ONYX Magazine November/December 2024

C E L E B R AT I N G B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H RO U G H O U T F L O R I DA

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

QB DANIEL RICHARDSON

QB LUKE SPRAGUE

FLORIDA CLASSIC

The Tradition on the Gridiron Continues

LEADERSHIP ON THE YARD

STUDENTS TAKE CHARGE ON CAMPUS

HBCU EDITION

Finish Strong

Great Tips on How to End 2024 Well

CLEVER CONSUMER

Don't Let Holiday Overspending Set You Up for Debt in 2025

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CONTENTS 6

From the Publisher

8

Higher Education Impacting Higher Learning

10 Bethune-Cookman University Enrollment on the Rise 11 Scholarship Evans High School Student Wins Scholarship to BCU

FAMU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JAMES COLZIE, III PHOTO COURTESY OF FAMU ATHLETICS

46

14 Edward Waters University Enrollment Upward 15 Florida Memorial University Honoring our Legacy

38 Health & Wellness Mind your weight during the holidays 40 Medically Speaking Diabetes Awareness Month 42 Black History Pivotal Sports Figures 44 Family Books are the best gifts for kids

16 Student Leadership Leadership on the Quad 18 Men of Honor It Just Keeps Getting Better

46 Savory Suites Minty Choco Bars

20 Florida Scope Stories around Florida

47 SAGE Medicare enrollment

21 Beyond Florida Stories beyond Florida

48 Clever Consumer Don't let holiday overspending set uou up for debt

24 Smart Tips Stress-free Thanksgiving

COVER STORY

37 Business Start a new business in 2025

45 ONYX Reads Books to read over the holidays

22 International Feel the rush of Junkanoo

B-CU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH RAYMOND WOODY, JR. PHOTO COURTESY OF B-CU ATHLETICS 4 ONYX MAGAZINE

12 FAMU Higher Rankings

36 Traditions Black Friday frenzy

51 Real Estate Residential refresh

26 Art & Culture Curbing division through nonviolence

52 Music & Entertainment Quincy Jones's music transcended generations and genres

29 ONYX on the Move ONYX in the community

54 Kwanzaa Celebrate Kwanzaa

30 Holiday Recipe Smoke That Turkey 32 Giving Benefits of being a giver

56 Workplace Helping young professionals navigate the workplace

33 Wealth & Finance Budgeting for wealth

58 Technology Best tech gifts

34 Travel Where to go in Florida during the holidays

59 ONYX Holiday 62 Wine & Food 75 drink

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sade Cole VICE PRESIDENT Deidre “Dee” Parker VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Nancy Port Schwalb MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Penny Dickerson Sharon Fletcher Jones Nancy Port Schwalb

Dear Family, This issue comes to you following the 2024 presidential election.

Former President Donald Trump won this historical feat against Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black woman on the top of the ticket. With just over 100 days to compete, VP Harris quickly closed the support gap, making it one of the tightest races we have ever seen. History also was made when two Black women won to serve in the U.S. Senate at the same time. Angela Alsobrooks is from Maryland, and Lisa Blunt Rochester is from Delaware. As a nation, we must continue to stand on what we know is true and fight for our communities. ONYX Magazine is committed to stomping for our rights as citizens in Florida and beyond. Join us in this effort.

From elections to football, it is Bowl Game Season! Now is the time of year we eagerly anticipate who will win the decades-long mashup known as The Florida Classic. This game is the epitome of fall sports for many of our readers. The Florida Classic is still one of the largest predominantly Black bowl games in the U.S. The clash between Florida A&M University (FAMU) and BethuneCookman University (B-CU) is one of Florida's favorite events of the year. The FAMU Rattlers return as the SWAC Champions, and the excitement begins! Do not miss the battle!

Also, in this Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) edition, we introduce you to some top student leaders at Florida's HBCUs. They are walking the talk on campus and preparing to give back to their communities upon graduation.

Finally, the holiday season brings families and friends together for heartwarming festivities. In these pages, you will find unique ways to amp up your giving, spice your dinner table, and save money.

ONYX Magazine is still celebrating 27 incredible years. Thank you for your continued support. As always, we remain committed to bringing you news that entertains, inspires and informs. Cheers to you and your family for a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year!

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Micah Barkley MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Burton Damonic Robertson BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roy Betts, Dr. Delores Grant, Javier Lopez-De-Arco, M.D., Candace Norwood, Ty Olander, Jose Valentine Ruiz, Tangier Scott, Ed.D., Lee Ann Rawlins Williams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Trey Flowers, Anzlo Strachan Photography ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair Ricky Anderson Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Sherri Brown Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler

Yolanda Cash Jackson Dr. Cynthia Chestnut John Crossman Quibulah Graham Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Ann Jenkins Eugene Jones

Connie Kinnard Larry Lee, Jr. Brenda March Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright

FOUNDERS

Sincerely, Lester and Lillian Seays

Rich Black

6 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX Magazine is published by ONYX Communications and Media Group, Inc., Address: P.O. Box 555672, Orlando, Florida 32855-5872. Phone 321-418-7216. Subscription rate is $22.98 for six issues. For subscriptions and notification of address change, contact ONYX Magazine at the above address or e-mail us at info@onyxmagazine.com. Letters to the editor are encouraged. Copyright 2024 by ONYX Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee and not necessarily those of the publisher. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from ONYX Magazine.

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H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

Fisk University Chapel in Nashville, Tenn.

IMPACTING

HIGHER LEARNING

A NEW REPORT HIGHLIGHTS HBCU’S SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR STUDENTS AND AMERICA.

U

nited Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, proudly unveiled its 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report. The report, Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs, commissioned by UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute (FDPRI), is a comprehensive, data-driven analysis highlighting the substantial contributions the nation’s 101 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) make to their students, local communities and the country at large.

Student in science department at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC

8 ONYX MAGAZINE

HBCUs have long been pillars of educational excellence and economic engines, driving prosperity in their communities and nationwide. Despite these contributions, chronic underfunding threatens their ability to sustain this impact. Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs underscores the urgent need for equitable and sustainable funding to ensure HBCUs can continue their vital role in promoting social mobility and economic growth and calls on the public to advocate for these essential institutions.

“As UNCF observes its 80th anniversary, one of the highlights of our yearlong celebration is the release of the sequel to our groundbreaking 2017 report.

This report reaffirms what we have always known about the resil- Dr. Michael L. Lomax ience of HBCUs: despite a deadly pandemic, social unrest caused by the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the economic uncertainties of the past seven years, HBCUs continue to do more with less—not only in preparing the next genera-

tion of leaders but also in contributing to our nation’s economic impact,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF’s president and CEO. “At this critical moment, with a crucial election on the horizon, we all must immediately actualize our commitment to these cornerstone institutions.”

Key findings in the 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report include: • HBCUs generate $16.5 billion in direct economic impact nationally.

• If they were a company, the nation’s HBCUs would place in the top 50 of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies in job creation.

• Collectively, 136,048 jobs exist as a result of HBCUs. • On average, for each job created on campus, 1.5 off-campus jobs exist because of spending related to the institution.

• HBCUs are far more accessible to students and more successful at moving students from the bottom 40% of a country’s income distribution to the top 60%, signaling social mobility.

• The 51,269 HBCU graduates in the class of 2021 can expect work-life earnings of $146 billion, 57% ($53 billion) more than the

Photos courtesy of respective colleges/universities

BY ROY BETTS

H I G H E R E D U C AT I O N

Students at Spelman College in Atlanta

$93 billion they could expect without their degrees or certificates.

The 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report is a continuation of the landmark 2017 study, HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which showed that HBCUs’ economic benefits extend beyond the students they educate. In addition to the comprehensive report, there is a website where users can explore state-specific data and insights for individual HCBUs. This resource allows users to explore the localized impact, emphasizing the critical role HBCUs play in communities across the nation.

“Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs represents the latest chapter in a longitudinal research initiative by UNCF’s Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute.

By leveraging robust Dr. Nadrea R. Njoku methodology and extensive data, we highlight how HBCUs continue to be critical drivers of economic growth and social mobility,” said Dr. Nadrea R. Njoku, assis-

tant vice president of Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute at UNCF. “This report not only underscores the substantial economic benefits generated by HBCUs but also contextualizes the broader challenges they have faced over the past three years, including the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the threats of violence that have been levied against many of these institutions.”

“Now more than ever, we must recognize the indispensable role HBCUs play in shaping not just the future of their students but the future of our nation. This report is not just a call to awareness but a call to action,” said Lodriguez Lodriguez Murray Murray, senior vice president of Public Policy and Government Affairs at UNCF. “As we move forward, it is imperative that we leverage this data to galvanize our communities and demand the necessary support from our policymakers by voting for HBCUs. We urge every supporter to make their voices heard, to advocate for the equita-

ble funding our HBCUs deserve, and to ensure that these institutions can continue to thrive and contribute to America’s future.”

UNCF will soon shift its focus towards voter mobilization efforts, leveraging the findings of the 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report to raise awareness about the critical role of HBCUs ahead of Election Day, and the need for elected officials to commit to strengthening HBCU infrastructure, safety and student life. By highlighting these institutions' economic and social contributions, UNCF aims to inspire voters to support policies and send letters to elected leaders at the state and federal level in support of equitable funding and resources for HBCUs, ensuring their continued impact on communities and the nation.

To view the brief and full report for Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs, visit: UNCF.org/HBCUImpactReport.

For more information on how to actualize a commitment and be a voice for HBCUs, visit: UNCF.org/EquityPledge.

Roy Betts is a media contact at UNCF Communications.

ONYX MAGAZINE 9

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

ENROLLMENT ON THE RISE

B

ethune-Cookman University (B-CU) announced one of its largest enrollments yet for the Fall 2024 academic year, with 3,123 students.

This marks a 24.13% increase from the Fall 2023 enrollment of 2,516 students.

B-CU experienced a surge in freshman enrollment, with 1,150 new students joining the University community, representing 36.82% of the total student body.

The university saw an increase in applications of 6%.

"We are excited to welcome one of our largest class of students to Bethune-Cookman University,” said Dr. William Berry, acting president. “This year’s enrollment growth is a testament to the quality of our academic programs and the dedication and collaboration of our faculty and staff. We look forward to an outstanding academic year."

The student population includes 63% female and 34% male students.

“This year’s enrollment increase shows the strategic and deliberate leadership of Dr. Berry,” said B-CU Board of Trustees chairman and retired Judge Belvin Perry. “I would like to thank Dr. Berry and his team for their commitment to growing B-CU and raising the University’s profile.”

The top five majors are pre-nursing, psychology, health and exercise science, criminal justice, and business administration.

B-CU boasts a wide geographical representation, with students coming from the top five states of Florida, Georgia, Illinois,

“This year’s enrollment growth is a testament to the quality of our academic programs and the dedication and collaboration of our faculty and staff. We look forward to an outstanding academic year."

10 ONYX MAGAZINE

South Carolina, and Texas, with additional students from Michigan, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and New York, to round off the top 10 states.

The significant increase in enrollment reflects B-CU’s strong recruitment efforts and growing reputation as a leading higher education institution.

"The remarkable achievement of record-breaking applications and enrollment number not only highlights the trust families place in our institution but also showcases our team’s dedication to providing the most enriching experience for our students,” said Dr. Camaille L. Shepard, acting vice president of enrollment management.

SCHOLARSHIP

Drum Major Mickey performed before more than 5,000 high schoolers seeking college scholarships.

“I’m Going to College!”

ORLANDO EVANS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS $50,000 SCHOLARSHIP ON THE SPOT AT COLLEGE FAIR.

A

Story and photos courtesy of Walt Disney World.

n Orlando-area high school student, who has worked hard to achieve her academic dreams while providing support for her family, got some good news in October at the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair at Walt Disney World Resort – she's going to college!

In a surprise moment, Evans High School senior Beth Elia was awarded on-the-spot college acceptance and a $50,000 scholarship to Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) in nearby Daytona Beach. Making the moment even more magical, she was congratulated by Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle as well as Disney on the Yard executives and actor Anthony Anderson, star of the ABC hit comedy black-ish and an HBCU graduate (Howard University) at the college fair for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Students met with recruiters from 35 Historically Black Colleges & Universities.

Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle, Acting VP of Enrollment at B-CU Dr. Camaille Shepard, Disney on the Yard executives and (Orlando) Evans High School senior Beth Elia, center. Photo by Olga Thompson.

Elia, a student ambassador with ELEVATE Orlando, maintains a 4.3 GPA and will be the first person in her immediate family to attend college. She plans to study criminology in hopes of becoming an FBI agent, all while supporting her mother who has grappled with significant health challenges and ongoing medical expenses in recent years. Elia hopes her college journey will inspire her younger siblings to pursue higher education and follow their own career dreams.

Elia was among the more than 5,000 students, the majority from Central Florida, the Southeast and beyond, who attended the college fair along with representatives from 35 HBCUs. It was an energetic event featuring music, a DJ and a performance by Drum Major Mickey Mouse.

It was the second time Walt Disney World Resort has hosted the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair. Disney was the host site in 2022, where more than $11 million in scholarships was awarded.

Walt Disney World’s support of the HBCU Week Foundation College Fair is part of an ongoing collaboration between the foundation and Disney on the Yard, an initiative focused on deepening Disney’s engagement with HBCUs. By working closely with HBCUs, Disney aims to continue building a long-term hiring pipeline for HBCU graduates through the development of student internships, mentorship opportunities, career and employee spotlights, scholarships and more.

For more details about the HBCU Week Foundation, visit www.HBCUWeek.org. To learn more about Disney on the Yard, visit https://sites.disney.com/disneycareers/disney-on-the-yard/.

ONYX MAGAZINE 11

F L O R I D A A&M U N I V E R S I T Y

HIGHER

F

RANKING

lorida A&M University (FAMU) rose 10 places to reach No. We have more work to do, but we are inspired to overcome the 81 among the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Top Public challenges ahead.”

FAMU entered the U.S News & World Report Top 100 public Universities.

In the latest rankings, FAMU remained the highest rated pub- universities at No. 91 after being 103 the previous year. FAMU is lic Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the sixth ranked 152 among all national universities public and private. The University has set records of more consecutive year and third among all than $100 million in research awards private and public HBCUs. and annual fundraising, which is FAMU also moved up to No. 20, on nearly $27 million. the U.S. News & World Report’s Social FAMU has seen gains in its retenMobility Index, an indication of the tion and four-year graduation rates. ability of Florida’s only public HBCU Florida’s only public HBCU boasts to change the economic trajectory of more than 9,000 students enrolled graduates and their families for genin more than a dozen colleges and erations to come. FAMU is ranked #87 schools. for best value among national univerBOT Chair Kristin Harper praised sities, a reflection of the institution’s the administration, faculty, students relative low-cost tuition and the sucand staff for their efforts. cess of its graduates.

“This tremendous accomplishment is a testament to FAMU stu“These U.S. News & World Report rankings are a reflection of the tireless efforts of our students, faculty and staff in estab- dents, faculty, and administrators. Their collective commitment to lishing FAMU as a world class institution,” said Interim President academic excellence and student outcomes is changing lives and Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., who thanked the FAMU Board of Trust- transforming communities, one student at a time,” Harper said. ees, the Florida Board of Governors and the state Legislature for Photo by Trey Flowers their unstinting support. “FAMU is moving in the right direction.

FAMU Communications

“FAMU is moving in the right direction. We have more work to do, but we are inspired to overcome the challenges ahead.”

12 12 ONYX ONYX MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

ENERGIZED FOR GAME DAY:

TEAM SPIRIT AT WORK Floating photovoltaic solar array located at OUC’s Gardenia Innovation and Operations Center

At OUC, FAMU and B-CU alumni and supporters help us every day to provide affordable rates, reliable electricity and clean, great-tasting water to Orlando. That’s why we’re so proud to support the 2024 Florida Classic. From our own Wildcats, Rattlers and the OUC family, have a great game!

Go Rattlers! Go Wildcats!

www.ouc.com ONYX MAGAZINE 13

E DWA R D WAT E R S U N I V E R S I T Y

ENROLLMENT

UPWARD

E

dward Waters University (EWU) continues its upward trajectory with fall 2024 enrollment tying the second-highest mark in two decades, University leadership announced Thursday.

