ONYX Magazine May/June 2023

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 26 ISSUE 3 MAY/JUNE 2023

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CONTENTS 6

From the Publisher

7

Black History: Legend Betty Wright

8

Travel: Trips to Make a Wish Upon

10 Music & Entertainment: Hip-Hop Enhances Classrooms for 50 Years 12 Leadership: Women on the Move Honored 15 Smart Tips: Shop Better at the Grocery Store 16 Mother's Day: Five Reasons Mom is So Important 17 Father's Day: Black Fathers are More Involved 18 Workplace: The Value of Teamwork 19 International: Bahamian Businesses Recognized

COVER STORY

KHRISTIAN DENTLEY Letting God Sing Lead

Cover story photos Khristian Dentley courtesy of JCS Communications, LLC

for Energy Strategies 21 Family: Plan a Low-tech Summer to Connect With Your Kids 22 Art & Culture: Asserting Identity—Black Seminoles 25 Education: Top Ways To Win a College Scholarship 26 Holiday: How to Celebrate Juneteenth 27 ONYX Reads: Mothers & Fathers: Books to Read with Our Parents 28 SAGE: Never to Late - Starting a Business After 50 30 Cover: Khristian Dentley 33 Community: For some, Marijuana is Trouble 34 Small Business: Four Tips to Grow Cash for Your Small Business 36 Medically Speaking: Stroke Awareness Month: 37 Florida Scope - Tampa is Among Best How Black people are impacted 38 Health & Wellness: Health & Wellness stories 41 Real Estate: Many Options to Buy A Home 42 The Quad: Stories from campus 44 Wealth & Finance: Talk to Your Kids About Money 46 Wine & Food: Wineries in Florida

30

CELEBRATE OUR HERITAGE. SUBSCRIBE TODAY CONTROL OUR NARRATIVE. $39.98 for 12 In-Home Issues $11.99 for 6 Digital Issues SUPPORT BLACK MEDIA. WWW.ONYXMAGAZINE.COM ENTERTAIN. INSPIRE. INFORM.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Janet Pal VICE PRESIDENT Deidre “Dee” Parker MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Kristen Glanton Sharon Fletcher Jones Nancy Port Schwalb

MAY/JUNE 2023 Dear Family, Welcome to this issue of ONYX Magazine, where we turn our attention to business and entrepreneurship as we celebrate Small Business Month in May. In recent years, many Black-owned businesses have seen an uncertain wave of businesses—many have stayed afloat and some gave in to the tide. Because of you, ONYX Magazine has had a stronghold in our community for nearly 26 years. Help our continued success by purchasing a one-year subscription and asking five of your friends to do the same. Thank you in advance for playing your part in keeping our community entertained, inspired and informed.

This issue also draws us to African American Music Appreciation Month. On the cover, we meet Khristian Dentley, the baritone sensation in the gospel group Take 6. A Florida native who insists on staying close to his roots explains how he leans on his faith to make every move in his life. His story will inspire you to never give up.

Also, we take a look at how Hip Hop has inspired a generation.

At 50 years old, Hip Hop is still impacting people of all races and genders. How did it get infused in our culture and education system? A story among these pages offers some insight.

Another story that might pique your interest is about money— when to talk with your kids about it and what to say. If we want to close the racial wealth gap, we have to start applying even small measures as early as possibleбstories, focus on Small Business Awareness Month, and an article about how stroke impacts Black people and more make this issue worth perusing and passing to friends.

As always, ONYX Magazine enjoys bringing you the news that entertains, inspires and informs. Thank you for continuing to receive it for more than 25 years.

MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jon Burton BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pincess Gabbara, Toby Jenkins, D. Shenell Reed, Joel Staley Jacaiya Stephens, Liam M. WambaJoel Staley, Jacaiya Stephens Liam M. Wamba CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brion Price Photography Disney Cruise Line ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair 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,

Rich Black

Lester and Lillian Seays 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 2023 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.

6 ONYX MAGAZINE

BLACK HISTORY

Photos of Betty Wright are found in the public domain. Betty Wright, 1973, unknown author at RCA; Betty Wright Poster, 1978, TK Records. Biographical information adapted from BlackPast.org.

M

MUSIC LEGEND

BETTY WRIGHT

iami native Betty Wright was ahead of her time. She was the first Black woman to earn a gold album on her own record label, Ms. B Records. In her early teens, Wright had hit songs one would expect to be belted by a grown woman who had lived the lyrics. She released her first album at 14, My First Time Around, and had her first hit pop song at 17, Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do. She earned her first gold record at 18 and a Grammy at 23.

Despite her young age when her stardom began, Wright was known for giving relationship advice through her songs and earned the moniker the “Queen of the cautionary tale” and “heartbreak soul”. After her heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, she remained a relevant figure in pop culture as numerous famed musicians sampled her work: Beyonce, L’il Wayne, and Color Me Badd, to name a few. She continued to work with contemporary artists, eventually releasing new music in the late 2010s.

Born Bessie Regina Norris in Miami in 1953, the youngest of seven started singing with her family’s gospel group, the Echoes of Joy, before she was 2. By 11, she was singing under the name Betty Wright. Deep City Records spotted Wright singing in a local talent show. By 13, she was singing backup on other artists’ songs. On TVOne’s Unsung, her sibling revealed that Wright’s mother suspected her daughter was secretly singing backup, because she thought she kept hearing her voice on the radio.

She was right.

Wright released the classic Clean Up Woman in 1971 and it rose to and stayed at No. 6 on the pop charts and number No. 2 on the R&B charts for eight weeks. In 1976, Wright won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for Where Is The Love.

Discouraged by the gender pay gap in the music industry, Wright, who was known for standing up for women’s rights, created Ms. B Records in 1985. In 1987, Wright released the album, Mother Wit, under her label and made history by becoming the first black woman artist to earn a gold album on her own record label. Beyond singing and songwriting, Wright was a mentor and vocal coach for numerous young artists.

Betty Wright died at 66 on May 10, 2020, in Miami. The cause of death was reported to be cancer.

TR AVE L

PUT THIS ON YOUR WISH LIST

Y

ou need a trip. The Disney Wish, the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, set sail last July during an unforgettable celebration.

One year later, it is one of the most popular ships on the seas, sailing throughout the North Atlantic and Caribbeans seas and beyond. It’s time for you and your family to see what magic awaits aboard this vessel.

ONYX Magazine enjoyed a fantastic voyage in November. From embark to debark, the experience was nothing short of fascinating: a lavish grand hall fit for a princess. Incredibly spacious staterooms with verandas. Themed restaurants with chef-inspired delicacies. Beautiful adult-only spaces. Funfilled family areas. An oasis for a spa. Absolutely thrilling!

“The Disney Wish embodies the incredible magic that only Disney can deliver,” said Bob Chapek, chief executive officer, The Walt Disney Company. “It celebrates nearly 100 years of Disney storytelling excellence, bringing fantastic worlds and beloved characters to life like never before through innovative technology and new approaches. Every element of the Disney Wish reflects our relentless focus on our guests, and everything they love about Disney.”

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship is infused with more storytelling than ever before and filled with one-of-a-kind entertainment and innovative “firsts” from bow to stern. These include the first Disney attraction at sea, family dining adventures themed to “Frozen” and Marvel, an immersive tour

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

of the Star Wars galaxy, interactive virtual quests that unlock hidden magic around every corner, original Broadway-style stage productions, signature fireworks at sea, imaginative clubs for kids of all ages, and an expanded collection of experiences exclusively for adults.

