SYNERGY - Juneteenth 2022

ISSUE 6 | SUMMER 2022

MARCUS ROBINSON Helping clients reach — or exceed — their financial goals.

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The Office of Equity & Inclusion provides expertise, tools, data and programming to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Employment and housing complaints • Small business technical assistance • Diversity, equity and inclusion training

(352) 334-5051 222 E. University Ave Gainesville, FL 32627

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ISSUE 6 | SUMMER 2022

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10

14

SAM BOADI

16

David Bridges: The Journey To Aviation

26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42

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Where You Are Planted

David Arreola:

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Coach, Student, Father, Mentor, and Road Builder

Art Alston: Bloom

12

19 22

20 Jeffery Danso

James albury: From Planetarium To The Sky Above Us

Sacrificing For The Greater Good

54 56 59 60

George Dix, jr.: Acts Dr. Florzelle Fields:

The Champ Who Lives To Make Peace, And Seal Deals

Goyrd Ardell Hannah Mike Hutley Kerby Hypolite OMAR JENNINGS Daniel jerkins

Reginald Keith Kamal & Micah Latham

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Lorenzo Lugo:

50

Aubroncee Martin:

Becoming A Morehouse Man

Providing Justice For The Public Good

CHRIS REID Ishmael Rentz: You Can Always Learn Something New

Passion for People: Behind Zeriah K. Folston

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E. Stanley Richardson believes that we are all poets!

65 66 70 71 72 74 76 78

chief tony jones: Partnering With The Community

Anthony J. Pierce

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Shamon Coleman Of God

kim NYONI

80 82 84

Joshua Robinson MARCUS ROBINSON Wesley Roby John Rollins: Motivating With Purpose

Dr. Rik Stevenson Grateful: A Tale of Bishop Christopher Stokes Kevin Thorpe Adrian Weeks:

Bridging The Gaps In Ministry And Business

Lavelle Whitfield Donald Wilburn Trey Womack: Stick To The Plan

Fictitious Name Filing Glam Savers 2702 NW 13th Street, #271 Gainesville, FL 32609

What is Journey to Juneteenth?

While Juneteenth (June 19) is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of emancipation, freedom in Florida was proclaimed on May 20, 1865, nearly two-years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation. One month later, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers finally arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were free.

The City of Gainesville’s month-long "Journey to Juneteenth" celebration, from Florida Emancipation Day (May 20) through the widely recognized Juneteenth holiday (June 19), honors the long and turbulent journey to freedom while staying true to our history of Florida Emancipation on May 20.

Special thanks to the many partners who made this celebration happen!

Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center - MAMA’s Club Nathan Ross, Inc. - Gainesville Black Professionals Cade Museum - GNV Art Jams - Alachua County

myGNV Request assistance and services Report non-emergency issues like: > Fallen trees > Potholes > Flooding > and more! myGNV is the City of Gainesville’s neighbor portal.

Download the app or visit online at myGNV.org.

CONTRIBUTORS

GAinesville BLACK PROFESSIONALS

EDITOR Virginia Grant

GAinesville GAinesville GAinesville DESIGNER BLACK PROFESSIONALS

BLACK PROFESSIONALS

Amber Anderson

BLACK PROFESSIONALS

Writers

Jordan Blaine Beth Herbert Annissa Brockington Jen Hunsaker ErinGAinesville Butts Alicia Jarrett BLACK PROFESSIONALS Gina-Marie Cheeseman Heather Lustig-Curran Samantha Chery Miracle Pryor Nikki J. Davis Heaven Taylor-Wynn Lanre-Peter Elufisan

Photographers Kevin Dowdell Tiffany Altman

GAinesville

contact us

BLACK PROFESSIONALS

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352.208.4894 or info@gbpinc.org advertising andof editorial requests. are to for showcase the success individuals in our community and to encourage greater awareness and connectivity in North

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by Gainesville Central However, you are responsible forBlack the Professionals results of (GBP).

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James Albury

Few people have had the privilege of visiting a planetarium, but those who have been there can speak of its beautiful scenes and the fascinating knowledge that you find there.

James C. Albury is one of those people.

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James James Albury

ALBURY

From Planetarium To The Sky Above Us Story By:

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

A

planetarium is a museum where you find images of stars, planets, and constellations projected for public entertainment or education.

They build it primarily for presenting shows about astronomy and the night sky.

Few people have had the privilege of visiting a planetarium, but those who have been there can speak of its beautiful scenes and the fascinating knowledge that you find there. James C. Albury is one of those people.

A science communicator par excellence. James was born in Denver, Colorado, before his parents moved to Miami, Florida, where he grew up. His parents were fond of taking him and his siblings to tourist attractions like the zoo, aquarium, and marine park, so one day, they took him to the planetarium when he was six.

It was so captivating that they visited the planetarium seasonally.

Later on, James moved to Gainesville to study at the University of Florida

(UF). He narrated how the planetarium experience influenced him to switch his major from aerospace engineering to astronomy and physics. In 1992, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and pursued post-baccalaureate studies in astronomy.

After graduation, he worked at UF in the office of academic technology, first as a lab advisor, and later promoted to the position of computer support analyst.

While working at the UF, he met his wife Kandra. “While my wife was searching for a job, she saw a job posting for the planetarium project coordinator on Indeed. I looked at the job description and saw that I had done it all, so I applied, went for an interview, and was hired in October 2009.

Since then, I have been the Santa Fe Kika Silva Pla Planetarium Director.

James Albury has produced many planetarium shows in this role, and he is still burning with fire for astronomy. On his most outstanding achievements, James talked about a scientific panel that al-

lowed him to meet with Neil Degrasse Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. “I was the moderator of that panel at a Phi Theta Kappa convention. I got to moderate the event, but I also got to talk to Degrasse Tyson,” he said.

Being at the peak of a career you love dearly is a blessing that James does not take for granted. He was thankful for his dad’s inspiration and immensely grateful to Jack Horkheimer. Jack’s show was the world’s only weekly television program on naked-eye astronomy then.

That five-minute program, which aired on his local PBS station when he was young, flamed his passion.

When Jack passed away in 2010, the producers needed new hosts. So Albury pitched himself, and he became the show’s cohost with Dean Regas from October 2011 to November 2019. In February 2020, he launched his astronomy series on YouTube titled “The Sky Above Us.” (http:// www.theskyaboveus.org).

On his show, he uses each episode to give viewers a sneak-peek into celestial events, planets, and constellations visible in the sky to tell what will happen during the coming weeks.

Aside from astronomy, Mr. Albury loves his wife and his children. In fact, despite having achieved a lot, he believes his most significant achievement is raising his children to be what they are. He has two daughters, Drea and Kanesha, and an eleven-year-old son named Bryce. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Art Alston

ART ALSTON

Bloom Where You Are Planted Story By:

Alicia Jarrett

B

orn and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Art Alston lived there until age sixteen. In his younger years, he had a difficult upbringing. He was raised in the projects by a single mother who had to work long hours to support him. He didn’t have many mentors, but the ones he did have taught him essential life skills and the value of healthy relationships.

Moving from the busy city of Pittsburgh to rural Tennessee was a culture shock leading to a tremendous growth opportunity for young Art. He learned and still applies a critical bible verse, “Bloom Where You Are Planted 1 Corinthians 7:20–24,”. He earned his undergraduate degree

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in Sociology and his Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration.

While working on his Master’s, he was a school guidance counselor in Nashville. There, he was able to give back to the youth and be a mentor to younger generations. One of his proudest moments was coming up with and orchestrating a fundraiser to raise money to take the kids to Washington DC. Art wanted to provide an inspiring trip that the kids would never forget, and he succeeded. Years later, some students tracked him down to thank him for that memorable experience.

After leaving the school, he continued to coach football for an additional 15 years. While coaching, he also incorporated life skills teaching; the impor-

tance of building relationships, teamwork, and learning respect for others and yourself. He now works with a major insurance company and has been with them for 22 years. His career has him travel regularly, and he is currently living and working in Gainesville.

Staying consistent and active he immediately found ways to be involved in his community and is active in church and is a member of 100 Black Men of Greater Gainesville. This organization strives to uplift and guide youngsters. One of their motos is “What they see is what they’ll be.”

Art is living by this motto as he shows passion and integrity in all that he does and wherever he is. He says, “It’s not just a job. It’s a lifestyle.” He also ensures to surround himself with

positive and motivating people. Art has adopted a theory that if you keep the three P’s in mind, all will work out: “Be Prompt, Prepared, and Polite.”

Although Art does wear many hats, he says one of the best ways to manage work, home, and community is to be efficient with your time and not procrastinate. He does not watch TV; If he is not working or serving the community, he spends time with his family.

No matter where life takes Art, he said he will remain true to himself and inspire those around him to be the best versions of themselves.

One of the ways that God shows his love the most is through his people, and the relationships we cultivate are a way to spread that light, and Art’s light is shining bright.

We are proud to support the 2022 City of Gainesville Journey to Juneteenth Event.

HCA Florida North Florida Hospital is a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, Florida's largest healthcare family, and is committed to providing our community with innovative, advanced and compassionate healthcare.

HCAFloridaHealthcare.com

David Arreola

I found my passion for public leadership.

I found my calling early on representing my student body.

- David Arreola

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David Arreola

David Arreola Sacrificing For The Greater Good Story By:

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

Y

ou are never too young to be a leader or a public servant. David Arreola was elected to serve as a Gainesville City Commissioner at 26 years old. He is currently serving his second term at the age of 31.

Born to parents from Mexico City who came to Gainesville to go to the University of Florida, he cites his family as his biggest influence. “My family has influenced me the most. I drew a lot of my drive from both of my parents. They have always instilled in me the desire to be successful with my goals. My parents have always encouraged me.”

While attending Flagler College, he served as the student body president and discovered that he liked public service. “I found my passion for public leadership. I found my calling early on representing my student body.”

David interned for a law firm while attending Flagler, and after graduating with

a Bachelor’s Degree. in Political Science, the law firm hired him. While he wanted eventually to attend law school, he did not apply right after college.

He decided that before he attended law school he would obtain his master’s in business administration.

“The plan was to finish that program and then go to law school.”

He was working full-time for the law firm and taking classes nights and weekends while studying for the law school admittance test. Two weeks before law school classes were to start, they called him and asked him to fill out paperwork.

“I didn’t want to do it. I couldn’t justify what I would do with a law degree.”

He moved back to Gainesville to be with his family. “I didn’t have a plan once I left law school. I had an MBA but no plans.”

After he moved back to Gainesville, he started volunteering for a City Commission candidate.

“When he won his election, and my district was coming up for election, I thought to myself, If he can do it, so can I.”

He worked hard on his campaign for a City Commission seat, proving that hard work does pay off.

“I personally knocked on 2,000 doors in my district and I ended up getting 2,000 votes winning the election in 2017.”

His re-election for City Commissioner was March 2020 and a week later the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. That became a pivotal time in his life and his career as a public servant. He describes it as “an answering-the-call moment for me.”

While he always felt like he was answering his call in life, the pandemic became a time when his call to public service took a different dimension. In 2020, the pressure to loosen guidelines and restrictions was immense. David believed in listening to health officials and doing everything necessary to protect the public.

He believes that public leadership is not just giving people what they want but what they need even if they do not want it. The pandemic gave him an opportunity to live out his

I think I have always wanted to sacrifice for the greater good, and in this position, I get to do that.

- David Arreola

belief. “I felt it was an opportunity to demonstrate to people the kind of leadership that might be unpopular. Voters might punish us for it, but at the end of the day, the most important thing in that juncture is providing people with a level of confidence that their leaders were going to provide them with a safe environment.”

He believes strongly in sacrificing for the greater good, and a career devoted to public service is the vehicle that allows him to do so. “I think I have always wanted to sacrifice for the greater good, and in this position, I get to do that.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Sam Boadi

Coming from a family that values health care, teaching and spiritual work, Samuel Boadi has chosen a career path that allows him to encompass these values as a leader.

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Sam Boadi

Sam

Boadi Story By:

Beth herbert

C

oming from a family that values health care, teaching and spiritual work, Samuel Boadi has chosen a career path that allows him to encompass these values as a leader.

His family is originally from Ghana, but Boadi grew up in Tennessee; he went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee, then earn his Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Memphis. After completing his fellowship then working in an assistant administrator role, he was accepted into HCA Healthcare’s Executive program, which helped him land his current role. Boadi has helped contribute to the healthcare system by working with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) and, today, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital.

While working with CEOs of other HCA locations in Nashville, Boadi’s leadership skills were recognized and he was encouraged by many of his superiors to continue on the path towards health administra-

tion. After working on projects with his sponsor, Tom Ozburn, and falling in love with what this line of work has to offer, Ozburn guided Boadi and helped kickstart his career.

The Executive team at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital as well as CEOs from other organizations also helped to expedite Boadi’s career, but his greatest supporter and influence would be his father. Boadi expresses that his father, a Biochemistry Professor, was strategic in how he raised him as he highlighted the importance of intelligence.

Because of this, his father’s

leadership qualities, hard working mentality and strong mind are reflected in Boadi, today.

Boadi’s accomplishments have caused him to recognize that landing a leadership role takes patience, diligence, and stress management. The healthcare system has been changed by the pandemic as it has created challenges like lack of resources and supplies, minimal staff, and reduced capacity to take on more patients.

Whenever he encounters a roadblock, Boadi maintains his confidence as a leader by reflecting on his previous

success stories. Using critical thinking, long term goal setting and planning, and finding the proper tools to manage his stress have helped him grow as a leader and rarely experience discouragement when he is faced with a challenge.

