define who I am and who I want and dream to be.

I went way old school recently. I went out to Barnes and Noble (masked up of course) I got a bunch of magazines and I started cutting out pictures. Listen, I’m building my dream board of what I want to do and be and achieve in the next five to seven years.

Because what I realized about success is, the reason that I’ve done some things that have worked out is I’ve always been so future focused, that the challenges of the moment were just the thing to overcome, they were the things that kept me up at night, because I was chasing that dream. Most people don’t have a strong enough vision for what they want, so anything will knock them off track. The more you tightly define what it is you want and the impact you want to have on other people, then it becomes more difficult for naysayers or challenges to knock you off track, they may slow you down, they may bring you to a stop for just a moment­—but they’re not going to make you get off of that train to success.

I’m very big on goals. I’m always asking myself ‘what do I want?’ ‘What do I need to do to get what I want?’

And then ‘who do I need to surround myself with to help me get there?’

“Lean on new sources of information, insight, and connections...A lot of times you’re fifteen minutes away from a powerful idea based on whom you networked with.”

SM: You have served as a mentor, you’re a board member, you’re an investor. What are some things that you’re looking for when you’re about to take on that next mentee, or to coach someone, or sit on a board, or invest in a company?

DT: Can I add more value than just dollars? Because I’m a hands on investor, not so much a passive investor. I like to work with the people and the teams where I put my money both because I enjoy building teams and work with people, but I also enjoy watching where my money’s at. Right? So I just don’t write checks and kind of forget.

The second and most important thing I look at is the leader of that organization. Are they a competitive learner? Are they really open to new ideas or ways to make the ideas better? Business isn’t always about a new idea. Sometimes it’s how do we make this good idea better. It’s very important that the leader(s) have an openness aligned with commitment to their vision.

SM: What should young entrepreneurs be thinking about when building their company and trying to attract investors?

DT: When I get ready to invest in companies, I’m looking to see what kind of research have they done to understand the potential of their business in that market. A lot of people are in a hurry to build a software platform, or in a hurry to launch a new product. People need to be in a hurry to talk to 100 people about their idea. And after they’ve talked to 100 people, they’ll start to better understand product market fit, they’re going to understand if there is a market for what they have, because out of those 100 people, you’re going to get some that just don’t get your idea.

SM: Let’s talk diversity, equity and inclusion. Tell us about the motivation behind The Diversity Movement.

DT: The Diversity Movement was created by a core team of innovators at Walk West through collaboration with an international group of diversity practitioners, business experts, and marketing leaders to provide a comprehensive set of training, education, and strategic resources to help organizations move beyond compliance-based

Subscribe and get the exculsive full article and podcast interview at Wearesubstantial.com

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Photo provided by The Diversity Movement

thinking to a mindset that enables business transformation. Diverse teams that are fully engaged in decision making and execution are more innovative, more profitable, and more productive.

We had clients that wanted to understand diversity, equity and inclusion internally and not just for the purpose of marketing and selling their products better.

We felt if people and organizations are going to really trust us with these conversations, we might want to get some training, so four of our executives at Walk West, became certified diversity executives, and we went through a very intense training regimen­—and it changed us. We then took our knowledge, and our background as communicators, our background as business leaders, and our certifications from going through these experiences and training, and said how do we want to help? We invested dollars and time, we produced videos, podcasts, hired an instructional designer, and we built ‘Beyond The Checkbox’ which is an elearning course. We want folks to move beyond just the outter and beyond just checking a box. We want people to really learn how to implement and move forward to create measurable outcomes for diversity, equity and inclusion.

SM: You serve in so many different capacities. How do you balance it all?

DT: This is a good question that I get pretty often and my answer is, there’s just phases in life. I think about where I was 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and where I’m at now. Now I have a team around me, I have an assistant, etc. I have some advantages now that I didn’t then, but here’s the thing, everyone needs to learn how to swim. You have to put in the work and practice, you have to be willing to take in a little water and for me I’ve just always been willing to do the work and put in the time. I remember being on the side-line with my dad and while it was nice to hear the crowd and be there with the team, I enjoyed the practices. I enjoyed seeing them work at their craft. It made the victory that much more sweet for me.

SM: Any final words for our readers.

DT: Your past is not your future. That’s for us as individuals. That’s for us as a country. Your past does not equal your future.

Subscribe and get the exculsive full article and podcast interview at Wearesubstantial.com Substantial Issue 2021

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Serving Rural While Thinking Nationally Dr. Earic Bonner Eastern NC physician

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denton NC is arguably one of the most picturesque towns that you’ll ever see. You’ll find sprawling waterfront properties, large overgrown trees, and quaint little shops. What you won’t find that much of is young black doctors in private practice. As a native of Edenton, Dr. Earic Bonner is a rare find in a town that hardly ever sees its black community members take an active role in the health and wellness of its people.