“We’re constantly innovating and creating big, bold experiences for our guests that connect them to our stories in amazing new ways,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “With the Disney Wish, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with awesome new entertainment and experiences and combining them with Disney Cruise Line fan-favorite offerings. This new ship is one more symbol of our incredibly bright future, and just the beginning of where we can go.”

Family trip. Girls trip. Solo trip. The choice is yours—just don’t miss the trip. To learn more about the Disney Wish or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent.

THE CONVENIENCE OF A REST STOP

A

h, the familiar refrain that has stood the test of time and one that sends most parents cringing while taking a family road trip.

8 ONYX MAGAZINE

As the summer of 2023 kicks off, consider this: 68 percent of Americans are likely to go on vacation, and 85 percent of them will travel by car, based on data from a recent online survey of approximately 1,500 adults.

While aspects of a road trip may be daunting, a majority of these travelers acknowledge that getting there is half the fun: 24 percent strongly agree, and 45 percent somewhat agree that getting to a vacation spot is often as enjoyable as being there.

A survey conducted by NACS, a trade association representing the convenience-store industry, reveals that most passengers want to be social: just over 60 percent report that they enjoy talking with fellow passengers and almost 80 percent cite listening together to music, podcasts, or audio books as favorite activities.

However, when it's time to take a break, disagreements can arise, especially when it comes to meals and snacks. A convenience-store stop can be a simple solution. They also offer a place to get some rest, stretch your legs, use the facilities, grab a magazine, purchase adult beverages, and more.

Visit convenience.org for more for additional information about what convenience stores offer and how they can help make summer road trips smooth, safe, and enjoyable.

When you’re planning your trip, map out all the convenient store stops along the way and assure everyone in the car, it won’t be long now. Have a safe trip.

M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

HIP-HOP-INSPIRED GENERATION HIP-HOP HAS ENHANCED AMERICAN CLASSROOMS FOR 50 YEARS.

BY TOBY JENKINS

O

ne of my most heartwarming memories from elementary school was the day my gym teacher tossed the planned activities, turned on some hip-hop music and just let us dance. I smile thinking of us all jumping around wild, crazy, happy and free.

Today, as a professor of higher education, I still carry the fondness I had for hip-hop as a child into my professional work. I have spent over two decades developing hip-hop cultural initiatives on college campuses. Hip-hop has made my jobs feel like house parties and turned co-workers and students into homies. But its impact in education is more than personal.

The year 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop culture. People around the world are taking time to reflect on and celebrate hip-hop’s accomplishments.

10 ONYX MAGAZINE

cation. Drawing from my research and exploring the educational benefits of hip-hop culture, what follows are four ways that hip-hop has changed education in America.

1. MADE THE CLASSROOM MORE ENGAGING

Educators are not only remembering the obvious ways hip-hop has influenced language and fashion or provided the soundtrack to our study sessions and sports events, but we are also acknowledging how hip-hop has changed edu-

In the early 2000s, hip-hop-based education surfaced in mostly English and language arts classrooms. Some teachers started incorporating hip-hop into lesson plans by using music and rhymes to teach subject matter. The goal was to make learning more stimulating while allowing students to feel culturally connected to the lessons.

An example was educator Joquetta Johnson’s having her students conduct a comparative analysis of Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman” and Queen Latifah’s “Ladies First.”

M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

These new hip-hop-related professional opportunities allow many scholars to develop academic careers without the pressure to discard their identities as artists or cultural curators. A.D. Carson is now an assistant professor of hip-hop and the Global South at the University of Virginia. At Harvard, the Nasir Jones Hiphop Fellowship, named after the legendary New York rapper Nas, funds exceptional hip-hop scholars and artists.

4. FOSTERED NEW MINDSETS

This story has been republished with permission through a creative commons license. It appeared in The Conversation.

These photos are found in the public domain. 1979, Sugar Hill Records; 29 August 2010 Doug E Fresh, Author Jason Persse

ken word and dance performance to research and tackle social issues such as racial justice and school discipline policies.

3. EXPANDED ACADEMIC FIELDS AND JOBS IN HIGHER EDUCATION Hip-hop scholars now refer to this style of teaching as hip-hop pedagogy. Hip-hop pedagogy is the practice of incorporating the elements and values of hip-hop culture into the full educational experience. This includes not only the classroom environment, but also teaching techniques, student-teacher relationships and subject matter.

2. INSPIRED NEW SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Not only has hip-hop been integrated into school curricula, but an entire high school was established in St. Paul, Minnesota, to solely focus on hip-hop culture. The High School for Recording Arts is a public charter school that teaches dance, music, art and entrepreneurship to students who have been expelled or pushed out of other schools.

Several new hip-hop community organizations have also been developed. Saving Our Lives, Hearing Our Truths is an Illinois-based community space where girls can rap and write, make friends, dream, draw, think critically, dance, create, speak up, be loud or just be quiet.

In New York City, Cyphers for Justice engages high school youths, incarcerated youths and teachers in a 15-week program in which they learn to use hip-hop creative practices like spo-

In 1991, Howard University became the first university to offer a hip-hop course. Since then, colleges across the country, including Harvard, Duke and New York University, have developed hip-hop-related courses. In 2012, the University of Arizona began offering a hip-hop studies minor – the first of its kind at a four-year public university in the U.S. The creation of hip-hop graduate courses has influenced the scholarship that students produce. For example, hip-hop professor A.D. Carson wrote, performed and produced the 34-song rap album “Owning My Masters: The Rhetorics of Rhymes & Revolutions” in 2017 as his doctoral dissertation at Clemson University.

The groundbreaking dissertation received international praise and led to the first peer-reviewed rap album.

Hip-hop scholars are expanding the boundaries of what qualifies as rigorous research, how research is conducted, and what formats should be used for sharing this research with the public.

Harvard University’s Hiphop Archive & Research Institute supports hip-hop research and scholarship. There are also hip-hop research conferences hosted at The Ohio State University, Columbia University, Rutgers University and the University of Buffalo, to name a few. These conferences build on the legacy created by the students at Howard University who planned the first university-based hip-hop conference, back in 1991.

Hip-hop has always addressed the social issues of the day, from poverty to police brutality.

With mental health now a priority in education, some experts are exploring how to use hip-hop culture to support student mental health.

The University of Cambridge recently developed the Hip-Hop Psych Initiative, which aims to use hip-hop lyrics and music to help young people dealing with depression develop more positive images of themselves and their situations.

Ian Levy, an associate professor of school counseling at Manhattan College, developed a hiphop-based counseling framework for schools and other educational settings.

Hip-hop culture is also expanding beliefs about academic achievement, success and professionalism. University of Southern California education professor Christopher Emdin wants educators to rediscover their “ratchet” self.

While being ratchet, which originally meant being uncultured, is often rejected within academic settings, Emdin explains that being a “ratchedemic educator” is not about acting out, but acting authentically.

I have spent the past two years researching the ways that hip-hop culture produces its own set of professional practices that encourage drive, creativity, authenticity, honor, community, confidence and commanding attention. These characteristics are valued in many different settings, but hip-hop culture adds a unique flavor and intensity. I call this the Hip-Hop Mindset.

