Business Journal 151

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance

March 2020

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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151st Edition

Dave “SupaDave” Nelson

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HIS COMMUNITY 12

INSIDE

04 Comerica Bank Names Vanessa Reed Regional External Affairs Manager

20 2020 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

10 First African-American Woman Appointed To Port Of Houston Authority Board

THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH ONE STEP

The first step into changing your life is making a decision to invest in yourself. Dreams are often delayed due to the of lack of funds or direction.

SupaDave Investorâ„¢ will provide you with the tools you need to take action now and make your financial situation better.

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12808 W. Airport Blvd | Sugar Land, TX 77478 | supadaveinvestor@gmail.com @ Dave Nelson

March 2020 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur? Have you supported your locally-owned African American business? Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities?

Questions to think about and actions to take.

This month’s issue highlights Dave Nelson, owner and founder of Just Home Buyers, LLC, Prestige Development Group, LLC and Supa Dave Investors, LLC. Nelson is back

Port of Houston

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

We are the change that we seek.”

METRO

— Barack Obama

City of Houston

in the Hiram Clarke community, where he grew up, with a mission to put black leadership and community redevelopment in motion.

After a brief career in construction with his father, Nelson found his true calling, real estate investment. He has used his special knack for finding great deals on properties to redevelopment his community and bring in local, black-owned businesses, businesses with will keep money in the community, add to the familyoriented environment and continue making it a vibrant and safe community.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

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HUB

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CONTENTS

OUR SERVICES

PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.

04 Business 04 Comerica Bank Names Vanessa Reed Regional External Affairs Manager

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

05 Community 05 Opportunities for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Flourish in Precinct 2 08 2020 Metamorphosis Conference Undeniably Different 10 First African-American Woman Appointed To Port of Houston Authority Board 13 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack

14

ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa

12­,29 Cover Story 12,29 “SupaDave” Nelson Making a Difference In His Community

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford

12

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter

18 Health 18 National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 20 Glitches with Becoming Human 20 From Seed to Supplement: Behind the Label 22 Sisters Network, Inc. 10th Annual Stop the Silence Walk and 5K

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Adrian Garcia LJ Garfield Dr. Carlie Bell-Biggins Roger Caldwell

06 In the Business Community…

06 Carnivale Mystique-Mardi Gras Gala 09 Greater Houston Black Chamber 2nd Tuesday with the Chamber 30 Mayor’s Proclamation to MR. D-MARS 32 7th Annual City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony

DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden

18

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• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

34 Technology 34 COMMENTARY: Building A Powerful Black Media Based on Human Rights

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4 | March 2020 BUSINESS

Comerica Bank Names Vanessa Reed Regional External Affairs Manager By d-mars.com News Provider

C

omerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) has promoted Vanessa T. Reed to Regional External Affairs Manager reporting to Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford Jr. In this role, Reed will oversee external affairs operations in Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Texas. Her team of six will continue to work closely with the bank’s nonprofit partners as well as other key stakeholders in the respective markets Comerica Bank serves; with a primary focus on financial education initiatives and programs for children and adults as well as economic / community development for programs that promote and enhance opportunities for low-and moderate-income families and communities through: job creation training, readiness and retention; neighborhood/community revitalization and business development; small business training and development; and affordable housing advocacy and development.

“Vanessa’s increasing responsibilities in external affairs and the strong community relationships she’s built over the years, coupled with her banking background has prepared her for this opportunity,” said Ashford.

“Under Vanessa’s leadership, her team is well-positioned to deliver on Comerica’s Promise of raising expectations in the communities we serve.”

Reed joined Comerica Bank in 2000 as a credit specialist in the commercial real estate division, and most recently served as the Texas External Affairs Manager, which included the bank’s corporate headquarters market of Dallas as well as Austin, Fort Worth, Kerrville, Houston and San Antonio.

Her civic and community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for Change Happens and the Fort Bend Church’s Accounting Team Ministry.

In addition, Reed is a member of the leadership advisory committee for Houston Money Week and the Houston Metropolitan Continental Societies, Inc. board.

Reed is a recognized leader and serves as a subject matter expert on community development and engagement in both Texas and her home state Louisiana.