Because leadership is a full time job, Boadi encourages aspiring and current leaders to assess how much they are willing to dedicate to leadership, and never stop asking how the role fulfills their life. Every decision that a leader makes has a ripple effect on those they are leading; because of his position at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, Boadi has been able to shape and change the lives of his colleagues by assisting in their development, which has allowed him to create future leaders. He values health, wealth, love and happiness and uses those principles to build upon his personal and professional relationships, while also acting as a mentor for his subordinates. Through his tenacity, hard working mentality, and fearlessness, he has been able to become a strong leader in the healthcare system during a time when they are needed most. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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DAVID BRIDGES

Right now there is a pilot shortage.

THIS PILOT SHORTAGE CAN LEAD TO GREAT OPPORTUNITIES for people to graduate from flight school and go straight to an airline job.

- David Bridges

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DAVID BRIDGES

DaVID BRIDGES

The Journey to Aviation his last two years of schooling, he did not have enough money for his tuition, but the owner of the truck driving company (who was also a pilot) appreciated how hard he worked and wanted to help him live out his dream.

After finding out that Bridges’ attended flight school and that his grades were above average (he never scored less than a 95% on his tests), the owner paid Bridges’ tuition for his final years of schooling.

Story By:

Erin Butts

T

here are many careers that peak our curiosity. Someone who loves to tell stories may want to explore writing.

Someone who is curious about the world around them might become interested in science. For David Bridges, it was flying that caught his attention.

Bridges was seven years old when he went on his first plane ride. His father had a radio show, and one of his work partners was a private pilot. During the flight from New Jersey to Virginia, Bridges was fascinated by all of the devices in the plane - the instruments, radios, switches, and radio communications.

It was during this flight that he decided he would be a pilot. By age 10, Bridges wanted to be a Marine Corps Aviator. He planned to attend the United States Naval Academy (USNA).

Bridges achieved his dream, but it was not an easy journey nor a straight path to success.

In high-school, Bridges had stopped focusing on his academics. He cared more about popularity, and for his first two years of high-school he often skipped class to take flying lessons at the airport.

Bridges started attending class regularly during his third year of high-school when he met Reverend Russell White. White is the founder of Eagle Flight Squadron, a program that helps young people develop skills in aviation. Bridges said that meeting White was the catalyst for getting him back in class.

However, Bridges previous absences meant that he would have to attend summer school in order to graduate, and because his grades were not high enough, joining the USNA was no longer an option.

Instead, when Bridges became a senior he enlisted into the Marine Corps delayed entry program.

After completing the

delayed entry program, Bridges served in the Marine Corps for eight years as an Aircraft Mechanic.

When he left the Marine Corps, he took an unexpected path and became a truck driver. Some people were confused by this, but Bridges had a plan. While working full-time as a truck driver, he attended a flight school in Oklahoma. His job provided the necessary funds for housing, tuition, and other expenses.

Bridges said his mother always used to tell him, “Whatever you do in life, you always put your best foot forward because you never know who will be watching.” That statement proved to be true.

When Bridges reached

After graduating, Bridges moved to Utah and taught flight students for four years. He was then hired by United Airlines, where he first worked as a baggage handler and then worked his way up to being a pilot.

Bridges believes there is an open door right now for aspiring aviators, “Right now there is a pilot shortage.” Bridges says this pilot shortage can lead to great opportunities for people to graduate from flight school and go straight to an airline job.

Bridges has accomplished everything he wanted to do. His current mission is to help youth who are interested, enter into careers in aviation. He hopes that the young people will take the opportunities available in aviation and pass them on to others. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Shamon

Shamon Coleman

Coleman Story By:

Jen Hunsaker

T

alking with Shamon “Shooby” Coleman is a joy. He’s determined, focused, homegrown, and grounded by his roots. Shooby plays football on the varsity team at Gainesville High School and has plans to transfer to Williston High School.

His leadership is already on full display. Last season ended with the Gainesville High Hurricanes as the district champs.

What made the difference?

“We came together early and worked together in the classroom, on the field, and in the weight room. We had a great team bond.”

They really embraced what their coach, Dock Pollard, instilled in them from the beginning: COE, which means Culture Over Everything.

My best friend and I go back to help with the small stuff. It’s the small stuff that makes a change.

- Shamon Coleman

“We really developed a culture of brotherhood.”

For Shooby, that brotherhood extends beyond his team on the football field. When he has time, he makes his way back to his middle school to help the boys’ basketball team at practice.

“My best friend and I go back to help with the small stuff. It’s the small stuff that makes a change.”

Shooby’s own life has been influenced by three men who took the time to mentor Shooby, so much so that Coleman’s desire to give back to his community seems almost second nature or instinctual.

His first mentor was his uncle who passed away when Shooby was only three. “I have very clear memories as a three-year-old of my uncle playing with me in the yard. He told my mother and grandmother that I was going to be something special. His belief has had a big impact on my life.”

Shooby found his next mentor in the fourth grade. Chris Reid is the current Family Liaison for Williams Elementary and runs a club for fourth and fifth grade boys called Distinguished Gentlemen where the boys learn how to carry themselves.

Even among these standout mentors, Shooby’s biggest inspiration is his dad, Stephen.

He was Shooby’s first coach and continues to be one of his biggest sideline cheerleaders. “He always coached me when I was young. Even when he’s not my coach, I wonder what he would have said. He always encouraged me to be myself and a leader for the team. I know that I set the example.”

Beyond his big dreams to go to college and the NFL, Shooby’s most impressive goals are to work hard and give back. To pay for football camps and equipment, he supplements donations with his own lawn care business. He’s able to cut up to 25 yards for a couple months before practice takes over his schedule.

Coleman doesn’t take any of it for granted: his talent, his mentors, or the support of his community. He seems poised to make a big impact wherever he lands. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Jeffery Danso

The younger generations really embrace diversity and inclusion. They crave it and look to work around people who are from different cultures and have had different experiences.

- Jeffery Danso

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Jeffery Danso

Jeffery

DAnso coach, student, father, mentor, and road builder Story By:

Jen Hunsaker

J

effery Danso wears a few different hats, but they all melt together to drive his ambition of creating a way for students when there is no way.

When Danso was a college soccer player, he was trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. One mentor suggested that he look at all of the formative and influential moments in his life and see if that can become a career. Turns out it can!

His first job was at The Ohio State University where he created the Buckeye’s First program. Danso worked with first year students who were the first in their families to attend college. They’d connect with faculty, learn about resources, and go on campus tours.

“Professionally, it was the most rewarding job. It really gave me purpose working with at-risk or first-

generation students. I got to show them that while they’re on their own, they aren’t really alone. There are lots of people, including the faculty, that want to help them succeed.”

Danso explains, “Access to education is changing, but the preparedness is not. These programs try to even the field of preparedness.”

At the University of Florida (UF), Danso continued to work with underrepresented students throughout their tenure at the university because it’s one thing to get them to college, the real milestone is to help them graduate.

He now also gets to focus on admission and recruitment, or as he puts it, “represent students that are underrepresented.”

His initiatives give students the vision of an education and high-salaried career, as well as the steps or programs needed to make those dreams a reality.

To that end, he orga-

nized Diversity Weekend, a huge recruitment weekend for the school of business’ MBA program that kicked off February 2020. Their target group includes women, LGBTQ, veterans, and students of color. Basically, all the voices needed to enrich classrooms, boardrooms, and communities.

“The younger generations really embrace diversity and inclusion. They crave it and look to work around people who are from different cultures and have had different experiences. They’re thirsty for it.”

Even with an auspicious beginning, it’s been a huge step in helping the Gainesville community and in changing the culture of diversity and inclusion around UF. Nearly two years, one pandemic, and several conversations about inclusion later, UF is expanding their diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a new Diversity Program Manager role that Danso will fill this year.

“I’ll get to reach undergrad, grad, and high school students. I really want to build a track for underrepresented students to enroll and thrive within the school of business. I really hope I can make a difference in the community.”

He already has big plans and is eager to start working within the community and complete that educational track from application, to acceptance, then graduation.

“As I’m growing and transitioning, I try to figure out who can grow with me. Who will benefit from having me in this role?”

With solid support from his wife at home, and the strong values that he learned from his Ghanaian parents, Danso understands—almost atomically—that it takes a village.

The village he’s building is bound to have lasting generational effects on the community at UF and in Gainesville. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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GEORGE DIX, JR.

I believe that the Lord knew that I never would have heard His voice and the call on my life if my father were still living.

- George Dix, Jr.

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GEORGE DIX, JR.

George Dix, Jr.

Acts of God Story By:

Erin Butts

I never saw the world without my father, We were so tight and I loved him so much, and I still love him today.

I

n life there are people who radiate joy. Like a beacon, their light points to something greater than themselves, and they challenge individuals to live meaningful lives. George Dix, Jr. is one of those people.

Dix is a pastor, visionary, and a man of faith. At 63 years old, and in spite of the challenges he has faced throughout his life, he continues to dream big and serve others in bold ways. Dix grew up in a loving home in Gainesville, Florida with his father, mother, and two sisters. His family was very poor, but as a child he did not know it.

“I vividly remember during the winter months my mom would go to rummage sales, ” he shared, “It was basically where they go to get secondhand or used clothing for children.

She would come back home with these big brown sacks of clothes. I mean, my two sisters and I as kids you know, it was like going to Macys or some large department store.”

When Dix’s father

- George Dix, Jr.

passed away about twenty years ago, he said his whole world changed. “I never saw the world without my father,” he said.

“We were so tight and I loved him so much, and I still love him today.” Dix’s father was his role model and mentor. He taught him how to be a man, leader, follower, and responsible father, both in word and action.

His father was also a pastor, and after his death Dix followed a similar route.

“I believe that the Lord knew that I never would have heard His voice

and the call on my life if my father were still living, because I had no desire whatsoever to part from my father. I always saw myself being under him, working with him, following his vision.”

Dix served in his father’s church, which was now being pastored by a friend of the father, for two years as a minister and deacon.

Eventually he left to start PASSAGE Ministries with his wife Michele Dix. PASSAGE Ministries consist of churches, various community outreach ministries, and educational schools.

On March 3, 2002 he had his first service. 50 friends and family members came, and twelve people joined the ministry.

The best way to describe his journey surrounding PASSAGE Mministries, is miraculous. Dix recounted several times where he experienced divine encounters and miraculous provision.

For example, before starting PASSAGE ministries, he and his wife had not saved up any money to launch the ministry. After only seven months they were able to sign a leaseto-own contract for a 700 seat facility that had offices, a multipurpose room, a balcony, and upstairs rehearsal space. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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dr. Florzelle Fields

My high school coach and adopted father poured so much into me, and I want to pass it on and do more for people and the community. That and the passion for my work keeps me going.

- Dr. Florzelle Fields

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

dr. Florzelle Fields

dr. Florzelle Fields

The Champ Who Lives To Make Peace, And Seal Deals the redirection.”

Story By:

When I asked what he would love people to know and understand from his experience as a listener, communicator, and peacemaker, he said “People first need to understand themselves. It starts with self. We need to understand the conflict we are having with ourselves - this could be stress, financial strain, addiction, or family issues - and then learn how to balance our adversity, conflict, and peace. Also, I learned that you do not have to say something all the time.

Some people want to be vocal, and that’s not bad, but you can learn to know when to be quiet because sometimes it’s better not to say anything.”

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

W

hen you meet Dr. Florzelle Fields, the founder and chief consultant of Zion & Company, you may not be able to tell that he was a wrestling champion, except you guess from his sturdy physique. While in high school, Florzelle was dedicated to wrestling and weightlifting.

Born and raised by his single mom in the south, Florzelle is the eldest son and second born of four.

He lost his father when he was about a year old, so all he wanted was to become successful, no matter what, and make his mama proud. That was his inspiration to be a dedicated scholar and athlete.

Dr. Fields talked about how his high school history teacher and wrestling coach, Bruce Peck, became like a father and mentor to him throughout his school days. He recounted how Coach Peck took an interest in him when he was about 12 years old, how they connected and became his star player and godson. In Florzelle’s words, “though he had two kids, he took me as his child and taught me a lot about all the moral things in life, and as I grew, he continued to

mentor me and become the father figure in my life. He taught me about integrity and hard work in a way no other person would have done. Though I had my issues, he showed me love, empathy, and the connectivity that allowed me to grow as a young man.”

Dr. Fields believes dedication and strong willpower can help anyone become successful in life. He admits to making a few mistakes yet asserts that mistakes are part of life and can be a tool for

success if we learn from them. I asked about one of his biggest mistakes and the lesson he took from it, he said, “I was hanging around with the wrong crowd, and if it weren’t for God and his favor, I’d probably be in a different place.” The experience led him to move out of Tallahassee. “It was a learning experience because I left everything behind, learned to love myself, loved my height (I’m 4’11), understood my self-worth, and built all over from nothing.

It helped redirect my life in hindsight, I thank God for

“My high school coach and adopted father poured so much into me, and I want to pass it on and do more for people and the community. That and the passion for my work keeps me going.”

I asked what makes a champion, and the champ said “Hard work, tenacity, and courage. From 12 to 22, I learned that losing is part of life, so I used every loss to sharpen the next game when I lost a match, though I didn’t lose many.

As Bruce used to tell me, ‘you can’t be a champion without dedication.’ And I still believe that till today.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

25

GOYRD

I had a lot of feelings that I couldn’t talk with anyone about and people always said write it down, so I did.

- Goyrd

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

GOYRD

GOYRD Story By:

Jordan Blaine

“

I ain’t famous but my name in their mouth,” sings Goyrd, a Florida native living in Gainesville and pursuing his dreams of becoming a rapper and musician.