CONTINUING TO EVOLVE While hip-hop has left an indelible imprint on the field of education, it is not done yet. Hip-hop continues to evolve and gift us with possibilities for what culturally relevant education might look like in the next 50 years. As the saying goes, “Can’t stop, won’t stop.”

Toby Jenkins is an associate professor of Higher Education at University of South Carolina.

ONYX MAGAZINE 11

LEADERSHIP

Telling HERStory ONYX MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES POWERFUL WOMEN.

The honorees received gifts from Jones And Rose, with owner Christie Jones kneeling in front.

O

NYX Magazine hosted the eighth annual Women on the Move (WOTM), along with Founding Partner Orlando Health Diversity and Minority Business Development and Presenting Sponsor Central Florida Urban League. The nationally recognized event applauded Florida’s most impactful and influential Black women during an awards celebration and luncheon on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the beautiful Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Fla., with 300+ guests.

In line with the Women’s History Month theme, “Telling HERStory,” paid tribute to the women who keep alive the legacies and narratives of those who inspired them to greatness. ONYX Magazine’s honorees have achieved many feats while shattering glass ceilings in their professions and persevering against all odds.

“These powerful and innovative achievers are the architects of thriving workplaces and communities around our great state,” said Rich Black, ONYX Magazine’s publisher, CEO, and editor-in-chief. “We are in awe of their success. Further, we thank our sponsors and other supporters— who are essential in making this the most prestigious event to recognize women across Florida—for their unwavering faith in our efforts.”

“Orlando Health has a rich tradition of serving the community and 12 ONYX MAGAZINE

promoting its cultural diversity, and our patients, their families, our employees, and the community-at-large are better for it,” said Quibulah Graham, the senior director of Orlando Health Diversity and Minority Business Development. “For nearly 100 years, we have served Central Florida. As we continue to grow, we are mindful to put high emphasis on equity and inclusion and we celebrate programs that align with our goals: Programs like ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move.”

ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move gave a special Woman of the Year salute to Trish Bailey, Ph.D., M.B.A., a former University of Connecticut (UCONN) track athlete and reportedly one of the richest women in America and the richest woman in Jamaica, her native home.

“I celebrate each and every one of you women today because you are powerful and amazing and filled with excellence,” Bailey said. “I know that most of you are in leadership roles. When you see your sister is lagging behind, do not hesitate to pull her next to you. Fix her crown the way that she will fix yours. Be the difference for the next young woman who comes into your space and tries to find her path. Share the love and kindness.

Share the direction in your knowledge, because each time you share that, God will replace it with greater and bigger and grander things.”

The 2023 ONYX Magazine’s International Woman of the Year is Mercy Gilbert, a native of Zimbabwe, Africa, and a citizen of the United Kingdom. She is considered to be the most influential Black women in London, England.

President and CEO of Gilbert Media and Public Relations, Inc., Gilbert has worked to organized high-end and political events for her “A” list clients.

Heralding the importance of education, The ONYX Foundation delivered scholarships to four students during the event: The Udell T. Black & Linda L. Braynen Legacy Scholarship and the Lillian Seays Achievement Scholarship.

The Legacy Scholarship is named in honor of Publisher Rich Black’s mother and aunt, who were entrepreneurs. The Achievement Scholarship is named in honor of an ONYX Magazine co-founder who served as an educator and librarian in Orange County’s schools.

The 2023 WOTM leaders were Publisher Rich Black, Chair Deidre Parker, the president of Parker Realty Group, Co-chair Nancy Port Schwalb, the president of Schwalb Public Relations, and the WOTM Committee.

Quibulah Graham, Linda Braynen, scholar Zaena Murray, Michelle Reddus, Rich Black. Other scholars were Jinnelle Brewster, Megan Crowder, Madison Dent, Cassie Humphrey.

Bloomingdale's partnered with WOTM and provided makeup touch ups to the honorees.

Beth Rosenstein is the Bloomingdale's area vice president for Florida/Georgia.

ONYX MAGAZINE 13

PAST WOMEN ON THE MOVE HONOREES 2016 Dr. Rosalyn Clark Artis Congresswoman Corrine Brown Julia E. Brown Briana Daniel Dr. Leticia Diaz Dr. Marie-Jose Francois Kathleen "Kat" Gordon Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant Kezia Hendrix-Rolle Sandy Hosetter Fla. Sen. Arthenia Joyner Latria Graham Leak Sisaundra Lewis Dr. Elmira Mangum Deborah McDuffie Ellen Parcell Phaedra Parks Tiffany Moore Russell Nancy Port Schwalb Carole Ann Taylor Dr. Delvina Thomas Doretha Hair Truesdell Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Belinda Wilson 2017 Leticia M. Adams Dr. Florence Alexander Vernice Atkins-Bradley Denee Benton Jackie Brockington Lee Bryan Stefanie Campbell Ruby Cooper-Darling Dr. Angela Felecia Epps Camille Evans, Esq. Honorable Carolyn Grant-Ford Denise Hicks Lauren Houston Natalie A. Jackson, Esq. Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq. Honorable Viviana Janer Dr. Barbara M. Jenkins Connie W. Kinnard Beatrice Louissaint Maritza Martinez Monica May Dr. Lucille O'Neal Dr. Rosalie Ellis Payne Kathey K. Porter Marisol Romany Honorable Patty Sheehan Dr. Falecia D. Williams Dr. Dhyana Ziegler 2018 Pasha Baker Tasha Maria Robinson Banks Althemese Barnes Mary Ann Carroll* Roda Howard Carter Terrie Daniel

Felecia Haslom Davis Jasmine Gebon Annette Gibbs Marcia Hope Goodwin Cathy Grant Lynda V. Harris Anita Henri Erica Henri Commissioner Regina I. Hill Paula Hoisington Beverly Kuykendall Yolanda Londono Megan Mack Brenda March Desiree Spence Matthews Dr. Pamela McCauley Annette McNeill Julia Sarkodie Mensah** Bernadette Morris Joyce Odongo Ava L. Parker, Esq. Shanti Persaud Angela Suggs Wanda Trotter Carla M. Williams Cece Teneal Williams 2019 Eloise Abrahams, RN Dr. Ann Ashley-Gilbert Sherri T. Brown Cathy Brown-Butler Chole Juanita Evans Coney Rep. Valez B. Demings Dr. Elizabeth Dooley Dr. Melissa Freeman* Linda Howard Jacqueline Jones Nikki Lewis-Simon Novlet Mattis Vickie Oldham Dancia Penn** Clemmie Perry Commissioner Victoria Siplin Carolyn House Stewart Rep. Geraldine Thompson Dr. Riva Tims Dr. Paulette Walker Melanie Williams Dr. Tonjua Williams 2020 Latasha R. Barnes Xernona Clayton* Joli Cooper Dawn Chantel Curtis Tanisha Nunn Gary, Esq. Mildred Graham Dr. Joan B. Holmes Valerie Chester Hendriex Jenkins Latonya Johnson-Gill Janie Lacy Sonya Mallard