She’s received several honors since beginning her career at Comerica Bank, including being named to D-mar Business Journal’s Top 30 Influential Women of Houston list, the Chatman Women’s Foundation 2017 Inaugural PowHer Play Award and This Woman’s Work 2018 Community Advocate Award.

A graduate of University of New Orleans, Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in accounting.

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Source: Comerica

March 2020 | 5 COMMUNITY

Opportunities for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses Flourish in Precinct 2

By Adrian Garcia Contributing Writer

H

arris County, TX— During his first year in office, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner, Adrian Garcia set a goal to create additional opportunities for minority, women, small and disadvantaged businesses (MWSDBEs). With that goal in mind, the Precinct 2 Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) was established to create a competitive and diverse environment to promote the growth and success of historically underutilized businesses through meaningful participation in the county procurement process.

“When I came in to office, I wanted to strengthen the local economy of Precinct 2. One of the best ways is to make sure ALL businesses get an opportunity to do work with the county. Being a MWSDBE is a strength, not a weakness, and when we empower local businesses to compete for county contracts, we create a better Precinct 2 for everyone,” said Commissioner Garcia.

In calendar year 2019, Precinct 2 dramatically increased MWSDBE participation. Over the total of more than $60 million paid out to all firms doing work in Precinct 2, more

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than $23 million of that business went to MWSDBEcertified firms (38.6%).

Commissioner Garcia has tasked the Precinct 2 Purchasing Department to develop aggressive internal vendor outreach efforts on all contract, including small purchases under $50,000.

Those efforts include training sessions for businesses to learn how to get certified as MWSDBEs, social media outreach, to cold calling already certified MWSDBEs and other businesses located within Precinct 2.

“I don’t want our MWSDBE efforts to be ‘business-as-usual’ so I tasked my team to track payments to contractors, rather than just commitments. All too often, I’ve seen these commitments left unfulfilled, and I believe the true measure of success for a program like this is in the actual funds being paid to certified firms,” Commissioner Garcia said.

Precinct 2 personnel implemented the new vendor outreach efforts on March 1, 2019 for the start of Fiscal Year 2020. Thus far, these efforts have far exceeded all expectations.

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In the Business Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Carnivale Mystique-Mardi Gras Gala The Delta Education and Charitable Foundation held its Annual Scholarship Fundraiser with this year’s theme being a Carnivale MystiqueMardi Gras Gala. Held at the Houston Marriott Westchase, the evening was full of dinner,

dancing, vendors and photo booths. DECF is nonprofit organization established to support youth in the Houston area through educational programs, projects and scholarships.

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March 2020 | 7

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8 | March 2020 COMMUNITY

2020 Metamorphosis Conference UNDENIABLY DIFFERENT By d-mars.com News Provider

I

n 2001, Pastor Mia Wright, executive director of Metamorphosis Inc., realized there was need for a conference that would really impact women, one that would help them change in their spiritual and home lives. So, through the church she was a part of, The Fountain of Praise, she launched her own conference, the Metamorphosis Women’s Conference.

“I got together with a group of women and said, ‘hey let’s do this,’” Pastor Mia said. “But I wanted to work it around the concept of the transformation being a lifelong change. So, we had to ask ‘what does that look like? What do those changes entail?’ It had to be relational as well as spiritual and educational.”

Today, the conference attracts more than 2,000 attendees per year. The theme of the 2020 conference is “Undeniably Different.” The Metamorphosis conference entails components such as empowerment seminars that focus on career, health and sex trafficking awareness, compassion programs and an international part of

the organization. International attendees include those they have connected with from hosting other conferences in South Africa, Columbia and Brazil.

This year’s special guests include Cheryl Brady, a leading female figure in Christian community and a part of Potter’s House, a ministry of T.D. Jakes and Tiffany Andrews, a gospel artist from BET’s Sunday Best.

On the Monday following the conference, the Metamorphosis Compassion Project takes place. This is a day of action that encourages all attendees to do something to pay it forward. Fifty women come in from local shelters and are provided with professional makeup artists and stylists to give makeovers. The women also receive gift bags, learn practical financial tips, get help building a resume and learn to dress for success.

Metamorphosis means change, a change that is marked by something that has been transformed and shows how lives can grow, change and be seen. Ladies who attend this conference can undergo their own Metamorphosis and become undeniably different and greater versions of themselves.

