2022 January Michigan Bigger and Better Business Magazine

"Happy New Year!"

Issue #5 January 2022 Special Double Cover Issue

BRO. DARNELL BLACKBURN PUBLIC SPEAKER EXTRAORDINAIRE

PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC.

MICHIGAN

BIGGER AND BETTER BUSINESS

PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC.

"The Bold and Blutiful" Sigma-Zeta Power Couples

MICHIGAN

BIGGER AND BETTER BUSINESS

MICHIGAN BIGGER & BETTER BUSINESS

GOMAB

Lambda Gamma Chapter Central Michigan University

Xi Beta Sigma Detroit Alumni Chapter

Dear Michigan Sigma Brothers We are still in a COVID-19 Pandemic!

Please follow all CDC Safety Guidelines and Fraternity Protocols

CONGRATULATIONS BRO. ATTY. KENNETH WATKINS

Kzoo family publishes books that highlight children of color KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A family from Kalamazoo is working to promote diversity and inclusion by taking on the task themselves: the goal is to normalize seeing people of color in children’s books.

“If you have a passion about something, if you have the ability to do something, there’s no reason to prevent you or restrict you from chasing your dream at any age,” said David Baker.

It’s a topic coming to the forefront this year: representation.

“We’re not only impacting our children by having this business but that we’re also impacting other children and other families that may look like us or may not look like us,” said Teresa Baker.

The Bakers founded the publishing company Brown Boy Brown Girl, LLC. Teresa Baker wrote the book “Josie‘s Bedazzled Shoes,” along with producing other education materials that feature children of color.

They say they believe a lot of the division within our country stems from people not knowing each other well enough.

“People of color are not a threat, so when they are no longer cute, they become 20 or 30-years-old, we don’t want society looking at our kids or children of color as a threat,” said Teresa Baker.

The Bakers are working to change that narrative.

“Our children are gifted. They’re young and they’re talented and I want that message to be out there as well for children of color to know,” said Teresa Baker.

The Bakers also say they don’t want people to think the books are only for children of color. Rather, they’re for everyone.

More information about Brown Boy Brown Girl, LLC can be found at brownboybrowngirl.com.

Source:www.woodtv.com

BRO. DAVID J. BAKER AND WIFE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR NEW BOOKS

MICHIGAN BBB | FALL 2021

New Michigan BBB Website Coming Soon!

WWW.MIPBSBBB.COM Thank you to our website sponsor Bro. Sterling Massey Massey Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. A State Farm Agency - Grand Rapids

Pi Rho Sigma Detroit Alumni Chapter

CONGRATULATIONS BRO. JUDGE EDWARD EWELL, JR.

1970S DELTA RHO CHAPTER FRATERNITY HOUSE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN ANN ARBOR, MI

BRO. TERRANCE GIBSON INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR OF ​ IGGER AND BETTER BUSINESS B

MICHIGAN BBB STATEWIDE SMALL BUSINESS COHORT & PITCH COMPETITION

COMING IN 2022!

"i am black and" Clothing line

Created by Bro. Chris Scott

BRO. CHRIS SCOTT’S CLOTHING BRAND “I’M BLACK AND” LAUNCHES ITS FIRST UPLIFTING AND STYLISH COLLECTION The messages that are worn on clothing can help energize communities.

“I’m Black And” is built around this principle, offering great fashion with a powerful, positive message. October 21, 2020. There’s no shortage of negative stereotypes about black people in America and the impact this carries is a heavy one. One way to help change this is for black owned and focused businesses to present a more constructive, uplifting message.

That’s the foundation of the exciting new clothing brand “I’m Black And” who recently announced the launch of its debut collection and first design. The brand showcases the positive within the black community, by allowing people to represent and celebrate that positivity, in a way that's unique to them. Not surprisingly, the enthusiasm surrounding the new brand is high and rising. “I'm Black And is about putting forth a counter narrative to all the negative stereotypes and stigmas about the black community,” commented Chris Scott, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and Founder and CEO of I'm Black And. “Our brand allows people to represent the positive aspects about the black community that are unique to them, through our apparel.” The first design being featured on the “I’m Black And” online store is the “I'm Black & An Educated Voter” shirt, which is available for a limited time only. According to the brand, this will be followed by a new weekly design leading up to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. The one thing all designs will share, is their message of empowerment for the black community, the absolute focus point and purpose of the community-conscious brand. The early feedback for “I’m Black And” has been totally supportive. Shavonne Rupert, recently said in a five-star review, “I am very happy to have found this company. It is a great message and so positive!” For more information and to order be sure to visit https://imblackand.net. About I’m Black And The ‘I'm Black And’ brand was created to be a positive representation of the black community.