Florida’s first HBCU and first independent institution of higher learning reported a total enrollment of 1,177 students, extending its streak of record-breaking enrollment to four consecutive years. This figure approaches the 1,200-student milestone, a target the institution has been eyeing.

“Our institution is increasingly favored by students in pursuit of a high-quality education and a dynamic campus environment.” Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr., President of EWU, said. “We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to society. Our programs in leadership, community engagement, and extracurricular activities are designed to cultivate essential life skills and values.”

Key highlights of the fall 2024 enrollment include: • 520 freshman and new students • 20 students in the Honors College Zeta Cohort, with an average GPA of 4.078 • 90% of Honors College students from Florida, with others from Texas to Puerto Rico • 48% increase in graduate student enrollment • 1,177 total enrollment–second highest overall enrollment in nearly two decades The Honors College continues to attract high-achieving students, showcasing EWU’s growing academic reputation. The geographic diversity of the cohort underscores the university’s expanding appeal beyond state borders.

Kendrick Dunklin, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, emphasized the university’s unique appeal: “We’re unapologetically Black and students can come here and thrive, be successful, and participate in activities they might not have had the opportunity for in high school.”

EWU’s recruitment strategy focuses on a holistic approach to student development, as Dunklin explains. The university’s “mind, body, and spirit” philosophy encompasses academic rigor, vibrant student life, and a strong sense of cultural identity. This approach resonates particularly well with high school seniors seeking a transformative college experience. At EWU, students find opportunities to explore interests and talents they may not have pursued before, from joining 14 ONYX MAGAZINE

dance groups to participating in student government. The energetic campus atmosphere creates an environment where students can discover new passions, develop leadership skills, and thrive both personally and academically. This inclusive and empowering ethos has become a key factor in attracting a diverse and motivated student body to EWU. Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Price, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Matriculant Services, attributes the growth to several logistical factors: “We’ve implemented a CRM that communicates with new students, expanded our recruitment territory, and increased events on campus. We’ve also added multiple degree programs, including attractive graduate programs.”

As EWU approaches its next enrollment milestone, it remains focused on expanding academic offerings and enhancing student support services. The university’s consistent growth in a competitive higher education landscape signals its increasing relevance and appeal to today’s students. Notably, EWU has experienced a significant 48% increase in graduate student enrollment, highlighting the growing demand for its expanding graduate programs and the university’s commitment to meeting the needs of advanced degree seekers.

“We are committed to fostering an inclusive community where every student can thrive and achieve their fullest potential,” President Faison said. “Our recent enhancements in curriculum, faculty development, and campus facilities are a testament to our unwavering dedication to student success. We are excited about the innovations and opportunities that lie ahead, together, we will continue to build a legacy of excellence and empower the next generation of leaders.”

EWU Communications

FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY MISSION The mission of Florida Memorial University is to instill in students the importance of becoming global citizens through life-long learning, leadership, character, and service, which will enhance their lives and the lives of others.

VISION As South Florida’s HBCU (Historically Black College and University), Florida Memorial University will be a premiere urban-serving liberal arts educational institution preparing the next generation of global leaders.

F

lorida Memorial University is a private coeducational institution with the distinction of being one of the oldest academic centers in the state, and the only historically Black university in South Florida.

In 1879, members of the Bethlehem Baptist Association founded the school, then called Florida Baptist Institute, in Live Oak, Fla., to create “a college of instruction for our ministers and children.”

Amid racial tensions, then President Rev. Matthew Gilbert and other staff members fled Live Oak for Jacksonville, Fla., where he founded the Florida Baptist Academy in the basement of Bethel Baptist Church, with Sarah Ann Blocker as the main instructor.

In 1896, Nathan White Collier was appointed president of the Academy, a post he held for 45 years.

J. Rosamond Johnson was recruited to teach music at the school, where he composed music for the poem “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” creating the song now known as the “Negro National Anthem.”

Due to a growing student body, in September 1918, the school began its third incarnation at its new home in St. Augustine, Fla., as the Florida Normal and Industrial Institute. The students were encouraged to be industrious and self-sufficient, receiving hands-on training in the practical fields that would allow them to support themselves and their families. In 1942, the school merged with the still-operating Florida Institute at Live Oak and became Florida Normal Industrial and Memorial College. Florida native and writer of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston, served as an instructor for the school during this time.

The advent of the civil rights movement brought change to St. Augustine. Florida Memorial students protested segregation by participating in sit-ins, wade-ins, and swim-ins, orchestrated in part by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In light of the turbulent times, Dr. Royal W. Puryear oversaw the relocation of the school to a 48-acre former air strip near the South Florida City of Opa-locka in Miami-Dade County. In November 1968, the new campus opened as Florida Memorial College. In December 2004, the institution’s charter was amended, and the name Florida Memorial University was adopted.

145 Years of

Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping Our Destiny

VALUES CHARACTER: Embodying the values of fairness, transparency, compassion, respect, integrity, honesty, respect for diversity, and a commitment to equality in everything we undertake.

LEADERSHIP: Cultivating the drive to initiate and sustain change for the good of our campus, our community, and the world.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Taking responsibility for our actions, collectively as well as individually, and delivering products and services that are of high-caliber and responsive to the needs of our community members.

SCHOLARSHIP: Promoting excellence in teaching and learning through the identification and retention of quality faculty, staff, and students, who are all engaged in vigorous intellectual exchange as a part of high-quality and competitive educational programs.

SERVICE: Sharing our academic and human capital as social, educational, and economic resources for the betterment of our campus and our community.

FMU Communications

ONYX MAGAZINE 15

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP ON

THE QUAD

S

tudent leadership shapes the experiences and skills of both leaders and their peers and is a crucial part of the college experience. Student leadership is undoubtedly a pivotal force curating innovation, inclusivity and growth—for both the student and the college or university. As educational institutions labor to equip students for the complex challenges they face upon graduation, nurturing student leadership has become more essential than ever. “Student leaders are much more than the faces of student bodies; they are catalysts for change and progress within their institutions,” according to Global University Systems. By actively participating in decision-making processes, leading peer-driven initiatives and representing the community, these leaders embody the practical application of learned skills. This experience is invaluable in fostering essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and empathy.

ONYX Magazine applauds the student leaders on the campuses of Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Edward Waters University

Florida A&M University SGA Vice President Dakarai Williams Senior Major: Psychology Macon, Ga.

Photo courtesy of FAMU

Florida A&M University

Mister Edward Waters University Larry Clercira Senior Major: Business Administration Naples, Fla.

Miss Florida A&M University Kailyn Thompson Senior Major: General Health Sciences Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Edward Waters University SGA President Travales Woodard Senior Major: Biology Scholar Kissimmee, Fla.

Mister Florida A&M University Omari Rasheed Senior Major: Psychology Chicago Florida A&M University SGA President & University Student Trustee Loryn May Senior Major: Mathematics Education Pensacola, Fla.

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Miss Edward Waters University Jordan Weeks Senior Major: Communications New Orleans, La.

Florida A&M University Quarterback Daniel Richardson Graduate Student Major: Master of Business Administration Miami, Fla.

Edward Waters University SGA Vice President Oneil Daley Senior Major: Accounting Scholar Spanish Town, Jamaica

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Photo courtesy of B-CU

Photo courtesy of FMU

Bethune-Cookman University

Florida Memorial University

Miss Bethune-Cookman University Brooklyn Pitre Senior Major: Mass Communications Memphis, Tenn.

Miss Florida Memorial University Morgan Cameron Senior Major: Information Systems Technology

Mister Bethune-Cookman University Darryl Williams, Jr. Senior Major: Mass Communications Orlando, Fla. Bethune-Cookman University SGA President Eternity Bradshaw Senior Major: Psychology Orlando, Fla.

Mister Florida Memorial University Jaylin Clinch Senior Major: Communications/Public Relations Florida Memorial University Student Body President Akil Rose Junior Major: Aviation/Airway

Bethune-Cookman University Quarterback Luke Sprague Senior Major: Business Administration Springfield, Pa.

ONYX MAGAZINE 17

MEN OF HONOR

ONYX MAGAZINE

MEN OF HONOR IT

JUST

KEEPS

GETTING

BETTER

Honorees and members of the MOH committee

TWENTY-SIX OF THE BEST IN BUSINESS RECEIVE RECOGNITION

J

ust when it seemed Hurricane Helene might put a damper on the ONYX Magazine Men of Honor plans, ONXY, along with Founding Partner Orlando Health and Presenting Sponsor McCoy Federal Credit Union, successfully presented what has been dubbed the best Men of Honor yet. The threeday weekend was full of celebration, education and networking and ending with 26 of the best and brightest from around Florida and beyond receiving distinguished recognition.

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Events kicked off on Friday, September 27, with an honoree and sponsor reception at the Varsity Club at Camping World Stadium. Guests noshed on delicious hors d’oeuvres and swayed to the sounds of NapoSax. The highlight of the evening came when the International Man of Honor, Sir Franklyn Wilson, headlined a Master Class conducted by award-winning journalist and moderator Carolyn Fennell. Wilson is a businessman and philanthropist in the Bahamas who is the

International Man of Honor Sir Franklyn Wilson

developer of Jack’s Bay in Eleuthera boasting two golf courses credited to pro golfers Tiger Woods and Jack Niklaus. Wilson discussed important topics from the challenges and rewards of business ownership to encouraging young ambitious leaders to stay positive on their way to success.

On Saturday morning, ONYX Magazine led a breakfast to discuss next steps for an important partnership recently established to boost students’ careers. Three years ago, during Men of Honor, a group of leaders initiated discussions that have since evolved into a powerful partnership between two esteemed institutions: the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management (RCHM) and the University of the Bahamas (UB). Recently, the universities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for an international exchange program. This marks the beginning of a bright new chapter of collaboration and innovation. The breakfast, sponsored

by Rosen Hotels and Resorts, and emceed by ONYX Publisher Rich Black, hosted supporters who have a vested interest in the program and its success. RCHM Dean Cynthia Majia, Ph.D., and UB Provost Maria Oriaki, Ph.D., shared updates on the program and explained that it would start with students spending two years at RCHM and two years at UB learning from two of America’s top universities for hospitality management.

Finally, on Saturday night, September 28, the weekend culminated with the recognition of 26 of the most impactful men in Florida and The Bahamas. With more than 600 guests in the room, ONYX Magazine hosted the annual ONYX

MEN OF HONOR

Publisher Rich Black, center, accepts honors for each honoree from the office of Congressman Maxwell Frost.

Magazine’s Men of Honor (MOH), a nationally recognized event to applaud the most impactful and influential Black men in Florida and beyond. Founding Partner Orlando Health and Presenting Sponsor McCoy Federal Credit Union joined MOH in acknowledging “The Tallest Trees in the Forest,” a theme encouraged by Dr. Mary McLeod-Bethune that represents men who epitomize strength, resilience, and humble power. The black-tie awards dinner took place at the beautiful Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.

“These powerful and innovative achievers are the architects of thriving workplaces and communities throughout and beyond the sunshine state,” said Rich Black, ONYX Magazine’s publisher, CEO, and editor-in- chief.

“With admiration, we embrace them for their unwavering service and steadfast approach which is only surpassed by humble acceptance of an MOH award.”

MOH recognized Errol “Doc” Holliday as the Man of the Year. Holliday is known for his work as a Lockheed engineer on the initial iteration of the NASA Hubble Space Telescope. Hurricane Helene prevented him from making the trek from New Orleans, but he sent a four-minute video thanking the MOH steering committee and sponsors for their efforts.

“I am thanking God at age 84 for this recognition, and oh, what an honor it is…. I want to share this honor with everyone who had a hand in this recognition as Man of the Year,” said Holliday in his recorded speech. “I want to personally and humbly thank Mr. Rich Black for

Foundation ED Cherlynn Williams, University of Bahamas Provost Marie Oriahki, scholars, father of Aiden Gaines, Joshua Dames, Simeon Womack, John Pearson, Quibulah Graham, Linda Braynen, Rich Black

this recognition and all the gifted men who are also being honored. We have work to do…to go back into the communities and help young people who want to learn STEM and be elevated to learn and train and be educated, start their own business and go back into their communities and help others elevate.”

ONYX Magazine also bestowed additional distinguished awards: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer received the Publisher’s Award; former Florida House Representative Dick Batchelor received the Community Advocacy Award; and NASA Launch Director Denton Gibson, Ph.D., received the Rich Black Vanguard Award. Four college scholarships went to young men aspiring to higher education.

This year, Orange County, Fla., Mayor Jerry Demings (MOH 2021) and McCoy Federal Credit Union President Alvin Cowans (MOH 2022) return as honorary chairs. They will be joined by honorary co-chairs Gary Hartfield (MOH 2019),

the president of Serenity Village; and Sam Barrington (MOH 2022), the president of Sky Limit Crane & Rigging; Chair Dee Parker, president at Parker Realty Group, and Co-chair Nancy Port Schwalb, president of Schwalb Public Relations.

Additional MOH sponsors were Medallion Sponsor Disney Dreamers Academy; Kickoff Reception Sponsors Florida Citrus Sports, the Central Florida Urban League and Orlando Shakes; Pre-Event Reception Sponsors Bahamasair and Bahamas Office of Tourism; Mentor/ Mentee Reception Sponsor My Brothers Keeper; Billboard Sponsor Clear Channel Outdoor; Entertainment Sponsor VMD Ventures; Floral Sponsor Gail & Wynn’s Mortuary; and Event Sponsors, Jones and Rose, Orlando Magic, Orlando Utilities Commission, Fairwinds Credit Union, Darden Credit Union, City of Orlando, The Links, Incorporated Orlando, The Links, Incorporated Altamonte Springs, Glory Elite Travel, Porsche of Maitland, and Parker Realty Group.

Honorees with aspiring leaders

ONYX MAGAZINE 19

FLORIDA SCOPE HOW FLORIDA STANDS ON THE AMENDMENTS

FLORIDA’S FIRST INDOOR WATER PARK OPEN

Amendment 1 - Partisan School Board Members – FAILED Makes district school board elections partisan again with candidates' political parties listed with their names on ballots, the way they were before voters decided to make them nonpartisan in 1998.

While Florida’s myriad outdoor attractions are subject to the temper tantrums and turbulent weather present in the Sunshine State’s summer months, indoor experiences offer climate-controlled havens for family-friendly fun. Great Wolf Lodge’s newest location lands in Naples with a 92,000-square-foot water park, a 62,000-square-foot adventure park and a 500-room resort, altogether providing more than 500,000 square feet of inside space for escaping the elements.

Amendment 2 - Right to Hunt and Fish PASSED Enshrines hunting and fishing "preserved forever as a public right" in the Florida constitution and establishes that hunting and fishing are the preferred means for "responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife."

Amendment 3 - Recreational Marijuana FAILED Anyone 21 years old and older would be able to use and possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana with not more than 5 grams in a concentrated form (with assorted restrictions). Pot could be sold through marijuana dispensaries without the need for a medical marijuana card.

Orlando Sentinel

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INVESTED IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Florida Department of Education has significantly invested in workforce development programs throughout the state. Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., announced that dozens of school districts and programs will receive $62 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive (Workforce CAP) Grant Program. Tampa Bay Business Journal

HURRICANE RECOVERY EFFORTS UNDERWAY

Amendment 4 - Abortion Access - FAILED Makes abortion legal until fetal viability, which is generally considered to be around 23-24 weeks. It would also allow abortions when necessary to protect a patient’s health, as determined by a health care provider.

the time the UK market returns in force next year, with many areas impacted by recent hurricanes already welcoming visitors. Visit Florida chief executive Dana Young described the speed of the clean-up operation in communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton as “incredible” as she reiterated the “vast majority” of the state was unaffected. Travel Weekly

Amendment 5 - Homestead Annual Inflation Adjustment - PASSED Ties part of homestead property exemptions to inflation rates, could reduce revenue for local governments.

Florida’s top tourism official insists the state will be fully reopen for business by

Amendment 6 - Public Campaign Financing - FAILED Public funding would end for candidates for governor/lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner.