WOMEN ON THE MOVE | *WOMAN OF THE YEAR | **INTERNATIONAL WOMAN ON THE MOVE

14 ONYX MAGAZINE

Chanta Miller Dame Constance Viola Mitcham** Heidi Otway Sylvia Perry Caleta Scott Tamara Shamburger Kathy T. Times Dr. Brenda L. Walker Crystal Warwell Walker Dr. Bridget Williams 2021 Verdenia C. Baker Rep. Fentrice Driskell Dr. Martha Ducatel Carolyn Fennell* Nikki Gaskin-Capehart Deputy Leila Freeze Graham Lena Graham-Morris Dr. Diana L. Greene Malika Harrison Bertha Henry Lashawnda K. Jackson Deidre A. Keller Kena Lewis Machelle Maner Shaylia McRae Erika Pulley-Hayes Michele L. Stocker Nicole Thomas

2022 Kami Brown Dr. Johnnetta Betsh Cole* Tina N. Commodore Bertha Cooper-Rousseau** Joyce E. Cotton Marilyn Drayton Vicki-Elaine Felder Dr. Angela L. Fields Donna Gilmer Dr. Malou C. Harrison Dr. Danielle A. Henry Dr. Jocelyn H. Henson Dr. Cynthia Johnson Kimra Major-Morris, Esq. Jo Newell Maribel Nicholson-Choice Desiree Noisette, Esq. Tekoa Pouerie

2023 Trisha Bailey, Ph.D., M.B.A.* Vivian Bryant Patrice Cates-Lonberger Pamela C. Cates-Smith, M.D. Iranetta Dennis Gail Thomas Dewitt Tara L. Dorsey Ohme Entin Sandra Fatmi-Hall Tammie Fields Olive Gaye Mercy Gilbert** Dr. Terri Ann Verschell Graham Kim Johnson Daralene Jones Sytia Necole Messer Lynndell L. Mims Gwen Myers Dawn Ofodile Jojo O'Neal Sherry Paramore Sharon Riley Tempress (Tee) Gavin Solomon Ethel Isaacs Williams

SMART TIPS

StatePoint Media PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Prostoc k-Studio / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Shop Better How to Spend Wisely at the Grocery Store Whether you are packing school lunches or hosting a dinner party, you want your fridge and pantry to be stocked with the highest-quality foods for the best value. Thankfully, there’s a better way to navigate store aisles than just picking products at random and hoping for the best, one which doesn’t involve hours of product research.

Product of the Year USA, the largest consumer-voted awards program centered around product innovation, recently announced the winners of the 2023 Product of the Year Awards across 36 trending categories. Determined through a national study of 40,000 American shoppers in partnership with Kantar, a global leader in consumer research, the winners represent the best new products when it comes to thoughtful design, quality and innovation.

“It’s easier than ever for today’s consumers to be overwhelmed by choice.

Far beyond retail aisles, they now have direct-to-consumer options, grocery delivery in the palm of their hands, and a never-ending stream of their favorite influencers reviewing products,” says Mike Nolan, global CEO of Product of the Year Management.

“It’s important to us to help consumers and their families cut through the noise.”

To make your visits to the supermarket a breeze, consider this year’s 20 food and beverage winners, listed by category: • Bread | ALDI-exclusive Specially Selected French Baguette – ALDI • Breakfast | Quaker Puffed Granola – PepsiCo • Cheese | ALDI-exclusive Emporium Selection Feta Block Assortment – ALDI • Coffee Creamer | Lactose-Free Fla-

vored Creamer in French Vanilla and Sweet Cream – Organic Valley • Condiment | ALDI-exclusive Burman’s Dipping Sauces – ALDI • Convenience Meals | Hot Pockets Deliwich – Nestlé USA • Entrée | Pasta-Roni Heat & Eat – PepsiCo • Frozen Dessert | ALDI-exclusive Sundae Shoppe Gelato – ALDI • Keto | ALDI-exclusive Benton’s Keto Cookies – ALDI • Meal Replacement | Complete Nutrition Shakes – Soylent • Meal Solution | Bob Evans Mashed Cauliflower – Bob Evans Farms • Non-Chocolate | HARIBO Berry Clouds – HARIBO of America, Inc. • Non-Dairy | ALDI-exclusive Friendly Farms Non-Dairy Whipped Toppings – ALDI • On-The-Go Snack | ALDI-exclusive Park Street Deli Sweet Snack Selects – ALDI

• Premixed Drink | ALDI-exclusive Zarita Margaritas – ALDI • Salty Snack | Takis Hot Nuts Fuego – Barcel USA • Smoothie | DOLE BOOSTED BLENDS Berry Spark Smoothie – Dole Packaged Foods • Snack & Appetizer | El Monterey Chili Cheese Chimichanga – Ruiz Foods • Soft Drink | Nitro Pepsi – PepsiCo • Wine | ALDI-exclusive Don’t Mind If I Do Sauvignon Blanc – ALDI For more information about this year’s winners, visit productoftheyearusa.com.

Want to feed your family the foods that other shoppers have already tried and loved? Whether you’re filling your virtual or physical cart, be sure to lean on consumers tools that can help you make better choices.

ONYX MAGAZINE 15

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

THE IMPORTANCE

OF BEING MOM MOTHERS ARE OFTEN THE APPLES OF OUR EYES. HERE’S WHY.

to call on their mother first. A mother teaches her child everything that she knows right from talking, walking to living a fulfilling life. She is also the one who disciplines and educates a child for a better life.

3. MOTHERS GIVE HOPE It is a fact that life is filled with varied experiences and some of them are not so good. A child faces these situations right from the start, but it is the mother who, with her love, care and comfort assure that in the end good always prevails.

Through her eyes and confidence, a child can always see the light on the other side of the tunnel. Whether facing exams, competitions or the hardships of life, children always seek guidance and support from their mothers first.

4. MOTHERS KNOW THEIR CHILDREN INSIDE OUT For a mother, her child is an open book. She knows her child like no other. Whatever the child feels, mother knows it, and nothing remains hidden from her. She is the best judge of her child’s personality, and she makes sure that the child is treated and disciplined accordingly. Knowing her child’s interests and needs, she accommodates new changes for the betterment and overall development of her child, e.g., enrolling the child in activities like swimming, dancing, drawing, changing school and the pattern of learning to name a few.

T

he word "mother" resonates with blissful unconditional love and care that is the basic need of every child. The connect of children with mothers seems to be eternal as this bond starts way before birth. If you start to jot down the list of reasons that make moms so important, then it might seem endless.

Below are five very crucial reasons why a mother is so important.

1. MOTHER’S LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL One look in a mother’s eye for her child and we come to realize the meaning of unconditional love. Though we all have become a pro with words and can exactly convey our emotions, expressing a mother’s love in words is still very difficult. For a mother, a child always remains her 16 ONYX MAGAZINE

baby even if he turns 60 or becomes a tycoon, a leader or a thinker. Mothers hold this strong aspect of loving their children in any phase of life or situation. This unconditional love of mothers is what makes them so special for every child.

2. MOTHERS ARE THE FIRST TEACHERS For a child, the process of learning starts right from the birth or even before it. We all know that during pregnancy mothers are told to read good books, listen to soothing music and so on. They do this because even though the child is still yet to face the world, the baby has already developed a connection with the world through the mother.

Later, the baby is acquainted with the world, 1st by their mothers and later by others. Whatever the language, caste or custom, most babies learn

What is better than the arms of a mother where all the problems, insecurities and negative feelings come to a standstill? A child always needs the support of the mother, be it any phase of life like going to school, marriage, or having a baby.