Born and raised in Palatka, Goyrd’s naturalborn talent started in the form of written poetry. “I had a lot of feelings that I couldn’t talk with anyone

ginnings, the artist laughed remembering how he used to record on his iPhone memos app. This was all before he decided to dive into his craft, eventually purchasing a laptop and a recording microphone to take his talent to the next level. “Woah, was I bad,” the artist said. “But I realized I was bad so I kept working on it,” he added.

Goyrd’s hard work ethic led him to take more time to work on his skills. He said he would spend a lot of his

I really want to make music that is relatable to people, I just want to help people. I knew I had done well if I just helped one person.

- Goyrd about and people always said write it down, so I did,” Goyrd explains.

“I kinda enjoyed that, I enjoyed writing, and people always told me you should start rapping.”

Different in his ways, Goyrd wanted to go his own route with his artistry, “I heard Big Sean’s Paradise, and I thought maybe they are right, maybe I can do this,” he said.

Starting with humble be-

time studying rap stars like Big Sean and Lil Wayne.

That was until 2018, when J. Cole dropped KOD, an album that would go on to inspire the young artist to this very day. “He was talking about things we all go through,” stated Goyrd.

“I really want to make music that is relatable to people, I just want to help people. I knew I had done well if I just helped one person,” says the up-andcoming rapper.

“Screaming Carpe Diem that means seize the day, I need to be productive so a lot on my plate,” Goyrd sings in his song Salma.

Goyrd, does have plenty on his plate as he works towards his greater goal of being a full-time artist. The road to success comes with ebbs and flows as Goyrd knows, he says when he’s not working his day job at Fresh Kitchen he is trying to bring his dream

to the airwaves. “Whether it’s writing lyrics, finishing songs I’ve already written, research, or advertising on my music,” he says.

The rapper says his story is really just starting, adding that moving to Gainesville has allowed him to spend time with his sister, develop more as an artist, and undercover his passion of helping people through his lyrics. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

27

ardell hannah

I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS MYSELF. TO TOUCH SO MANY SOULS. - Ardell Hannah

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ardell hannah

Ardell

Hannah Story By:

Heather Lustig-Curran

G

rowth, the act of enabling things to change, adapt, and develop, the call to help other people and empower them with their own ability to grow, these qualities characterize Ardell Hannah, the founder and president of The Black Hats Collective.

Whether literally growing produce in community gardens to helping install new Black Hats Collectives in other states, Ardell is one who is committed to community growth and development.

Growing up in Plainfield, New Jersey, Ardell’s father Osiedell Hannah, a minister at their church, the Healing Temple, was a proud influence on Ardell.

“He came from back in the 30’s and 20’s,” Ardell said, “And times were a lot harder back then. My dad raised us to be decent people. He taught us about getting an education. He taught us to leave a footprint in the world so someone could look at our footsteps and build [on what we started] to make

this place a better place to live.”

Another transformative aspect for Ardell were the various leaders and forward thinking adults living in the areas surrounding him. He was aware of the negativity “and all the damage that was happening in our communities.”

However, working within that negativity to create change were “teachers and role models right in the Community” Ardell said.

“People like that always went around and tried to bring some type of sanity to the community, to make us understand that you’ve got to work with each other.

Everybody needs each other. We need everyone.”

Following high school, Ardell worked for the American Red Cross, the Ronald McDonald House, and other community organizations. Eventually, he cared for a Vietnam Veteran which brought Ardell to Florida where he now lives.

In 2016, Ardell founded The Black Hats Collective (TBHC), a community organization that works to educate youth, create opportunities for adults, and

advocate for those in challenging situations. He sees the black hat itself as an example of a rite of passage, a way to transform and lift up youth and prepare them for a better future.

Ardell, through his organization, wants to lift up, educate, and empower young people. Whether teaching them about Black history or giving the youth a positive focus, Ardell wants to help bridge the gaps existing between adolescents and their adult counterparts. He wants to give teenagers and young adults a positive outlook on life.

In the last six years, several different community outreach programs were developed for specific needs including Black Farmers of the Future (BFF) which teaches people about growing their own food.

“I like to see people get their hands dirty learning how to garden,” Ardell said.

“We have a farmers market so we can reach not just our community but other communities as well.”

Ardell’s community outreach spans into advocacy and awareness. He

has gone to local schools to teach students about significant Black history makers and heroes. With adults, Ardell has led workshops on tenant and landlord rights to assist people with their status of living. He advocates on behalf of both groups to strengthen a communal foundation.

Furthermore, his work has drawn him into juvenile detention centers and he hopes to develop programs in nursing homes and elderly care. He especially hopes that as new chapters of TBHC open in Georgia and New Jersey, that these initiatives will be put into place.

Inspired by leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Harriet Tubman, Madam C. J. Walker, and Malcolm X, Ardell loves working within the community to raise up others and promote the growth of positivity and compassion. And yet, he is still humble when looking over his shoulder at the footpath he’s blazed.

“I never saw myself in this position,” Ardell said. “I never thought I would be able to do anything like this myself. To touch so many souls.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

29

Mike Hutley

I try to find common ground and be that ear, but I also try to be real about consequences.

I don’t always step right in and try to kick the door down.

- Mike Hutley

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Mike Hutley

Mike

Hutley Story By:

Miracle Pryor

G

rowing up, some of those tough conversations from his parents and mentors would drive Mike Hutley up a wall.

What he didn’t know then was those conversations would shape him into the leader he is today. Now he has new conversations with students that have the potential to change the trajectory of their entire academic career.

Mike Hutley moved to Gainesville in 1981 from Quincy, Florida to attend college at the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In 2003, he earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Leo University.

Currently he serves as a college registrar at Santa Fe College, and has done so for about eight years.

Hutley says he loves his role because it gives him a chance to “get his fingers in a lot of things.”

And Hutley has done

just that by serving as a resource for others.

Since his nearly 25-year career span at Santa Fe, Hutley has worked in various roles. He has been a case manager for the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and WAGES program, assisted with the Upward Bound program, a disabilities specialist and worked in records and admissions.

Hutley is also a member of Santa Fe’s, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), which is a program that was “designed to make an impact on the recruitment, retention, and graduation rate of Black males.” In working with the coordinator of MBK, he helps make sure students fully understand the process and provide an “open door to seek answers to questions.”

As a Black man, having conversations that invoke success are not new to Hutley. He recalls some of those conversations with his dad, whom he affectionately called, “Pop.” “You have to go back

to Pops,” Hutley said. One thing I couldn’t do as a kid was come home with excuses on why I didn’t do well.”

Hutley encourages young men to not always focus on their situations, but their approach, and holding themselves accountable when necessary. “I try to find common ground and be that ear, but I also try to be real about consequences,” Hutley said. “I don’t always step right in and try to kick the door down.”

Hutley’s motivation to be a leader, is he says, “probably the next best thing you just don’t know about.” He believes there is comfort in finding that thing that makes you uncomfortable.

In order to maintain motivation, goal setting is often a key element on the journey to becoming a leader. It influences Hutley in an unthinkable way by not just setting goals, but doing a better job setting goals.

“You don’t get to cer-

tain places without goal setting.” I’ve obviously set goals, but you’re always trying to do a better job at setting those goals,” Hutley said.

He advises others seeking to serve in leadership roles to be flexible and not to be afraid to look in non-traditional places for motivation. Hutley works hard to stay motivated and keep enough motivation for himself.

“You hear about the upside, but it’s those valleys, those personal defeats,” Hutley said. “It’s one thing to tell others, but it’s another thing when you’re looking in the mirror.”

“You do not always have to know what your next move will be or plan is, but always be prepared to walk through the door when it opens,” Hutley said.

He has certainly walked through some doors and spent time preparing himself. He has remained committed to affecting lives in his role, his greatest accomplishment. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

31

Kerby Hypolite

I finally have the opportunity to give back in the way that I wish someone would have gave to me.

- Kerby Hypolite

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Kerby Hypolite

Kerby

Hypolite Story By:

Jordan Blaine

“

I finally have the opportunity to give back in the way that I wish someone would have gave to me,” said Kerby Hypolite, the College Success Coach at the Education Foundation in Gainesville.

Today, Kerby helps high school students move onto the next level of their education and guides them to help open the door to what is real life. However, this hasn’t always been Kerby’s success story.

Being a Haitian-American, Kerby was born in the Carribeans before making his way to Florida at the age of 5, with his parents.

Attending different schools due to his family moving, Kerby says high school was when his challenges began. “I didn’t have a vision, I didn’t have focus, I didn’t have any goals at any point. I really didn’t know where I was going or what I wanted to do,” Kerby says.

After graduating from Evans High School in Orlando, Kerby says, “I had nothing else to turn to.” So Kerby found himself work-

ing at a fast food restaurant- but one Saturday morning phone call would change his plans. Soon, he would find himself joining the military and moving to San Diego, California where he was enlisted for nine years in the U.S. Navy.

After leaving the military, Kerby decided he wanted to return to get his college education where he attended the University of Central Florida and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Production in 2018.

Stepping into his current role of being a College Success Coach at the Education Foundation, Kerby says this role helps him give back. “It’s a job that when I get to sit down and talk to these high school students I get to reflect and it’s almost like I’m talking to myself.”

Monitoring grades, monitoring students’ behavior, and in charge of anything academic for his studentsKerby works closely with high school students taking part in the Education Foundation to make sure they stay on the right path to receive a two-year, 60-credit scholarship when it comes time to graduate.

“I’m not just giving back to them, I am giving back to myself and I have two little boys so it’s even more imperative that I am in tune school-wise.”

The husband and father of two says the Education Foundation helps him leave a legacy for his family. “At the end of the day, I know I’m doing my part to help these kids because I have been in a similar situation.”

At the end of the day, I know I’m doing my part to help these kids because I have been in a similar situation.

- Kerby Hypolite gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

33

omar jennings

It’s really about enriching and providing a community and brotherhood for minority males to achieve not only getting into college, but graduating from college.

- Omar Jennings

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omar jennings

Omar

Jennings Story By:

Samantha Chery

O

mar Jennings knew he wanted a career that used his skills as a changemaker to better people’s lives. But he never expected his own path to be changed as a result.

Omar, 34, is an academic adviser for information technology education at Santa Fe College. Before starting the position, he didn’t know a lot about IT. But as he reflected on his journey, Omar said he felt called to educate, lead and problem solve, roles he has assumed throughout his life.

“My long-term goal is to find a way to bridge the educational gap as it relates to the lack of access for rural, underserved and minority communities,” he wrote in a purpose statement. In his work, he talks to prospective students and helps them realize their potential in IT based on their interests.

“Before I can properly advise … I gotta know what areas are going to be best for you, so I need to know your personality type,” he said.

Omar’s knack for building relationships and

connecting with people has brought great success to Santa Fe’s information technology department.

His charisma is also the engine that has pushed his career forward.

His career started at 13 years old when he landed his first job as a community tutor at the SWAG Center.

It was at the center that he strengthened his abilities as a peer leader.

Although Omar was a hard worker and an A/B honor roll student throughout grade school, he still had hurdles to jump through in higher education. When he started school at Santa Fe College, he aspired to complete nursing school while working as a certified nursing assistant to afford his classes.

However, his responsibilities outside of school made it impossible for him to keep up.

“My mom had just moved back from out of town. [I was] trying to work full time, trying to check on my younger siblings, trying to be a mentor and example to them. There just wasn’t enough time in a day,” he said.

When he expressed his worries to a professor, she told him “Guys really shouldn’t be nurses any-

way.” The stinging comment made Omar even more determined to follow his dreams, even if he couldn’t find his way as a nurse. He left the nursing program and started studying in the newly-minted health services administration department. Simultaneously, he did work study in the IT department and applied for scholarships.

Omar refused to let the professor’s limitations define him, and he and others started a chapter of My Brother’s Keeper to provide a safe space for Black and Hispanic men in the higher education arena.

“It’s really about enriching and providing a community and brotherhood for minority males to achieve not only getting into college, but graduating from college,” he said.

In addition to receiving his associate’s and bachelor’s degrees from Santa Fe, Omar learned how to be resilient. After graduating, Omar worked in various health care positions, from being a mental health technician to working in nursing homes and elder care. He enjoyed his work, and his salary steadily increased.

But Santa Fe gave him an opportunity to fulfill a

mission he couldn’t turn away from. Omar wanted to provide Black male representation, so he returned to his alma mater as an adviser. He helped with the college’s Upward Bound program before moving to his current advising job.

Getting the job to work in the same IT department that he did work study in was a “full-circle moment,” Omar said, and a way for him to continue fostering relationships.

Now, Omar is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Florida in curriculum and instruction with a focus in educational technology. He also created Jenisis LLC, in which he mentors educators and social workers on how to solve the problems of the people they serve.

“Education is a predictor of whether a student will succeed in the future. With the current gap in educational achievement driven by economic status, more and more students from lower economic backgrounds are finding themselves behind the eight ball,” Omar wrote. “This is why I’ve chosen education as a vehicle for change for myself, my community and others.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

35

DANIEL JERKINS

Serving the people of the community to assure that everyone receives equal treatment is profoundly important to me.

Equal treatment implies equity, and that’s the goal to which we in the NAACP dedicate ourselves.

-Daniel Jerkins

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

DANIEL JERKINS

Daniel

Jerkins hoping to improve his performance daily so that he can provide his children with the best opportunities possible. Today, he is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the Gainesville community and people around the state through his radio platform.

Story By:

BETH HERBERT

W

hen your passion becomes your profession, it no longer feels like a job, and leadership tends to flow naturally.

