This is the fifteenth issue of AMPS Magazine, Ohio Edition. I wanted to take this time to congraulate A.M.P.S. (American-Minority People Succeeding) Cleveland franchise on a great job they are doing in the community in providing good stories and educating the community.
This is where Substance and Style meets Supreme Standards. Our mission is “superior application development through dedicated professionalism while maintaining a customer-centered focus to lead the industry in ideas and creative solutions”. Our events marketing and promotions department is designed to present positive entertainment and events that the Louisiana communities deserve.
We specialize in helping brands create a unique connection with consumers at our events as well as create an opportunity for you to meet other business owners, executives, present and future customers, and other socialites. Simply put, “We’re Accomplished By Making You Successful.”
Gerald D. Wright, CEO
about the publisher
Here at AMPS Ohio Magazine, I want to say Welcome to 2025 and tell you how much I appreciate every reader of AMPS Magazine. I hope you have enjoyed AMPS as much as we have enjoyed putting each issue together for you. During the course of 2024, I brought you Legendary Greats from around Ohio and also introduced you to several Living Legends. New melanated businesses, organizations and people of interest from across Ohio made their way into AMPS Magazine and in every issue, we put the spotlight on our missing and found children, and we also brought you the latest upcoming events.
This year makes three consecutive years of AMPS Ohio Magazine, and I thank you for your loyal support. In this issue, be sure to read the cover story on Charkia Campbell and support her business, be on the lookout for our missing youth and help bring them home. Take a moment to read the article on skiing and outdoor sports, as well as read up on a couple of extraordinary Youth. I stress the importance of supporting our local melanated businesses. February is Black History Month but here at AMPS we celebrate Black History in every
AMPS Ohio Magazine Publisher Romeo Barnes
Thank you for your continued support.
Extraordinary Youth
Across our country there are extraordinary youth who are doing extraordinary things . Our youth are utilizing their talents in many ways and in many areas. Here are a few of these talented youth.
The Trash Boys
The during summer of 2024, instead of sleeping in Brothers Andre Willis and Drevian Arrington (with the encourage of their mother) began cleaning up their neighborhood by picking up trash in Garfield Heights, Ohio. They also began taking trash to the curb on trash day for neighbors for a small fee. Since the start of their business they have been featured on the local news and their business increased, the community and organizations have reached out to help or collaborate. They have now become a LLC and started a website. They have increased the number of customers they have and will be hiring extra help. The community has helped with monetary gifts, weed whackers, gloves and more. This duo received the Citizens Award from the Mayor of Garfield and has not looked back. They will soon have a children’s book and cartoon about their adventures with trash. Be on the lookout for Andre and Drevian the “Trash Boys.”
DJ Lily Jade
This 10 year old South Euclid, Ohio youth began her journey as a DJ when she was 6 years old. During the pandemic DJ Lily and her father, who is a DJ began having DJ battles against each other and posting them online. By the end of the pandemic DJ Lily Jade was in high demand from spinning the turntables at events across the city, to the Cavs games. DJ Lily Jade had a following and soon found herself as a reporter for the Cavs Kids Club and interviewing sports figures to celebrities. Not only does DJ Lily Jade love spinning, she is a published
Since then DJ Lily Jade has been named to the Forbes Cleveland 30 under 30, received numerous awards and is hosting her own show, The Lily Jade Show on WOVU 95.9 FM on Saturdays. Be sure to listen in on this Extraordinary Youth.
author who’s self published her book titled “By the Book”. Lily Jade is also a Brand Ambassador for the Cleveland Public Library.
The Boss - Charkia Campbell
Charkia Campbell is a name well known around Ohio and beyond. The owner of the boutique and franchise HE LOVES CURVES, Charkia is always working to improve and enhance her business, inspire other entrepreneurs, encourage women and share her knowledge of the retail business. In business since 2014 this Cleveland native has proven what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
He Loves Curves caters to all women from size small to 6x. Charkia’s vision according to her website for He Loves Curves Boutique is to help women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin by providing fashionable products and services that cater to their needs.
A leader and visionary Charkia is a published author. Her book Thoughts of a Married Woman can be purchased on the He Loves Curves website; and for the entrepreneur in you Charkia founded the Here’s the Game business module to help you get to the next level. Her experience in retail and the fashion industry is exceptional. Not only has she participated in pitch competitions and won; she has built a reputable brand that is known for outstanding customer service, quality merchandise and attention to detail...not to mention great prices. Your able to shop at one of her locations or online.
Creating opportunity for others is one of many the things that Charkia does; at her Richmond location she introduced Vendettas Box which hosts up to 12 entrepreneurs and their products all in one location. This is ideal for businesses just starting out, or someone who has unique and one of a kind products.
Fresh off her “RIP THE RUNWAY” He Loves Curves Fashion Show, Charkia has hit the ground running in 2025. One of the biggest fashion events in Cleveland, Charkia has created a platform for designers, curvy models, boutiques and more to be introduced to those that love fashion. No show is the same and each year the show gets bigger and better. Every show Charkia donates a portion of the proceeds to a worthy cause from Lupus to Cancer.