She is the one who acts like a strong pillar on which a child can depend.

LOVE THE WAY SHE DOES We can never pay back for whatever a mother has done and continues to do for us. All we can do is reciprocate the same love and affection just the way she does. Though a mother will never ask anything in return for her love, care and protection, we can always make her feel special with small and sweet gestures. So, if you are thinking of making her feel special, take Mother’s Day or her birthday as an opportunity to tell her how important she is to you. Express your love with pink flowers, and she is sure to appreciate your sweet gesture.

This ONYX staff report was collected from several sources, including Interflora.

5. MOTHERS ARE FOUNDATIONS AND PILLARS

FAT H E R ' S D AY

THE TRUTH ABOUT BLACK FATHERHOOD THE STEREOTYPE OF BLACK FATHERS AS “ABSENT” AND BLACK CHILDREN AS “FATHERLESS” — FIRST INTRODUCED MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO — HAS, LIKE MANY RACIAL STEREOTYPES, REFUSED TO DIE.

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Legacy.com

n 1965, white sociologist and Assistant Secretary of Labor Daniel Patrick Moynihan published a report called The Negro Family: The Case For National Action. This report claimed that increasing rates of “outof-wedlock” births and single-mother homes among African Americans signaled the coming destruction of Black families, and these trends were to blame for many of the issues facing the Black community in America. (The report has been roundly criticized by many race scholars.)

Today, around 70% of Black children are born to parents who aren’t married. The idea that racial disparities in education, employment, income, incarceration, and more can be blamed not on structural racism, but on this “absence” of Black fathers has been parroted by pundits and politicians alike.

Even Black public figures have shared these statistics. In 2008, President Barack Obama said during his Father’s Day speech that “more than half of all Black children live in single-parent households…children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools and 20 times more likely to end up in prison. They are more likely to have behavioral problems or run away from home or become teenage parents themselves.

And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it.”

This stereotype ignores clear evidence that Black fathers are in fact more involved in their children’s care, and their lives, than fathers of other races.

THE TRUTH: BLACK FATHERS ARE MORE INVOLVED Society cannot equate the number of unmarried dads to the number of “fatherless” children. First, marriage rates don’t necessarily reflect the number of Black fathers living with their children; as writer Josh Levs points out, the majority of Black dads (2.5 million of around 4.2 million) do live with their kids, even if they’re not married to their partner.

Secondly, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black dads — whether they live with their children, or not — are more actively involved in their children’s lives than their counterparts of other races.

For example, the CDC reports that Black fathers who live with their children are more likely than fathers of other races to provide physical care (bathe, diaper, feed) for their young children, read to their children, and help their children with their homework — all on a daily basis — than fathers of other races who also cohabitate with their kids.

The report also reveals that, among dads who do not live with their children, Black dads are more likely to be involved in care, including reading to their children, helping them with homework, talking to them about their days, and taking them to activities, than Hispanic or white dads who live apart from their kids. Non-residential Black fathers are also the least likely to report that they’re not at all involved in the care of their children, including bathing, dressing, changing diapers, and playing with their children.

MOTHERS' REPORTS ECHO FATHERS’ Other studies based on maternal reports echo these findings. In a survey of low-income mothers, researchers found that “nonresident white fathers were less involved with their children than African American and Latino fathers.” In a 2018 study of “nonmarital” births, mothers reported that Black fathers “shared responsibilities more frequently and displayed more effective coparenting than Hispanic and white fathers.”

Also, it seems that the parental relationship, the strong focus of Moynihan’s 1965 report, actually has less of an impact on Black fathers’ involvement with their kids than it does on the involvement of other fathers. In a 2009 paper about the child-rearing roles of unmarried men, authors note that “Father involvement also varies by race and ethnicity, with rates for Africans American being higher than the average American father...Father involvement drops sharply after parents’ relationships end, especially when they enter subsequent relationships and have children with new partners. These declines are less dramatic for African American fathers.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 17

WORKPLACE

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The Value of Teamwork weaknesses, with nobody to teach or learn from.

Now put them all in the same room, on the same project. Working together, they’ll soon learn each other’s strengths and correct each other’s mistakes. And everyone’s performance will improve.

t is widely accepted that teamwork is a good thing. You will hear few sensible people saying, “Teamwork? What a waste of time!” But what is it about teamwork that makes promoting it a key priority for organizations? Here are the key reasons teamwork is so important in the workplace.

TEAMWORK IS EFFICIENT WORK A key pillar of the industrial revolution, a foundation of modern civilization, was the division of labor. And that is just another way to say teamwork.

Employee teamwork enables your company to: • Split difficult tasks into simpler ones, then work together to complete them faster • Develop specialized skills, so that the best person for each task can do it better and faster • In a nutshell, teams make work more efficient. That can lead to better productivity, reduced costs, greater profitability, and many other benefits.

TEAMS SELF-MONITOR When one person does a task alone, they have total autonomy — but if that person starts to work slowly or ineffectively, who will set them straight?

Nobody. In teamwork, many people have responsibility for the same goal. Most significantly, teammates observe and depend on the quality of each

18 ONYX MAGAZINE

other’s work. When one team member’s performance dips, the others have the knowledge and motivation to help them improve. Without management intervention, effective teams can often regulate their own performance.

TEAMS INNOVATE FASTER For any task or problem, there are usually countless solutions. When one employee tackles a project, they might be able to think of a few different ideas given time. But when a team tackles a problem, the project benefits from multiple perspectives, skillsets, and experiences all at once. A team approach can therefore lead to faster, deeper innovation.

TEAMMATES LEARN FROM EACH OTHER Imagine you have a workforce of 10 designers all working in separate rooms. Each designer works to their own strengths and suffers from their own

TEAMWORK CAN CREATE HEALTHY COMPETITION But what happens to that same team of 10 designers a year down the line, when they’ve learned all they can from each other? They will soon start to compete with one another, to prove their ability and chase promotion or other incentives within your organization. Provided the right challenge and rewards are in place to promote competition, team performance can keep improving.

TEAMWORK PROMOTES STRONG WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Finally, when employees work together and succeed as a team, they form bonds that can turn into trust and friendship. It’s human nature. And it is great for your organization, since employees who like and trust each other are more likely to: • Communicate well with each other • Support and motivate each other • Work cooperatively It is little wonder successful organizations value teamwork so highly.

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

BAHAMIAN SMALL BUSINESSES RECOGNIZED FOR ENERGY STRATEGIES

BY BARBARA WALKIN

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“So, we allow our animals to free wenty-five of Grand Baharaise in a controlled space and we use ma’s small and medium-sized electric net fencing that is charged by business owners were each solar energy. It’s amazing because not given $5,000 as a reward for develonly does it work for energy efficiency, oping innovative strategies to reduce but it also keeps predators out. their energy consumption and usage.

“We are thankful to have been The recipients were picked from selected for the grant. Our mission is more than 150 who participated to create, establish and foster a safe, in the energy efficiency initiative simple and sustainable culture of prolaunched on January 31, 2023, by the ductivity in harmony with nature.”