Dr. Bonner completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies at HBCUs, with his undergraduate studies at Livingstone College and his medical studies at Meharry Medical College. Today he works in Internal Medicine in a private practice affiliated with Vidant Hospital. He is also the Regional Medical Director for the Chowan/Bertie/Perquimans County area, as well as the Medical Director for Ambulatory quality and patient safety for the Vidant system. In addition to those roles, he is also a faculty member at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, and works on community committees when they need a medical perspective in that region.

COVID HITS EASTERN NC

“When white America gets a cold, Black America gets pneumonia.”

What most people don’t realize is that most doctors spend a lot of their time outside of the office researching and learning about new developments in medicine. According to Bonner, there is a huge learning curve in regards to the knowledge that you have the day you leave medical school and the knowledge you have every day as a practitioner. In order to keep up with medicine and the speed of science and technology, it’s essential for physicians to reserve an appropriate amount of time to research.

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Dr. Earic Bonner, is a Internal Medicine Specialist in Edenton, NC.

Bonner says that when Covid hit, he spent most mornings reading Medical Journals and news updates in order to keep up with the ever-changing nature of Covid. “I haven’t had much of a personal life for the last 9 months”.

Between his regular practice, time spent with residents at ECU, and keeping up with the disease and new protocols, most of Bonner’s time is devoted to being a part of the solution that will save more lives.

Dr. Bonner explains that physicians and others who consider themselves lifelong students of science and medicine jumped at the chance to learn as much as they could about the virus. This was something that they had never experienced, but it was also something that they signed up for when they made the choice to go into the medical field. It makes them a part of history, and a possible part of the solution of treatment protocols that could save people’s lives.

One of the struggles of managing Covid in his specific area has been separating the medical side from the political side with Covid. Bonner operates in a very politically driven area. Trying to get people to understand the severity has been one of the biggest struggles; even within his own family. Cases in the Edenton area didn’t start to emerge until pretty late in the game. Larger cities had already started to feel the effect much earlier; with most cities strictly enforcing Covid-related protocol in March. But

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in the Edenton area, the first case was around May, and the first Covid-related death wasn’t until June or July.

The absence of the virus emerging locally made it harder for people to grasp the concept of what was going on.

But when it hit there, it hit hard. At one point, Chowan County was leading the state with the number of cases per every 1,000 people. “The uniqueness of Covid has been that everybody is struggling with the same thing.

We’re all learning at the same rate in terms of how to take care of it and how to keep each other safe”.

“Covid has put a spotlight on all of the things within healthcare that already made it hard for minorities; especially rural black people­—to have access to care and have equitable treatment”. We’ve seen huge disparities in the media on the increased death rates from Covid in the black community. The vast majority of the patients that have died in Bonner’s immediate area have been black people. For the Edenton native it becomes a little more personal because those patients are not just numbers in a chart; they are his former teachers, friends, and church family.

The silver lining is that uncovering these wounds gives us an opportunity for dialogue and innovation to address some of those historical barriers and disparities that we’ve seen in the past.

Vaccine develops “Information without context is the most dangerous thing.”

The advent of the internet and social media has been a gift and a curse, because it puts information in the hands of the patients, but it often gives the wrong information.

“Information without context is the most dangerous thing. When people lack the ability to understand something, they will fill in the gaps and make it into something that they can understand. It’s just human nature. We all do it”. Bonner puts it into perspective explaining that even with his decades of experience studying medicine that he still has to work every day to understand medicine and the changes that occur in science and technology. It’s easy for things to be lost in translation when you are speaking with your doctor in a 15-20 minute appointment and they are trying to explain to you what they’ve learned over a period of 15-20 years.

Bonner finds that while a lot of patients are reluctant to talk about Covid, they are very vocal about the vaccine.

People are very vocal about their decision not to take the vaccine; with many of them equating the vaccine to the methods used with the flu shot where traditionally small

doses of the virus are injected into the body.

The difference with the Covid-19 vaccine is that is that it does not include any traces of the virus.

Though many people equate the Covid-19 vaccine to the flu shot, one of the major differences between the two is that the flu shot includes small traces of the virus that are injected into the body but the Covid-19 vaccine does not include any traces of the virus. There are no viral particles, mercury or aluminum in the vaccine. The healthcare community decided to do things a lot differently with this vaccine in order to make people feel safe and comfortable with this new healthcare innovation.