Sunshine State public universities are purging courses to avoid running afoul of a new law that targets "woke ideologies" in higher education. Hundreds of courses that previously counted toward graduation requirements will soon become electives. Free speech advocates and university professors feel the move is the first step toward such courses disappearing entirely. The culling of classes has the potential to affect faculty and thousands of students across the state. Politico

PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES CULLING REQUIRED COURSES TO AVOID BACKLASH

PRESIDENT BIDEN WAIVES MORE STUDENT DEBT President Joe Biden waived an additional $4.5 billion in student debt for over 60,000 borrowers who are public service workers. That’s under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or PSLF program. The Floridians who stand to benefit from this latest round of loan cancellation are teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officials, nurses, veterans and service members. U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary James Kvaal said this loan forgiveness is life-changing. Central Florida Public Media 20 ONYX MAGAZINE

B E YO N D FLO RI DA

TWO BLACK WOMEN WIN SENATE SEATS, MAKING HISTORY

F

or the first time, the U.S. Senate will have two Black women. Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware will join the small but growing sisterhood of Black women who have served in the upper chamber of Congress.

Two years ago, the U.S. Senate did not have a single Black woman. And before that, only two Black women had ever served in the upper chamber of Congress.

Lisa Blunt Rochester in Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland will change the math. They will each take seats held by White male Democrats. Blunt Rochester first made history in Congress eight years ago as the first Black person and woman elected to represent Delaware. She got her start interning for then-Rep. Tom Carper — the man she will succeed in the Senate. In the 1990s, she served in state government roles, as deputy secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and secretary of the Department of Labor. Alsobrooks interned for Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and the Congressional Black Caucus early in her career and went on to become state’s attorney for Maryland’s Prince George’s County, and then county executive since 2018. Candace Norwood, The 19th

Alsobrooks

Blunt Rochester

DONALD TRUMP WINS PRESIDENCY

D

onald J. Trump, the once and now future president, capped an improbable political comeback by defeating Vice President Kamala Harris on promises to turbocharge the economy and deport undocumented immigrants by the millions.

NBC News projected the Trump victory over Harris, who was the first woman of color to win a majorparty nomination for president, early Wednesday. She took the reins of the Democratic campaign after President Joe Biden stepped down from his bid for a second term, a decision made in

the wake of a disastrous June debate performance.

On Wednesday following election day, Harris called Trump to concede, a senior aide told NBC News. She addressed supporters at Howard University in Washington in the afternoon, promising a peaceful transfer of power.

“Now is not the time to throw up our hands, now is the time to roll up our sleeves,” Harris said at her alma mater before thousands of fellow Bisons. Harris says she is committed to assisting in a peaceful transition of power. – NBC News

COLORADO COMMUNITY RANKED AS HOTTEST HOUSING MARKET

H

ome sales have flatlined nationally in recent months as high mortgage rates, combined with continued home-price appreciation, have sidelined many potential buyers and discouraged would-be sellers. Despite those transactional challenges, plenty of areas are still seeing stiff competition. ZIP code 81144 in Monte Vista, Colorado, ranked as The Business Journals’ Hottest Housing Market for the third quarter. The average home sale price in 81144 was $565,818, 87% more than the national average listing price of $303,055. Homes there spent an average 123 days on the market last quarter. The 81144 community has just over 4,000 residents adjacent to the Sangre de Christo and San Juan mountains.

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

FeelTHE RUSH I N T E R N AT I O N A L

JUNKANOO AT CHRISTMAS IS GENUINELY BAHAMIAN AND ABSOLUTELY FESTIVE

J

unkanoo, a Bahamian national festival, is a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. The rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goat skin drums, and whistles, accompanied by an array of brass instruments, create a sweet musical beat that will move you, while brilliantly colored costumes capture your eye and bring much visual delight. This bi-annual cultural highlight occurs on Bay Street in New Providence and other Family Islands during the early morning hours on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) and New Year's morning. Bahamians also celebrate Junkanoo on many occasions, such as Independence Day (July 10th). New Providence holds a Junior Junkanoo Parade in December. Christmas is so much more special with Junkanoo.

WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN? The true origin of Junkanoo is unknown. However, historians trace its roots back to West Africa. The most popular legend states that the name originated from John Canoe, an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being 22 ONYX MAGAZINE

brought to the West Indies in slavery. During pre -and post-slavery days, Christmas was the greatest time for celebration in the Bahamas, and Junkanoo was the highlight. This remains today.

In the past, Junkanoo was a spontaneous event with no commercialization. The original Junkanoo Parade consisted of simple costumes of cloth, fringed paper and facial painting. There was also the use of sea sponges and other natural materials, such as leaves on netting worn over the body. The basic instruments used remain the same. However, some homemade instruments, such as conch shells, horns, and poinciana pods, have been replaced by modern instruments. Today, the addition of brass instruments creates the melody of the music.

THE ORIGINAL JUNKANOO COSTUME Enslaved people with their faces hidden under a flour paste celebrated on Boxing Day. Later, they replaced flour paste with wire masks held on a stick. Junkanooers blew bugles and horns and beat

on goatskin drums. In the late 1920s, when sponging was big business in the Bahamas, many Junkanooers covered themselves totally in sea sponges! Our 1935 photo shows a Junkanoo in a fabric costume skirted with strips of rags: "he danced for 'coppers' to fill the money pouch hanging from his wrist."

By the mid-thirties, fringe made up the entire costume. Participants received prizes, and group participation began. Soon, the costumes were fringed, not in cloth, by newspaper, then multi-colored crepe paper. It wasn't until the sixties that women participated in Junkanoo!

Today, as a cultural expression, Junkanoo is highly revered. From June to July, participating groups such as the Valley Boys, led by Gus Cooper, The Saxons, led by Percy Viola Francis, and Roots, create elaborate costumes and floats from cardboard, wire, Styrofoam, and paper mache. Starting at three in the morning on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, revelers parade or 'rush' on Bay Street in Nassau, and in some of the Family Islands. Shrieking whistles, shaking cowbells, and beating drums echo through the air. When the 'rushes' end, groups with best costumes, music and theme portrayal receive prizes.

Holiday visitors should watch this boisterous parade, which represents an important aspect of Bahamian culture. Others can catch a little Junkanoo during the summer at various Hotels, and winning floats from recent festivals can be seen at the Junkanoo Expo Museum on Prince George Wharf.

WHAT IS JUNKANOO LIKE TODAY? The Junkanoo Parade, as we know it today, exists only in the islands of The Bahamas and, perhaps, along the East Coast of the United States and around the Carolinas. It has developed from a street festival to a grand parade, which is equal to any of the Pan-African festivals that take place around the region, such as Mardi Gras and Carnival. Members of the community join organized Junkanoo groups, with names such as: "The Valley Boys," "Saxons," "Roots," and "One Family." The organized groups consist of 500-1000 members. Junkanoo Groups are divided into three categories (criteria for judging): musicians, dancers and costumes. They vie for cash prizes, but more importantly, the prestigious title of Best Junkanoo Group. After nearly a year of preparation and coordination of the closely guarded themes, costume designs, musical compositions, and choreographed dances, the group's competition is fierce. There are also smaller, loosely organized competitive groups called "Scrap Groups." Participants represent a broad cross-section of the community.

Anyone may participate in Junkanoo if they follow the rules of the National Junkanoo Association. Visitors to the Islands of the Bahamas can plan through their hotel to join the festival.

This picturesque splendor is a creative depiction of fantasy and reality. Junkanoo themes are visual lessons of The Bahamas -past and present, satirical statements, and notable events.

Costuming is a tedious process that demands tremendous skill and creativity. Costumes begin with a selection of a theme. Designers then create patterns on cardboard, which is the base of the costumes. Once the costumes' structure is complete, hundreds of brilliantly colored layers of fringed crepe paper are meticulously pasted on. The fringe effect is what adds texture and dimension to these elaborate costumes.

EFFORTS TO CONSERVE JUNKANOO Presently, there is a Junkanoo Museum located in Nassau that displays the winning costumes. The Junior Junkanoo program is a step toward conserving our heritage, and we pass it on to the youth of the Bahamas.

Junkanoo is the Soul of Bahamian Culture, and it is the only aspect of our Society that stands out as genuinely Bahamian. Junkanoo has developed into a unique art form and a style of its own, and it will soon become a world-class festival. Junkanoo is "the spirit of the Bahamas," and it is the main attraction of the Bahama Islands during the Yuletide festive season. Our rhythmic sound of cowbells, distinctive beat of the goat skin drum, the kaleidoscope of creative costuming, and the jumping and hoping dance steps separate us from every other country.

Story by the Government of The Bahamas submitted by Ty Olander. Photos courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.

ONYX MAGAZINE 23

SMART TIPS

STRESS-FREE THANKSGIVING TIPS hile gathering for Thanksgiving is intended to be a joyous occasion, everyone who has hosted the feast knows it can also come with a lot of stress, and expenses.

The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.

That’s because this holiday season, Sam’s Club’s private brand Member’s Mark is unveiling an innovative pre-cooked Thanksgiving meal that is ready to serve in under two hours, priced under $100 for up to 10 people and available to be delivered. Crafted with mindfully made premium ingredients, the meal offers convenience without compromising quality, ensuring a stress-free, memorable and delicious Thanksgiving. Here are the traditional Thanksgiving favorites that the meal includes: • Smoked Turkey • Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

• Pumpkin Pie • Sweet Potato Mash • Brussels Sprouts • Yeast Dinner Rolls Creamy Crack • Macaroni and Cheese • Cranberry Crunch Salad Along with purchasing a convenient Thanksgiving meal, here are a few additional ways to eliminate stress around holiday prep: 1. Start Early: Get your shopping and other hosting tasks done in advance. For example, don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to tidy up

your home. Doing a deep clean in advance can help ensure your kitchen is organized and ready for the big day, and that guests feel comfortable and welcomed. Set the table and do any decorating you have planned the evening beforehand.

2. Save on Festive Flair: You can further reduce costs by going DIY with items like centerpieces and seasonal wreaths, or by shopping with retailers offering great value, such as Sam’s Club, which provides solutions for flowers, décor, wine and other hosting essentials.

3. Rely on Friends and Family: Even if you have the main meal covered, it’s still nice to get a little help from guests, who will likely ask if they can bring something. Don’t be shy about asking them to contribute an appetizer or beverage!

By eliminating holiday hassles, you can focus on what really matters, giving thanks and spending time with the people you care about.

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A R T & C U LT U R E

CULTURE COMMENTARY: CURBING COMMUNITY DIVISION THROUGH NONVIOLENCE EDUCATION

BY TANGIER SCOTT, ED.D.

T

he great, late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “Nonviolence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it.”

As election day approached, concerns about potential post-election violence rose.

However, we must not allow violence to define our society.

It is crucial for our community to embrace King's philosophy of nonviolence, fostering dialogue and understanding as we work towards meaningful social change.

Recognizing the trend that violence was on the increase in America, as a result of domestic violence, workplace, and schools, the State of Florida created the Florida Martin Luther King, Jr., Institute for Nonviolence as its response to the significant public need to develop methods, to curb the use of violence, and to encourage the nonviolence management of social conflict by law enforcement.

On May 13, 1993, house Bill 1283, sponsored by Florida State Representative James Bush III, District 109, and co-sponsored by Senator Daryl Jones, District 40, was signed into law by Governor Lawton Chiles. This act of the Florida Legislature established the nation’s second governmental response to the demand for nonviolence social change.

The idea of the Institute was orchestrated by the Metro-Miami Action Plan (MMAP) under the direction of then the Executive Director, Sherwood DuBose. He currently serves as the board’s chairperson of the Criminal Justice Sensitivity Action Committee, with the assistance of the Miami Dade Commission, Miami-Dade Police Department,

26 ONYX MAGAZINE

City of Miami Commission, City of Miami Police Department, Miami-Dade Corrections Department, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolence Social Change, Inc., and others.

The Florida Martin Luther King, Jr., Institute for Nonviolence focuses on Kingian nonviolence training, a philosophy and methodology espoused

by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It provides the knowledge, skills, and motivation necessary for participants to pursue peaceful strategies for solving personal and community problems. This approach addresses all forms of violence.

Since its inception, the Institute has had phenomenal success, as a result of certifying over 200 co-trainers, trained approximately 10,000 individuals locally, in various states and internationally. In 2023, 22 Shelby County School Resources Officers were certified in nonviolence education and training. As a result, there has been a reduction in how conflict is managed within the Shelby County School system.

In a time where violent incidents continue to capture headlines, the work of the Florida Martin Luther King, Jr., Institute for Nonviolence remains more crucial than ever in providing education and training to continue curbing community division through Nonviolence education and training.

It’s time to heal, to unite, to move on and to welcome the new day in store for us! Let’s do this–together!

Tangier Scott, Ed.D., is president & CEO of Florida Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Nonviolence in Miami.

A R T & C U LT U R E

ABSTRACT REALITY TWO UNSUNG ART HEROES EXPLAIN THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THEIR WORK

VAUGHN SPANN

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n a recent interview, Orlando, Fla.,-born artist Vaughn Spann remarked, “Abstraction maps reality.” The four monumental paintings on view at the Tampa Museum of Art, all from the series Marked Men, represent the convergence of abstrac-

tion and figuration in Spann’s art. Rendered as a grid, each panel features a prominent ‘X’ at the center of the composition.

Vibrant paint—from sapphire to sky blue, crimson red, fire orange, and marigold yellow, to blush pink and emerald green—

S STANLEY WHITNEY

emphasize Spann’s lattice of kaleidoscopic color. Created in a variety of hues and form, the X ranges from prominently visible to camouflaged or hidden. In Spann’s paintings, the X serves as a portrait of the everyman who has been targeted in racial profiling. It reflects self as well as the unknown or anonymous person. In discussing the inspiration for the Marked Men series, Spann shared: “I was stopped and frisked for the first time while I was an undergrad student…I was walking home from studying at a friend’s house.

Cops pulled me over. Four other cop cars came by. They put me against a gate, and my hands are up, split. That same gesture echoes the X. And, for me, that’s such a symbolic form, and so powerful to this contemporary moment.” Spann’s paintings illustrate a breadth

tanley Whitney is a contemporary African-American artist known for his use of a loose grid of colors in his paintings. He has a wide range of references, including Egyptian hieroglyphs, jazz music, as well as the work of Bob Thompson and Giorgio Morandi. Whitney blocks out squares of color that complement and clash against one another, creating a quilt-like quality to the work. “I start at the top and work down. That gets into call and response,” he explained of his practice. “One color calls forth another. Color dictates the structure, not the other way around.”

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1946, Whitney studied at the Kansas City Art Institute before moving in New York in 1968. The artist went on to attend Yale School of Art, where he received an MFA in 1972. Not interested in making work specif-

of art historical and contemporary art influences, from the colorful abstract paintings

by Stanley Whitney and Brice Marden’s lyrical yet minimal canvases, to Pop art icon Andy Warhol. Spann, greatly inspired

by Whitney, builds on this sentiment and adds, “…with freedom comes responsibility.” In this gallery, Spann’s Marked Men series signifies the artist’s dedication to social activism while paying homage to art history.

ically about his black identity, Whitney had a difficult time distinguishing himself during the 1970s and 1980s when painting abstractions was widely considered out of style. In 2015, the artist was the subject of the solo exhibition “Stanley Whitney: Dance the Orange,” which was held at the Studio Museum in Harlem. He currently lives and works with his wife Marina Adams between New York, NY and Parma, Italy. Today, Whitney’s works are held in the collections of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, among others. I follow the paintings wherever they take me. If the painting goes out the door, I follow it out the door; if it goes out the window, I follow it out the window,” Whitney explains. Whitney’s art is displayed all over the world.

ONYX MAGAZINE 27

Art Classes Drawing and Painting Ceramics Print-Making Teen Classes Kids & Families Studio 55 Explore classes open for enrollment!

TampaMuseum.org/Studio Contact: Studio@TampaMuseum.org

On view through August 10, 2025 Installation view of Jennifer Steinkamp: Madame Curie at the Tampa Museum of Art. Photographer: Paige Boscia.