Daniel Jerkins, disc jockey (DJ) and owner of FLA Hip Hop Radio, can attest to this statement, as he has been able to turn his hobby and passion of listening and talking about Hip-Hop, Rap, local news, and community issues into his career. Jerkins started out in radio in 2019, where he briefly worked for WGOT 100.1 so that he could see what it would take to start his own radio station.

He learned that business is shaped by personal characteristics, so he used his entrepreneur mentality, leadership skills and connections in the world of radio to help make his dreams become his reality.

After working full-time jobs to save and increase his finances, he took everything he learned from other DJs and decided to test out being his own boss by starting a radio station.

He encourages all aspiring, young professionals to learn from his journey and put your all into whatever you are passionate about: you never know what pathways it can lead you down.

Jerkins has always had a hardworking spirit and continues to push himself each day to achieve his goals.

He credits the late Akeem “DJ Terrah” Thompson for believing in him and introducing him into the world of radio. DJ Terrah was one of his greatest influences and helped kick start his career, without him, Jerkins

would not be where he is today.

Jerkins takes pride in all that he has accomplished thus far and continues to strive for excellence for himself, and especially for his family. Outside of his radio career, Jerkins is also a full-time journalism student and is eager to see what opportunities come his way upon graduating this Spring. Additionally, he describes his mother and father as leaders and great parents. He strives to exemplify his mother and father’s leadership as he navigates parenthood,

He advises readers and listeners to believe in themselves and not be afraid to try or to fail. His passion for the culture of hip-hop transformed his life and is now his profession.

Though it is his “job” he does not consider it work, as he would do this all for free. Find what you are passionate about and try to make it your career so that your personal characteristics can shape your business. Keep striving for excellence and never give up, but do not be afraid to start from the bottom and ask others for help when the need arises. Jerkins’ mentors were instrumental in getting him where he is today. By absorbing all they offered and taught him, Jerkins has reached heights in his career and refuses to quit until he has fulfilled all of his dreams. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

37

Chief Tony Jones

...if we work together we can do some awesome things in a community.

- Chief Tony Jones

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Chief Tony Jones

Chief Tony Jones Partnering With The Community Story By:

Erin Butts

P

olice officers play an important role in society. They impact a person’s quality of life and have a responsibility to serve and protect the community. For Chief Tony Jones, partnering with the community to make Gainesville a better and safer city is a huge part of his day-to-day work as Chief of Police.

According to The Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Chief Jones began his career in 1975.

He started out as a police officer, then worked in a number of positions until eventually becoming the chief of police for Gainesville, Florida in 2009.

Chief Jones became a police officer in part because he grew up seeing “isolated incidents” of injustice and wanted to help people. He is a firm believer that a positive relationship with the community is essential to solving and managing crime.

“Any police chief or law enforcement official that tells you that they can solve crime and manage crime by themselves I think is a falsehood. You have to have a working relation-

... regardless of how far, how technical, how many advancements that we’ve had in criminal justice, you’ll never, never get away from face-to-face, working with the community.

- Chief Tony Jones

ship with the community or people in the community that are police officers (meaning, police officers that are assigned to the neighborhood to handle crime), but if we work together we can do some awesome things in a community,” he said.

Throughout his career, Chief Jones has been involved in a number of community organizations, and has made an effort to listen to the concerns of neighbors in Gainesville.

Currently, Chief Jones is on the Board of Directors for The Black on Black Crime Task Force and The Reichert House Youth Academy. He is a member of the local Alachua County Juvenile Justice Department, and part of the National Organization

of Black Law Enforcement.

He is also State Advisory of the Florida Juvenile Justice Advisory Committees.

Before the pandemic Chief Jones would walk, mainly through neighborhoods, on a month-tomonth basis to connect with neighbors throughout the city, “I would like to meet them where they are, instead of them making a formal appointment, [and] coming to the office, I will bring the office to them.”

These monthly walks (referred to as beats) would give neighbors an opportunity to speak with Chief Jones (or other officials), address concerns, and give suggestions on how he could make their neighborhood safer.

Chief Jones’ work, attitude, and dedication to

the Gainesville community has not been without results. The Law Enforcement Action Partnership reported that his leadership has resulted in a significant drop (60-70%) in minority youth arrests.

When asked what is something he would want people to know about himself and his profession, he emphasized the community - the significance of community and his enjoyment working with them.

“Our profession is ever evolving. There’s a lot of technical aspects. There’s a lot of advancements in crime fighting … but regardless of how far, how technical, how many advancements that we’ve had in criminal justice, you’ll never, never get away from face-to-face, working with the community.”

For Chief Jones, being the chief of police means not only carrying out administrative duties and managing the assets of the Gainesville Police Department (personnel as well as tangible and financial resources), but partnering with the community to ultimately make Gainesville a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

39

Reginald Keith

Reginald

Keith Story By:

Heaven Taylor-Wynn

R

eginald Keith’s mornings are full of fives.

He rises at 5 am. Before his feet hit the floor, he says a five minute prayer. Then, he and his wife take a five mile walk.

Despite a near death experience as a result of contracting COVID-19 and perseverance through challenges that arise from running a business, Keith remains ambitious and excited about his future business endeavors.

Keith owns Carpet Systems Plus, a company offering carpet cleaning, after-hours janitorial services and commercial construction site cleaning. He started his business nearly

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

15 years ago cleaning a 500 sq. ft. space. A lot has changed since then.

Keith founded his business in 2008 to create an opportunity for himself and his family. At the time he worked in outside sales for Frito Lay in Pompano Beach.

“I knew if I kept working I wouldn’t be able to make the money that I was trying to make,” he said.

Between conversations with the owner of the company who cleaned the building at his then deadend job and his high school classmate who also owned a cleaning business, he stepped out on faith to launch his own business.

The business initially focused solely on carpet cleaning. However, that changed when Keith hap-

pened upon an issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

He read an article about a woman who had a thriving construction cleaning business in the early 2000’s.

This inspired him to try it himself.

He and his wife relocated to launch in Gainesville. Although he said it’s a great place to raise a family, he expressed some challenges that come with being a business owner in the town. Hiring and retention continue to be obstacles business owners have had to overcome particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout his entire journey by his side has been his wife Deidre Keith.

“My wife, she just inspires me to be great,” he said.

“She challenges me to be

My wife, she just inspires me to be great. She challenges me to be the best man I can be.

- Reginald Keith

the best man I can be.”

Keith is no stranger to going against the grain and launching something new for his family. He intends to continue securing his desired life which includes international travel to places like Paris, golfing in his leisure and being an active soccer dad for his daughter Kimora.

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Kamal Latham

And that was when I really understood the value of freedom and just how important it was for our country to be a nation that stood for freedom.

- Kamal Latham

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SYNERGY MAGAZINE

Kamal Latham

Kamal

Latham Story By:

Heather Lustig-Curran

A

fter two years of Covid, the war in Ukraine, and political divisiveness, hope can feel like an unfulfillable dream. For Kamal Latham, co-founder and CEO of GBM Global Solutions, hope and optimism are driving forces to empower people to create a “better tomorrow.”

When growing up in New York City, Kamal’s mother Pamela Edwards taught him about love’s self-sacrificial nature and urged him to never forget John 3:16. Later in life, Kamal realized the importance of the verse’s two verbs, “love” and “give.”

He learned that God’s giving-love is to be reflected back to God and to all people. This lesson became Kamal’s guiding principle and a key to his optimism.

“Life is about love, about being hopeful,” Kamal said.

After graduating from high school, Kamal attended Temple University and

earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in political science and history with a minor in East Asian studies. During his undergraduate years, he spent time in Tokyo, Japan and traveled to Beijing, China, citing those experiences as what gave him a more global perspective.

Following his time at Temple, Kamal worked on Wall Street as a financial analyst for the investment bank Salomon Brothers. When the company merged with Smith Barney, Kamal met “the love of [his] life,” his future wife Jonnel. In 1998, Kamal went to Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and earned his Master’s Degree in Public Policy. By the end of 2001, Kamal had joined the diplomatic service and married Jonnel. Two months after their wedding, he moved to the US Consulate General in Shenyang, at the border of China and North Korea.

Working as a visa officer, Kamal interviewed people searching for their “better tomorrow.” One of his most poignant experiences

was when a North Korean defector broke through security to enter the American compound.. Sitting with the man overnight, Kamal described how the man kept staring at the American flag.

The man, gazing at the stars, asked what they meant to which Kamal replied, “‘Well, it means freedom.’” In those hours with the North Korean man, Kamal reflected on the man’s dangerous journey, how he “breached security” to gain entrance to the American consulate. Kamal thought about how the man had originally lived in a country that opposed freedom and oppressed human rights.

“And that was when I really understood the value of freedom and just how important it was for our country to be a nation that stood for freedom,” Kamal said.

Following his diplomatic services in China and France, Kamal and Jonnel launched Diplomatic Treatment, “a business negotiating trade deals in between Chinese and US

life is about love, about being hopeful.

- Kamal Latham businesses.” The Lathams’ work created new jobs, generated revenue, and developed new opportunities for people. However, Kamal found himself unfulfilled until a conversation with God changed his life. “[God called me] to inspire people to have hope for a better tomorrow,” Kamal said. “And then He showed me that I was most fulfilled when I was in the position to inspire people to have hope for a better tomorrow. Whether that was done professionally as training people to be leaders or helping to create economic opportunity because I was able to negotiate a deal that opened up doors for businesses to expand and thereby hire more people or generate more revenue or resources..” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Kamal Latham

[God called me] to inspire people to have hope for a better tomorrow.

- Kamal Latham

In 2018, Kamal and Jonnel founded GBM Global Solutions that provides outsourced services to help companies with their operations. Additionally, to help others find their “better tomorrows”, Kamal wrote a book, Your CEO Calling: Realizing Your Calling, Equippings, and Outcomes in Christ Jesus.

His calling to be an “Inspirer” is complemented

by Jonnel’s call to be a “Challenger.” Kamal recognized that searching for ways to help care for and empower people can leave him “in the clouds” and Jonnel’s identity as a “Challenger” helps him find focus and grow.

Growth is another significant part of Kamal’s work, because “if I’m not growing, I’m not going anywhere. Life’s about doing what your purpose is, knowing what you have been purposed to do, not just being.”

“Everyone has been called to have an impact,” Kamal said. “ Know your purpose, know your identity, and know your destination. When you know those three, you can always be hopeful.”

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Kamal & Micah Latham

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Micah Latham

To be a leader, you have to be a leader of yourself.

- Micah Latham

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Micah Latham

Micah

Latham Story By:

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

Y

ou are never too young to lead, as Micah Latham proves.

Although he is still in high school, he looks for leadership opportunities. He lives out 1 Timothy 4:12, which says, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

People of any age can learn from his wisdom and adaptability.

Being at the right place and being ready is key to stepping into leadership roles, according to him. “I usually get a leadership role when the assistant is gone or something happens, and then I was put into a role where I had to run a certain thing,” Micah says. “I have gained a lot of leadership skills just doing that.”

Adaptability is a trait that comes easy to Micah.

Born in 2004 in Washington, D.C., Micah and his parents lived there for two months before moving to Paris where they lived for a “little bit.” They then

moved to China and spent seven years there. They lived in Tulsa for six months before moving to Florida, where they have lived ever since. When they returned to the U.S., Micah did not have “too much memory of the U.S. so I was oblivious to the U.S. and the people there.”

He was used to seeing “a lot of Chinese people” but coming back to the U.S. he saw Americans of different ethnic backgrounds. He had to adjust from attending an international school to homeschooling once the family came back to the U.S. He was introduced to a new diet, lifestyle, television, and culture.

“I am a little more adaptable because, for someone who has grown up in one area and used to seeing the same faces, it’s challenging. My time in China felt different. I had been around them my whole life. It was an interesting transition from China to the U.S.” He found two ways to not only adjust to life in the U.S. but learn how to be a leader. He began playing sports once he

landed in Florida (soccer, football, and basketball) and became part of the Boy Scouts. When it came to sports, he struggled at first. His struggle exemplifies the adage that if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again. “I wasn’t too good at it in the beginning. I didn’t have any leadership skills at all. I didn’t know how to control the ball.

I didn’t know how to do anything at all. I was there to have a learning experience and to have good sportsmanship.” Over the years, he became good at sports and sportsmanship while displaying leadership skills in all three sports.

He says his greatest accomplishment is becoming good at soccer. His years of hard work and dedication paid off. “I was able to become a really good soccer player. I always wanted to be a good player and that last season, I was able to be a good player.”

The college he plans to attend, Santa Fe College has a soccer team and he is thinking of applying for the team. Displaying a can-do attitude, Micah says, “I can do this because I can do that.”

The examples of his parents gave him the courage to both succeed in a different environment and become a leader in sports and Boy Scouts. He appreciates the impact they have on his life. “They had a good impact on my journey. They helped me connect with God, the Bible, the community,” he says of his parents.

It takes courage to end up in a place that is strange to you and wind up thriving and even becoming a leader at a young age. Micah’s parents served as role models.

“What implemented my courage is my parents because my dad is a naturalborn leader. My mom is a leader as well. I believe the experiences and events that happened in my life pushed the courage out.

Any time there is a time to step up to be a leader, I can do that because of all those things that happened.”

He recommends that others, whether young, old, or in-between, learn to lead themselves if they want to be a leader. “To be a leader, you have to be a leader of yourself.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Lorenzo Lugo

I can’t do anything of true value, nor can I consume the fruit of my labor if it’s not for others or being shared with others.