Barriers to patients and vaccine In the African American community, most people either rely heavily on their doctors or have a huge amount of distrust for doctors. There is a tainted history that leads many African Americans to be distrustful of doctors, medicines, and of course vaccines. As a Black doctor serving a community that is mostly minority, Bonner would be remiss if he didn’t take into consideration incidents like The Tuskegee Experiment, gynecological experiments, and the overall disparity of issues like heart disease and hypertension. For many rural African American residents, they feel as though they are fighting a losing battle in their attempt to take better care of themselves. This is especially true when most of these residents never see a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist that looks like them. In regards to communities of color, Bonner feels as though our barriers or preconceived notions about trusting the healthcare system are because “We haven’t decided as a people what we want success to look like”. He explains that the history that we’ve had with healthcare and the black community has been one that was marked with incidents that we later identified as a problem, but as a country we’ve never fully apologized for it. We’ve buried the unethical treatment of slaves or things like Tuskegee and the lack of treatment, as well as simply NOT identifying certain disparities in disease and healthcare access. The lack of expression of empathy, regret, or sorrow is still a problem for some black people in America. With Covid, the disproportionate effect on African Americans was identified early. Additionally, when the vaccine was developed the healthcare industry prioritized African Americans; yet our community still rejected it. There were no mandates on taking the vaccine, no waiting because of race or socioeconomic status. But there was a very prevalent sense of resistance that could quite possibly be rooted in the long history of distrust for Substantial | 33

In a historic moment of hope for eastern North Carolina, Angela Sheppard, a nursing assistant in the MICU, is the first Vidant Health team member on the frontlines of the COVID-19 battle to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at Vidant Medical Center on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. Courtesy of Vidant Health

the American healthcare system. Without identifying what we deem as “success” for our people, we can’t identify the solutions that are acceptable for us. Another barrier for patients in Bonner’s part of the state is the lack of accurate information. Edenton and Chowan County is positioned in a geographical area that presents a challenge for receiving accurate, up to date information. The small southern town sits right on the border of North Carolina and Virginia, and residents of the town receive their news mainly from Virginia news outlets. Because the makeup of the Virginia cities reported on the news are overwhelmingly urban, residents in this area tend to dismiss certain news stories. Many did not feel as though Covid was relevant to them. It is up to people like Dr. Bonner to make a stronger effort with educating the masses. As a dedicated member of his community, Bonner has relied heavily on churches. But now with churches not meeting in person, this presents another challenge in how to get the information out there in ways that rural communities, and other people who may not trust the healthcare system can understand.

Patient success stories “Don’t lie to your Pastor, your God, or your Doctor”.

Communicating with patients is an artform that not all doctors rely heavily on. But for Bonner, communication has been a huge factor in the success of him reaching an often marginalized population. Having an open dialogue with his patients has been a key factor in helping people overcome illnesses and bridging the gap to understanding their medical care plan. His willingness to communicate and engage in non judgemental dialogue has facilitated patient success stories where both doctor and patient come to a mutual understanding of their needs and expectations. Unfortunately for some, particularly those in the African American community, they are used to the invisible barriers that exist between doctors and patients. Instead of communicating with their doctors, or asking questions they either stop treatment or accept medical advice that goes against their better judgement. This open dialogue also helps to develop a type of trust between the doctor and patient that most black communities have not normally enjoyed. But Bonner says that his philosophy has always been “If you don’t trust your doctor, find a new one”.

Bonner says that he encourages everyone to have the confidence to always ask questions. When asked what patients can do to help their physician provide proper care Bonner says that the key is to come prepared, have your questions ready, and remember that your health and wellness is a team effort. “People tend to adopt the idea of telling their doctors what they think they want to hear” instead of what’s honest and provides insight for their physician to provide a better plan of care.

As one of the few, and perhaps only African American doctors that most of them will ever see, he makes it a point to put in the effort to help his community and ensure that they are armed with information that can help them along their healthcare journey. His mission to save more lives in rural communities is a lifetime commitment that he doesn’t mind sacrificing for. When speaking of his long hours of research and outreach, Bonner humbly reminds us “It’s okay. This is what I signed up for”.

Substantial Issue 2021

Substantial news updates The 2021 Black Lens Symposium Recap “2020 was a trying year for our community; having dealt with so many challenges and deep rooted issues, we deserve and need a space to talk about how we made it through and how we plan to forge ahead,” ~ Greg Hedgepeth, President & CEO, Substantial Media, LLC. “The Black Lens Symposium was created to provide a safe space for open dialogue about some of our community’s most pressing concerns. In an effort to remain as safe and socially distant as possible, this year we’ve gone completely virtual.” The online event consisted of a series of panel conversations around black duality, black centricity, black history, black reciprocity and the future of being black in America. Substantial has continuously committed itself to shining the light on issues that affect black and brown communities. As a Black Media outlet, it is our mission is to ensure that we are not only providing a platform for these issues to be discussed, but also ensuring that they are being told from a raw and authentic lens.