TampaMuseum.org Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am – 8pm

Exhibitions supported in part by:

SNAP Benefit Recipients get free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art! Presenting Sponsor:

ONYX ON THE MOVE

CENTRAL FLORIDA SECTION,

NCNW is on the Move to National

D

r. Mary McLeod Bethune, a trailblazing civil rights pioneer and educator, once said, “If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves. We should, therefore, protest openly everything that smacks discrimination or slander.” These powerful words till resonate today as we continue to confront discrimination in all its forms. As Black Women, it’s our turn to carry on the profound legacy of our founder, Dr. Bethune, and fight for peaceful interracial growth. National Council Negro Women, Inc., (NCNW) sections are gearing up for our 61st national convention in the vibrant city of Baltimore, Md., under the leadership of National President & CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley, MPH, M.Div. and our National Chair Dr. A. Lois Keith. We are committed to leading, advocating for, and empowering women of African descent, along with their families and communities, and connecting with over 2 million individuals. The Central Florida Section, Inc., NCNW, led

by President Carole Davis firmly upholds the four core values of our organization: Economic Empowerment, Education, Healthcare, and Social Justice, and remains dedicated to supporting and serving Central Florida’s communities. We wholeheartedly invite YOU to join us on this remarkable journey to educate and empower families and communities throughout Central Florida. Let’s make a difference together! Contributed by: First Vice President Dr. Delores Grant, Central Florida Section, Inc.

NEW DOCUMENTARY SHINES POSITIVE LIGHT ON BLACK MEN

T

he Black Man documentary by Jon Wesley Covington is a powerful look at Black men’s experiences. Podcast host Rod Love showed the film to a group of community members at the Orlando Museum of Art in October, with support from ONYX Magazine. The Black Man is a story about experiences, not grievances. A story that goes beyond stereotypes, shedding light on the real lives of Black men. Lives filled with love, resilience, and a deep connection to their communities. Here’s why this documentary matters: • It shifts the narrative.

• It showcases the humanity of Black men.

• It acknowledges the struggles of Black men.

These aren’t just stories; they’re experiences that many can relate to, no matter your background. Black men showing up for their families.

Black Men stepping into their roles with pride.

Leading by example in a misunderstood world.

Being a Black man is more than raising kids. It’s about fatherhood, shaping futures, building legacies. Creating pathways for success. And yet, too often, these stories go untold. This documentary changes that. It brings these stories to light. A call for compassion, understanding, and accountability. This isn’t just for Black men. This is for everyone. For more information, go to https://lnkd.in/eQ74hkx4.

OUC Shares Valuable Information with Residents

L

ake Sunset residents recently learned about many ways to save on their utility bills, thanks to Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) representatives who spoke at the November neighborhood association meeting. The 32 attendees expressed excitement about OUC’s Energy Efficiency and free energy audits programs as well as PeakSHIFT, OUC’s modernization which is designed to provide even more money-saving options. Visit OUC.com/WaysToSave and OUCPeakSHIFT.com to learn more.

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED

C

ongratulations to the Pendana Seniors of West Lakes on the establishment of their new organization, with $1,000 in starter funds from ONYX Magazine. The Pendana Seniors of Lake Sunset Neighborhood Association is under the leadership of the Executive Committee: President Wylene Holt, Vice President Joyce Blackman, Secretary Lisa A. Williams, Treasurer Juan Velez, Parliamentarian Tyrone Blye, Sergeant at Arms Sheila Caldwell. Members of the association will create projects and programs to enhance their communities.

ONYX MAGAZINE 29

H O L I D AY R E C I P E

SMOKE YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY for a Tasty Twist on Tradition

M

ake room in the oven this Thanksgiving with a Spatchcock Smoked Turkey recipe that stays moist and tender. By relying on the smoker rather than a traditional baked bird, you can keep the oven freed up for savory sides and delectable desserts.

Visit Culinary.net to find more Thanksgiving recipes.

RECIPE COURTESY OF “COOKIN’ SAVVY” Servings: 8-10

• • • • • •

1 stick melted butter 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoons onion powder 2 tablespoons thyme 2 tablespoons lemon powder 1 turkey (10 pounds)

30 ONYX MAGAZINE

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat smoker to 225 F. Mix melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme and lemon powder. Rub entire turkey front and back with butter mixture.

Smoke turkey until it reaches internal temperature of 150 F. While turkey finishes smoking, heat grill to at least 450 F. Sear turkey on grill until internal temperature reaches 165 F, about 10-15 minutes. Flip turkey breast side down 30 seconds to crisp skin. Use pizza peel to remove from grill.

CONSUME WITH CAUTION Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.

E

dible cannabis comes in many forms, such as candies, desserts, snacks and beverages, but they should not be consumed like tasty treats, warn three cannabis experts.

“They're yummy, and you don't want to stop with one.

Before you know it, it's a really bad experience,” says Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, a family physician who is widely respected as an educator of cannabis and its therapeutic uses.

Her cautious approach to edibles is shared by Jacquie Cohen Roth, MS, founder of Maryland-based CannabizMD and Dominique Gibson, a Florida-based chef who cooks with cannabis.

All three are proponents of medical cannabis edibles as a treatment for qualified conditions, but with a caveat.

They say when someone consumes edibles infused with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it takes time for the psychoactive ingredient to kick in. This delayed release fools some people into eating another brownie or gummy before the previous edible has been fully absorbed in the body. Consuming too many edibles can trigger an increased heart rate, paranoia and nausea.

“My recommendation is always to have some CBD tincture on hand that will get into your system very quickly and help offset too much THC in your system,” Ms. Roth says.

In Florida, such variables with the potency of edibles are all the more reason to seek the guidance of a medical marijuana qualified physician and to purchase cannabis-related products only from a dispensary, which are regulated by the state and bear a certificate of analysis (COA).

“It's going to tell you if it's been exposed to water or pesticides. It's going to give you pretty much all the information that you need to make an educated decision based on what you need as a patient,” says Chef Gibson.

Visit https://bit.ly/TastyTHC to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring medical cannabis experts Dr. Uma Dhanabalan, Jacquie Cohen Roth, MS, and Chef Dominique Gibson talking about cannabis edibles and concentrates.

HIV/AIDS and

Marijuana Use Learn the Benefits and Side Effects

Watch a Conversations on Cannabis virtual forum to hear healthcare professionals discuss the potential benefits and challenges of using medical cannabis for individuals living with HIV and AIDS.

Watch Now

Follow ‘Conversations on Cannabis’ on

@MMERIForumRadio

ONYX MAGAZINE 31

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF BEING A GIVER

I

f you have some wiggle room in your budget, deciding how to spend that extra money may fuel your daydreams. How would your hard-earned money be best spent? How can it improve your life? One answer: donate it to a worthy cause — like the ONYX Foundation.

Research shows that donating money makes people happier than spending it on themselves.

By donating, you can improve your mental wellness while supporting the well-being of others.

Before making a donation to any organization, speak with your financial advisor Here are some other benefits to giving: 1. Lower Your Tax Bill: If you itemize deductions on your tax return, charitable donations can help you lower your taxable income up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for donations to public charities and up to 30% for donations made to certain private foundations, veterans organizations, fraternal societies, and cemetery organizations. Any dollars gifted above these limits can be carried forward for five subsequent tax years. Your AGI limit percentage also varies by the type of asset you’re donating, whether it’s cash,

32 ONYX MAGAZINE

capital gains property (typically investments held longer than one year), or ordinary income property.

2. Reduce Your Taxable Estate: If your estate is subject to estate tax, gifting assets can help reduce the size of your taxable estate. For example, if your taxable estate is above the estate tax exemption limits, the amount above the limit will be taxed at the highest estate tax rate, which is currently 40%. The 2024 federal estate tax exemption limits are now $13,610,000 for an individual and $27,220,000 for a married couple.

3. Help Avoid Capital Gains Taxes: Gifting highly appreciated stocks can be a win-win situation for the donor and the charity. For example, if you received equity compensation at a low stock price and the value has since doubled, you can avoid additional taxes and capital gains by gifting these stocks. When you gift stock to qualified charities, you don’t pay capital gains tax on the stock — and neither does the charity. In essence, you end up gifting the full value of your stock and having a greater impact than if you had sold your stock first, paid the capital gains tax liability, and then made the charitable donation. Read more about how you can use your concentrated positions to maximize your charitable giving.

W E A LT H & F I N A N C E

BUDGETS

HELP PREPARE YOU FOR WEALTH

T

SMART MONEY PRACTICES CAN LEAD YOU TO FINANCIAL SECURITY.

he past few years have upended many perceptions of financial stability. A layoff or career change, inflation never before seen by younger generations, and the lingering uncertainty of who is in political offices might have thrown off your financial planning.

The new year is a great time to review your strategies for smart spending and saving so you can weather whatever the future has in store. Financial planning professionals suggest that you start by creating a budget.

Try these tips for saving and spending in 2025: • Use Credit Responsibly: Pay off credit cards each month, if possible, to avoid accumulating debt and build good credit.

• Set Up Automatic Savings: You can do this through your bank and via your employer’s payroll. Use the new year to take a fresh look at the savings options through your employer, including Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which can be carried over from one year to the next.

• Invest Windfalls: Invest any unexpected cash, such as bonuses or tax refunds, and make your money work harder for you. If you find yourself with significant new assets, such as an inheritance, a CFP® professional can help you make the most of your good fortune.

• Review Your Retirement Plans: The new year may bring changes such as buying a home, updating a will or navigating a higher tax bracket. A CFP® professional can provide a new year review to keep your retirement plans on track no matter where you are in your working life.

• Plan Your Tax Payments: Consider paying estimated taxes

NewsUSA

throughout the year to avoid a large tax bill in April. Estimated tax payments can be especially helpful for contract workers or freelancers who don’t have taxes taken out of their pay automatically.

• Shop Smarter: Combat inflation by switching to store brands for some items. Check whether generic medications will work for you and compare prices for different pharmacies.

IS A DEBT-FREE LIFE POSSIBLE? EXPERTS SAY YES. "To say we were disorganized is putting it mildly," said two Americans trying to make ends meet. Let’s just call them Rahim and Tamika.

Like so many Americans, they didn't have a plan for their money.

The problem is often not how much money a family makes, but that they have no idea what they're spending it on. Seventy-eight percent of full-time workers say they live paycheck to paycheck, according to a recent report from CareerBuilder. Worse, most feel it will always be that way. But it doesn't have to be.

Financial experts agree that the best way to break the vicious cycle of scrambling to make ends meet is by having a written budget and sticking to it. Rahim heard about a website, RamseySolutions.com and the

EveryDollar budgeting app that makes it simple to create a budget, manage money, and track spending. He signed up, set up his budget, and he has stuck to it for years. "I paid off $165,000 in debt since I got started. Now I’m in a position to be completely debt-free, including my house and rental property, in the next three years."

The "B" word has gotten a bad rap. Budgeting sounds hard. It sounds restricting. Frankly, it sounds boring. But people who've made budgeting the center of their financial behavior have discovered quite the opposite. The technology behind apps like EveryDollar make budgeting easy. Rather than feeling restricted, they say it feels as if they have permission to spend - just not permission to waste.

Tamika was surprised by how much having a budget changed her attitude. She's a single mother in Florida, whose bills include daycare, rent, and student loans. "I felt so far behind every month, and things seemed hopeless," she says. "Now, I keep track of every dollar, and I'm getting ahead instead of falling behind."

Rahim and Tamika empowered themselves to take control of their money. You can too. Creating a budget and sticking to it could change your life and help you take control of your money in the new year.

ONYX MAGAZINE 33

TR AVE L

FIND YOUR HOLIDAY GETAWAY ON ONE TANK

C

SPECIAL PLACES TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN FLORIDA

hristmas is always packed with family, folly and fun. Add a daycation on your weeks off.

Florida has just what the family needs on your seasonal break, and you can get to most of the festivities without using up all the gas in your tank. We list a few places for you to consider for your day away at Christmas.

Cherished year-round for its small beach town vibe, natural beauty, outstanding dining, and exciting outdoor activities, Amelia is also a popular holiday getaway, with numerous special events and happenings. See for yourself how Amelia Island comes to life with holiday cheer.

Amelia Island

COCOA BEACH

Our big winter holiday event! Free family fun happens downtown when Santa arrives ready to check his list and pose for pictures. Live music, food trucks, unique vendors, and a beer tent. There is always extra fun for the kids. Our local shops and restaurants will be open and ready for you to shop, eat and enjoy your day in downtown Cocoa Beach. VisitSpaceCoast

MIAMI WEST PALM BEACH

Sandi Land, the City of West Palm Beach’s yearly holiday celebration returns this year.

Nightly music and light shows will run daily.

The Holiday Tree Lighting takes place on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The celebration will feature music by The Music Machine on the NewDay USA Stage and include FREE and special entertainment, including fun-loving pirates, strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar will take place in the Lake Pavilion. Music, activities and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m. Sandi shows and rides on Ferris take place until 10 pm. Location: The Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401. The Palm Beaches

WINTER PARK

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 72nd annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade on December 7. The event has been held each December for more than 70 years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. Each year the parade travels down 34 ONYX MAGAZINE

Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south, ending Lyman Avenue. More than 80 organizations participate including marching bands, local police and fire departments, scouting groups, local dignitaries and, of course, Santa Claus.

AMELIA ISLAND

Lights, decorations, a historic downtown, and the warmth of Southern hospitality combine to make the holidays especially enchanting on Amelia Island. From the night before Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, there’s a unique sampling of holiday happenings that will banish even the strongest case of the “Bah Humbugs.”

Step into the mesmerizing world of Christmas Wonderland, an annual immersive holiday experience returning to Tropical Park from November 14, 2024 through January 5, 2025. This all-ages theme park is loaded with Christmas thrills such as a half mile stretch of dazzling holiday displays and light shows, Instagram-worthy exhibits celebrating Miami's diversity, a snowy wonderland with an Ice Bar, the Magnificent Midway of thrilling carnival rides and much more. Enjoy classic Christmas experiences like Storytime with Mrs. Claus at the Town Square or Santa's Village where the kiddos can meet Santa and take a photo with jolly old Saint Nick. In addition to all the attractions, families can also enjoy an assortment of daily shows that include aerial feats at Holiday Hijinx, a cirque-style performance featuring hoops, balance boards and sharp swords at

Wonder Cirque or a daredevil motorcycle show at Christmas Ball of Thrills.

SEASIDE

There’s no better place to experience the holiday spirit than to explore Seaside, where there’s a magnificent Christmas tree for all to enjoy. it’s a community that offers many events for the whole family. For instance, on weekends in December, there’s a holiday market selling crafts of local artisans. Typically, the market is open on Saturdays from 10-4 p.m.

ST. AUGUSTINE

Nights of Lights is still on this year! White lights drape the city’s unique Spanish Colonial architecture and glow from the downtown sidewalks to the rooftops, over the Bridge of Lions, along historic buildings, public spaces, hotels, restaurants, and inns throughout approximately 20 blocks of the Nation’s Oldest City’s historic district. The 2024-2025 Nights of Lights will take place every evening from November 23, 2024, to January 26, 2025. The festival kicks off with Light-Up! Night on November 23 at 4 p.m. and the official lighting ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitucion.

Florida Historic Coast. Photo courtesy of ONYX Magazine

FORT MYERS

The Circus Does Christmas! A specially themed holiday show, Holidaze sees various Christmas ornaments magicked to life as the seasoned troupe of 30 performers from over 12 different countries combine their talents into 20 acts, transforming themselves into costumed characters and perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination and whimsical joy. Cirque Dreams: Holidaze has been entertaining its fans, young and old for the better part of a decade, and now you can experience the magic for yourself! Check fortmyerstheater.com for dates and times.

TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR FAMILY’S

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ON VACATION

BY JASMINE OSBY

W

hile many people are preparing to spend Christmas at home, some families have an entirely different plan. Instead of quality time spent at the house, American parents are rounding up the kids and heading out of town for the holidays. However, orchestrating your family’s Christmas holiday on vacation can be a feat.

Depending on the size of your family and where you’re headed, there could be a laundry list of preparations to make before Christmas Day. Whether it’s booking flights or finding the right accommodations, here are a few tips to help you get everything mapped out before spending Christmas on vacation.

BE REALISTIC WITH YOUR TRAVEL TIME Traveling as a unit is a different ballgame than solo travel. This is especially true if you’re traveling with small children. It’s important to be realistic with your travel expectations over the holidays. Make sure to map out extra time for commuting, checking into your accommodations, and for any unexpected delays.

CHOOSE A VRU OVER HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS When traveling as a family during Christmas, many travelers advise choosing an Airbnb or other vacation rental units (VRUs) instead of a hotel. There are many wonderful things about hotel stays. However, they typically come with limited space that larger families need. Therefore, a VRU is the best pick for family holiday travel. Rental properties also usually come with a full kitchen and appliances. If you want to cook a traditional Christmas meal, you’ll have everything you need to do so minus the groceries.