Small Business Development Centre From left at the recent Energy Efficiency awards are GBCC President James He noted that with Berkshire being (SBDC) in partnership with Grand Carey; GBPA Business Development Officer Shamine Johnson; GBPC COO only in its fourth year, finding ways to Bahama Power Company (GBPC) and Nakita Mullings; SBDC Director of Client Advisory Services Leo Rolle; and cut costs is essential.

Bahamas Power and Light (BPL).

SBDC Family Island Manager Kenron Braynen.

The initiative also included infor“With energy being one of the mation sessions facilitated by the top three operating expenditures for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) around the globe, partners, including topics such as the impact of rising fuel and electricity especially convenience stores, quick service restaurants, boutique hotels, costs on businesses and residents; renewable energy solutions; going “off auto dealerships and general retail stores, we decided to look for avenues to the grid” — capacity limits, application process and net metering for business and residents; how to become an approved and contracted vendor assist,” said SBDC’s Director of Client Advisory Services Leo Rolle.

“We wanted to encourage MSMEs to obtain grant, loan and equity fund- and the funding available for renewable energy adaptations.

The winners were presented with their checks last week in a ceremony ing to purchase solar panels, LED lighting, smart appliances, building insulation and electric vehicles; and highlight funded MSMEs who comprise and at Pelican Bay Resorts’ Canal House Delphine Room.

The SBDC was started four and a half years ago and, according to Rolle, support the local renewable energy industry.” has helped 1,977 Bahamians access more than $76 million in funding.

Berkshire Bahamas Farms was one of the grant recipients.

“Of that number, 387 were Grand Bahamians who accessed more than The 14-acre farm, located in Pine Ridge Agricultural Estates, off Grand $12 million in funding across multiple industries,” he said.

Bahama Highway, is a livestock and agricultural operation.

“While that number is refreshing, we realize that we could do more. We Co-Founder and Managing Director Terrance Roberts III said the initiacan, we should and we will do more.” tive encouraged them to change.

Rolle said in the coming months, SBDC will launch another 10 projects, “We started looking into solar and different ways of producing energy, including Women’s Entrepreneur Initiative, Creative Entrepreneurs, Youth including using the manure for the animals that can be used for renewable Empowerment, Health & Wellness, Domestic Tourism, Food Security and energy, even as it relates to housing the animals,” Roberts said. the Export Initiative.

He said his pigs and chickens are now housed in areas enclosed by elecGBPC Chief Operating Officer Nakita Mullings said the power company tric fencing. saw the initiative as an opportunity to foster its relationship with SDBC and “The fencing is outfitted with the solar energy charger and poly wire, to ensure that businesses on the island had greater access to funding. which charges up to five miles of wire,” Roberts said.

She added, “Not just any grant, but funding that encourages energy effi“So, instead of spending thousands of dollars to build a pen for pigs, you ciency and renewable energy.” can leave the animals on the land, the way God designed it.

“We look at the animals having access to all the minerals and nutrients Barbara Walkin is a writer for The Guardian where this story first that the earth supplies for them naturally. They don’t get that when they appeared. are caged in.

ONYX MAGAZINE 19

THE IMPORTANCE

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F A M I LY

UNPLUGGED PLAN A LOW-TECH SUMMER TO CONNECT WITH YOUR KIDS.

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etween school, work and entertainment, there are times when screens can seem like a pervasive part of modern life. For all the positive aspects of technology, there can also be a desire for children to have stretches of unplugged learning and participate in educational activities that do not require a screen.

Story from Family Features

WHY UNPLUGGED LEARNING MATTERS “Unplugged learning is important to balance the screen time children may experience with other forms of learning; to promote physical activities, social interaction and creativity; and develop the essential skills that bolster them throughout their exploration and growth as individuals,” said Rurik Nackerud from KinderCare’s education team.

Summer can be an ideal time to focus on unplugged learning as it often brings a break from the traditional academic year and activities.

“We want summer to be a time when children can put down technology and connect with one another face-to-face, build important creativity skills and learn how to be social with one another without the buffer of screens,” said Khy Sline from KinderCare’s education team. “They can play, run, be immature and laugh with their friends, giggle at the silly things and find joys in those in-person interactions with one another.”

TIPS FOR CREATING UNPLUGGED FUN AS A FAMILY 1. Get Outdoors. Make time as a family to get outside and explore, even if it is simply a walk around the block after dinner. Help children notice the little things like a bug on the sidewalk or the way the sun filters through tree leaves to make patterns on the ground. Ask them about the things they see and give your children the space to ask questions and work together to find the answers. This helps teach children collaborative learning skills: asking questions, sharing ideas and working together to reach an answer.

2. Read Together. This could mean going to the library to check out new books or exploring your family’s bookshelves for old favorites. Snuggle up together for family story time. If children are old enough to read on their own, invite them to read to you or their younger siblings. Talk about the story or even act out favorite parts to help your children actively participate in story time, which may help them better understand the story’s concepts.

3. Encourage Creative Thinking. Help children expand their ability to think creatively by working together to make a craft or project. For example, the next time a delivery box arrives at your home, encourage your children to turn it into something new using craft supplies on hand. A blanket could turn a box into a table for a pretend restaurant while some tape or glue could transform it into a rocket ship or train. When everyone’s done creating and playing, the box can be broken down for recycling. This activity can help children literally think outside of the box and apply their own unique ideas and creativity to create something new.

For more tips to encourage unplugged learning this summer, visit kindercare.com.

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

A R T & C U LT U R E

ASSERTING IDENTITY

BLACK SEMINOLES IN THE U.S. HAVE LONG STRUGGLED AGAINST ERASURE AND EXCLUSION. NOW, A RECENT REUNION IN FLORIDA OFFERS MOMENTUM FOR PROGRESS.

BY LIAM M. WAMBA

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n Jan. 11, 2023, Afro-Natives and Black Seminoles from around the country gathered at the historic Seminole Inn in Indiantown, FL. They met in the Inn’s reception area, where the walls are decked with paintings, murals, and artifacts from the Seminole Wars.

There, they said a prayer and ate a meal to begin a six-day reunion organized to affirm their complex history and discuss remedies to their historical erasure, including federal recognition of Black Seminoles as Native people. It was the first time descendants of the Black Seminole diaspora had returned en masse to the state to which their ancestors had lived free as early as the 15th century, escaping slavery in Georgia and the Carolinas.

For grant writer and the director of the conference, Wallis Tinnie, Day 1 of the reunion was the most personally impactful, as she watched three generations of Black Seminoles return to their homeland.

Florida escaped slaves tended to live among the Seminoles, who often adopted them as kin.

This continued until Florida ceased being a Spanish territory in 1821. Alternatively, runaway slaves formed separate bands living in close proximity to the Seminoles. Native people across the South, and especially the Seminoles, regularly adopted escaped Africans into the social fabric of their nations. For this reason, Tinnie views the appellation of Black Seminole as an “oxymoron,” explaining that it “comes out of the racial binary in America, because when the people were united, they were just Seminoles. There was no such thing as a Black Seminole or a Red Seminole.… most of the Seminole were mixed.” Still, it is a term that has persisted through common usage.