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March 2020 | 9

In the Business Community…

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Greater Houston Black Chamber 2nd Tuesday with the Chamber The Greater Houston Black Chamber hosted their monthly 2nd Tuesday with the Chamber luncheon recently. This month’s Community Spotlight was d-mars.com. The

Community Spotlight is an opportunity to showcase community initiatives, events and opportunities. Mayor Sylvester was this month’s featured guest speaker.

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10 | March 2020 COMMUNITY

First African-American Woman Appointed To Port of Houston Authority Board By d-mars.com News Provider

H

OUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston City Council voted yesterday to approve the nomination of Cheryl Creuzot to serve as a member of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

Creuzot, a highly respected business and civic leader, will be the first AfricanAmerican female port commissioner in the nearly 116 year history once she is sworn in.

"I am confident Cheryl Creuzot will be outstanding as Port Commissioner and that she will be a uniter for the community," said Mayor Sylvester Turner. "She brings a breadth of experience to her new role and I'm pleased to be a part of this historic moment."

"I look forward to working diligently.

I am not only proud, but understand the immense responsibility of this appointment and I will work very hard with the seated commissioners to enable the port to accomplish its strategic goals," said Cheryl Creuzot, Port of Houston Authority Port Commissioner. "Going into a new position, I will first continue listening and learning, and then rolling up my sleeves to get to

work along with the other commissioners. and staff to make our port a global leader."

Creuzot, a 36-year industry veteran, is currently President Emeritus of Wealth Development Strategies, LLC, since stepping down as President and Chief Executive Officer, a position she held since 2000.

She serves as Vice Chair of the University of Houston Foundation. Creuzot serves on the Board of Visitors of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as the Vice Chair of the Board of The Frenchy’s Companies, a 50-year-old family owned restaurant and food processing organization. Creuzot is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors, The Texas State Bar Association and The Financial Planning Association.

In addition to extensive civic service, Creuzot has received several political appointments. Most notably, in 1993, she was appointed by the Governor to a six-year term on the Texas Public Finance Authority Board, a politic and corporate body created to provide financing for state agency facilities. She served as Vice Chairman of the Authority from 1995 to 1997.

She is a proud University of Houston alum holding four degrees from the University: the University of Houston Bauer College (M.B.A. with honors,

December 2012), LL.M. (Taxation, 1999), the University of Houston Law Center J.D. (1992) and the University of Houston (B.A. with honors, 1981).

A native of Washington, D.C., Creuzot has called Houston home since entering the

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University of Houston as an undergraduate freshman. She is married to Percy Creuzot and they have three children.

Source: City of Houston

March 2020 | 11

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12 | March 2020

Dave “SupaDa

IN HIS By d-mars.com News Provider

D

ave “Supa Dave” Nelson has called Houston home his entire life, and now, with 16 years of real estate investment experience under his belt, he is back in the Hiram Clarke community with a mission to put black leadership and community redevelopment in motion.

Dave’s father had been in the construction industry for many years, and after a brief college football venture at the University of Houston, Dave decided to leave school to support his family and join the industry with his father. While working in construction, Dave became intrigued by the idea of real estate investment after meeting people who were making money from buying, fixing and selling properties in Houston.

He soon learned he had a knack for finding good deals on properties throughout the Greater Houston area and was able to make money by getting these properties under contract and then selling those contracts. This led to the development of Just Home Buyers, LLC, a wholesale company created to get the best deals on buying and selling property contracts.

“I got really good at finding the best deals and that’s how I was really able to break things open,” Dave said.

“Finding deals is not an easy task to do; not many people are good at that, but I got good at it. I was able to build up a little money by getting properties under contract and then selling that contract. I didn’t have to actually buy the house, fix it and sell it, I just had to get a good deal on the contract.”

Most of Dave’s projects were residential in the beginning. After he built up a bit of money, he was able to start holding on to properties instead of just selling the contracts. This led to his second business venture, Prestige Development Group, LLC, which bought, repaired and sold properties.

At the time, Dave was not focused on specific locations for his properties. It was “all about where the money was at,” as he puts it. That is until he began accumulating residential rental proprieties in Hiram Clarke, now know as Five Corners District, where he grew up.