CREATE AN ITINERARY THAT CATERS TO YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS Creating an itinerary before traveling helps you stay organized and efficient on the go. This rule

still applies when traveling as a family and it’s vital to map out activities and plans that fit the needs of your family. Be sure to have a healthy combination of family time while also freely experiencing the destination you’re visiting.

It’s important to also build in time for rest and recharge between activities and exploring the city. Another thing to consider when traveling as a family for Christmas is that many businesses and excursions may be closed due to the holiday.

This is something to look into before heading out of town.

BRING A TOUCH OF HOME WITH YOU Sometimes travel accommodations can lack the special holiday touch you can only find at home. If you plan on traveling with your family during the holiday season, consider bringing a little touch of home along with you. This can be difficult depending on where you’re going.

However, you can bring travel-size goodies to decorate your hotel or rental property to make it feel like Christmas at home. This can include decorations, stockings for each family member, photos, and other small items that don’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

INCORPORATE FAMILY ORIENTED CRAFTS AND GAMES Another thing to do during family time on travel holidays is to incorporate family-oriented crafts and games into your plans. Time spent creating gingerbread houses, writing letters to Santa, and painting ornaments help create timeless memories. There’s no better way to enhance those memories than by experiencing them while traveling with your family. It also ensures you get quality time with your family between sightseeing.

Jasmine Osby is an award-winning journalist and publicist with over a decade of experience as a professional journalist and serves as a staff writer for Travel Noire.

ONYX MAGAZINE 35

TRADITIONS

Y

ou've gobbled down all the turkey you can stand, stuffed your belly with auntie's famous dressing, and maneuvered the largest slice of sweet potato pie into your possession! To boot, your team won, and your entire family came together to express what each is thankful for. That's a good Thanksgiving Day. Now, you can just sit back and relax for the rest of the weekend. Right? Skrrrt (rewind sounds).

Scratch that. It's about to be on, and you are now focused on your elaborate plan to do some nextlevel shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday.

All you want to do is save a lot of money on Christmas items without getting hurt. But have

you ever wondered how this fantastic shopping tradition first started?

According to XXX, Black Friday has been around in some form for more than 100 years.

In the late 1800s, many department stores held Thanksgiving parades — and still do to this day. Back then, the last float in the festive caravan marked the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Stores opened their doors, and mad buying commenced. At the top of the 20th century, retailers started their Christmas sales the day after Thanksgiving.

But it wasn't until the 1940s that Black Friday really took off. We celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November — usually, there are four

Thursdays. However, a five-Thursday November in 1939 changed things. Business leaders requested that President Franklin D. Roosevelt roll back the day to the fourth Thursday. That way, the holiday season could start much earlier than December. Roosevelt agreed, and we now celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of the month.

In the BLACK HOW THE FIERCE SHOPPING FRENZY GOT STARTED THE DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING.

THE MONIKER, BLACK FRIDAY

ONLINE SHOPPING DAY

Today, the "black" in Black Friday notates the profit businesses achieve as a result of this day: if your business is "in the black," you have profit. If it's "in the red," you're at a deficit. Year-round, many companies are typically "in the red," but the exorbitant amount of money spent after Thanksgiving changes their projections in a matter of days. However, the original story does not shed a positive light on the word "black." From the 1950s through the 1970s, the Army-Navy football game took place Saturday after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia. The crowd craze put police on high alert as the mischief was wild when fans arrived on Friday. Folks referred to the dismal outlook on the weekend as "black." (That was when people could get away with using the word negatively. Now, we can all agree that Black is beautiful, and that's that.) Being "into the black" is what all retailers strive to achieve. Black Friday is undoubtedly one of the biggest shopping days of the year, accounting for more than 20% of yearly sales in the retail industry.

Cyber Monday is a marketing invention first observed in 2005 by online retailer shop.org. Seen as an online version of Black Friday, Cyber Monday retailers created to allow customers to shop online and get the same great Black Friday deals from the comfort of their offices and homes. The day after Thanksgiving in the United States is traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Brick-and-mortar retailers have sales and provide massive discounts to attract customers, making it one of the year's busiest shopping days. As a result, many people tend to stay away from stores to avoid crowds. Thanksgiving weekend is also one of the busiest travel weekends in the US when people travel around the country to be with their families. Such travel may mean that many customers miss Black Friday deals and sales. Cyber Monday may be a way to encourage such customers to shop without the frenzy.

ONYX Staff Report

Timeanddate.com

36 ONYX MAGAZINE

BUSINESS

NEW IDEA: E

Start a Business in 2025

ntrepreneurs consistently seek profitable business opportunities.

With everything always in upgrade mode—technology, consumer behavior and global needs—2025 might be the year that you should look to make a shift. Here are some popular businesses you might consider.

ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average accountant and auditor earns $78,000 per year, with the field growing by 4% annually. Accounting businesses can charge clients anywhere from the mid-$30s to more than $400 per hour, depending on the accountant’s expertise, experience and the level of complexity involved. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting to help clients with tasks such as tax return preparation, preparing financial statements and providing financial analysis and advice.

If you lack an accounting degree, you can opt for a bookkeeping business, which doesn’t require any particular certification.

As opposed to accounting, bookkeeping focuses on tracking financial transactions such as invoices, bill payments and payroll regularly, often with the help of online bookkeeping services. Forbes BABY PRODUCTS Online baby product sales retailers have benefited from rising incomes, as parents have been turning to online retailers to create baby registries, furnish nurseries and order everyday items. According to IBIS World, revenue for baby products is expected to reach a total of $12.8 billion in 2024. Some of the most popular categories include:

• • •

Safety products including health and grooming products, monitors, and baby gates.

Furniture such as cribs, toddler beds, and highchairs.

Entertainment and toys, such as activity seats, jumpers, and swings. Fundbox

CONTENT MARKETING Content marketing has experienced substantial growth recently, with its diverse responsibilities ranging from creating blog posts, videos, SEO-friendly content, to articles and emails. The internet’s permanence makes engaging content essential for fostering communication and serving as a platform for creativity. Content marketing offers opportunities for individuals with multidisciplinary backgrounds, making it a top business prospect for 2025. TheElitex.com PET GROOMING SERVICES Pet grooming services are increasingly in demand as pet ownership grows, especially in urban areas where convenience is key.

Starting a pet grooming business requires an initial investment in grooming tools, a suitable space, and any necessary certifications or licenses. Passion for animals, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills are vital to building a loyal clientele. With strategic marketing and the potential to expand into luxury grooming services, this can become a highly rewarding business both personally and financially. BunnyDoc

DROPSHIPPING BUSINESS Despite its poor reputation in recent times, dropshipping can still be an extremely profitable strategy when executed well.

Businesses that sell products they don’t have in hand are called drop shipping in the e-commerce subcategory. Rather, the buyer receives the product straight from the vendor. Dropshipping lowers the cost of your products, which raises your net income. The global dropshipping market is also expected to expand by 20% annually by 2028. Dropshipping is popular in businesses like bookstores, where customers demand a wide variety of products that could be too expensive for small businesses. Tycoonstory HEALTHCARE SERVICES FOR SENIORS With an aging population and the increasing demand for senior care, businesses that provide healthcare services for seniors are not just profitable but essential. The global senior care industry is expected to grow exponentially as Baby Boomers age. Services such as home healthcare, assisted living facilities and specialized senior care centers are in high demand. You can start a home healthcare business at a low cost.

You’ll need proper licensing, but the startup costs can be manageable if you start small with just a few clients and grow your team over time. Forbes ONYX MAGAZINE 37

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

MINDING YOUR WEIGHT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

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he holidays are stressful enough with family coming into town, travel plans, and last-minute Christmas shopping. Set a realistic goal to maintain your weight over the holiday season, instead of trying to meet a large weight loss goal when temptations are high.

With the holidays right around the corner, many of us are cringing at the thought of what seems to be the unavoidable weight gain that happens every… single… year. But with all of the holiday dishes laced with butter, sugary baked goods, and luscious, rich holiday drinks, who can resist?

Maybe this year you can break the weight gain cycle. Staying healthy through the holidays can be easier than you think, using these helpful tips.

• Take 10- to 15- minute brisk walks to help relieve holiday stress and help clear your mind of your growing to-do lists as the holidays kick into high-gear.

• Stay on your regular eating pattern and don’t skip meals. If you over-indulged at breakfast, don’t skip lunch and dinner. Skipping meals can lead to excessive hunger and over-eating. Instead, eat something light to tie you over until your next meal.

• Decide it is okay to eat your favorite high-fat foods. I always say, “everything in moderation.” Choose the indulgent foods you really enjoy and eat small portions to satisfy your craving.

• Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday foods by eating mindfully and in small portions. Here’s a great portion control tip for the holidays – carry an ice cream scoop with you to use to fill your plate with various foods. That way, you get a smaller portion of your favorite foods.

• Eat a light, healthy snack before going to an event or party. This will help curb your hunger going into the party, and control your portions and choices while at the party.

MINDFUL EATING WHILE AT THE PARTY • Check out the buffet and food choices before filling your plate. How often do you go down the buffet line filling your plate up from the beginning, only to realize what you really wanted was at the end of the buffet line? Avoid this by scoping out your options first, and then choosing your

DRINK RESPONSIBLY WITH DIABETES

W

hen you have diabetes, part of managing your blood sugar means paying attention to what you eat.

It’s just as important to keep tabs on what you drink. Falling short on fluids can make the sugar in your blood more concentrated, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. This could spell trouble for the 25% of adults aged 65 and older who are living with diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so we want to tell you which beverages diabetics can consume and which ones to pour out.

GOT MILK? Dairy consumption is to a lower risk for type 2 diabetes, and a growing body of

38 ONYX MAGAZINE

favorite foods to eat and skipping the rest. Aim to fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.

• Choose calorie-free beverages. Limit your intake of alcohol, juices, sodas, and eggnogs. The calories from sugar in these beverages can add up quickly, and often goes unnoticed.

• Bring a healthy dish to share. Are you in charge of a dish at your family potluck? Bring a healthy side dish that everyone will be sure to enjoy and I guarantee you, you won’t be the only one that’s glad you did.

• Make only one trip to the buffet table. With so many food options, it can be hard not to go back for seconds or thirds. Try to avoid this by grabbing your favorite foods the first go-around, and savor every bite.

• Keep your hands full with a low-calorie beverage. Hold your glass in the hand you usually eat with to keep from grabbing nibbles here and there as butlers make their way around the room.

• Stand away from the buffet table so that you aren’t tempted to nibble.

• Eat only when you are hungry, and not because food is at your fingertips. It’s also easy to mistake hunger for thirst, so make sure that you are properly hydrated by drinking water throughout the night.

• Avoid nibbling while you cook. There is a difference between nibbling and tasting while preparing foods. Avoid nibbling so that when it’s time to eat, you can sit down and enjoy the hard work you put into the meal!

Orlando Health

evidence suggests that the protein in milk may also support healthier blood sugar levels after meals for people with type 2 diabetes. Choose low-fat over whole milk.

WATER. H20 is free of added sugar, so it won’t have an impact on your blood sugar. It also may help you avoid weight gain, which could negatively impact your blood sugar. Add crushed fresh fruit (like berries or citrus) or fresh herbs for a kick.

UNSWEETENED TEA. Like water, plain tea is another beverage that doesn’t serve up extra calories or sugar. Green tea is particularly good.

Sipping it may lower fasting blood sugar levels,

perhaps thanks to antioxidants that affect how the body absorbs carbohydrates, a review of the evidence found.

AVOID THESE: It’s best to steer clear of soda, fruit punch, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened teas. According to the ADA, these drinks contain added sugar and empty calories, which can spike your blood sugar and contribute to weight gain. Limit 100% fruit juices. They are high in calories, and natural sugars can still cause your blood sugar levels to spike.

Silver Sneakers

BLACK AMERICANS SHOULD CONSIDER PARTICIPATING IN HIV CLINICAL TRIALS

S

tatistics reveal that although Black Americans make up nearly 13 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for 42.1 percent of HIV infection cases in 2019. In 2020, Black Americans were 7.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV compared to white individuals. With rates like this, we need to address this public health crisis. Despite the high prevalence of HIV infection in the Black American community, Black Americans remain underrepresented in HIV clinical trials. Given these high rates, Black Americans need to participate in clinical trials to help

advance research and the development of new vaccines.

Recent research has revealed differences in drug metabolism and toxicity across races and ethnicities, underscoring the importance of inclusive research practices. Representation in clinical trials helps ensure that findings apply to all communities and that new treatments are effective and safe for everyone. Lastly, participating in trials gives participants access to cutting-edge therapies and contributes to more equitable healthcare outcomes.

Addressing these disparities requires continuous efforts to

increase awareness, education, and access to clinical trials within the Black-American community.

Encouraging participation not only aids in the fight against HIV/ AIDS but also helps to bridge the gaps in medical research and treatment efficacy.

BlackDoctor.org

WHAT’S KILLING YOUR CONCENTRATION?

W

e all have trouble focusing sometimes. Here are eight of the most common concentration killers—and what you can do to manage distractions.

1. Juggling Game. Research suggests you need more time when you shift your focus from one task to another. Working on four projects simultaneously takes longer than doing them one after the other. The fix: When possible, tackle one project at a time, especially if it’s a high-priority task.

2. Mindless Scrolling. Social media is good for staying in touch but pulls at your focus.

You hop on Facebook for two minutes, and an hour later…. The fix: Only limit your logins to break time, if at all. Maybe even move away from internet access.

3. The Ringer. Taking a social call eats your time and halts momentum. The fix: Use your caller ID. If the incoming call isn’t urgent, let it go to voicemail. If you’re not expecting a specific

call, turn off your phone. Check voicemail at a designated time.

4. Worry. Fixating on errands or unfinished housework can make it impossible to focus. The fix: Jot down the errands and other tasks you need to complete later. Once you commit these thoughts to paper, you may be able to let them go for a while.

5. Hanger. You can’t focus when you’re hangry. Hunger can make you angry, causing concentration to flee. The fix: Always eat breakfast. Choose high-protein snacks like cheese or nuts.

Skip simple carbs (sweets are a severe culprit); select complex carbs, such as whole grains.

6. Fatigue. Too little sleep saps your attention span and shortterm memory. The fix: Get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Make next the year you make sleep a priority. Schedule the very intense tasks when you feel more alert.

7. Overwhelmed. Knowing what’s on your long to-do list can make it hard to focus. And stress takes a toll on your body, too. The fix: Practice stress

reduction techniques, such as yoga or meditation. One study found that people who took an eight-week meditation course improved their ability to focus.

8. ADHD. Adults can have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The classic signs are a short attention span and difficulty focusing on tasks. The fix: If you have severe trouble focusing, talk to your physician about ADHD. Behavioral therapy or medications can help manage the condition.

Black Health Matters

ONYX MAGAZINE 39

M E D I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

DIABETES

BY JAVIER LOPEZ-DE-ARCO, M.D.

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES Diabetes can occur in anyone, but some people have a higher risk than others. If you have close relatives with diabetes, are over 45, are overweight, or have belly fat, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, your odds of developing diabetes are higher. If you are a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or have ever had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds, your risk increases as well. African Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders also have increased risk.

H

igh blood sugar. High blood glucose.

Type 1. Type 2. Prediabetes. These terms can be confusing when talking about diabetes. But since 30.3 million Americans have this illness and another 84.1 million have prediabetes—a condition that can lead to diabetes—it’s important to get the lowdown on the disease and learn how to minimize the risk of developing it. What better time to do so than National Diabetes Awareness Month in November?

WHAT IS DIABETES? Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when abnormally high levels of sugar (also called glucose) are in the blood. When high levels of glucose remain in the bloodstream long-term, it can result in significant complications such as blindness, amputations, kidney failure, stroke and heart attack. Two main types of diabetes can develop: type 1 and type 2. Even though the names are similar, they are different diseases with unique causes.

With type 1 diabetes, your body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for the enemy, and attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, so the pancreas can’t make 40 ONYX MAGAZINE

insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas may produce some insulin, but it may not make enough or you may be insulin-resistant, meaning your body doesn’t respond to insulin as well as it should. Prediabetes isn’t technically the same as diabetes, but it is a condition that, if untreated, often leads to type 2 diabetes within five years.