- Lorenzo Lugo

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Lorenzo Lugo

Lorenzo Lugo Becoming A Morehouse Man Story By:

Erin Butts

L

orenzo Lugo used to think he could achieve happiness, fulfillment, and success by himself. He thought if he earned a lot of money, he would ultimately have the kind of life he wanted. Going to Morehouse College changed his perspective entirely.

According to Morehouse’s official LinkedIn page, Morehouse College is an all-male, historically Black institution located in Atlanta, Georgia. After high-school, Lugo spent one year at home before leaving for Morehouse.

During this gap year, he researched information about the school.

Lugo experienced his gap year in the midst of the pandemic. At times he felt isolated, but Lugo found hope in the simple illustration of a sunrise.

Every morning during his gap year, he would sit and drink coffee with his mother and father and watch the sunrise. He was reminded that just as the sun always rises after the long hours of a night, there will always

be a new beginning; tough times will not last forever.

Lugo spent his gap year intentionally, asking himself what is important to him and what he wants to do with his life. He also volunteered at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and Gainesville Black Professionals.

When Lugo browsed the Morehouse College website, he was drawn to their description of a Morehouse man. The official Morehouse College website describes a Morehouse man as, “ …an academic, intellectual, and professional success. Inspired by strong, intelligent, critical and supportive brothers and teachers, a Morehouse man endeavors to do the same.”

“Essentially the Morehouse man is this ideology of a servant leader, someone who is always raising the bar for those that come after them and doing good for the 90% of people who are in the same position, and so much of it really resonated with me. I wanted to be somewhere where I was in an iron sharpens iron mentality,“ he explained.

Lugo described this ideology as being “almost like coffee” to him, because it energizes and motivates him everyday. Attending Morehouse College has resulted in personal growth for Lugo, and has shown him how to live a more meaningful life. It has also shown him that true happiness and fulfillment only occurs when shared with others.

“I can’t do anything of true value, nor can I consume the fruit of my labor if it’s not for others or being shared with others,” he said.

Lugo is going into his sophomore year, and is a Business Administration Major with a concentration in finance. His desire is to pursue a career in consulting, which will give him the opportunity to continuously learn about industries, travel, and solve business related problems.

“My long-term goal would be to utilize my consulting experience and give back to my community and make significant contributions in the Black Diaspora Globally,” he shared.

Lugo will be a discov-

My long-term goal would be to utilize my consulting experience and give back to my community and make significant contributions in the Black Diaspora Globally.

- Lorenzo Lugo

ery intern for Deloitte this summer. Lugo views this internship as a good way to meet other consultants and learn more about the industry.

Becoming a Morehouse man for Lugo means continuous growth, a focus on relationships, and service to others. Morehouse men are called to be leaders and changemakers, which is the persona that Lugo wants to take with him into his career and everyday life. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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AuBroncee MARTIN

I find it fulfilling because it is an important work even though it could be a difficult one - AuBroncee Martin

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AuBroncee MARTIN

Aubroncee Martin Providing Justice for the Public Good January 2012, he worked as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law. Where he taught the component of criminal clinics to third-year law students.

Story By:

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

E

very lawyer knows that justice is the right of everyone, even the weakest. That explains why the legal aid provided by public defenders like AuBroncee Martin gives many people, especially the poor, a second chance at life. Originally from Sanford, AuBroncee has lived most of his life in Gainesville.

Currently, he’s in the middle of a judicial race, campaigning and aspiring to be a circuit judge. A circuit judge has jurisdiction over family law, criminal matters involved in imprisonment over a year, and civil matters. Martin hopes to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

After high school, he studied History at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee. At FAMU, he was a member of the Marching 100 Band and the university’s symphonic band. After graduating in 1994, he got a Law Degree at the University of Florida in 1997. During his time at the law school, he interned at the Office of The Public Defender. He was hired as a public defender after earning his law degree and has worked there since.

AuBroncee has worked as an assistant public defender for over two decades. According to him, that has its hills and valleys like most jobs. “I find it fulfilling because it is an important work even though it

As he continues this race, Martin has the support of many family members, friends, and colleagues. But is especially grateful for the support and commitment of his wife Telisha, and their three sons Jared, Jason, and Elijah.

He believes his best is yet to happen as his life is still an ongoing story.

could be a difficult one”, he said. “I enjoy making presentations and arguments in front of people, and I get gratification from the purpose I serve.” Martin believes everyone deserves a fair representation,

regardless of their social status.

Since working at the Office of the Public Defender, he has led counsel in hundreds of trial cases ranging from first degree murder to capital sexual battery. In

I asked if he would like to give any advice, and he said, “Put yourself in the position for good things to happen to you because opportunities are often rare. Say yes more when excellent opportunities come your way because you have to keep growing.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE, THE RIGHT CHOICE, THE RIGHT TIME

Impacting the community by providing a platform to showcase the gift and talents that reside within our area. Looking to connect and build strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations for continued support of the Theatre.

Rhonda Wilson

EXECUTIVE/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

11 NE 23rd Avenue Gainesville, FL 32609

www.starcentertheatre.org

kim Nyoni

Kim

Nyoni Story By:

beth herbert

K

im Nyoni has dedicated his professional and personal life to advancing higher education through the power of philanthropy. He is part of a team that works to secure private funds that help universities fulfill their mission. Having spent his entire career in higher education advancement, Nyoni has helped numerous universities secure private contributions to fund scholarships, academic

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programs and capital enhancements. Nyoni is a mission driven leader that see’s higher education as his calling to pay back to the country that gave him an opportunity for a new life. He strongly believes in being intentionally people focused and is deeply committed to the professional growth of his teams.

Similarly, as a former member of the Rotary Club of Las Vegas and now the Rotary Club of Gainesville,

Nyoni spends time serving the community through youth mentoring programs and a variety of community building initiatives.

Originally from Tanzania, Nyoni relocated to Nebraska where he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned his Bachelor’s in Journalism and Master’s in Advertising. He began his career at the University of California-Berkeley in the Office of Development &

Alumni Relations for the Haas School of Business; today, he serves as Assistant Vice President of Development with the University of Florida Foundation, a role he started almost a year ago.

His achievements and accomplishments thus far are inspired by the life journey of his parents from their humble beginnings in Tanzania. Additionally, he credits his current and previous supervisors,

kim Nyoni alumni and friends of various institutions that he has served, as well as current and former team members for their belief in him and that has allowed him to best serve institutions in a meaningful way.

His parents instilled in him the value of hard work. His experiences as an immigrant forged his desire to be an agent of positive change. At a young age, Nyoni was always one to seek challenges and strive to make a difference. He was raised to feel comfortable as a problem solver and has been motivated by his innate desire to positively impact the lives of others.

He credits the University of California-Berkeley’s mission focused culture as the foundation for who he has become as a leader in higher education. At the core of his leadership

philosophy is an intense focus on people. Nyoni believes that any business cannot be successful without its people. Behind every metric and productivity measure are people.

He sees his role as a leader is to look after the best interests of his teams holistically by creating an environment that fosters growth and fulfillment; he found that he can only be as successful as those he works with and works to serve.

As a leader in higher education advancement, he has worked through periods of high turnover in university leadership, navigated the social justice movement and its impact in higher education, as well as the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nyoni sees these challenges as silver linings that contributed to his growth professionally

and informed his leadership and management perspectives. They were a series of experiences that provided hands-on experience in change management, leading teams through crises, and focusing on productivity without sacrificing the soul of the organization, which is people. He has learned to understand the importance of acknowledging the moment and becoming a solution provider to the institution, students, and faculty that he serves.

Though he has called Gainesville home for a short period of time, he has found it to be a very welcoming community; he is eager for all future opportunities to do good and invest in the community. Of particular interest to Nyoni are opportunities to foster socioeconomic development in low

income communities, improving public education and healthcare access.

He also enjoys mentoring youths and has had opportunities to mentor youths in Gainesville as well as Las Vegas. Nyoni believes that at the core of leadership is the notion of being a servant, and it is an immense responsibility. Leaders are responsible for the lives of those they are called to serve, and every decision has an impact on changing someone’s life for good or bad.

He advises others to go into leadership with a firm understanding that leadership is about people; this understanding will help you inspire great actions, productivity and foster positive environments, especially if your mission as a human aligns with the mission of the organization you lead.

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55

Anthony J. Pierce

Adversity is like a receipt that proves that God has faith in us. Trust me - you’re more resilient than you think, you’ve already survived 100% every time you thought it was the worst day of your life. Allow your trauma to fuel your testimony and choose the joy found in the silver lining.

- Anthony J. Pierce

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Anthony J. Pierce

Anthony J.

PIERCE Story By:

Erin Butts

A

nthony J. Pierce is one of those people who has responded to suffering, trauma, and difficulties in a remarkable way.

From early childhood, Pierce was a problem-solver and an entrepreneur.

When he sensed that his family did not have a lot of money, he found a way to fund his own interests.

In elementary school, Pierce sold paintings. As a child he wanted to be a Disney artist. Pierce’s art teacher noticed his skill, and Pierce became student artist of the month at a local museum. His family members were the first to buy his paintings, and his grandmother purchased his first two pieces of artwork, a toucan resting on a branch in the forest, and a painting of three colorful angel fish.

In middle school Pierce continued to sell artwork and with the help of his father, bred rabbits and gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

57

Anthony J. Pierce Pierce’s mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, he stepped into a more protective role. At this time his older brother was in college, his father had to be away from home more for work, and he had his younger sister to look after.

Pierce shared that many people do not realize that cancer is a very lonely disease. You feel horrible and you do not look like yourself.

Knowing that people do not want to see the person in that condition, and that you have to be very careful about germs, Pierce was very protective over his mother.

In the midst of this, Pierce still managed to keep his grades up and go to work. He was ranked number 11 in his graduating class, had a 4.3 GPA, and a number of colleges reached out to him - including Harvard.

He ultimately chose the University of Florida, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a Concentration in AfricanAmerican Studies.

sold them to pet store suppliers and individuals. He also participated in poetry and speech competitions, community theater, played saxophone and cello.

Because Pierce’s father is a pastor, Pierce wanted to be involved in activities that would not pull his parents away from their work in the church. He constantly looked for jobs and activities that factored in the needs and lifestyle of his family.

Early on in life Pierce decided to be someone

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who would make the most of any situation. A Georgia native, he moved to a small town in Florida at the age of six where he had to step out of his comfort zone to build friendships.

With no family in the area, he did not experience the benefit of growing up with grandparents, aunts/uncles or cousins and the age differences between him and his siblings meant he never went to the same school as his older brother or younger sister.

In high-school, when

Pierce experienced many trials throughout his high-school, college, and post-college experience.

From more deaths of people he loved, to battling a health issue, to racism, to hiding the fact that he was all but homeless from his family and friends (a situation that would have been all but impossible had it not been for Shay Brown, Aminah Harris, and Natalya Bannister), Pierce endured all of this with a positive attitude and a smile. He kept up with his schooling, put others first, and emotionally supported those around him.

Pace is that place that gives a second chance to students who’ve been dealt a bad hand, and family, society, has given up on them.

- Anthony J. Pierce After college Pierce eventually started working for Pace Center for Girls.

Pace offers services to middle-school and highschool girls who have dealt with some type of trauma.

“Pace is that place that gives a second chance to students who’ve been dealt a bad hand, and family, society, has given up on them,” Pierce said.

As the Community Engagement Manager, Pierce recruits students by speaking at schools, afterschool programs, and churches, and encouraging them to join Pace, in addition to media relations, marketing, and event planning Pierce’s advice to those who have experienced trauma is this, “Adversity is like a receipt that proves that God has faith in us.

Trust me - you’re more resilient than you think, you’ve already survived 100% every time you thought it was the worst day of your life. Allow your trauma to fuel your testimony and choose the joy found in the silver lining.”

Pierce is an example of someone who keeps fighting when life is tough.

CHRIS REID

Chris

REID it’s for students who don’t always get it right, but are committed to trying and doing the hard work.

- Chris Reid

Story By:

jen hunsaker

C

hris Reid is the type of educator every parent wants their child to have. He’s devoted, loves all the kids he teaches, and is determined to give back to a community that’s given him so much.

After returning home to take care of his parents, he started teaching and fell in love. But he knew kids needed more time than what he was able to give in the classroom.

Distinguished Gentlemen was born out of that need. It’s a unique, after school program for boys in the 4th and 5th grade.

The program focuses on boys that tend to be left out and gives them a taste

of what’s possible. “It’s for students who don’t always get it right, but are committed to trying and doing the hard work. The boys need to maintain their GPA and behave.”

In return, Reid takes them to nice restaurants, college tours, walks them through etiquette lessons, arranges speakers from different trades and professions or experiences—“advice from a fellow traveler”—and leads them through discussions of what it means to be a gentleman. Reid calls it seed planting. Many of the boys he works with only see life through one type of lens—poverty, violence, addiction—Distinguished Gentlemen gives the boys a glimpse into a life they can absolutely create for themselves.

Reid can recall any number of conversations or happenings that he can tell are making a difference. One young man was having behavioral problems in school. He also had holes in his clothes and wasn’t sure what shoe size he wore because the ones he wore weren’t his.

“I could tell this was wearing on him, so I took him shopping at the mall with some of my own money.

He walks with his head up now and doesn’t have any behavior problems because when you look good, you feel good, and you do good.”

number and they call him when they can’t talk to their parents. The relationship between himself and their parents is so vital.

Reid describes it as almost more co-parenting than parent-teacher, sometimes counseling between each other.