A much sought after mentor, life coach, business coach and speaker; Charkia will be a part of a panel of entrepreneurs speaking on personal relationships and business and how to juggle both called Married to the Game on January 29th 2025. This wife, mother, entrepreneur, author, mentor and philanthropist knows how to balance it all. Look for great things from Charkia Campbell this year, AMPS is here to watch and support.
SCAN WITH PHONE
SCAN WITH PHONE
Whiskey, Bourbon and more…Uncle Nearest
Many melanated entrepreneurs are investing in the liquor or spirits business including best friends, athletes and celebrities. They are investing in bourbon, whiskey, tequila, rum, gin and more. Some of the top names have invested time and money into perfecting just the right blend that will suit your palate. Ciara has Caribbean rum brand Ten to One, LeBron has Lobos 1707 Tequila, Snoop has Indoggo Gin and the men from the Best Man franchise have launched Sable Bourbon/Whiskey to just name a few.
One of oldest Whiskey brands owned by a melanated entrepreneur is Uncle Nearest Whiskey. The founder and CEO of this billion dollar brand is self made millionaire Fawn Weaver. Uncle Nearest is the number 1 top selling whiskey in the USA owned by an African American, and the fastest growing American Whiskey brand in history. The name Uncle Nearest came from the true story of Nathan “Nearest” Green, who was a former slave who taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey.
Fawn who was a best selling author and tech entrepreneur, traveled to Lynchburg, Tennessee for her 40th birthday to write a book and movie about Nathan Green and perhaps produce a commemorative bottle of whiskey to honor him and has never looked back. This story of Nathan “ Uncle Nearest” Green captivated Fawn, inspired her and her husband to and relocated to Lynchburg, build a distillery to do things right. Fawn learned all she could about Green and his legacy from his family that was left in Lynchburg and the family of Jack Daniels. What better way to continue his legacy than to name the whiskey “Uncle Nearest”.
The brand was launched in 2017 and has exceeded expectations and established itself as a billion dollar brand in May 2024 according to Forbes.
Now 8 years later Uncle Nearest is the brand to beat, and Nathan “Uncle Nearest” Green legacy will continue with the help and guidance of Fawn Weaver.
Legendary Great
Garrett Morgan
Legendary Great Garrett Morgan was born Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr. on March 4, 1877 in Paris, Kentucky. Garrett’s parents were both freed slaves and his family consisted of 10 brothers and sisters. Garrett armed with only a 6th grade education relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio to look for work. Garrett found work as a handyman and soon found himself doing repair jobs. While in Cincinnati, Garrett began getting tutored to continue his education. Garrett moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1895 and started working as a sew machine repairman. Garrett’s first invention was a belt fastener and a zigzag attachment for a sewing machine. Little did Garrett know he had found his passion. Soon Garrett opened his own sewing machine shop, then began making inventions of his own. Garrett, along with his wife opened a clothing store; Morgan’s Cut Rate Ladies Clothing Store, where together they made coats, suits, dresses and more at cut rate prices.
Receiving his first patent in 1912. Garrett then started G. A. Morgan Hair Refining Company which included his invention of hair straightening cream, hair coloring, and a hair straightening comb. Garrett continued with his inventions and in 1914 Garrett got the patent for a breathing device or smoke hood which helped firefighter breath in a room full of smoke. This was demonstrated when Garrett helped rescue workers trapped in a water intake tunnel under Lake Erie. From this orders for Garrett’s smoke hood began to come in from fire houses across
Ohio. It wasn’t until years later that Garrett was even honored for his heroic act of rescuing the workers. Garrett cited this to racial prejudice.
Garrett then went on to invent one of his biggest inventions; the 3 light stop light. Which had red, yellow and green lights and moving stop and go signs. He sold this invention to GE for $40,000. The original stop light is still in the possession of his family in Ohio. The list of inventions by Garrett Morgan is extensive.
Garrett was also involved in his community Garrett helped to co-found the Cleveland Association of Colored Men in 1908, which merged with the Cleveland Chapter of the NAACP where he was treasurer. Garrett founded the newspaper, The Call which later merged and became the Cleveland Call and Post. Garrett also purchased a farm in Wakeman Ohio and built the Wakeman Country Club that was open to our melanated people when no others in the area were opening their doors to us.
This husband, father, inventor, entrepreneur, community leader… this Legendary Great passed away on July 27th 1963 and is buried at the historical Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio. Garrett Morgan’s legacy helped shaped the world as we know it with his many inventions and contributions to the community. AMPS Magazine Thanks You.
Legendary Great
Nikki Giovanni
This Legendary Great was born Yolande Cornelia “Nikki” Giovanni Jr. ( named after her mother) on June 7th 1943, in Knoxville Tennessee. Her parents Yolande and Jones Giovanni relocated the family which also included her sister Gary to Ohio., but Nikki returned to Knoxville sometime later to live with her grandmother. Nikki had a great love for reading and writing and while in high school Nikki was allowed to attend Fisk University before she graduated high school. She had some conflict while there and did not complete her studies right away but returned at the encouragement of a new Dean. Nikki continued her studies in New York and upon the death of her grandmother, Nikki began writing poetry, her poetry book Black Feeling Black Talk included poems she wrote while grieving the loss of her grandmother as well as what was going on in the world for melanated people. Little did Nikki know that she was on the road to becoming one of the greatest poets in the world.