While prediabetes may give few signs, type 1 and type 2 diabetes have noticeable symptoms, including: • Frequent urination • Feeling very thirsty • Feeling hungry • Feeling very tired • Blurred vision • Cuts or sores that don’t heal properly • Those with type 1 diabetes also may be irritable, have mood changes and may unintentionally lose weight. Those with type 2 also may notice numbness or tingling in their hands and feet.

If you experience any of those symptoms or feel sick to your stomach, weak but thirsty, find yourself breathing deeper or faster than normal, or notice your breath has an unusually sweet odor like nail polish remover, talk with your doctor to see if you may have diabetes.

PREVENTING DIABETES Although type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes can be lowered through lifestyle changes.

Regular Checkups. Doctor will test your blood glucose, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

Manage Your Weight. Excess body fat, particularly around the middle, can increase your resistance to insulin.

Exercise regularly. This will help you manage weight and reduce blood glucose levels. Eat a balanced, healthy diet. Add fruit, vegetables and high-fiber foods to your plate, while cutting back on salt, saturated and trans fats. Limit processed foods, which are often high in sodium and fat.

Limit Alcohol Intake. Too much alcohol can lead to weight gain and increase your blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Quit Smoking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that smoking causes type 2 diabetes, and that those who smoke are 30 percent to 40 percent more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers.

Diabetes is a serious disease that can be managed with your physician. Even better, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by recognizing the risks and symptoms, and making lifestyle changes that lead to a healthier outcome.

Javier Lopez-De-Arco, M.D., practices internal medicine at Orlando Health Physician Associates.

JAYLEN Bone Marrow Donor

“His big brother and Orlando Health saved his life.”

JULIAN Bone Marrow Recipient

The cure for sickle cell was a brother’s love. When 3-year-old Julian faced an uncertain future full of pain, fear, and the risk of stroke, his parents turned to the experts at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. And thanks to Julian’s brave big brother Jaylen, who was a 100% match, he received a life-altering bone marrow transplant.

Watch Julian’s story at OrlandoHealth.com/Julian

choose well.

BLACK HISTORY

WHAT IS THE

SWAC? CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE SWAC

I

n 1920, eight men representing six colleges from the state of Texas met to discuss collegiate athletics and the many challenges that faced their respective institutions. By the time the session in Houston had concluded, they had founded an athletic league that has slowly become one of the leading sports associations in the world of collegiate athletics, the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

The founding fathers of the original "Super Six" were C.H. Fuller of Bishop College, Red Randolph and C.H. Patterson of Paul Quinn, E.G. Evans, H.J. Evans and H.J. Starns of Prairie View A&M, D.C. Fuller of Texas College and, G. Whitte Jordan of Wiley College.

The SWAC is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams. The league continues to set the bar for college football attendance leading all Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conferences for 44 of the past 45 seasons as of 2023.

Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis. Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.

42 ONYX MAGAZINE

Alabama A&M University, Hunstville, Ala

Alabama State University, Montgomery, Ala

Alcorn State University, Lorman, Miss

Bethune-Cookman Universit, Daytona Beach, Fla

Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla

Grambling State University, Grambling, La

Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss

Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, Miss

Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas

Southern University, Baton Rouge, La

Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, Ark.

BREAKING BARRIERS: T H E S E B L A C K AT H L E T E S A R E P R O F E S S I O N A L S P O R T S P I O N E E R S

FREDIA GIBBS Fredia "The Cheetah" Gibbs is an American former professional martial artist, kickboxer, and boxer who made history when she became the first African American woman Kickboxing ISKA World Champion. She earned the monicker "The Most Dangerous Woman in the World" after she upset World Champion Valérie Wiet-Henin of France in the 1994 "Battle of the Masters.” Formerly an All-American All-American in basketball and track, she became one of the most dominant champions of all time and remains a significant historical figure in light and super lightweight kickboxing divisions. She competed from 1991 to 1997, amassing a record of 16 wins, 0 losses, and 15 KOs, and three world titles. She also competed as a top contender in women's professional boxing from 1997 to 2005 with a record of 9 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Gibbs held ISKA, WKA, and WKF World Titles. She wrote The Fredia Gibbs Story about her life in 2016.

ALTHEA GIBSON Althea Gibson was already a star when she became the first African American player to join the LPGA Tour the same month that George Wallace became governor of Alabama by promising, “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and

segregation forever.” Not only was Gibson a two-time Wimbledon and two-time US Open tennis champion, the first African American to win either, she was the first African American to be ranked No.1 in the world. She was 36 years old when she made her first LPGA Tour start, stirring the golf world in profound ways and revealing a strength of character, not only of herself but within all those pioneering women scratching out a living in golf in 1963.

She was also an exceptional musician, with a sultry alto voice that earned her a recording contract with Dot Records. She had a successful musical tour that included two appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, all before deciding to give professional golf a whirl.

WILLIE O’REE Canadian-born Willie O’Ree is the first Black hockey player to play in a National Hockey League (NHL) game. He debuted with the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum on Jan-

uary 18, 1958. O’Ree started playing hockey at age three and organized hockey at age five. He instantly had a passion for the game. O’Ree played regularly on the backyard rink of the family home and skated to school when weather permitted. In The Autobiography of Willie O’Ree: Hockey’s Black Pioneer (2000), O’Ree wrote that race was never an issue on those early rinks. Raised in a large family in Fredericton, New Brunswick, he was the youngest of 13 children of parents Rosebud and Harry. His grandparents had come to Canada from the United States through the Underground Railroad to escape slavery.

Hall of Fame in 2004.Then in 2006, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Sifford for his courage and sacrifices—he would be forever known as Dr. Charles L. Sifford. In 2014, he was presented the highest civilian award - the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

Drcharlessifford.com

WENDELL SCOTT

CHARLES SIFFORD Dr. Charlie Sifford, born in Charlotte, N.C., became the first African American golfer to play on the PGA Tour (1961) and was instrumental in forcing the PGA to formally end its 1934–61 Caucasians-only membership clause. He was introduced to golf as a teen when he worked as a caddie at the segregated Carolina Country Club. At 17, he moved to Philadelphia and further honed his game at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, which was open to Black players. He was honorably discharged in 1946 while serving in World War II and resumed pursuit of his golf career.

Sifford became the first black golfer to be inducted into the World Golf

Wendell Scott was the first African American to be a full-time competitor in NASCAR’s premier division. He served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II where he honed his mechanical skills in the motor pool. Scott started racing in 1947 and experienced immediate success behind the wheel. He won over 100 races in the next decade at local area tracks. Scott made his first start in NASCAR’s premier series on March 4, 1961, at Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds in Spartanburg, S.C. He made 23 starts that season, posting five top five finishes.

On Dec. 1, 1963, at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Fla., Scott became the first African American to win a NASCAR premier series event. Scott won the 100-mile feature race after starting 15th. Over the next 13 years, Scott would make 495 starts, which ranks 32nd on the all-time list.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

ONYX MAGAZINE 43

F A M I LY

Experts Say

BOOKS ARE THE BEST

book can inspire joy and stir the imagination, and even better this holiday season is the gift of sharing that book with your child.

“Turning the pages of a high-quality, print book filled with colorful pictures and rich, expressive language is best,” said Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, a pediatrician. “While touchscreens and other electronic devices may be popular, they are typically passive or solitary experiences for children and do not offer the same benefits of interpersonal connection and relationship building.”

Starting from infancy, reading aloud helps build the foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive, language and literacy development. Sharing books helps with language development and vocabulary and gets them ready to listen and learn in school. And over the past decade, research has found that reading together helps foster positive interactions, strengthening the safe, stable and nurturing relationships young children must have to thrive.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends reading with your child every day, even if only for a few minutes, and making it part of the bedtime routine. Each evening, set aside 20 to 30 minutes with screens off for sharing books.

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Remember that the experience should be fun. You don’t have to finish a story if your child loses interest. Let your child choose the book, even if it means reading the same book over and over. You can invite your child to “read” to you from a familiar book that they have memorized. Dr. Navsaria suggests asking about the illustrations or what your child thinks will happen next. You can say: “Can you find all the blue things?” or “Show me all the things that can fly.” Point out colors, shapes, numbers and letters and respond with enthusiasm to your child’s questions and comments.

Local libraries offer a wide variety of children’s literature, including fairy tales, poetry and nursery rhymes, as well as non-fiction books on subjects children love, such as the ocean or dogs. Follow your child’s interests in choosing books. Children’s librarians can help you with high-quality book selections on a wide range of topics. And during the holidays, consider building your home library and reinforcing the value of great books by giving them as gifts.

By age 4, a child can typically tell you which books they want to share with you; pretend to read a favorite book aloud to you; and tell you how a story is like things they have seen or done. They may ask you questions about

books you are enjoying together or “correct” you if you skip a word or page in a favorite book. As children grow older, reading can help develop character and values that are important to your family. In fact, a really great book has the power to counterbalance negative outside influences and teach children important lessons as they grow.

“It might be a book on kindness after your child experienced or witnessed cruelty,” Dr. Navsaria said. “It might be a book on expressing emotions after your child s​aw or heard scary news coverage, or maybe a book on understanding differences after your child saw someone who looked different than they expected.”

The AAP and Reach Out and Read have compiled a list of books — organized by age and topic — to help you raise children who are curious, brave, kind, thoughtful and aware of the world around them. You can find the list at healthychildren.org.

“Books are great conversation starters,” Dr. Navsaria said. “They’re also just a lot of fun and can help create wonderful memories, particularly during the holidays when you’re spending extra time together. A shared reading experience, as a tender, magical and loving time spent with your child, is truly a gift. It speaks to the heart of what parenting is.”

Statepoint Media

A

GIFTS for KIDS

COZY s a m st i r Ch ONYX READS

BOOKS TO READ OVER THE HOLIDAYS

A VERY MERRY AFRO RIFIC CHRISTMAS: A JOYFUL COLORING BOOK & EMPOWERMENT TOOL

dreams are interrupted by an unwelcome stranger. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos.

By Tiecha Keiffer

Get ready to sparkle this holiday season with Santa's special gift! Join the Afro Rific celebration, spreading love, joy, and inclusivity through Winter wonderland fun Heartwarming friendship, and family moments Gifts of kindness and generosity Prayers of gratitude and hope helping others in the spirit of giving This vibrant coloring book empowers young girls to: Embrace their unique beauty and heritage Unleash creativity and imagination.

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME

By Jayne Allen

Ramona Tucker has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé.

Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—if no one discovers her secret at her mother’s over-thetop Christmas Eve party. Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The two women swap homes. Ramona’s Malibu

THE EASY CHRISTMAS COOKIE COOKBOOK

By Carroll Pellegrinelli

'Tis the season to pull out those cookie cutters and get ready to whip up an array of magical, mouthwatering Christmas cookies! From Gingerbread People to Candy Cane Cookies, this standout among Christmas cookbooks is packed with foolproof baking guidance, tons of festive decorating tips, and dozens of super easy recipes for tasty treats—perfect for gifting and simple enough to sweeten any occasion. This guide is everything Christmas cookbooks should be, starting with the best practices of holiday baking. Find hands-on guidance for decorating techniques like piping icing and adding flair with sprinkles and sugar. Then, bake up some Christmas cheer with simple step-by-step recipes for more than 60 delightful cookies, brownies, bars, and even special treats not found in other Christmas cookbooks.

ANDRÉ AND THE SPECIAL GIFT: A FUN, SWEET CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS BOOK ABOUT THE GIFT OF GIVING

By Mikaela Wilson

Getting children to understand that it’s better to give than to receive can be difficult. As Christmas approaches all André can think about is the pile of presents that he is going to get!

That is until his dad loses a prized possession. Follow André’s journey as he takes the initiative to create something new and special for his dad. This is the perfect book to showcase the true joy of Christmas and celebrate the gift of giving!

A PALMETTO CHRISTMAS

By Milton J. Davis

Facing Christmas in an empty nest, Laura and Stanley Jacobs decide to do something they've always dreamed of- rent a massive beach home on Sea Island, South Carolina, their favorite vacation destination. However, a series of unexpected circumstances, finds them with a house full when youngest daughter Shelly shows up from Germany with her new boyfriend Darian, recently divorced middle son Bryce arrives jobless with his twins, and estranged eldest child Terry finally decides to come home after five years with her celebrity chef boyfriend João. The result is heartwarming holiday among the swaying palmettos of the Low Country.

A KWANZAA KEEPSAKE AND COOKBOOK

By Jessica B. Harris

From the award-winning author of High on the Hog—inspiration for the “energetic, emotional, and deeply nuanced” (The New York Times) Netflix series of the same name—comes a new and updated edition of A Kwanzaa Keepsake, another important exploration of African American culture, food, and family, featuring recipes and stories to help this generation create unique holiday traditions. Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, Harris shares a themed feast for each night, designed to reflect the principle of the day.

ONYX ONYX MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 45 45

RECIPE I PWEE E T S S A V ORREYC S

MINTY CHOCO BARS MINTY CHOCO BARS

NOTHING SAYS COZY CHRISTMAS LIKE A MINTY-CHOCOLATE COMBINATION—THINK PEPPERMINT AND HOT COCOA. AHHH! THESE DELICIOUS BITES WILL BE THE STAR OF CHRISTMAS EVE. THEY’RE SO FUN NOTHING SAYS COZY CHRISTMAS LIKE A MINTY-CHOCOLATE COMBINATION—THINK PEPPERMINT TO MAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY CAN GET INVOLVED. AND HOT COCOA. AHHH! THESE DELICIOUS BITES WILL BE THE STAR OF CHRISTMAS EVE. THEY’RE SO FUN TO MAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY CAN GET INVOLVED.

AA

nother idea: instead of leaving cookies for the “Big Guy,” place a platter of these magical delights with a tall glass nother idea: instead of leaving cookies for the “Big Guy,” of milk next to your twinkling tree. He just may stay a place a platter of these magical delights with a tall glass while before moving on to the next house. Enjoy! of milk next to your twinkling tree. He just may stay a while before moving on to the next house. Enjoy!

White Chocolate Frosting: Chocolate Frosting: • White 1 ounce gin • • • •

lemon •1/2 ounce 1 ounce gin juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 ounce simple syrup • 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed 3 ounces Champagne (or other sparkling wine) • 1/2 ounce simple syrup Garnish: lemon twist • 3 ounces Champagne (or other sparkling wine) • Garnish: lemon twist

Cookie Bars Cookie Bars • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

hot water •2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder •1 cup2 all-purpose tablespoonsflour hot water unsweetened cocoa powder •1/4 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour •1/2 teaspoon 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder salt •1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt soda baking •1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda baking powder •1/2 cup 1/2 teaspoon baking powder unsalted butter, softened •1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted white sugar butter, softened •1/4 cup 1/2 cup white sugardark brown sugar firmly packed •1 large 1/4egg, cup firmly packed dark brown sugar at room temperature •1 1/2 1teaspoons large egg, at room temperature vanilla extract •1/2 teaspoon 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract extract peppermint •1/2 cup 1/2 teaspoon peppermint dark chocolate chips extract •1/4 cup 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips candy finely crushed peppermint •canes, 1/4 plus cup finely crushed peppermint candy more for decorating canes, plus more for decorating

INSTRUCTIONS INSTRUCTIONS

1.

Place white chocolate chips, heavy cream, and 1/8 teaspoon combined. Add in espresso mixture, vanilla extract, and 1/2 tea1. Place white chocolate chips, heavy cream, and 1/8 teaspoon combined. Add in espresso mixture, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teapeppermint extract into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at spoon peppermint extract and mix until combined. Pour in half peppermint extract into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at spoon peppermint extract and mix until combined. Pour in half 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add in remain50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add in remainuntil melted and combined. Place mixture, uncovered, in the ing flour mixture and mix until just combined—dough will be until melted and combined. Place mixture, uncovered, in the ing flour mixture and mix until just combined—dough will be refrigerator until completely chilled, about 1 hour. somewhat thick. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy refrigerator until completely chilled, about 1 hour. somewhat thick. Stir in chocolate chips and crushed candy 2. 2.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an canes.