There are so many negative stereotypes, stigmas, and statistics about black people. We wanted to create a brand to showcase the positive within the black community, by allowing people to represent and celebrate that positivity, in a way that's unique to them. Although our community has challenges, there is a lot to be celebrated and we want to be a part of the celebration.

Media Contact Chris Scott info@imblackand.net 313-268-9710

Bro. Steven Yates Chapter of initiation: Delta Kappa Michigan State University

"A Michigan Sigma Brother doing incredible Bigger & Better Business programming in Georgia" GOMAB

Xi Beta Sigma Detroit Alumni Chapter

Orchid Ball 1980s

Bro. Sterling Massey Alpha Rho Sigma Grand Rapids Alumni Chapter

DETROIT ALUMNI BROTHERS' ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE PARTY

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Bro. Dr. Reginald Kirkland, Founder Zeta Tau Sigma Detroit Alumni Chapter

ZETA GAMMA SIGMA SAGINAW ALUMNI CHAPTER BROTHERS DURING THE 2021 HOLIDAY SEASON

HISTORY

OF BIGGER & BETTER BUSINESS(BBB) As told by Dr. I.L. Scruggs (excerpts from Our Cause Speeds On): "Philadelphia, 1924, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity 'arrived'. We had a mob of people at this Conclave.

There were representatives from twenty-eight chapters -and all the trimmings. The introduction of the Bigger and Better Negro Business idea was made by way of an exhibit devoted to this topic.

The Bigger and Better Negro Business idea was first tested in 1924 with an imposing exhibition in Philadelphia. This was held in connection with the Conclave. Twenty-five leading Negro Businesses sent statements and over fifty sent exhibits. The whole show took place in the lobby of the YMCA. Several thousand visitors seemed to have been impressed. The response was so great that the 1925 Conclave in Richmond, Virginia voted unanimously to make Bigger and Better Negro Business the public program of the Fraternity, and it has been so ever since."

Phi Beta Sigma believes that the improvement and economic conditions of minorities is a major factor in the improvement of the general welfare of society. It is upon this conviction that the Bigger and Better Business Program rests. Since 1926, the Bigger and Better Business Program has been sponsored on a national scale by Phi Beta Sigma as a way of supporting, fostering, and promoting minority owned businesses and services.

The Bigger and Better Business serves as an umbrella for other national initiatives involving business. The program's goals include supporting minority businesses, increasing communication with sigma brothers involved with business, and instilling sound business principles and practices to members of the community. Project S.E.E.D. (Sigma Economic Empowerment Development) is the foremost Bigger and Better Business Program. The program was developed to help the membership focus on two important areas: Financial Management and Home ownership.

Bro. Ime Ekpenyong, Ph.D. was born in Harlem, NY on November 12, 1977, and at the age of 3, he relocated back to Nigeria. Bro. Ekpenyong moved back to the US in 1993 to further his education. He has a BSc from the Ohio State University, an MBA from Capital University, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Management from Capella University. Bro. Ekpenyong’s professional experience includes many years in the Pharmacy Benefits Management (“PBM”) industry. His entrepreneurial achievements include a janitorial firm, a marketing consulting firm dedicated to helping small business start-ups, and Kola Restaurant & Lounge, a Michigan-based ethnic restaurant highlighting African/Caribbean food & music. In addition, Bro. Ekpenyong served as an Adjunct Faculty professor at the University of Riverside, California & Cleary University. Bro. Ekpenyong served as the president of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, Michigan Chapter, and belongs to several Non Profit groups focused on helping improve the lives of people of African & Caribbean descent in the US, and abroad. Bro. Ekpenyong is blessed with a beautiful wife and 3 handsome boys. Bro. Ekpenyong pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. at Delta Omicron Chapter, The Ohio State University.

ScriptGuideRX, Inc (SGRX) is a privately-owned, Minority Corporation providing Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) services to private and public entities nationwide, including Self-funded organizations and Government programs. They offer competitive pharmacy network discounts, rebate management support, retire drug subsidy support, and the capacity to align fee structure with customers’ needs including Per Member Per Month guarantees.