ERASURE AND BROKEN PROMISES In an effort to recapture escaped slaves taken in by the Seminoles, the U.S. military fought the Seminole Wars from 1816 to 1858. The Seminole Wars are remembered as the deadliest and costliest “Indian Wars” the U.S. ever fought. After the wars’ end, surviving Black Seminoles were removed as free people to Indian territory in Oklahoma, along with the rest of the Seminole 22 ONYX MAGAZINE

Anastasia Pittman (left), Seminole Council member and former Oklahoma state senator, Maria Neco (center) Chief of the Seminole Tribe of Mexico, Frank Garcia (right) sub-chief of the United Warrior Band. Photo by Liam Wamba

Nation. Once in Oklahoma, mixed-race natives were treated like African Americans by whites.

They were often kidnapped by enslavers. In their quest to escape the worst abuses of America’s racial prejudice, the Black Seminoles moved to Texas, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

During their 2023 Florida reunion, the Black Seminoles returned to a site near the Everglades where nearly two centuries ago their ancestors began to claim their freedom as Indigenous inhabitants of the Americas. Researchers; Black Seminoles, including tribal chiefs and band members; other Indigenous people; and a small number of interested people of other backgrounds toured historic sites, listened to academic presentations, and participated in tribal gatherings.

Despite their contributions to Native American history, there are no federally recognized Afro-Native bands. The gathering thus enabled the Black Seminoles to affirm their history and reinforce a sense of community on the path to achieving federal recognition.

Vital to the Black Seminole legacy is the dignity derived from their centuries-long struggle for freedom. Descriptions written by the U.S military reveal how jarring white Americans found the manifestations of Afro-Native self-esteem. A South Carolinian sergeant, for example, was repulsed by

the way Black Seminoles greeted whites by shaking hands, expecting to be treated as equals. The bearing of Black Seminoles unnerved the plantation class as deeply as the loss of property.

One of the reunion attendees, Chief Thomi Perryman/Eagle Claw of the United Warrior Band of the Seminole Nation/John Horse Band, leads a band of Black Seminoles from Texas. He hosted tribal gatherings and spoke several times during the conference, reaffirming Black Seminole heritage and insisting that the U.S. honor its treaties with his people. “The United States has never fulfilled any of their treaties with our ancestors. Not in Florida, when they promised us land in Oklahoma, not in Oklahoma, when they promised us all the rights of Native people, and not in Texas, where they promised us land after they broke the last two agreements.” He adds, “Our people fought for the right to recognition and land. But in the end, all we got was survival.”

Chief Perryman’s ancestors carved out a place for themselves along the Texas-Mexico border through their ability as guerrilla fighters, fighting with the U.S. Army in the Plains Wars in the 1880s.

Their descendants were promised land by the U.S. and Mexican governments for their military service. The Black Seminole Scouts, who served in the U.S. military at Fort Clark, Texas, were awarded

4 out of 15 Medals of Honor given to “Indian” Scouts. Many of the conference attendees attested that they had discovered their own Black Seminole heritage through researching the Black Seminole Scouts from Fort Clark. While their relatives in Mexico, known as the Negros Mascogos, gained land and state recognition, the Black Seminoles of the United States can claim neither.

This article first appeared in Yes! Magazine and has been reprinted under a Creative Commons license.

RECALLING A LEGACY OF INCLUSION While Chief Perryman and many others are looking for federal recognition for their bands, other Afro-Natives covet re-inclusion into Native American nations. Re-inclusion would mean they would be added to tribal rolls and be entitled to all the rights and privileges of Native Americans.

Although not a Black Seminole, former Oklahoma Sen. Anastasia Pittman attended the conference to take part in tribal gatherings, where she spoke about the necessity of healing from historical emotional trauma and correcting the legal status of Black Seminoles. Pittman is the daughter of a Seminole mother and an African American father and sits on the General Council of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. She detailed the legal basis for the Black Seminoles’ re-inclusion into the Seminole Nation by recalling the words of the 1866 Reconstruction treaty between the Seminole Nation and the U.S.: the Black Seminoles “shall have and enjoy all the rights of Native citizens.”

The end of slavery brought little change in the lives of Afro-Natives. After the Emancipation Proclamation, Afro-Natives living in the West felt the full brunt of Jim Crow segregation. Native

Black Seminole dancers at the Loxahatchee battlefield site. Photo by Liam Wamba

tribes were less likely to be federally recognized or receive adequate schooling if they were mixedrace. The Seminole, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Creek Nations of Oklahoma rescinded citizenship for mixed-race Natives throughout the 20th century. Scholars and Natives alike have come to argue that the Black Seminoles lack Seminole ancestry and were never members of the Seminole nation.

Before the Civil War, white Americans also viewed the Black Seminoles as enslaved people, even if they owned property, carried weapons, and held leadership roles within Native tribes.

Black Seminoles often sat on the Seminole Council, a meeting of chiefs and village leaders who helped come to a consensus on tribal issues.

Indian agent Wiley Thompson concluded that a Seminole “would almost as soon sell his child as his slave.” It appeared that he could not fathom that Black Seminoles were the adopted children of the Seminoles.

Native Americans frequently adopted foreigners to replace deceased family members. “Chief Dub Warrior came to see me as a son. Adoption is very common among all Native people. He adopted me to replace his son Tony Warrior,” explains Sub-Chief Frank Garcia of the United Warrior Band of the Seminole Nation/John Horse Band. The late chief of the United Warrior Band, Dub Warrior, also adopted current Chief Perryman/Eagle Claw. As settler wars ravaged the Americas, Indigenous people reconstituted their tribes by adopting other Natives, Africans, and even Europeans. Adoption contributed to the genesis of Afro-Natives across the Americas.

FIGHTING TO TELL THE HISTORY

Chief Thomi Perryman of the United Warrior Band.

Photo by Liam Wamba

On the fourth day of the reunion conference, attendees gathered at the Loxahatchee Battlefield, the site of the last great battle, waged in 1838 by the Black Seminoles as part of the Second Seminole War. Speaking from that site about the grant that funded the conference, Tinnie

explains that the National Trust for Historic Preservation selected 80 organizations for funding based on the criteria of “telling the full history … of a site.” She adds, “When you’re doing war stories … the only side you hear is the side of the victor, or the one who now owns the plot of land.”

Despite their central role in Seminole resistance, the Black Seminoles have been largely written out of Native history and denied the rights they helped win for the Seminole Nation.

Additionally, many academics at the conference noted that they experience present-day political barriers to their work. Michelle Bowlegs, Anthony Dixon, Uzi Baram, and Daniel Littlefield presented their research on the third day of the conference in the auditorium of Palm Beach University. Professor Baram, who teaches at the New College of Florida, has become a target of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new Stop Woke Act, which bans any teaching that might cause students to feel “guilt, anguish or any form of psychological distress” because of their race, gender, sex, or national origin. The Board of Trustees for the publicly funded New College has been empowered to enforce this new legislation. Such attacks will further strain efforts to more fully incorporate Black Seminole history into the history of the U.S. as a whole.

On the sixth and final day of the reunion conference, Cynthia Atchico, a descendant of the Black Seminoles from Oklahoma, delivered the closing presentation. She echoed the broad sentiments of those gathered when she said, “The Black Seminoles are descended from people with the courage to escape slavery, the compassion to adopt strangers, and the integrity to fight for them.”

Liam M. Wamba graduated from The New School with his degree in Anthropology. His works is at the intersection of history, ethnography, and journalism. He is primarily focused on issues relating to the diaspora and colonialism through both a cultural and historic lens.