“I was in the community one day, looking for people to consult with about investing in real estate to enhance or grow their businesses,” Dave said. “But as I rode through the area I grew up in, I recognized there were a lot of businesses that were not black-owned.”

This insight changed Dave’s perspective on how he went about choosing the properties he purchased. He knew, in order for this community to become successful and self-sufficient, that leadership and ownership needed to come from within. He purchased his first commercial property

in early 2019 and thus began his mission to return to his roots and rebuild the community.

“There is a lack of leadership on the business side of things in this community, as far as business ownership goes” Dave said. “So, I am trying to be a part of the change in that. That is why I bought the commercial property and will continue to look for other commercial building purchasing opportunities.”

Another component in the necessity for local, black ownership in the Hiram Clarke community is money circulation. Because many of the businesses in the area are owned by those who do not reside in the area, the money made at their businesses is not being put back into the community. It is being taken with them, back to their own neighborhoods.

“I think that is where the problem is,” Dave said. “We talk about how long the dollar circulates in certain communities, and right now for the black communities, it circulates for about six hours but in other predominantly white or Asian communities, it may circulate for as long as 25 days. It takes about six hours for the non-local business owners to get

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planned for the community,” Dave s ence of the Black Wall Street in Tuls enterprises and black businesses thrivi for people of color to actually see the

ave” Nelson

off work, take that money and go spend it in their own community. They are going to the grocery store where they live, the gas station where they live and all the other shops in their own communities. Money made in our community is not being spent over here, and that’s a problem.”

This has led Dave and his team to be very intentional about the businesses they bring to the community. They want to cater to people who are going to spend money locally, add to the family-oriented environment and continue making it a vibrant and safe community.

“We have had a really great response from many people about what we have said. “We want to mirror the experisa, Oklahoma, where there are black ing in the area. This is an opportunity emselves owning a business, and not

just putting a business in a building and renting. It is about knowing and believing that owning the property you do your business out of is possible.”

In line with the vision of black business ownership, Dave has another business venture, Supa Dave Investors, LLC, through which he teaches real estate investment to people in the community.

“With as many years of experience as I have, I feel like it is a way for me to give back some of my knowledge to others” Dave said. “My heart is for the people, and I feel good about being able to help someone change their circumstances or have a positive impact on their life because of something I taught them.”

Although he has many plans to continue moving redevelopment efforts forward, Dave knows he cannot do it on his own. He states his team is the moving force behind everything he does and gives them credit for pushing this God-given vision forward, but he also has great hope that more and more people will see the vision and become a part of it.

“My goal is for people to be able to see the story and understand what it is that I am doing and want to do the same thing,” Dave said.

For more details, please visit www.supadaveinvestor.com or call 1.833.777.SUPA.

I ultimately just want to influence people, and for this to be what I envision it to be, I can’t do it by myself. I want to bring on as many people as I can to be a part of this and encourage them to come back and stay in the community instead of running from it.

— Dave ‘Supa Dave” Nelson

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March 2020 | 13

14 | March 2020

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS LIVING LEGENDS

Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee

FAMILY AFFAIR

Karen Eubanks Jackson

Houston's This Is It

TRAILBLAZER

SUPER TRAILBLAZER

M

Maria T. Jackson

aya Angelou once said, “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” d-mars.com hosted its 8th Annual Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards Ceremony, honoring a room full of those who chose to endure the challenge of making their mark and leaving a legacy. These honorees chose patience, commitment and determination, and their success shows that those characteristics pay off.

As always, MR. D-MARS is honored to recognize the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas.

It is essential to continue the celebration of those in the community who are achieving their dreams and bettering the community. d-mars.com takes pride in getting to recognize this group of professionals and entrepreneurs who have devoted themselves to creating successful businesses in their own communities and leaving a legacy for the next generations to follow

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Chyna “The Roofing Lady” Gragg

March 2020 | 15

COMMUNITY HEROES PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Rev. Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie

Troy B. Smith

Commissioner Randy Tramaine Martin

Carol Y. Guess, Esq.