In addition to its PBM services, they also provide Third Party Administration, Insurance Benefit Management, 340B Administration, Medication Therapy Management, and Consulting. SGRX is also the only PBM certified by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council as a Minority Business Enterprise.

SIGMA EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Bro. Ime Ekpenyong Ph.D. is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at ScriptGuideRX, Inc.

MICHIGAN BBB | FALL 2021

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NU ALPHA SIGMA CHAPTER'S VERY SUCCESSFUL BBB BLACK SPEND EVENT The Burn and Bourbon was a Black Spend networking event hosted by the BBB committee of NAS. We wanted to find a way to allow like-minded individuals to gather together and network amongst each other while enjoying some of the things they enjoy most. The concept of the event was to find a blackowned venue and black-owned vendors and bring them in one location where they can advertise their business while also making a profit to help support the local business community.

Simultaneously, the individuals who attended the event, via ticket purchase, would be given the chance to exchange business cards, engage in meaningful conversation, and be provided an opportunity to spotlight their business or support another. Over $2000 was spent among the businesses there.

The vendors and venue included the following: Le Crepe Royal Oak, Boss Bar Mobile Bartending, Coach’s Series Mobile Cigar, and DJ Qu4d – Mobile DJ.

Network with Sigma Men from around the world

www.sigmabusiness.org

PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. GENERAL BOARD

SIGMA BBB SPOTLIGHT

Bro. Darnell Blackburn, gives a Powerful & Motivational TEDx Talk Watch

our

Fraternity

Brother

Darnell

Blackburn, a Motivational Speaker, give a powerful talk during the 2021 TEDx Detroit this fall. GOMAB https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX_sApgYi9I

Bro. Darnell Blackburn is the Founder & CEO, PRAT International. Bro. Blackburn is a veteran law enforcement professional serving as a Police Officer and Law Enforcement Specialist. He has helped develop curriculum and led training for departments throughout Michigan. He is an adjunct professor at Macomb Community College, as well as the CEO

of

PRAT

International

where

he

facilitates training on implicit bias, verbal deescalation, stress management, and more. He earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Michigan State University and his MBA from the University of Phoenix. Bro. Blackburn crossed at Delta Kappa at Michigan State University.

SIGMA COLLEGIATE FLASHBACK

1989 Lambda Gamma Chapter Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI

PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY, INC. FUTURE NEW INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WASHINGTON, D.C.

Bro. Sheldon T. Banks, Iota Beta Sigma Flint Alumni Chapter, new Funeral Home in Pontiac, MI

SIGMA BROTHER BBB CAREER SPOTLIGHT Bro. Principal Marty Bulger

BLACK SPEND INITIATIVE

Why is capturing Black Spend important?

A dollar spends 28 days circulating in the Asian community; 19 days in the Jewish community; 17 days in predominately WASP communities; and 7 days in Hispanic communities. A dollar circulates for only 6 hours in the black community. In other words, when a Black person earns a dollar it is typically not spent with a Black-owned business. 99% of our $1.3 trillion buying power is spent outside of our community. Blacks spend less money in Black-owned businesses than other racial and ethnic groups spend in businesses owned by members outside of their groups. By changing nothing, nothing happens.

How can we become a Change Agent?

While we continue to assist Black-Owned businesses with development, promotion, and growth we are adding another layer that will document our Black Spend. The goal of this document is to assist our chapters from the International, Regional and State levels on how to effectively implement our Black Spend Initiative. As we promote, and patronize these businesses with our financial support we will document the spend. Black Spend dollars spent individually or collectively by the Chapters, Regions, and International levels will roll up to include a TOTAL Spend. Chapters will have the ability to insert this Black Spend Initiative amount on their PIA’s going forward. Ideas to promote, patronize and capture Black Spend As a team we have listed below a few ways in which your chapters can effectively implement this initiative.

Ideas to promote, patronize and capture Black Spend

As a team we have listed below a few ways in which your chapters can effectively implement this initiative.

Chapters should identify Black-owned businesses in the communities they serve, and be challenged to spend a specific amount of Chapter funds in the implementation of periodic Sigma events, activities and programs.

A process to capture individual, and collective Black Spend will need to be developed at each level. +Each Chapter will have to designate an individual to record/document Black Spend. +Once documented at each level the Black Spend amount will roll up with a total Black Spend. +Each Chapter can designate (any number) a specific Black Business for the Chapter to patronize for that Month. Those funds spent are to be documented/communicated back to the Chapter brother who is the keeper of record of Black Spend. +Brothers (individually)upon patronizing any Black Business can record document/communicate back to their Chapter brother who is the keeper of record of Black Spend. +Each Chapter will have the ability to capture, and record Black Spend totals on PIA’s.