On Wednesdays, Reid checks on the boys in the middle school. He’ll see them at school and check on their grades to make sure they’re staying on track. The kids have his

Reid would like to see this in other schools throughout the district. It’s inspiring to imagine hundreds of young gentlemen leaving their stamp on the world.

Reid is telling these boys that he believes in them and that he’s in it for the long haul if they are. He helps them change their outlook and their belief in themselves. “Let the naysayers speak,” he tells the boys, “you do the hard work.”

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

59

Ishmael Rentz

Goal-setting at least gives a good direction but at the same time, you need to be flexible. Just being able to set a course and take the journey to the end.

- Ishmael Rentz

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Ishmael Rentz

Ishmael Rentz You Can Always Learn Something New Story By:

Gina-Marie Cheeseman

S

ometimes you talk to someone who is a fountain of wisdom. You walk away having learned something new with a desire to keep learning and becoming a better person.

Ishmael Rentz is the type of person who inspires you to grow. As he says, “I like to learn and be better than what I am now.”

Ishmael has lived in Gainesville, Florida for most of his life. He graduated from Santa Fe High School and went on to Florida A&M University where he earned a business degree.

He currently serves as the Director of Operations at Elevated Design and Construction and previously served as President of S.L. Construction & Remodeling, a company founded by his father, Saul Rentz.

He has been married for 25 years to his wife Tarcha who he describes as, “my primary inspiration…she gives me confidence.” He has a 17-year-old son, Ian, and a 15-year-old daughter, Ieve.

He attributes his success in business to his faith and his parents. He says of his mother, Alice Ross, that she

is “the core part of who I am.” He feels blessed to have a stepmother, Deloris Rentz, who he describes as his bonus mother, who emphasized education. Having served as a long-term educator, his stepmother “really pushed education.”

When asked what his greatest accomplishment is, he says, “The ability to survive it all. In business, there are ups and downs but having the resiliency to keep moving forward and forget the things that are behind while striving for the next best thing is key to survival.”, according to him.

While striving to be a better person and keep leading his business, he focuses on his children’s future and being there for them. He strives to “take everything I have known and learned and be able to pour it into them.”

There are a few lessons he believes people need to learn to be successful. “Work hard. Believe in one’s self, in your abilities. Don’t allow anyone to tell you differently.

There is power in words, so you have to protect your peace. Strive to be a forever learner. Never think you know enough. There is always something more to learn and you can learn

from almost anybody.”

Goal-setting is important in leadership, Ishmael believes. “Goal-setting at least gives a good direction but at the same time, you need to be flexible.

Just being able to set a course and take the journey to the end.” Quoting Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps,” he pointed out that we never know what lies ahead. “You just never know what is in front of you but you know where you are going. Goal-setting helps the journey.”

He finds the courage to lead as a businessman from his faith in God and from within himself. “I’m trusting that I’m using the skills and knowledge that I’ve acquired over the years to forge ahead. Mad confidence in what my abilities are.”

The past two years of living through a global pandemic posed challenges to all businesses, particularly business leaders. Ishmael says the biggest challenges have been “adapting and adjusting to the new reality that we’re facing.” He points out that none of us had ever lived through a global pandemic before and we

...do what you feel led to do that will allow you to be a contributor to a healthy society.

- Ishmael Rentz are all trying to “navigate the world with less predictability than in the past.” But for business leaders, there is intense pressure to lead your organization.

Ishmael is the type of person who flows with advice and it is the type of advice that can help you grow if you are wise enough to listen. His advice for any business leader facing tough times is to ask themselves two questions: “How do we go through this together and how do I bestow the confidence that I’m leading to the best of my ability?” His best advice for anyone striving to be a better person is to believe in themselves and “do what you feel led to do that will allow you to be a contributor to a healthy society.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Zeriah K. Folston

[MY DAD] taught me to just be a lover of people.

Everyone deserves compassion and love.

- Zeriah K. Folston

Passion for People Behind Zeriah K. Folston

Story By:

Nikki J. Davis

W

hether it correlates to his job as Interim Director of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Gainesville, or his personal life, Zeriah K. Folston has basically lived the words he can still hear his grandfather’s deep, manly voice asking, “There are three things God cares about.

Do you know what they are?”

While he didn’t the first time he was asked — reciting a slough of the typical answers from love to peace to faith to friendship

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— the words his grandfather answered have become his mantra: “People.

People. People.”

Zeriah grew up in Alachua County, graduating from P.K. Yonge High School, and continuing on to get his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and master’s degree from the University of Central Florida. The degrees were stones to strengthen his path of helping those people, people, people his grandfather spoke of and parents demonstrated.

But as with anyone in the line of success, it’s

not always easy. In fact, Folston will tell you about it. About growing up with holes in the ceiling. Water leaking through the roof.

The toilet pipes leaving a residue of rust regardless of how often they were washed. Carpet that wasn’t really supposed to be the color it appeared.

If you add in a father who was a drug and alcohol user, it could lead to the defeat of a childhood.

But, instead, it led Zeriah to focus on the two people in life who have inspired him the most.

“My dad went from being a heavy drug and

alcohol user, to finding Christ, to joining the Army, to becoming a pharmacist,” Zeriah said. “And at that time, he was one of the few people of color to graduate from the University of Florida’s Pharmacy school. He set an example.

And then he became a pastor and he taught me to just be a lover of people. Everyone deserves compassion and love.”

His mother was defining in his life. It was his mother, he will tell you, who washed dishes and later worked in the anesthesiology department at Alachua General Hospital, to help her husband at-

Zeriah K. Folston

We’re better together than we are apart.

- Zeriah K. Folston tend pharmacy school. It was her faith in believing in her husband. It was a true inspiration about commitment and perseverance.

“Because of her sacrifice, my father, sister, brother and I have degrees from the University of Florida,” Zeriah said.

While he had the best of intentions of earning his master’s degree in nonprofit management, he had a defining moment that changed his career trajectory … a meeting his father arranged with the city manager in his hometown of Alachua, Fla. That one chance meeting was enough to see him realize how much he could help people in the role of public administration.

So after earning his master’s degree, he served as a budget analyst for Alachua County. He then became the assistant supervisor of elections of Alachua County. In 2020, he became the policy oversight administrator for the City of Gainesville, and was named the interim director of equity and inclusion in September 2021.

Because, he’ll tell you, he was raised by leaders. From his family to the community he was raised in. And it was leaders with diverse backgrounds that surrounded him and wanted to nurture him.

That’s why, even today, he

loves engaging in conversation with anyone around him. And those leaders are what led him to his current role.

In his current role he hopes to promote, and even challenge, the status quo for diversity. By diversity, he is not only referring solely to color, but to age, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities — any and every detail, to make sure there is balance within the city infrastructure, as well as the community itself.

“I’m here to bridge gaps in our system,” Zeriah said. “I see what we’re trying to do, and I see how we can do it together. I will never aspire to cut or take from one group to give to another. We should not leave anyone behind.”

“Collaboration is good.

You bring your idea and I bring mine and we figure out a way to merge the two. However, synergy is what I prefer because it says, ‘Let’s sit down together and develop an idea together.’ The thought is that the idea we develop together, organically, is better than the ideas we could develop on our own,” said Zeriah.

Which lends to his belief that, “We’re better together than we are apart.”

That, of course, comes with challenges because he wants others to experience synergy. He not only wants them to come to the table, but wants them to feel heard, and to be heard.

“You can’t be your best self without others that don’t look like you or act like you or come from the same socioeconomic background as you,”

Zeriah smiled. “You need them and they need you to become our best selves.

Everyone’s voice should carry weight.”

“It’s never been about promotions or titles to me.

Those are just things that come with serving. I don’t think about my greatest accomplishments,” he said, when asked, “Because there’s still so much more that pleasantly agitates me. It’s itching me in the right way because there’s so much more I can do …”

There are two things he’s most proud of: his family and finding the perfect spouse, which he encourages others to seek.

“Finding a spouse who supports not only the natural gifts you have, but the passion you have. And understands it. That is so important. Because what I build for others, I build

We don’t get here alone.

We all needed people, people, people along our journey.

- Zeriah K. Folston

out of my own family and care and love for them,” he said.

“We don’t get here alone. We all needed people, people, people along our journey,” he said.

“Some look like you and some don’t, some have more than what you have and some don’t, some have been through less and some haven’t yet, all of them have had value in your life to get you to here.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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E. Stanley Richardson

I never thought of myself as an artist. Just me saying the word and calling myself an artist felt weird.

- E. Stanley Richardson

E. Stanley Richardson believes that we are all poets!

tor of ARTSPEAKSgnv Inc., a non profit organization Gina-Marie Cheeseman dedicated to promoting literacy, encouraging es, everyone. All of creativity, expanding ideas us. and opportunity by providing a medium for expression He believes that everyday interactions, the casual through the art of Poetry, Spoken-Word, Storytelling and the serious, conversaand the Creative Arts. The tions between people are idea for ARTSPEAKSgnv all forms of poetic expreswas spawned back in 2012 sion. when he began to seriously In January of 2020, E. consider his own artistic Stanley Richardson was seexpression. lected by the board of Ala“I never thought of chua County Commissionmyself as an artist. Just me ers to serve as the county’s saying the word and calling inaugural Poet Laureate. myself an artist felt weird.

“It was a very competitive Writing was just something process, I almost didn’t apthat I’ve always done, it ply. When the county anwas how I felt most comfortnounced the call for artists, able communicating with I was just excited that all of myself and others. Writing my years of advocacy was was just the device that I’ve coming to fruition. That my always employed to make beloved county was actually going to appoint a poet sense of the world around laureate. I really didn’t think me”, remembers Richardson. that it would be me!”

Story By:

Y

As founder and direc-

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With the encourage-

ment from his wife Carol Velasques-Richardson, he began to share his poetry with the community and to seek out other poets in the area. It was during this time that he says he discovered how “cliquish” the poetry community was.

“You had all of these different groups of poets meeting all over the place.

Black poets meeting over here on this day, LGBTQIA poets meeting over here on this day, Feminists poets meeting over here, Formal poets over here and on and on. So, I just thought about how very cool and extraordinarily powerful it would be to have all of these beautiful voices together under one roof. I approached the city of Gainesville’s Department of Cultural Affairs, we formed a partnership and we held our very first ARTSPEAKS event.”

With the creation of

ARTSPEAKS, Richardson wanted to make sure that the organization had a platform for youth to freely express themselves in a safe environment. With that in mind, he established ARTSPEAKS: Courageous Young Voices and has also partnered with Urban-Word and the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, to ensure that teens attending school in Alachua County and other rural north central Florida counties, have equal access to this platform.

Richardson’s dedication to cultivating expression in youth and adults through the power of poetry is unparalleled. He strives to be a community culture bearer – one who embodies culture and transmits it – and his work catalyzes protective factors that strengthen and build resilience in communities such as social cohesion, self-awareness, self-efficacy, and autonomy.

Joshua

Joshua Robinson

Robinson Story By:

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

F

or Joshua Robinson, growing up in Gainesville was quite an experience of love, guidance, and passion. Grateful for his upbringing, Robinson remembers the teachings of his father, who was a pastor and coach. He recalls the love of his mother and siblings, and how he picked up his passion for sports and fitness at a ‌ ge seven.

“I started sports at age seven. It was first with basketball, and then I moved to track before working out independently,” he said. Obviously, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Robinson’s dad coached elementary and high school students for many years, and he also played football and baseball. “You can say I come from a family of athletes because my siblings and some of my cousins were also involved in sports,” he added.

...whether a business or a career, You have to be consistent to succeed.

- Joshua Robinson

But for him, it is more than loving sports. It is a strong passion to help people become physically fit.

He believes being fit and getting in shape reduces the chance of obesity and helps prevent heart diseases, diabetes, and other

health issues. These health risks come with financial and emotional costs. That is why he’s dedicated to assisting people in getting physically fit and healthy through his business - Robinson Fitness Trainer.

He admits, owning a business isn’t always easy, but he’s committed to achieving his goals. “I wasn’t always consistent and dedicated. But looking at myself, knowing how far I’ve come, and knowing how I can help people, encourages me to embark on this journey.”

Robinson refers to his love for God and his family before fitness. But his vision is to help many people live healthy lives through fitness. “I think the big lesson anyone needs to know about fitness is being dedicated and consistent.

And it is the same with developing anything, whether a business or a career. You have to be consistent to succeed.”

“Do not be afraid to do what you want to do because you do not want to wish you had done it, later on. And since none of us know when we are going to leave this earth, don’t be afraid to start and work with others. It’s not only about you or me. It’s about all of us flourishing.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Marcus Robinson

In this business, integrity is everything.

There’s no room for gray. Either you have it, or you don’t. It must be impeccable.

-Marcus Robinson

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Marcus Robinson

Marcus

Robinson Story By:

Annissa Brockington

C

lose your eyes — now inhale and count, one-one hundred…and exhale, twoone hundred. Repeat.

Inhale and count, oneone hundred, exhale, two-one hundred. Picture yourself in the most relaxing space possible. Is it vivid? Can you hear the waves crashing against the shore? Do you see the seagulls gliding in perfect synchronization? What about the sun slowly rising in the distance?

Now, imagine that you have no financial worries or woes. In fact, for every second that you inhale and exhale, your money is working for you. Be-

when you plant good seeds, you reap a good harvest.

-Marcus Robinson gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Marcus Robinson

... plan for tomorrow, while enjoying today.

-Marcus Robinson

lieve it or not, this could be your life (or at least— very similar) with the help and counsel of Marcus J. Robinson and his team at Robinson Financial Group. Robinson, a native of Archer, Florida, helps clients reach or exceed their financial goals. With expertise and innate gifts expanding well beyond the label of financial planner or advisor, Robinson holds firm to the belief that there is no substitute for hard work, and “when you plant good seeds, you reap a good harvest.”