Spread dough into the prepared pan in an even layer.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an canes. Spread dough into the prepared pan in an even layer.

8x8-inch square panpan withwith enough parchment paper to to have 8x8-inch square enough parchment paper have 6. 6. Bake Bakeininthe thepreheated preheatedoven ovenuntil untilthe thebars barslook lookjust just set, set, 25 25 to to overhang on all sides.

30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool comoverhang on all sides.

30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool com3. 3.In a Insmall bowlbowl or measuring cup,cup, stirstir espresso powder and pletely ininthe a small or measuring espresso powder and pletely thepan, pan,about about3030minutes. minutes. hot hot water together until dissolved.

7.

Remove chilled white water together until dissolved.

7. Remove chilled whitechocolate chocolate mixture mixture from from the the fridge. fridge.

4. 4.In a Inmedium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, Whip on medium-high speed with an electric mixer a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, Whip on medium-high speed with an electric mixeruntil until mixmixbaking soda, andand baking powder untiluntil thoroughly combined. ture baking soda, baking powder thoroughly combined. tureholds holdsstiff stiffpeaks. peaks.Spread Spreadwhite whitechocolate chocolate frosting frosting in in aa 5. 5.BeatBeat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together in a large thin even layer over the top of the cooled bars and sprinkle butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together in a large thin even layer over the top of the cooled bars and sprinkle bowlbowl untiluntil lightlight andand fluffy.

AddAdd in egg andand beat until thoroughly with additional fluffy. in egg beat until thoroughly with additionalcrushed crushedcandy candycanes. canes.Cut Cutinto into16 16bars. bars.

46 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX ONYXMAGAZINE MAGAZINE 77 77

SAGE

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT Runs Through Dec. 7 REVIEWING YOUR MEDICARE OPTIONS COULD SAVE YOU MONEY.

M

Family Features - Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

edicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. This is the time for people with Medicare to compare their prescription drug and health coverage options for the upcoming year. It is important to compare your options because plans can change every year — your current choice may be changing. Your health needs can change, too. By comparing all your options, you could save money, find a coverage option better tailored to you or both. By reviewing and comparing coverage, people can see if there are better options based on changes to their current plan, personal budget and health needs.

NEW THIS YEAR The new prescription drug law is lowering out-of-pocket costs on covered prescriptions. New in 2025, all Medicare plans will include a $2,000 annual cap on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. The cap only applies to drugs that are covered by your plan, so it’s more EXTRA HELP WITH important than ever to PRESCRIPTION DRUG review your plan options COSTS to make sure your drugs If you are struggling with prescripare covered. That means tion drug costs, Extra Help is a you will not pay more than Medicare program that can help $2,000 in 2025 on prepay for your drug coverage (Part D) scription drugs covered premiums, deductibles, coinsurance under Medicare prescripand other costs. With the prescription drug coverage – that tion drug law, more people may includes expensive prequalify for even more savings. If scription drugs to treat you make less than $23,000 a year cancer, chronic illnesses ($31,000 for married couples), it’s and more. typically worth it to apply. People This is in addition to who qualify for Extra Help generally improvements already in will pay no more than $4.50 for effect due to the prescripeach generic drug and $11.20 for tion drug law including a each brand-name drug. $35 cap on a month’s supVisit ssa.gov/ExtraHelp. ply of each covered insulin

product – and no out-of-pocket costs for recommended adult vaccines covered under Part D, including the shingles vaccine.

Also starting in 2025, you can choose to spread your out-of-pocket drug costs across the calendar year instead of paying all at once at the pharmacy. It’s called the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan. You can opt in with your plan in advance of Jan. 1 and throughout 2025.

HOW TO COMPARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND HEALTH COVERAGE OPTIONS Medicare.gov is the official source for information about Medicare and Open Enrollment. Visit to get unbiased information to find the type of coverage that best meets your needs.

Comparing prescription drug and health coverage options is easy at Medicare.gov. Get started by clicking on “Find Plans.” Then enter your ZIP code, current prescriptions and favorite pharmacies. You will see a side-by-side comparison of the total cost for all the plans in your area, including the premium and how much you’ll pay for your prescriptions. You’ll also be able to see what plans cover your prescriptions and whether some plans offer extra benefits. If you are happy with your current choice, you don’t have to do anything.

If you choose a new option for 2025, you can enroll on Medicare.gov.

Before you enroll in a plan, consider this advice: • Check if your healthcare providers are in a plan’s network.

• Check if your prescriptions are included on a plan’s formulary and if the plan works with your pharmacy.

• Review a plan’s estimated total costs to you, including deductible and other out-of-pocket costs. Remember low monthly premiums may not always be the best overall value for your specific needs.

• Check if Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits, like vision, hearing or dental coverage, if you need these services.

• Understand that you may need to get approval from the plan before it will cover certain services or supplies.

• Check your plan’s Star Rating to see how it performs on quality, customer service and more.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

ONYX MAGAZINE 47

CLEVER CONSUMER

DON'T LET HOLIDAY OVERSPENDING Set You Up for Debt in 2025

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a tax advantage. From deductions to donating appreciated assets to using a Donor Advised Fund, a CFP® professional can help you find a strategy that is good for you and for the cause you care about.

• Save All Year: Diverting a small portion of each paycheck into a special savings fund all year long can help ensure you’re prepared to meet holiday expenses. Once this current season wraps up, you can begin to plan for next year. A CFP® professional can help you set this fund up and offer suggestions for maximizing these savings.

• Make Your Resolutions Now: Whether it’s to pay down debt or set up a retirement fund, you don’t have to wait until the new year to get started on your resolutions. Get a healthy money mindset now so that come January, you’ll have already established habits that move you toward your goals.

Working with a financial advisor to prep for the holidays can help ensure you have a stress-free season. Find your CFP® professional, trained to offer comprehensive solutions for your unique situation, by visiting letsmakeaplan.org.

During a season of festivities, financial planning may not be top of mind. However, smart spending habits can help ensure you enter 2025 in the black.

Statepoint Media

T

he holiday season may be warm, merry and bright, but it’s also a time when it is all too easy to spend more than you plan to and rack up debt you can’t manage.

According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, here’s how to celebrate the season in style while positioning yourself for a financially healthy 2025: • Create Your Budget: Take a look at your budget to determine how much you can earmark for holiday expenses. Do you need to cut back on any nonessential spending to afford the holiday season you desire? Make a comprehensive list of all your expected expenditures, including for travel, hosting, decorating, gifting and charitable giving. Don’t have a budget? A CFP® professional can help you create one to stay on track with your financial goals during the holidays and beyond.

• Stretch Your Budget: Stretch your holiday budget creatively.

When shopping online or booking travel, find the best deals by using a browser extension that comparison shops. Entertaining?

Rather than providing every dish yourself, host a cookie exchange or potluck. If you have a large extended family or circle of friends that holds a traditional gift exchange, suggest a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange instead.

• Maintain Your Credit: While it’s fun to be extravagant and give big-ticket items that will wow your recipients, your holiday spending shouldn’t harm your credit. Keep an eye on your debt-to-credit ratio throughout the season and set reminders of when credit card payments are due. If you purchase an item using a buy-now-paylater plan, put payment due dates in your calendar to avoid late fees.

• Give Wisely: Many people make charitable contributions around the holidays. If you plan to give, do it in a way that offers

WHAT IS PEAK DEMAND, AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?

It’s a scene that plays out in countless homes across Central Florida. It’s 3 p.m. and the kids are coming home from school, ready to unwind. The lights are on, electronics are running, and the A/C doing its best to keep everyone cool. A few hours later, dinner is being prepared and all of this is happening during the hottest part of the day. This is what we call peak demand!

Simply put, peak demand is when consumer demand for electricity is at its highest. Summer peaks typically occur on days when temperatures are not lowered with afternoon thunderstorms and cloud cover, while winter peaks occur during cold, early morning hours before the sun has fully risen.

At OUC, we typically see electricity usage peak during the summer between 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., while winter peaks occur from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed as needed.

And while OUC is piloting a utility-scale battery energy storage system that can help save electricity captured via solar, capturing and storing mass amounts of electricity remains a challenge from an economic standpoint.

So, you may be wondering how OUC balances this demand with our supply and what you can do.

Reducing your use during peak times can have a beneficial effect on electric rates over time and it can help reduce CO2 emissions too. OUC is a statutory

municipal utility commission, which means the costs of operating the electric system are paid for by our customers. As a result, we want to do all we can to keep the grid affordable. By collectively shifting our habits, we can avoid the need for OUC to start up additional power plants, buy more expensive power from the market, or build new, costly generation facilities to produce electricity.

Shifting the demand for electricity costs nothing, and small changes can have a big impact. It can be as simple as setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees or higher, or running laundry, the dishwasher or a pool pump early in the morning or late in the evening.

OUC recently announced proposed plans for a new pricing structure to provide customers with new money-saving options called PeakSHIFT, which includes Shift & Save, a time-of-day billing initiative that incentivizes customers to shift their energy consumption to off-peak times.

While Shift & Save won’t be available until 2026*, it marks a shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all billing approach, allowing customers greater control over their electric bills. Participants will pay lower rates for off-peak energy and higher rates during peak demand hours. By starting new habits today, you’ll be ready to save when these programs take effect.

Learn more about PeakSHIFT by visiting our dedicated website at OUCPeakshift.com. *Pending approval by OUC’s Board of Commissioners

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R E A L E S TAT E

RESIDENTIAL

REFRESH PERSONALIZED TOUCHES FOR YOUR HOME IN 2025.

A

lthough only a few miles off the coast of South Florida, The Bahamas is still a mystery to most Floridians. And many have never been to any of its islands.

Your home is an expression of you, your personality and your lifestyle. When it comes to personalizing your home’s aesthetic, try leaning into your senses to inspire change within your space. Inspiration can be found everywhere around you—from taking cues from Mother Nature to “shopping” your own house or, with a little help from Air Wick, finding and incorporating your home’s signature scent.

Give yourself a residential refresh with these tips:

REARRANGE LIVING SPACES Breathing fresh air into a room doesn’t always require a complete overhaul, or even any construction or DIY projects. Sometimes all you need is a little rearranging.

Shifting furniture to better suit your needs or let more natural light in can significantly improve the space’s aesthetic.

Additionally, the items you currently own are most reflective of your style; try “shopping” your own house by repurposing items from other areas or rooms to give them a fresh feel. When decor pieces are overused in one spot, they may feel brand new in a different space. These are practical and cost-effective tactics to create a new and inviting space for both you and any guests entering your home.

INTRODUCE PLANTS AND GREENERY When sourcing your design inspiration from nature, adding greenery is an inherent way to bring in the beauty and freshness of the great outdoors. To personalize your home with plants, visit a nursery or local flower shop and choose ones that are appealing to you based on their shape, color or size. Live plants offer multiple benefits, like naturally purifying the air, and studies have shown numerous therapeutic benefits of spending time with nature.

Therefore, designing with natural elements, like house plants or flowers, can bring a sense of serenity into your home.

FIND YOUR “SCENTSCAPE” A home upgrade rooted in nature includes more than just what you can see and feel, it also includes engaging the sense of smell.

One of the latest home decor trends, “scentscaping,” is growing in popularity as a way for individuals to enhance the ambiance of their homes through tailored scent.

With innovative devices designed to deliver carefully blended scents like Air Wick’s Advanced Plug-In Scented Oil, you can enjoy long-lasting pulses of scents inspired by nature in the comfort of your home for up to 60 days on low setting.

With anti-fading technology, an on-demand boost button and adjustable intensity settings, you’ll notice the fragrances from the first drop to the last.

EMBRACE THE SCENT OF THE SEASON If you tend to make frequent edits to your home’s design, you may also find the idea of experimenting with different fragrances appealing. A short-term scent can be ideal for seasonal swaps, like trading fresh spring blooms for sweet summer citrus, for example. Lasting for up to 45 days on low setting, Air Wick’s Essential Mist Diffuser fills the room with a gentle, fragrant mist with natural essential oils so you can set it and forget it. Adjustable settings are included on the device, and the cordless and portable design allow it to blend seamlessly into any home decor.

UPDATE COLORS Introducing color to a room can transform its look, and the scale of change is up to you.

You might repaint the entire space, simply paint an accent wall or even just spruce up a corner with a pop of color. Incorporating accessories or decorative elements with new colors can also create some variety, such as including pops of seasonal-inspired colors in artwork and textiles.

SWITCH OUT LIGHT FIXTURES A room’s lighting is an important detail for personalizing the type of mood and ambiance you are trying to achieve. Swapping out light fixtures for dimmers, for example, can create a brand new atmosphere, allowing you to adjust the light to the time of day and for your intended experience. Consider updating old lighting fixtures with new ones to enhance the presence of natural light or changing the bulb wattage to further impact the mood.

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Q

M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T QUINCY JONES MADE MUSIC THAT TRANSCENDS GENERATIONS AND GENRES.

BY JOSE VALENTINO RUIZ

O

n the sleeve notes of some of the most memorable and best-selling albums of all time, you’ll find the words “Produced and arranged by Quincy Jones.”

It was a hallmark of quality.

Jones, who died on Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 91, transformed our understanding of musical arrangement. His work spanned decades and genres, from jazz and pop to hip-hop and film scoring. He worked with pop icons like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, and also collaborated with lesser-known artists such as Lesley Gore and Tevin Campbell.

Each of his projects, collaborations and forays into new genres redefined what it meant to arrange music.

As a music business and entrepreneurship professor, I’ve studied and taught Jones’ techniques, which I hope can inspire the next generation of musicians.

A MASTER MUSICAL ARCHITECT Musical arrangement might seem like an abstract concept.

Simply put, it’s the art of deciding how a song unfolds. While a composer writes the melody and harmony, an arranger shapes the experience, choosing which instruments play when, how textures build and where dynamics shift.

Arrangement transforms a song from notes on paper into a fully realized piece of art that resonates with listeners. In essence, an arranger acts as a musical architect, designing the structure of a song to tell a compelling story.

Jones brought a visionary approach to arranging. He wasn’t merely filling in the gaps around a melody with a drum beat here and a horn section there; he was crafting a musical narrative that gave each instrument a purpose, guiding listeners through an emotional journey.

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From his early work in the 1950s and 1960s with jazz greats like Count Basie and R&B star Ray Charles, to his blockbuster productions with Michael Jackson, Jones saw arrangement as a tool to guide listeners from one musical moment to the next.

ELEVATING VOICES His work on “Sinatra at the Sands” is but one example. Jones created lush, energetic big-band arrangements that perfectly complemented Sinatra’s smooth, warm voice. The choice of brass swells and the dynamic shifts amplified Sinatra’s charisma, turning the album into a lively, almost-cinematic experience. Unlike many arrangements, which often stay in the background, Jones’ took center stage, blending harmoniously with Sinatra’s vocals while adding depth and excitement to the entire performance.

In Ray Charles’ “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” Jones used orchestral swells and background vocals to bring out the soul in Charles’ voice, creating a richly emotional experience for listeners. By intelligently pairing Charles’ gospel-tinged vocals with a polished, orchestral arrangement, Jones captured the tension between sorrow and resilience – a demonstration of his ability to communicate complex emotions through arrangement.

TURNING SONGS INTO STORIES Jones’ skill at using arrangement as a storytelling device was exemplified by his collaboration with Jackson.

Albums like “Thriller” and “Off the Wall” showcased Jones’ knack for inventively layering sounds. On “Thriller,” Jones combined electronic and acoustic elements to create a multidimensional soundscape that set a new standard for production.

His ability to incorporate textures, background vocals and unique instrument choices – such as horror actor Vincent Price’s iconic narration on the song “Thriller” – transformed pop music, setting the stage for future producers to experiment with storytelling in their own arrangements.

In Jackson’s “Bad,” Jones pushed the boundaries of genre by blending funk rhythms with pop structures, giving Jackson’s music a timeless appeal.

The title track’s arrangement has layers of rhythm and harmony that build a feeling of tension and power, enhancing Jackson’s message of confidence and defiance. Each instrument and background vocal in “Bad” serves a purpose, creating a sound that is bold, exciting and engaging.

T

LESSONS FOR EDUCATORS For educators teaching music production and commercial music, Jones’ approach provides a gold mine of practical lessons.