Helen Stagg

Chauncy Glover

Ann Williams

Kathy Flanagan-Payton

Bishop E. L. Usher

Judge Robert Johnson

Judge Toria J. Finch

SUPER PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Dr. Khalilah Campbell-Rhone

Sean Roberts

Tiffany Guillory

Clive Markland

Colette Lewis

Robert Wright

Eugene “Gene” Padgett

LaChelle Renee’ Pierre

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Sarah Villery-Burton

Eric M. Goodie

16 | March 2020

Marshette M. Turner

Terry “Comedian GrossMann” Gross

Tammi Durden

Yolonda “Chef Yo” Henry

Kevin Murray

TOP PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Dave Nelson

Lora L. Mayes

Dave Joseph Moss, III

Daniel Jordan Moss

Shay Atkins

Christopher G. Hollins

Kiotti “Radio Boss” Brown

Candice McGuire

Willie D. Powells, III

Ken Jones

Tolu Opeloye, Sr.

Dr. Nicole Hare-Everline

Shanquita Greggs

Jackie Adams

Marcus Sullivan

Dr. Evelyn “Eve” Wallace

Sam Mac Ford

Rosemary Tucker

Reggie Collier

Michael Crockett

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March 2020 | 17

TOP PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Jason Harry

Jemila Winsey

Lejon “Domino” Stewart

Jason E. Payne

Chris N. Cheetham-West

LaToya Kent

Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.

— Michelle Obama

UP AND COMING PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

Lebrina Johnson

Jaleska Holman

Justin L. Mabrie

Erica Bryant

Jasmine Shanell Joseph

Tameka Deville

Tyla-Simone Crayton

Jared Jefferson

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18 | March 2020

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20 | March 2020

2020

BLACK PROFESSIO

FIRST ROW from left to right - Carol Y. Guess, Erica Bryant, Sarah Villery-Burton, Jaleska Holman, Tyla Simone-Cra Evelyn Wallace, Willie D. Powells, III, SECOND ROW: Shanquita Greggs, Kathy Flanagan-Payton, Jemila Winsey, Jason Tammi Durden, Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr., LeBrina Johnson, Yolanda “Chef Yo” Henry, Chyna “The Roofing Lady” Jasmine Shanell Joseph, Commissioner Randy Tremaine Martin, Dr. Nicole Hare-Everline, BACK ROW: Justin Mabrie, Eric M. Goodie, Christopher G. Hollins, Jackie Adams, Thaddeus Wesley , Jessica Wesley, Craig Joseph, Sam Mac Ford Lejon “Domino” Stewart, Candice McGuire, Reggie Collier, Kevin Murray Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

March 2020 | 21

ONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS

ayton, Karen Eubanks Jackson, Rev. Mayor Thurman Bill Bartie, Marcus Sullivan, LaChelle Renee’ Pierre, Ann Williams, n E. Payne, Dave Nelson, Helen Stagg, Jared Jefferson, Judge Toria J. Finch, Shay Atkins, Colette Lewis, Lora L. Mayes, Gragg, Kiotti “Radio Boss” Brown, Terry “Comedian GrossMann” Gross, Dr. Khalilah Campbell-Rhone, Tameka DeVille, , Dave Joseph Moss, III, Daniel Jordan Moss, Rosemary Tucker, Clive Markland, Jason Harry, Chris N. Cheetham-West, d, Tiffany Guillory, Bishop E. L. Usher, Troy B. Smith, Eugene Padgett, LaToya Kent, Tolu Opeloye, Sr., Michael Crockett,

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22 | March 2020

In the Business Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Mayor's Proclamation to Mr. D-MARS Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. received a proclamation from the City of Houston for his 20 plus years of service to the community and for the platform his business journal provides to share the legacies of others so their stories do not go untold. Supported by friends,

family and staff, MR. D-MARS was presented the proclamation by Councilman Edward Pollard, followed by special remarks from Mayor Sylvester Turner and several other city councilmembers.

GET YOUR COPY NOW! One thing I am proud of is that for 20 years I have kept my core beliefs,” Davis said. “I know that by holding on to those values, we have changed lives and helped people grow in business and in their personal lives. It is all thanks to the people who supported us and saw we were doing good in the community.

order online WWW.KEITHJDAVISSR.COM

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March 2020  |  23

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24 | March 2020

In the Business Community…

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7th Annual City of Houston Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony The City of Houston held its 7th Annual Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony recently at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Office of Business Opportunity’s Advisory Board and staff as well as Mayor Sylvester Turner, who gave the Inaugural State of the MWSBE Program Address, celebrated and recognized contractors for their

commitment to the City’s certified Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprise Program through their contracting activities. The “Ernest B. McGowen, Sr. Champion of Diversity Award” was also given to Mr. Marlin Mitchel, President of the Houston Business Development, Inc. for his work over the past 25 years.