Marcus’ initial interest in the world of finance

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Marcus Robinson is drawn from a distinct memory of the realities experienced during his humble childhood. At the age of seven, Robinson recalls conversations surrounding a family members’ funeral and the lack of funds to properly care for the arrangements that needed to be carried out.

Robinson began to understand the power of financial wellness (or the lack thereof) and its impact on an individual’s daily life. It was at that moment that Robinson subconsciously vowed to create a life that would help him achieve financial stability for himself and others who wished to experience it.

Although Robinson recognized early on that he had a natural knack

for numbers, it wasn’t until he was enrolled as a student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) that he discovered his love for Financial Advising. This love would lead him to securing an internship with one of the largest Financial Services companies in the world. After completing his internship, Marcus was awarded his degree in 2006 in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance. Shortly thereafter, he was offered a full time position at Voya.

Over the course of his tenure, he would build a series of partnerships with a number of corporations throughout the Alachua County area.

Marcus attributes much

of his success to his faith in God and the strong work ethic instilled upon him by his parents. “In this business, integrity is everything. There’s no room for gray. Either you have it, or you don’t. It must be impeccable.” According to Robinson, he not only has an opportunity to help someone become a good steward of what they have in their hands, but also “plan for tomorrow, while enjoying today.”

In the words of Robinson, “...it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life. Investing could be as simple as a decision to remove one less Starbucks run, one less nail appointment, and one less home delivery charge.”

..it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life.

Investing could be as simple as a decision to remove one less Starbucks run, one less nail appointment, and one less home delivery charge.

-Marcus Robinson

gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Wesley Roby

Wesley

Roby Story By:

Heaven Taylor-Wynn

I

f you asked Wesley Roby 12 years ago what his career path would be, it would not be working in Information Technology (IT). The 38-year-old husband and father of three had no plans to pursue a career in tech back in those days. He was busy nurturing his relationship with his music.

He labored in his home studio for hours producing and engineering hip-hop, pop and rock and roll tracks. “I made music for a long time [after] high school,” he said. Roby grew up enjoying artists like Jimi Hendrix, Outkast and The Roots. While in high school he bonded with a girl named Natalya Bannister over their shared affinity for Hendrix, their favorite

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song being Voodoo Child.

Roby’s musical dreams faded when he realized he would have to compromise parts of himself to be successful in the industry. “I wasn’t going to put myself out on this platform and be another version of myself,” he said. “That wasn’t who I am.”

So, Roby sought an intellectual challenge that would exercise his brain.

Today’s he’s a Tech Analyst in IT Support for NBC right from the comfort of his own home. He helps resolve technical challenges for his colleagues at NBC whether they need help with their devices in the office or require remote support.

Roby started at NBC working in a call center for the Golf Channel. He devised a plan to enter the IT department there which started with networking

with a woman named Nikki who became his mentor.

“Seeing a Black woman in IT in that role just made me feel the comfort in that role to reach out,” he said.

become a systems administrator dealing more with the behind-the-scenes work which includes setting up servers and maintaining them.

Nikki helped him set up a shadowing day where he learned about how things worked on the IT side. A month passed and a position opened up in the IT department which the manager recommended he apply for.

Despite a small bump in the road that could have thrown him entirely off course, Wesley Roby champions closing the diversity gap in technology for people of color. “I feel that there is a huge gap in minorities in technology and the different roles that we can play,” he said.

Roby is passionate about sharing his story because he wants others to know it’s possible to achieve even if you have an unconventional path.

His mentor Nikki really helped him get his foot in the door and he makes a point to do the same for other people.

Roby is supportive of others in every aspect of his life. As he looks to the future he aspires to

Roby continues to express his authentic self at home and work drawing upon his musical roots.

Whether it’s paying homage to one of his favorite artists in his daughter’s name, Hendrix or dressing in his rock and roll aesthetic, Roby continues to prove there’s no wrong way to present as a professional in tech.

John Rollins

I’ve committed myself to take every opportunity when I have the privilege of working with a young person.

- John Rollins

John Rollins Motivating With Purpose Story By:

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

B

orn and raised in Northeast Gainesville, John attended Eastside High School, studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida and later graduated from Life Christian University.

“Although I took several certifications in areas aligned with my natural skills, in 2003, I got a degree in theology. I chose theology because I was interested in it, and believed I could use it in many areas and stages of my life.”

After working as a sales

agent, John worked for the city of Gainesville. He worked in the human resources, risk management, and training departments.

During this time, he discovered his gift, which was his ability to train.

“I discovered I had a gift for training. While I was doing this, I found my purpose and calling, and that is to help people become the best versions of themselves,” he said. He retired from the City of Gainesville in 2009.

After retiring he founded his own company and over the years, he has trained hundreds of people. Representing infinite hope and

a new beginning for the youths. In his words, ‘we motivate, educate, and provide a holistic development program for individuals to learn and engage with us, and hopefully equip them with skills they can use in their current and future situations. Our mission is to change the global perspective of selfworth and internal value, and we do that by affirming the greatness of each individual.

“I’ve committed myself to take every opportunity when I have the privilege of working with a young person. For me, that’s been a lot of phone calls, late-

night trips, and missing family vacations. However, I have taken every opportunity, and I still do today, to connect with our youth, communicate that I see them, do not judge them, and help them believe in and find themselves.”

John’s advice to young people and other professionals is to live life intentionally. Don’t live your life wishing, don’t live your life wanting. Live your life with a plan. Be purposeful and intentional in your pursuits.

Write goals and come up with a plan to attain those goals. In addition, cultivate a lifestyle that makes you and others proud. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Dr. Rik Stevenson

Dr. Rik Stevenson believes By working together we can all find success and create an environment that is thriving and positive.

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Dr. Rik Stevenson

Dr. Rik

Stevenson Story By:

beth herbert

R

ik Stevenson believes that communities are only as strong as their leaders. By engaging in opportunities to invest in generational growth, he has been able to find success and teach others along the way. Stevenson is a scholar of many trades and a dedicated educator, specializing in divinity and African-American studies. Born in Philadelphia, Stevenson attended Penn State University and Lincoln University before moving to Los Angeles.

While there he studied theology at Fuller Theology Seminary and received a Doctorate of Divinity from the Southern California School of Ministry. He lived in Los Angeles for 20 years and started his career as a full time minister in 1983.

After his time in LA, he moved to Grand Rapids, MI where he pastored a church and taught at Grand Valley State, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Michigan State University where he earned a PhD in African American and African Studies. His research focuses on suicide by drowning as a form

of resistance during the Middle Passage.

He received the opportunity to move to Florida in 2019 when he was invited to fill a position as a Visiting Assistant Professor in African American Studies at the University of Florida.

After his second year, he was hired as a full time lecturer in the AfricanAmerican Studies program where he teaches courses in Middle Passage Studies, Ante-bellum Studies, The Black Power Movement, Civil Rights and Religion His parents had a great impact on his journey towards success. His mother was a Civil Rights activist and her activism encouraged him to join The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Likewise, his father was a very loving, hardworking, and dedicated father and husband.

Stevenson learned at an early age that teaching came easy to him.

Like his father, Stevenson almost always had three jobs at a time and believes that he learned the importance of hardwork by watching his parents.

Though he has been in ministry for over 35 years

and has taught for over 40, he loves what he does; teaching is his passion. He believes as a scholar his job is to transform his students’ lives and minds, challenging what they know so that he can change their environment. He believes that part of his responsibility as a scholar and teacher is to invest in his students so that they become change agents.

Stevenson states that one of his greatest accomplishments was completing his PhD at the age of 59, while also teaching at two different institutions of higher learning and pastoring a church. He’s also honored that he had the chance to fall in love with his wife, Victoria. One other area of pride is the development of his two sons, both of whom are dependable, respectful and ethically strong men.

Stevenson advises other leaders to acquire the skills of time management. If they’re really interested in leadership they should perfect their craft in order to find success and strive to always engage in organizations that excite their passions. Stevenson encourages others to invest in themselves to identify their craft, perfect it, then

invest in others. Likewise, he credits networking and surrounding himself around like-minded individuals as they have been instrumental in shaping his leadership skills.

He has accomplished this in many ways, like by pledging for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1971 and serving as the chairman for a mentoring program, Kasserian Ingera, which translates to “How are the children?” This mentoring program introduces young boys to the fundamentals of manhood, by enhancing their gifts and talents to make them better for their communities.

Stevenson believes that we are in a crucial time of community development and we have to prepare and take care of ourselves.

We must stay persistent in our own growth and development.

He encourages members of the Gainesville community to work together to uplift each other, not seeing others as threats or competition but as unique individuals who can add stability and retention to the community. By working together we can all find success and create an environment that is thriving and positive. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Bishop christopher stokes

WHAtever your vision or mission is, and not just in the church, but in what you do.

Stay faithful.

Don’t believe what you see, see what you believe.

-Bishop Christopher Stokes

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Bishop christopher stokes

GRATEFUL

A Tale of Bishop Christopher Stokes Story By:

Nikki J. Davis

B

ishop Christopher Stokes, founder and executive director of the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center, and senior pastor of The New Beginning Christian Worship Center, both in Micanopy, can sum up his life to date in one word: Grateful. Considering what he’s been through, including three battles with two types of cancer, and losing his 17-year-old son in 2017, that one word is a powerful one.

Stokes grew up the seventh out of nine children in Micanopy, raised solely by his mother, Willie Mae Stokes. His mom, he will tell you, is the person he admired most. “She raised nine children and we knew we were loved. Talk about a close knit family,” he said. “And she made life appear so easy and was always involved in the community.”

As part of her involvement in the community, Willie Mae sang in the church, which meant the Stokes children all attended. “Even as a child, I wanted to be a preacher,” Stokes said. “I wanted to be in the church.”

Despite knowing that in his heart, there was a time

when he was invited to be a youth speaker in church.

He said the pastor was so impressed and informed him he had a calling in life.

The prospect scared him to the point that he decided he was going to do anything that would make himself unusable by God. “I started drinking,” he said. “Living a life that would take me away from ministry.”

While still attending Eastside High School, he decided that if he ever got the chance, he would leave his hometown and never look back. So he joined the military in 1984 where he served as a Special Weapons Clerk, and then an Ammunitions Specialist. It was his military career that helped him “grow up”.

“My mom raised us, but the military grew me up.

My maturity kicked in when I entered the military,” Stokes said. “And my time in the service taught me leadership. The opportunity to serve provided the ability to lead. You need followers to be a leader.

Seeing a need. And need is what pushed me to lead.”

After his military career, Stokes received “The Call.” It came when he was attending a church conference in Orlando

in September of 1997. In 2013, Stokes added a permanent place to call his church home, and opened the doors to The New Beginning Christian Worship Center.

All seemed to be going well after his calling, but in 2017, life took a turn. Stokes was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

He underwent surgery to remove his prostate and radiation treatments following.

The surgery appeared successful, and Stokes began to recover. But just when things were looking better, tragedy struck. On July 1, his middle son, Sean, asked to go to a motorcycle party. Stokes’ condition was that Sean had to mow the lawn first, while Stokes and his wife, Dolly, headed to the store to pick up thank you cards.

While standing in the store, Stokes received a phone call that his son had been in an accident. Thinking it was a broken arm or leg, he and Dolly quickly headed to the scene of the accident. Upon arrival, it was clear that it was not a broken arm or leg. It was a broken neck, crushed ribs, a broken back, and bleeding on the brain.

Sean would die the following day, July 2nd.

“He lived for three min-

utes without life support,” Stokes said. “I remember he said to my niece once, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without my dad.’ And now I say, ‘I don’t know what I’ll do without my son.’ I thought losing my mom was hard. She was the first woman I ever fell in love with. The woman I admired most. But this, my heart had just been ripped out of my chest.”

In 2017, Stokes had the vision for the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center. A place that provides adults resources for resume-building and job searches. Residents can come in and use the Wi-Fi, send faxes, or get a document notarized, and much more.

Creating both the Willie Mae Community Center and The New Beginning Christian Worship Center, he said, are his greatest accomplishments, outside of his three sons, Dominique, Sean and Christopher Kenzie.

And if he could help others reach for accomplishments and lead others, Stokes encourages others to, “Be faithful to your call. Whatever your vision or mission is, and not just in the church, but in what you do. Stay faithful. Don’t believe what you see, see what you believe.” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Kevin Thorpe

my philosophy is the better you’re doing economically, the better your choices are. When you struggle to stay afloat, it is difficult to provide a quality life for you and your children.

- Kevin Thorpe

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Kevin Thorpe

Kevin

THORPE Story By:

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

C

alm, soft-spoken, and insightful are the words that best describe pastor Kevin Thorpe.

Having been the senior pastor of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Gainesville, better known as Faith Church, for twentyfour years, this gentleman is an entrepreneur, and a community leader who advocates for the economic development of the people of Alachua county.

Why economic development? Pastor Thorpe said, ‘’my philosophy is the better you’re doing economically, the better your choices are. When you struggle to stay afloat, it is difficult to provide a quality life for you and your children.’’

Kevin was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. According to him, growing up was great because of the privilege of being nurtured by both his parents.

As the last born of five, Kevin remembers his mom being the homemaker and his father, who worked as a supervisor at a company, being the provider.

In high school, he enrolled in vocational training,

learned the trade of diesel mechanics, and worked full time as a transportation manager while earning his degree.

Find broadminded mentors and listen to them.