The recording of BLACK SPEND can be initially added to the CSAF as bonus points until a full BLACK SPEND program has been outlined and approved --- Chapters can receive a specific amount of points for a specific amount of recorded BLACK SPEND, or by hosting BLACK SPEND educational activities.

MICHIGAN SIGMA BLACK SPEND Bro. Ron Charles, MD Alpha Alpha Beta Sigma, Metropolitan Detroit Alumni Chapter

Good Cakes and Bakes 19363 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221 https://goodcakesandbakes.com/

Bro. Shaun Drone and his wife team up to bring a new physical fitness center to downtown Farmington Shaun Drone was around 40 years old when he decided it was time to make a change. An engineer and project manager in the automotive industry by day and a DJ whenever time allows, Shaun was also an athlete in college, having graduated from the University of Akron. But as his professional and family life progressed, Shaun admits that he may have let his athletic side slip a little. A confluence of events not only got him back in shape but on track to become an entrepreneur, too. Now Shaun and his wife Isabel are preparing the opening of their own F45 Training franchise in downtown Farmington, a new group training and fitness center on track to open in January 2022. “This was my idea but she’s really the brains and motor pushing the ship,” Shaun Drone says of his wife, Isabel. “One day I saw a photo of myself with a belly sticking out and I said, that’s not the guy that played D1 basketball in college. I wanted to give horseback rides to my kids without my back hurting for two days after, to run around with them in the backyard for more than three minutes without getting winded,” Shaun says. “I got motivated to get back in shape when I was around 40 years old and now I’m in the best shape of my life.” It might be hard to believe that Shaun was ever out of shape, given his drive. In addition to his professional life in the automotive industry, where he’s currently a Project Chief at Stellantis, Shaun has run his own DJ business for well over a decade, providing music for events throughout the region.

After being hired to DJ fitness classes at a different F45 Training location, the instructor told Shaun to put on a playlist and join the class. The F45 fitness regimen utilizes both circuit- and HIIT-style workouts in team settings, with instructors, video screens, and energetic music combining to get the most out of a group, and all in relatively short amounts of time. In F45 Training, the “F” stands for functional; the goal is to burn 750 calories per 45-minute session. It was such a positive experience for Shaun that he began researching franchise SPONSORED BY opportunities, leading him to build out a storefront in downtown Farmington. “It’s all about balance, managing stress. We learned how important that was during the height of the pandemic,” Shaun says. “We want to be the foundation of a 360-approach, including mind, body, and spirit.” Work is currently underway at their building in Farmington. Shaun hopes for a January 2022 opening date but, as he says, he doesn’t have a concrete date for the opening because shipping companies don’t have concrete dates for delivery. Like many an industry, the materials and equipment he needs are caught up in the supply chain tie-ups currently gripping the country. In the meantime, Shaun and his wife Isabel — “This was my idea but she’s really the brains and motor pushing the ship,” he says — are out and about downtown, performing community outreach, drumming up interest in their new venture. There was an initial event earlier this month and Shaun hopes for another around Thanksgiving. The partners in life and business are also reaching out to neighboring businesses, looking to form relationships with other business owners in the health and wellness industries. It’s a lot to balance — family, work, music, starting a new business — but physical fitness has helped with that, too. “My children are what motivate me,” Shaun says. “In order to operate optimally mentally, you have to be operating optimally physically.” Visit F45 Training online for the latest updates on their build-out, forthcoming opening, membership info, and more.

Source: Second Wave Media - Metro Detroit

F45 HIGHMEADOW

33019 GRAND RIVER, FARMINGTON, MI 48336

(313) 886-1600 * https://f45training.com/highmeadow/home

Bigger and Better Business defined: Bigger and Better Business serves as an umbrella for all initiatives involving business and financial growth. The program’s goals include supporting minority businesses, increasing communication with Sigma brothers involved with business, and instilling sound business principles and practices to our communities. Please note that fund raising events are not considered BBB programming

BBB Programs and Structure Project S.E.E.D. (Sigma Economic Empowerment Development) is the foremost Bigger and Better Business Program. The program was developed to help the membership focus on three important areas: *Financial Management & Home ownership *Economic Empowerment *Project VITA/Tax Awareness