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March 2020 | 25

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26 | March 2020 TECHNOLOGY

COMMENTARY: Building A Powerful Black Media Based on Human Rights

By Roger Caldwell NNPA Newswire Contributor

I

t is now 2020, and Black-owned media in America is struggling to stay alive, and many in mainstream media believe Black media is not necessary. “Black ownership is dying,” said Armstrong Williams, whose Howard Stirk Holdings owns seven of the Blackowned commercial television stations.

“Newspaper ownership, radio ownership – but it’s probably hit TV the hardest.”

In order to invest in the mainstream media business and be successful, it is almost necessary to be a billionaire in the giant cable business. African Americans don’t come into the media business with a fortune, and many of the longtime media

moguls have consolidated their companies. This means that billionaires decide who will be hired, and 88% of them are white males.

In the news business there are 15 billionaires like Rupert Murdoch, Michael Bloomberg, Jeff Bezos and others, who control several of America’s influential national newspapers, magazines, local papers and online publications. It is obvious that there is a coordinated system in the American media, and the big boys decide who they will allow to play.

There is a lack of diversity in American media, and only 6% are minority. Some experts say there are no television stations owned by Blacks in America, and others say there are 10, but the numbers are terrible. Many Black-owned media companies actually only own a small percentage

of their television stations, and very few Blacks own their own shows.

Hispanics operate major networks, such as Telemundo and Latin Business Today, and they find themselves in a better financial situation than Blacks.

While Telemundo is owned by a major mainstream media company, its managers have more control.

Where is the Black-owned media, and how will there be more diversity in mainstream media and television?

In 2020, Blacks must build coalitions and force the billionaires’ media companies to hire more Blacks in decision making positions. Black media companies must hold mainstream media companies accountable for their terrible numbers and demand everyday more positive Black stories. Blacks must also be at the table when public companies make decisions about local television stations.

Black organizations across the country must unite from coast to coast and demand more diversity across ethnic lines.

In Africa there are billionaires, who can invest in projects, causes, and television shows, because they are sitting on fortunes. Everyday Blacks must shop-Black, and the community must think Black.

Entertainment Studios Network owned by a Black man, Byron Allen, a comedian, television host, and entrepreneur has sued telecommunications giants Comcast Corp, and Charter Communications.

They have refused to distribute his shows on their stations, while launching scores of mostly white-owned shows on their

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networks. Byron Allen says his stations and shows are 100% African American owned Media Company operating seven television channels. Allen issued a statement, “This case is not about African American-themed programming but is about African American ownership of networks. Unfortunately, the networks Comcast refers to as African Americanowned are not wholly owned by African Americans and did not get any carriage until I stood up and spoke out about this discrimination and economic exclusion.”

It is no accident that there is only a hand full of Black TV stations, and very few Black owned Media companies, and that is because of racism and discrimination.

There are very few Black TV networks, because the billionaires decide who is allowed to work.

On every level there is a need for more Black-owned media companies, more hosts, reporters, and more Blacks in decision making positions. Blacks must organize, sue mainstream media in your city, county and state, and demand more Black stories and images. In 2020, Blacks are building powerful media companies, but we must continue to fight. We must organize, unify, build coalitions and work with African billionaires.

Source: NNPA

March 2020  |  27

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28 | March 2020

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

BORRIS L. MILES INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY

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March 2020 | 29

KAY DAVIS ASSOCIATES LLC Providing the Best Team for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Consulting.

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30  |  March 2020

The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston was established to identify and encourage HUBs to participate in the competitive bid process with the objective of increasing the number of contracts and subcontracts awarded to Texas HUB Vendors.

The University of Houston HUB Program is committed to expanding business opportunities available in order to promote the successful development of growing businesses, to have a positive impact on improving our local economy and to give back to our community.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

WWW.UH.EDU/HUB Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

March 2020  |  31

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