He holds a Masters’ Degree in Pastoral Ministries from Conservative Theological University. He is also the Executive producer of the Faith Church television Broadcast and an adjunct professor at Conservative Theological University in Gainesville.

Aside from leading and ministering the word of God to people, taking care of his mom, and loving his god-daughters, pastor Thorpe loves men suits. He started Suits by Thorpe, a fashion business that offers custom-made suits, shirts, shoes, and even matching belts. Kevin believes that when you’re working in a position of success or on your way to that position, the way you present yourself makes all the difference, so he provides quality customized clothing.

He has worked with grassroots organizations to influence policies in the community. Thorpe started doing grassroots work around 2002 after noticing the differing levels of opportunity available in

-Kevin Thorpe

Gainesville compared to what he had experienced in Jacksonville. For pastor Thorpe, he wants to see people thrive, especially young people, to have and provide broader choices for themselves and their children.

I asked about his mentor, and he spoke reverently of how his mentor and pastor who trained him in ministry, Dr. David A. Lattimore Jr., taught him to genuinely love people and treat them in public the same way he would treat

them in private. That lesson helps to keep his leadership style consistent.

For pastor Kevin Thorpe, life is about service to God and humanity. In closing, I asked for any advice he would like to share with other professionals, and he said, “Find broad-minded mentors and listen to them.

I believe that’s great advice, because as Oprah Winfrey once said, ‘A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.’” gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Adrian

Adrian Weeks

WEEKS

Bridging The Gaps In Ministry And Business I believe for projects in business or in ministry to be successful, there has to be collaboration.

- Adrian Weeks

Story By:

Lanre-Peter Elufisan

I

n 2006, at ‌29, the young and vibrant Adrian Weeks was ordained at the St. Matthew Baptist Church of Alachua.

Little did he know the role was setting him up for leadership in ministry, community, and business.

Adrian studied communication at Auburn University, attended Indiana State University, and later enrolled at the North-Western Theological Seminary.

After college, he served as an associate to his mentor, Reverend Gerald Criswell.

So when St. Matthew was looking for a pastor, he applied, and he became the youngest pastor in the church’s history.

Though his father was also a pastor, Adrian admits he had to chart his

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path with the help of many people who contributed to his growth. He remembers learning a lot about ministry from his dad, and also from James Fitch, one of his professors in college, who often talked about economic development.

He said, ‘’My father, Reverend Monroe Weeks, was remarkably influential to me. He believed in the economic development of the community through the church. I remember in the eighties, he used to organize credit repair and homeownership classes for members before those things became popular as they are today.”

In 2016, he and other ministers in the community founded the United Assembly of Christian Churches (UACC). Today, the initiative allows Christian leaders to come together with the mindset of strengthen-

ing communities through the local church. Weeks describes this as one of his legacies, saying, “this is one thing I am most proud of because I believe the UACC is an organization that will exist for a long time because it is unifying local churches and uplifting communities through spiritual revitalization and economic development.”

“One of the interesting things about my family is the emphasis we lay on unity in a family that is considered non-traditional. We have been able to teach the principles of entrepreneurship and economic development to all our children, and they all have thrived in these affairs.” he added. ‘’The biggest lesson I have learned in ministry and business is that there is power in unity. Many things separate us from religion,

denominations, political views, etc. But when we work to find what is common to us, things that we all love or fear, we become stronger together by those things.’’

He continued, ‘’one of the biggest challenges I have encountered in ministry and business is that we live in a day and age where individualism is in constant promotion, so collaboration has become more complicated in recent years. I believe for projects in business or in ministry to be successful, there has to be collaboration. Many brilliant people have to come together to give their time, talents, and treasures.’’ Apostle Adrian Weeks believes success is intentional. That you have to be deliberate about it, with a clearly defined goal and a pathway to that goal.

GBP is the largest network of professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners in North Central Florida.

We are the only organization that consistently creates and maintains platforms that elevate and showcase Black Professionals while promoting Unity, Diversity and Equity.

Our platforms include: • Annual Leadership Conference • Quarterly Networking Mixers • Weekly Podcast • Minority Business Directory • Monthly Newsletter • SYNERGY the Magazine

Lavelle Whitfield

Lavelle

Whitfield

Beth Herbert

throughout Whitfield’s entrepreneurial journey and multitude of success stories.

avelle Whitfield, founder of Lavelle Productions, stands by his motto that if he takes care of God’s business, God will take care of his business. Proof of this has been shown time and time again

Originally from Archer, FL, Whitfield was introduced to the audio, visual and music business by attending church. Music has always been a passion in his life, so, by playing the drums and learning to use

Story By:

L

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mixing consoles, his church gave him the opportunity to practice perfecting his skills until he was able to purchase his own equipment.

He began his career by recording his friends and musicians for free in his home studio, but one of his greatest breakthroughs

occurred when he joined a band in 2000. For 15 years, his band member, Lavell Kamma, took him under his wing and taught him the ins and outs of the music industry. Sadly, his mentor passed away and their band no longer performs, but Whitfield was able to continue on Kamma’s

Lavelle Whitfield Celebration Pointe.

Lavelle advises other leaders to utilize the power of networking and never be afraid to see what might be available. legacy after Kamma’s wife gifted him with his music equipment. Whitfield was able to dive deeper into his craft, as this new equipment provided him a way to start working with bands around his town and begin DJing.

As he started to DJ and perfect his sound engineering skills, he crossed paths with Virginia Grant who was looking for someone to DJ her small gatherings and events for her non profit, Gainesville Black Professionals. Whitfield was not only able to serve as the Premiere DJ for all of their events, but he also networked and opened doors for himself to further his career. He was introduced to many people who helped him market his business, both through word of mouth and by teaching him how to cultivate a social media presence.

By staying persistent, visible and consistent, Whitfield was able to connect with many leaders, including Sean Macintosh who is the Senior Vice President of Asset Management for Celebration Pointe.

Through this new connection, he began providing the sound and lighting for events and concerts at

Though his journey to success seems linear, Whitfield has experienced many ups and downs as a business owner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitfield was at a loss for a moment when his events were canceled and he lost his full time job. He did not have a solid source of income, but he remained persistent and held onto his trust in God, believing that He would take care of his business.

He began to get calls from churches asking him to help them with their outdoor services. He helped them, most times for free, from March 2020 until December, never giving up hope. Whitfield believed that by working in his community to help others, he would be blessed and everyone in the community would experience growth, which is exactly what happened.

Lavelle Productions has been thriving and Whitfield is still pushing forward. From his humble beginnings as a child playing with his church’s music equipment to becoming a successful business owner, Whitfield’s passion for music and faith in God has never wavered.

He believes that, through community organizations like Gainesville Black Professionals, networking was what he needed to change his life, career, and build his business. He advises other leaders to utilize the power of networking and never be afraid to see what might be available. If you have faith, do what you love, and work towards building up your community, opportunities for success are limitless.

As so many doors are closing, ours will stay open.

We understand that COVID has created impossible challenges for your business.

It’s our mission to help connect you to opportunities and resources to do business with UF. Contact us to learn how you can meet with the decision makers looking to buy your products and services.

We’re your committed community partner. Let’s work together.

sbsd@admin.ufl.edu | 352-392-0380 sbsd.admin.ufl.edu gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Donald Wilburn

Touching people is so rewarding.

To do what God told me to do is the most rewarding thing in my life.

- Donald Wilburn

Donald

Story By:

WILBURN

Heather Lustig-Curran

“

My biggest thing right now is that I get to touch people,” Donald “Pops” Wilburn told me toward the end of our interview. He leaned close

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toward the camera (we were on a Zoom call) and his eyes closed. A moment passed as he collected his thoughts and then he continued, “Touching people is so rewarding. To do what God told me to do is the most rewarding thing in my life.”

A field manager for Keller Williams Team Dynamo, a real estate company in Gainesville, Donald strives for one thing: to help the client in any way possible. If you’ve ever sold your home or moved into a new home, you know the exhausting,

frustrating, and, at times, painful process this can be.

Donald’s goal as part of the Team Dynamo group is to ensure that those three descriptions are emotions you will never experience.

Donald is described as a “tireless servant,” a man who is gifted with “uplift-

Donald Wilburn ing” people, no matter who they are. As the field manager, he interacts and helps every single client throughout the home buying/selling process, and he does so with a selfless, humble spirit. In 2020, when he had an emergency triple-bypass heart surgery, Donald did all he could to raise the spirits of the medical professionals caring for him.

tended on joining the New York City police department, but a freeze on the academy hindered that dream. But rising once more, he worked with Holmes Security, a private policing firm. Starting as a guard, Donald was promoted to dispatcher and then to different managerial positions until downsizing in the 1990’s necessitated a career change.

“The reason I feel that God put me in that circumstance was to fulfill his will,” Donald said. “And that was because these people serve everybody all the time and they’re really [not thanked]. So when I got there with the love that I have for God, I just thought about spreading that love throughout the surgical ICU. They were laughing, joking every day.

To this day, we still stay in contact.”

For roughly three years, Donald worked for Brinks security until he received a phone call from his son, Craig which was a lifechanging moment.

Rising from humble beginnings can be difficult or even feel impossible.

With the world always trying to bring people down, it might feel easy to give in or, worse, give up. But Donald defies any and all obstacles that could have kept him from succeeding and, in the process of doing so, caring for and building up those around him.

Raised in a New York City “ghetto,” Donald grins as he describes how “I had a wonderful childhood. I had like 30-40 mothers because everybody was your mother in the projects.”

Following his high school graduation, Donald joined the Air Force and worked as military police (“Air Police” in the Air Force world).

Stationed in England for three years before returning to New York, Donald in-

“He said, ‘You know, God told me you’re supposed to be in Florida,’” Donald recounted. Humorously, when Craig explained that Donald was intended to be in Gainesville, Donald’s first response was “‘Gain Who?’”

But the dream made him into a new man, one who answered the directive to move to Florida.

Moving to Gainesville was another tier in Donald’s growth. He started attending Craig’s weekly Bible studies and, “slowly but surely, I started inheriting all these young men.

At that time they were all like 18,19 years-old, you know. They gravitated toward me. So that fired me up. These guys needed spiritual training and what got me the most is that as years went by, I started meeting their parents.

They always introduced me as ‘Pops.’”

With a new name, a new career, a new home, and a new “spiritual” family, Donald continues

The reason I feel that God put me in that circumstance was to fulfill his will.

- Donald Wilburn

to do all he can to offer others hope and love. His gift of “Uplifting people” transforms the exhausted workers in an ICU during the opening months of the Covid pandemic. He guides people into their new homes. And he gave this humble writer laughter and then peace.

But much like Samuel in the temple, Donald answered and followed the Lord’s will. For some, this might seem strange, the idea of a man in a successful career living in his home city to uproot himself and move to a city he didn’t know existed. But Donald had turned his life over to Christ.

“Jesus appeared to me in a dream that changed my life,” Donald said. “The Lord said to me that I could follow Satan and have everything I want or I can follow Him in everything else and my life will be permanent and have a life everlasting through Him.” Donald woke up the next morning as a changed man. He explained that before he was called, he had sold drugs and beaten up people. gainesvilleblackprofessionals.com

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Trey WomacK

I wanted to connect with people and be a resource to them.

- Trey Womack

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Trey WomacK

Trey WomacK Stick To The Plan

Story By:

Jen Hunsaker

T

his is Trey Womack’s drumbeat and heartbeat. It motivates him to stay his course and find creative ways to discover and manifest his purpose to lift the next generation of youth.

Originally from Philly— and like so many young men—Womack grew up with his eyes on the NFL. He played at the University of Virginia where he received a great education and even met his wife. Unfortunately, also like so many young men, the NFL dream didn’t quite work out.

He describes his transition stage as beautiful.

“I needed that low point, that rejection and depression, to reevaluate my

dreams and ambitions. It birthed my purpose.” It took him a year to learn that his purpose was to be a bridge between the people and their dreams. Womack’s been filling in the “how” ever since.

His purpose took him through a few jobs as a coach and with a company selling insurance. He quickly learned that his purpose superseded his actual role. “I wanted to connect with people and be a resource to them.”

His wife’s work took them both to the University of Florida (UF). Through LinkedIn, Womack connected with Erik Sander, an executive director from UF, to land his job with the College of Engineering as the Assistant Director of Extension and Outreach.

As Womack describes his

responsibilities and opportunities, it’s evident that this purpose has been reimagined and intensified within the Gainesville community.

Getting young people interested in math or even envisioning a future for themselves in engineering isn’t a solo effort, especially when supported by Dr. Cammy Abernathy’s (Dean of the College of Engineering) vision. Like an award show acceptance speech, Womack lists the veritable army he works with to inspire young, underserved kids to reimagine their future; Stephen Roberts, Dr. Kim Jacobs, Dr. Curtis Taylor, the phenomenal Dr. Juan Gilbert (aka, the Lebron James of computer science) and Joel Romelus . “[Growing up], I knew that I had resources and I needed to give [these kids] the same. I have full

autonomy to make things happen. By exposing young men to a different perspective, they’re inspired and that impact creates a spark so they want to learn how to learn.”

The ripples of 2020 have been refining ones for Gainesville and UF. Womack sees the shift into more diversity on campus and in high-paying programs. The message from the top down is clear: diversity of thought is only possible when there’s diversity in the student body. Womack gladly and energetically plays his part to bring in new thinkers.

“I’m not sure what legs [my work] will grow or if I’ll be holding the baton. I’m just sticking to my purpose, sticking to the plan to give the next generation a better shot.”

I needed that low point, that rejection and depression, to reevaluate my dreams and ambitions.

It birthed my purpose.

- Trey Womack

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