The Sigma Business Initiatives (SBI) The SBI purpose is to provide networking, educational well-being, wealth building and advocacy support to Phi Beta Sigma men who are business owners and/or entrepreneurs. This initiative focuses on pooling resources to create a collaborative force in improving the quality of life in our communities through: *Wealth creation and economic empowerment *Support and Promotion of Minority/Black Owned Businesses (Adopt-ABusiness) *The Sigma Business Network *The Jopwell Career Advancement Program, *The Phi Beta Sigma Credit Union *The Billboard Jackson *Entrepreneurial Development Grant Program. *The Men’s Wearhouse Dress for Success/Interview Preparation Financial literacy programming is a central tool used in each of these areas.

Great Lakes S.E.A.L. (Sigma Experience/Activation List) is a Great Lakes Region Pilot Program which serves all 4 National Programs and the Director of Collegiate Affairs.

S.E.A.L. is a managed database of who our membership is, what each member does professionally, and what level of involvement he is interested in committing to helping our network in his area of expertise. The SEAL survey takes about 5 minutes to complete. It asks for each Brother’s: Contact information Current and previous profession(s) Answers to the 3 following questions: Are you willing to mentor an undergrad brother entering your field?

Are you willing to consult with a minority business without charge?

Are you willing to speak at seminars held by your or other chapters?

Jopwell Career Enrollment Period (October thru December) Jopwell operates an online interactive employment opportunity platform that connects minority job candidates with potential employers.

Through Jopwell Service, collegiate Sigma brothers can view marketing pages of partner companies containing information about the partner companies, available roles, video content and other marketing materials. Collegiate Sigma brothers will access this online to and register for access to the Jopwell partner companies. Brothers will be required to do the following: Register on-line via https://www.jopwell.com/campaign/phibetasigma · Upload a current resume to your profile · Research and identify partner companies of interests · Leverage the numerous tools and skills that Jopwell has to offer · Interview Skills · Preparing for the Interview · Dressing for the Interview The program recommends that Sigma brothers enroll into Jopwell during the Fall semester (October through December). Although, enrollment can be done outside of this window, this enrollment period is the most effective in securing internships and jobs for the spring and summer months.

CONNECT WITH MICHIGAN BBB

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Michigan -Sigma-BBB-131142715350697 GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_gro up/60904154/X615SSFG Twitter: Coming soon!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/PBS Michigan BBB Network State of Michigan www.facebook.com/Phi-BetaSigma-Fraternity-IncMichigan-Sigmas1021692171288892/ Great Lakes Region www.pbsgreatlakes.org/great lakes Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. www.phibetasigma1914.org www.facebook.com/pbs1914

Nu Alpha Sigma Alumni Chapter Detroit, MI

Michigan Bigger & Better Business Co-Champions Bro. Sterling Massey (E-mail: sterlsdm11@gmail.com) Bro. Warren S. Galloway, Jr. (E-mail: mkdconsulting@aol.com)

NEXT QUARTERLY ISSUE The next issue of the Michigan BBB magazine will be published in April 2022. If you have Bigger and Better Business information or an article to submit, please e-mail Bro. Warren S. Galloway, Jr. at mkdconsulting@aol.com.

Open an account today @ www.pbsfcu.org

Shop Blu Culture @ www.bluculturecollections.com

YOU NEED A MORTGAGE? Bro. Michael James Xi Beta Sigma Detroit Alumni Chapter

PAGE 1

MICHIGAN SIGMA HISTORY

DID YOU KNOW A SIGMA BROTHER (DELTA RHO CHAPTER) OWNS THE FORMER HOME OF SOJOURNER TRUTH? BRO. STEPHEN ROBINSON, MD 327 CAPITAL AVE NE, BATTLE CREEK, MI 49017

Frater Des & Soror Nicole Pennington

Michigan's Sigma-Zeta Power Couples

FRATER LIYONGO & SOROR SHANTA TOLIN

Dr. & Dr. Tolin www.reallygreatsite.com

Frater Mikal & Soror Katrina Ansari

A Zeta Lady & Her Sigma Man

"They understood the Assignment!"

F R A T E R

S O R O R

J O S E

&

D A N I E L L E

D O R S E Y

ite h W & e . Blu s r M & .

Mr

NOMADIC | 24

THE ROYAL COURT! "THEY ARE BLEEDING BLUE & WHITE"

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Michigan Bigger & Better Business