The silver lining to going virtual is that it allowed us to include a broader range of thought leaders and panelists, along with additional breakout sessions that managed to address all aspects of this important dialogue on dissecting, uplifting, and empowering our communities. While there is no shortage of conversation surrounding the social, political, and familial issues of the black communities, these panel discussions were carefully curated in a way that truly reflects the conversations that are missing in the mainstream media. Visit OurBlackLens.com to learn more.

Substantial Media LLC secures investment and Board of Directors commitment from Donald Thompson, CEO of Walk West and co-founder of The Diversity Movement Substantial Media LLC, the publisher of Substantial Magazine, a Black-owned and operated digital content platform that amplifies the positive stories within Black and Brown communities and brings awareness to important issues affecting underrepresented groups on a local, state, and national level is excited to announce an initial $10,000 investment from Donald Thompson Holdings LLC. As part of the initial investment, Donald Thompson, CEO of Walk West, co-founder of The Diversity Movement, and angel investor, will serve as Chair of the Board of Directors for Substantial Media LLC and assume partial ownership of the expanding media company.

“I admire Greg Hedgepeth and what he is trying to achieve with Substantial as well as his belief in the community he’s serving,” said Donald Thompson. “I immediately wanted to help, as part of a commitment to give back to and support the new generation of Black entrepreneurs and innovators with my time, knowledge capital, and portfolio of companies to ensure their success.” Read the full press release here.

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Substantial news updates The NC IDEA MICRO Experience Back in October of 2020 Substantial was one of sixteen companies to receive an NC IDEA MICRO grant. NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through a strategic combination of grants and programs NC IDEA is helping small businesses do just that, we now know this first hand. Members of our Substantial team to include President & CEO, Greg Hedgepeth and Editor-in-Chief, Evelyne Del particpated in a virtual weekly formal program that ran from November 2020 through the end of January 2021. The objective of the program was to help validate our idea(s) so that we can take it to the next stage.

“Mentorship and great advice was a huge part of the program, we learned so much about customer discovery and the early elements needed to ensure startup success,” said Greg Hedgepeth. “The program challenged us to better understand our assumptions and identify our minimum viable product which going into it we thought we knew, but quickly discovered we hadn’t been asking the right questions. It’s having this knowledge that will prove vital to real business success and scalability for us.”

The NC IDEA MICRO grant is one of many grants and programs offered through the foundation. NC IDEA has also developed the North Carolina Black Entrepreneurship Council (NC BEC) which will help lead the organization in its progorammatic and grant making ambitions to address the challenges of Black entrepreneurship in North Carolina.

This council will also work closley with the Foundation to identify, recommend and support partners, grant recipients and programs to serve the entrepreneurial aspirations and economic potential of North Carolina’s Black community.

Learn more about the NC IDEA Foundation by visiting ncidea.org.

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, March 27, 2021 The Lens Refocused: A 2021 Substantial Women’s Forum In honor and celebration of the vital role that women play in American history and the pursuit for equity, Substantial presents a series of real conversations with minority women leaders regarding mental health, public policy, criminal justice reform, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Visit ourblacklens.com to learn more and to register.

Substantial Issue 2021

Dreams move us forward.

A dream has the power to do anything. It can change a life or our entire way of living. At the North Carolina Education Lottery, we strive to create a world of possibility not only for winners and students, but also for minority businesses.

When we dream together, we grow together and create the partnerships that let our communities thrive.

Minority Business and Community Affairs Manager Annette.Taylor@lotterync.net

Visit NCLottery.com to learn more.

MUST BE 18 TO PLAY. Problem Gambling Helpline: 877-718-5543.

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Substantial Issue 2021

Special Thank You President & CEO Greg Hedgepeth Editor-in-Chief Evelyne Del Substantial Fellow & Contributor Taylor Corlew Partners Donald Thompson Sponsors The Diversity Movement The Donald Thompson Podcast | Earfluence NC MWBE Coordinators Network The NC Education Lottery 5 Prime Media Group

Sponsorship Opportunities Eastern NC, Triangle Area, Charlotte support@substantialmag.com wearesubstantial.com © Substantial Media, LLC 2021 All Rights Reserved

All stock imagery provided by pexels.com Substantial | 39

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Substantial Issue 2021