Nikki continued writing not only poetry, but essays, children’s literature and more. This Legendary Great wrote on black love and became one of the most sought after poets of our time, not only in the melanated communities but around the world. Nikki was a mother, poet, writer, activist, commentator and
teacher. Nikki achieved greatness by being very open about black life. Nikki won many awards and honors throughout her career including The Langston Hughes Award, NAACP Award, the Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award and even a Grammy Award to name a few. There have been Documentaries about Nikki’s Life and work. Nikki is one of highest quoted poets and her contribution to American Literature is beyond amazing. Nikki went on to become a Professor at Virginia Tech from 1987 until her retirement in 2022. Nikki Giovanni lost her battle with lung cancer on December 9th 2024. Leaving behind a staggering legacy that will last a life time. This Legendary Great will not be forgotten.
May 24-25, 2025
Who said we don’t ski?
This one is for all of our winter babies that enjoy the cold winter months and still go out on an adventure in spite of the weather. There are many winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, ice skating and more.
It’s a myth that our melanated people don’t ski. One of oldest African American Ski Clubs is The Jim Dandy Ski Club founded in 1958. It was the first African American Ski Club in the United States and possibly the world according to their website. Located in Detroit, Michigan the purpose of this club is to “Promote the sport of skiing/snowboarding among minority youth and adults. Enhance the sport of skiing/snowboarding through community
involvement, group participation and educational seminars.” Skiing and snowboarding is just a little of what this club does.
It has been reported that out of all of the people that ski only 1.5 % of them are melanated. It had been thought that this sport like many winter sports were only for the privileged. There have been break through athletes who have went to the Winter Olympics such as Seba Johnson who was the first melanated female to compete in Olympic Skiing and Errol Kerr who represented Jamaica in the sport. Another winter sport that our melanated athletes are excelling in is snowboarding. The first melanated professional snowboarder was Russell Winfield in the 90’s. Today there are young snowboarder like Zeb Powell and Brian Rice Jr. who have taken snowboarding to new heights.
Feeling adventurous? There are several melanated Ski Clubs in Ohio that offer lessons and trips for our youth as well as families. These clubs also offer more than just winter sports here are a few:
Inner City Ski Club, the oldest African American Ski Club in Ohio is located in Cleveland, Esprit Ski and Sports Club, located in Cleveland. and Corbeau Ski Club, located in Cincinnati
Take a moment this winter and try something new.
MISSING CHILDREN
Let’s continue to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to finding our missing children Children across the nation continues to disappear. It takes all of us to bring them home safely.
Let’s do our part.
Living Legend
Barnes is an Ohio Living Leg end. From an early age Romeo, who is a natural born entrepreneur, realized it was important to be his own boss.. Romeo’s entrepreneur spirit don’t fall far from the tree. Both of Romeo parents Marlene and Andrew Barnes, had that same spirit and encouraged and supported Romeo in whatever their son chose to do. Romeo became one of the best promoters in the city, organizing and hosting everything from Award Shows to talent shows all before Romeo was 25. Romeo opened Lavishheelz a brick and mortar shoe store that specialized in high quality women shoes.
In 2012, Romeo started the organization Youth & Unity Stop the Violence. What began as a community cleanup with a group of youth has grown into one of the most amazing youth organizations in the city. Youth & Unity works with children 5 years old to 22 years old. Romeo also has Youth & Unity Water with a cause, a portion of every bottle sold is donated to cancer research. Romeo’s love of community and the youth continues to keep him motivated to do more. To date Romeo has hosted over 150 events, programs, trips, summits, classes, giveaways and more… all without a 501c3 and free to families for 12 years. Romeo never slows down giving or motivating others. Romeo started Miles with Marlene to honor his mother and to help the community because there are catastrophes everyday in every neighborhood. Miles with Marlene is a tour of Cleveland and the surrounding neighborhoods with trucks and U-Hauls giving away household items, toiletries, clothing and more. This brings organizations across the city together to collaborate and distribute the items to families.
Romeo started his
Wine is an array of fruit flavored wines that leaves you wanting more without that bloated feeling. Romeos list of businesses includes The Barnes Family Honey and one of the biggest sellers is his Honey & Ginger jars of Honey.
Romeo is also the publisher of AMPS Ohio Magazine. Bringing Melanated news, articles, information, local and national ads, showcases local businesses, entrepreneurs, people of interest, and features profiles of missing children in every issue and more.
Romeo never gives up or slows down and is a mentor to many. Romeo is always willing to collaborate with others to help build relationships and businesses in our communities. Recently Romeo premiered his first Documentary ‘Blue Print to Entrepreneurship’ and is working on his 2nd documentary. Romeo has two plays that will be in production this year, The Love of A Mother for her Son and Youth without a Voice. Romeo is a true visionary with no signs of stopping. Romeo Barnes is an Ohio Living Legend.
own wine company Lavish Wine in 2016, his best seller Foxy