First, his commitment to genre fusion teaches students the importance of versatility. Jones’ career demonstrates that blending jazz, pop, funk and even classical elements can create something innovative and accessible. Students can learn to break free from the constraints of single-genre production, seeing instead how various musical styles can work together to create fresh, engaging sounds.

Second, Jones’ emphasis on storytelling through arrangement offers students a framework for making music that resonates.

In my classes, I encourage students to ask themselves: How does each musical element support the emotional arc of the song?

By studying Jones’ arrangements, students learn to think of themselves as storytellers, not just sound engineers. They can begin to see arrangement as an art form in itself – one that has the power to captivate audiences by drawing them into a musical journey.

Finally, Jones’ work shows the power of collaboration. His willingness to work across genres and with a variety of artists – each bringing unique perspectives – demonstrates the value of open-mindedness and adaptability.

His life’s work serves as a reminder that music is more than just sound; it’s an experience shaped by careful, intentional decisions, with every sound and silence in a piece of music serving a purpose.

Jose Valentino Ruiz is an associate professor of Music Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida

COCA-COLA AND ESPN PEN MULTI-YEAR BOWL PARTNERSHIP

he Coca-Cola Company and ESPN Events are proud to announce a multi-year partnership for the upcoming college football season. The agreement includes a three-year sponsorship agreement for the Cricket MEAC/ SWAC Challenge Kick-Off, a week zero kickoff game, and the Cricket Celebration Bowl, the HBCU National Championship game.

Both properties are owned and operated by ESPN Events.

As the official non-alcoholic beverage partner of these prestigious events, CocaCola will play a vital role in enhancing the fan experience. The Atlanta-based company will be the title sponsor for the pre-game activations at each event, showcasing the

Coca-Cola Fan Experience as the official fan engagement platform.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with CocaCola for these exciting college football season games,” said John Grant, Executive Director.

“Coca-Cola has always been dedicated to fostering community spirit and bringing people together through shared experiences. We look forward to creating unforgettable moments for fans, teams, and the Atlanta community.”

In addition to their prominent role in the events, The Coca-Cola Company, through its North American business will provide sideline hydration for the Fan Experience, participating teams, and marching bands, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energized throughout the games. Effective 2024 through 2026,

the sponsorship agreement will also include annual scholarship donations to the bands participating in the Cricket Celebration Bowl game, furthering The Coca-Cola Company’s support of education and athletic excellence.

“We are honored to be the official non-alcoholic beverage partner for these esteemed events and to contribute to the vibrant college football season,” stated Dana M. Johnson from The Coca-Cola Company North America.” This partnership represents our dedication to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community. We are excited to be part of these celebrations of tradition and legacy.”

HBCU Sports ONYX MAGAZINE 53

Presents

A Benefit Concert: Hope Ignited!

Featuring Yolanda Adams January 31, 2025 | 7 PM

Venue: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney Theater

Also performing Mike Goodwin,

Comedian of Season 16 America’s Got Talent

Scan to Sponsor & Buy Tickets

Or log on to www.feedtheneedtoread.com/ benefit-concert.html

Every ticket helps fund books for kids.

Grammy Award-Winning Artist & Presidential Award Recipient

WORKPLACE

THE STRUGGLE

IS REAL

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HAVE A HARD TIME ADAPTING TO THE WORKPLACE. THERE’S HELP.

BY LEE ANN RAWLINS WILLIAMS

H

arris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have also drawn Despite ongoing worries about how artificial intelligence will affect jobs, research shows that employers increasingly value something that only human workers can provide — soft skills. These include knowing how to communicate with co-workers, put others at ease and navigate conflict.

However, these essential skills are often neglected in traditional higher education. Colleges and universities’ primary focus is to teach students how to become experts in their fields, but they often fall short in preparing students for the social and emotional demands of the workplace.

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This disconnect is not a minor oversight. It’s a fundamental flaw in how colleges and universities equip young professionals for success. At best, it creates a communication gap between younger and older workers. At worst, it impacts young workers’ job performance as well as their mental health as they struggle to prove themselves.

A CASE STUDY Let me introduce you to a young woman whom I taught. Let’s call her Emily to protect her privacy. She represents the qualities and challenges that many employers have observed in their new young hires.

Republished through a creative commons license, TheConversation.com

Emily graduated at the top of her class at a public university, eager to make an impact in her new role at a dynamic startup. However, she soon encountered unexpected challenges.

She came to my office often after she graduated and told me she found it difficult to connect with colleagues and articulate her ideas in team meetings. This disconnect was compounded by a lack of understanding of workplace culture, including knowing how the chain of command works and how to communicate with her colleagues and bosses. She misinterpreted feedback as criticism rather than advice and struggled to communicate her thoughts clearly and precisely. She also struggled with how to manage conflict in the office.

As weeks passed, Emily’s anxiety mounted. She felt the pressure to prove herself. Meanwhile, her attempts to contribute innovative ideas were often met with confusion or resistance, further complicating her integration into the team.

Her bosses grew increasingly frustrated with what they perceived as Emily’s inability to communicate effectively.

Accustomed to clear and direct communication, they found Emily’s approach unengaged. Emily vented her frustrations in online chats and apps, like Snapchat, and even made a TikTok video about it, rather than approach her boss for a one-on-one conversation.

This only widened the divide between her and her employer.

A GROWING CHALLENGE IN THE WORKPLACE Emily’s experience is far from unique. It represents a growing challenge faced by young professionals transitioning from the structured environment of education into the unpredictable terrain of the workforce. This period of transition can overwhelm new graduates who find themselves unprepared for the realities of professional life despite their academic achievements.

The transition from student to employee often triggers anxiety, stress and frustration. High expectations placed on young workers to quickly adapt and perform, often without sufficient support, exacerbate these feelings.

In Emily’s case, her feelings of isolation grew, and she began to believe she was falling short of her potential. Lacking strong coping mechanisms, she became increasingly stressed, further impairing her ability to perform and communicate effectively.

Young professionals’ struggles to find their footing in their jobs also have an impact on the workplace as a whole.

One of Emily’s key challenges was navigating workplace communication, where the generational gap between young professionals and their more experienced colleagues often led to differing communication styles and expectations.

While older generations may favor direct, in-person communication, younger workers like Emily are more accustomed to digital communication. They may rely on social media platforms, like X and Snapchat, for feedback and support.

This generational divide can lead to misunderstandings and frustrations on both sides. In Emily’s case, her inclination to seek online feedback was perceived by her employer as unprofessional. Such misalignments highlight the need for better preparation and understanding of workplace dynamics, starting in college.

A PATH FORWARDWhile teaching social and emotional skills is a well-established practice in K-12 schools, it hasn’t gained the same traction in higher education. I see this as a missed opportunity.

Research shows that while social and emotional learning in K-12 schools can be effective, kids are still suffering from high levels of anxiety and stress, especially since the pandemic. Colleges and universities could — and should — pick up where K-12 schools leave off and continue preparing students to manage their stress and the pressures they will face on the job.

Educational programs that offer applied experiences, such as internships, provide valuable opportunities for students to utilize their skills professionally and develop essential interpersonal skills.

But educators can also help develop these skills right in the classroom.

As a researcher with an extensive background in education and student services, here are some ways I see to accomplish that goal: • Prepare students for the real world by using role-playing simulations. For example, students could act as members of a startup or a corporate team, where they must navigate not only business tasks but also manage interpersonal conflicts, negotiations and decision-making.

• Create “feedback loops,” where students practice giving and receiving constructive feedback with their peers.

This helps students develop communication skills, emotional resilience and the ability to navigate criticism gracefully — a key workplace skill.

• Teach leadership courses that focus on emotional intelligence. These courses would teach students how to lead effectively under pressure, balancing task completion with team well-being and emphasizing empathy and adaptability.

• Incorporate mental health education and resilience training into the curriculum. This will equip students with the tools to manage stress and maintain well-being on the job.

The transition from education to the workforce is complex and challenging. By cultivating emotional intelligence, communication skills and adaptability, educators can help prepare students for the realities of professional life and bridge the gap into the modern workforce.

Lee Ann Rawlins Williams is a clinical assistant professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies at University of North Dakota.

ONYX ONYXMAGAZINE MAGAZINE 57 75

TECHNOLOGY

BEST TECH GIFTS FOR 2024

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2

Which items have the most bells and whistles?

With so many innovative ideas and new gadgets bursting onto the scene, finding the perfect tech gift may have its challenges. Even the techiest person might find the task daunting. Whether you're shopping for the serious tech enthusiast, a casual gamer, or someone who just finds smart gadgets to be fun, there is no shortage of choices.

If you’re having trouble, we can help. Our curated list has some of the best tech toys that your tech-lover will want to give a whirl. With this list of impressive gifts, you cannot go wrong.

This little printer produces film-like, credit-card-sized images that are vibrant and fun.

It’s about the size of a small hard drive, so your giftee can take it with them just about anywhere. Wirecutter

AR Glasses/Goggles LED Facial Mask

LED facial masks use light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy to promote biochemical reactions in skin cells, which can have a number of benefits: • Treat acne: Blue light can help treat acne by targeting the bacteria that causes it.

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles: Red light can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production.

• Help with wound healing: LED light therapy can help with minor wounds.

• Safe: LED light therapy is relatively risk-free and doesn't use ultraviolet (UV) light, so it doesn't cause damage or burns to your skin

Drone A small unmanned flying vehicle that is used for entertainment or to take photos or videos from an aerial perspective. Remotely controlled and battery driven, a personal drone's flight duration is measured in minutes.

Electric Scooter

AR glasses allow users to interact with both the virtual and real worlds. For example, users can place digital objects in the physical environment, and see them as if they were real. AR glasses can be used for a variety of purposes, including: • Entertainment: AR glasses can be used to create immersive experiences • Professional training: AR glasses can be used to improve training • Healthcare: AR glasses can be used to improve healthcare

An electric scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle that uses an electric motor to move and is powered by a rechargeable battery. They are a popular choice for urban transportation because they are a clean and efficient alternative to traditional vehicles.

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ONYX ONYXMagazine Magazinewishes wishesyou youpeace, peace, joy joy and andprosperity prosperityin inthis thisseason seasonand and throughout throughoutthe thecoming comingyear. year.

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E LE VAT E

END THE YEAR STRONG I

t’s that time of year where you are looking for a final motivational push to finish the year strong. Finishing the year strong is important so that you have real closure and look forward to the next year. It can really put your mind at ease knowing that you ended the year with full strength and effort. The new year is a time to reset and focus on new goals for your journeys to evolve, so moving into it with optimism about the future is the best way to get the new year started.

According to National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), you should start each day on a positive note. That begins with focus and intention, which is the best way to set yourself up for success. Spend a little time in gratitude and recognized your gift of full control to pursue opportunities each new day brings.

Starting your day with a positive mindset consists of a morning schedule that makes you happy, an optimistic approach to the day, and having confidence that goals will be achieved. Starting a day with this kind of positive energy is crucial to eagerly tackle new challenges and unleash creativity and productivity.

Following the morning schedule that gets you off to a positive start—which is different for everyone, but can include gratitude, a nutritious breakfast, a hot latte, and a morning jog — it is time to check the hardest thing off your daily to-do list first. It is not only important to have a list of tasks to complete or milestones to move toward each day, but to prioritize them correctly to accomplish more. Completing your most difficult task of the day first, also known as eating the frog, is a productivity method that sets you up for success early in the day. The technique eliminates spending a day in dread of the challenging task. Once it is complete, you get an adrenaline boost from your accomplishment, which keeps you motivated the rest of the day.

You don’t have to wait until the new year to start pivoting your goals in a new direction. After reflecting on the past year, you may see that some of your goals and strategies need to be changed.

You might have discovered a new opportunity to pursue, a more efficient way of doing things, or your priorities for the company have completely changed, so you need to reevaluate what needs to be done in the final quarter. Sometimes pivoting requires you to face mistakes and bad decisions that you made in the past and then make adjustments based on what we learned. It takes a lot of courage to change your course at the end of the year, but facing your fears and new challenges are necessary to achieve success and new growth.

Look ahead to the future with optimism. Finishing strong helps you start the new year strong, so look ahead to the future with optimism. Having a clear picture on how you want the next year to go will serve as motivation to finish strong. There is so much

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to look forward to each year and finishing strong is going to lead to a more pleasant future with new ideas, goals, and adventure. This push matters!

Additionally, award-winning writer Jon Acuff offers a few ideas on how to end the year strong.

1. DO A QUICK YEAR-END REVIEW. Did you ever have to do a boring, long project review at work with dependencies, performance metrics, and synergistic, cross-department reference charts? Yuck.

That’s not the kind of review you’re going to do. Instead, look back over the last year and think about three things that smart people have been thinking about for decades: What do I want to start doing? What do I want to stop doing? What do I want to keep doing? As you reflect on the year, what’s something new you want to try? What’s something old you want to stop? What’s something great you want to keep doing?

WorldVision

2. END THE YEAR WITH GENEROSITY. One of your goals should be increasing your generosity. Have you ever ordered the fires at Five Guys? That cup overfloweth!

Sometimes, in the midst of a busy year, you may overlook opportunities to be both grateful and generous. As you review the last 12 months, always discover reasons to be grateful. Notice good things that you missed the first time around because you were hustling so fast. This gratefulness then tends to turn into generosity, as you look for new ways to pass on the gifts that have been passed on to you.

Gratefulness changes me. Generosity changes the world.

In addition to the tax benefits of year-end giving, when you give to charity organizations, you’ll know that the way you finish this year changes next year for individuals, communities, and countries around the world.

3. ASK A FRIEND ONE SMALL QUESTION. The end of the year can be stressful for a lot of people. There is family drama, year-end work projects, holiday expectations, and a swirl of other emotions stacked into this season. Reach out to one friend and ask this question: “Is there anything you need?”

Why does asking this question matter? Because when you ask someone what they need, they become visible and valuable.

That’s what everyone in your life wants to know. “Do you see me? Do I matter?” A little question like that can have a significant impact, especially after a stressful year. Crisis magnifies kindness.

The small things you do for your relationships this season are priceless. Ask that one small question and then don’t be surprised if it leads to a big conversation.

4. ASK YOURSELF ONE BIG QUESTION. Ask yourself one big question: “What do I want to be true a year from now?”

Sit down with a notebook and dream for a few minutes. A year from now, it’s the end of 2025—what’s true of your life? Did you join a new church? Did you run a 5K? Did you write a book? Did you start a podcast? Did you go on a trip? What will you have done that you get to reflect back on? It’s a big question, but it’s a fun one to explore if you’ll give it a little time.

5. FOCUS ON THE FOUR COMPONENTS EVERY GREAT GOAL REQUIRES. Goals are not complex. They always involve the same four components: results, actions, time, and motivation. Results are what you flirted with in item number four on our list. What do you want to accomplish? Actions are the physical steps you’ll take to make those results happen. What will you do? Time is everything from the deadline you pick to finish your results to the hours you plan to invest. Motivation is the fuel, fire, passion, or drive that will keep you going way beyond January 1. Most people are okay at dreaming about results but neglect the other three. We’re not most people though. We finish this last year strong and start the new one even better!

2024 is not over yet—you’ve still got a chance to finish strong.

When you do, reflect on how it went.

ONYX MAGAZINE 61

WINE & FOOD

FRENCH 75

O

n New Year’s Eve, when the clock strikes midnight, why not add a twist to your champagne toast? Amid the cheering, streamers and kisses to usher in 2025, you’ll be sipping on a French 75 to set the mood. This cocktail takes the traditional celebratory beverage and transforms it into a lemony, gin-infused concoction that you’ll crave all year long. Cheers!

INGREDIENTS

• • • • •

1 ounce gin 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 ounce simple syrup 3 ounces Champagne (or other sparkling wine) Garnish: lemon twist

INSTRUCTIONS

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Add the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.

Strain into a Champagne flute.

Top with the Champagne or sparkling wine of choice.

Garnish with a lemon twist.

CELEBRATING THE MOST IMPACTFUL AND INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FLORIDA & BEYOND

SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2025

11:00 a.m. Reception 12:00 p.m. Luncheon

J.W. MARRIOTT

4040 Central Florida Parkway Orlando, FL 32837

Sponsorships Available FOR MORE INFORMATION 407-451-2891 visit www.onyxwotm.com

NOV 23 ORLANDO

THIS GAME IS

OURS