ONYX MAGAZINE 23

The Best Views of Tampa’s Riverwalk and Fantastic Art!

SALMAN TOOR: NO ORDINARY LOVE

CHILDREN’S BOARD FREE FAMILY DAY

PURVIS YOUNG: REDUX

ON VIEW THROUGH JUNE 4, 2023

MAY 6, 2023

ON VIEW NOW

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: Also sponsored by:

E D U C AT I O N

WIN A SCHOLARSHIP FOLLOW THESE TRIED AND TRUE STEPS TO HELP PAY FOR COLLEGE.

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ore than half of American families used scholarships to pay for college last year. From merit-based to artistic-focused, there are a variety of awards available.

High school senior Grace Vaughn of Trinity, Florida , knows how to successfully secure a college scholarship. After winning the $10,000 dress grand prize in Duck brand’s Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest in 2022, Vaughn is sharing helpful tips to increase students’ odds of earning funds for college.

already knew how to construct the dress from Duck Tape, so I went into the process with confidence,” Vaughn explains.

If you have the time and energy, she suggests applying for multiple awards to increase your chances of securing funds for school.

MAKE SCHOLARSHIPS A PRIORITY

LEVERAGE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

Tape attire, Vaughn says it’s important to block off areas on your calendar so you can balance busy school schedules and extracurricular activities along with applications — ensuring there’s enough time to work on a polished entry, whether it’s creating a piece of art or writing an essay.

While applying for scholarships is time consuming, it can make a huge impact when it comes to paying for college.

Vaughn notes, “It takes commitment and drive to apply for scholarships, but the results are worth it.”

Vaughn spent 143 hours crafting her prom dress made from Duck Tape to enter Stuck at Prom.

While not all scholarship program submissions will take 143 hours or require making Duck

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH Search databases and websites to discover award options that may be new to you. Scholarships.com, FastWeb and Bold.org are resources to help narrow down opportunities that match your interests and unique talents. Vaughn also encourages students to leverage social media, where she discovered the Stuck at Prom contest, which challenges teens to create Duck Tape prom creations for a chance to win cash scholarships.

In addition to researching national opportunities, check in with your school counselor and teachers to learn about any local or regional scholarships that are offered through the school or other nearby organizations.

APPLY EARLY AND OFTEN Federal Student Aid recommends searching for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior year, but some awards are open to teens as young as 14. Vaughn says entering Stuck at Prom early on in high school gave her an edge on the competition. When she wasn’t selected as a finalist her sophomore year, Vaughn submitted for the contest again as a junior and went on to win the $10,000 dress grand prize.

“When I began working on my entry in 2022, I

Not all programs are focused on academics and athletics, so flex your creative side to win scholarships that will reward artistic abilities in drawing, painting, music and more. Beginning at an early age, Vaughn excelled at visual arts and design, which is how she knew Stuck at Prom was a perfect fit for her.

“Creative awards programs are a good outlet for students to show off their talents outside of typical schoolwork,” Vaughn says. “Even if you aren’t crafty, scholarship applications could be a chance for you to try something new.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 25

H O L I D AY

WAYS TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH J

uneteenth, short for June 19th, commemorates the day the last remaining enslaved people in the U.S. — in Galveston, Texas — received word that the Civil War had ended and they had been liberated by the federal orders in President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.

The year was 1865 — two and a half years after Lincoln's proclamation. In the following years, the anniversary of this event was celebrated and honored in Galveston with prayer and family gatherings. Now, Juneteenth is celebrated annually through backyard parties, community parades, memorials, delicious meals, and more.

Over time, as the descendants of the more than 250,000 enslaved individuals in Galveston began migrating to other parts of the country, the Juneteenth tradition spread. In whatever way Juneteenth is celebrated, it has ultimately become a time of sharing stories of Black resilience, resistance, liberation, and joy. Here are some ways you can celebrate this year.

SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES A simple way to celebrate Juneteenth is by supporting Black creators and entrepreneurs.

The Center for American Progress reported that "while Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, they own less than 2% of small businesses with employees. By contrast, white Americans make up 60% of the U.S. population but own 82% of small employer firms.

If financial capital were more evenly distributed and Black Americans enjoyed the same business ownership and success rates as their white counterparts, there would be approximately 860,000 additional Black-owned firms employing more than 10 million people.” So, support Black businesses. Start by purchasing a full-year subscription to ONYX Magazine. Visit www.onyxmagazine.com.

26 ONYX MAGAZINE

WATCH A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT SLAVERY It’s important to note that though the U.S. ended chattel slavery, slavery is still legal (and continues to this day) via a loophole in the 13th Amendment. A great resource to learn more about this loophole in the 13th Amendment is the documentary 13th on Netflix. Experts and activists see this loophole as directly linked to the current U.S. prison system, which incarcerates Black people at disproportionately higher rates and profits off their labor.

The documentary provides the origins of this loophole, where we are today, and how we can act to end this modern-day slavery.

VISIT A MUSEUM OR READ BOOK

BY A BLACK AUTHOR Museums are the time capsules of society, allowing us to see, hear, and (sometimes) touch history. We learn about generations past in a way that other forms of learning might not communicate as well. American museums are

uniquely using Juneteenth as an opportunity to celebrate, honor, remember, and educate. The Tampa Museum of Art in Tampa, Florida, is hosting a three-day celebration this year. Visit www. tampamuseumofart.com. To understand Juneteenth, and the events that followed, consider reading Black Reconstruction by W. E. B. Du Bois, which gives a sharp account of the history of the Civil War and Reconstruction. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture is one of many organizations sharing Juneteenth reading lists that you can dive into.

Visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/museum-store/ juneteenth-reading-list.

EAT AT A BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANT Early Juneteenth celebrations revolved around food and music. A great way to continue this tradition and celebration is by choosing to eat at Black-owned restaurants. Make a list of your faves and visit one each day the week leading up to Juneteenth.

ONYX READS

MOTHERS & FATHERS BOOKS TO READ WITH OUR PARENTS

SWIMMING IN COTTON

By Lawrence Deron Thomas Which is stronger, the pain of the past or the resolve for the future? Seth and his parents are free from slavery but not from the dire consequences that stolen cotton will bring if it is discovered by their former slaveowner. While wrestling with the trials and tribulations of growing up in the South, Seth devises numerous plans to get his people to the Promised Land to reach the future his parents and the other former slaves deserve. Stepping in to rescue a young girl in peril, during one of these schemes, Seth is plunged into an impossible situation. The consequences of the fallout will impact Seth into his adulthood. Choices are made. Life is lost. With the help of his friends, including his sole white friend, Seth must decide which path to take.

EVERFAIR

By Nisi Shawl Publication Date: June 13, 2023 From noted short story writer Nisi Shawl comes Everfair, a brilliant alternate-history novel set in the Belgian Congo.

What if the African natives developed steam power ahead of their colonial oppressors? What might have come of Belgium’s disastrous colonization of the Congo if the native populations had learned about steam technology a bit earlier? Fabian Socialists from Great Britain join forces with African-American missionaries to purchase land from the Belgian Congo’s "owner," King Leopold II. This land, named Everfair, is set aside as a safe haven, an imaginary Utopia for native populations of the Congo as well as escaped slaves returning from America and other places where African natives were being mistreated.

NIGERIA JONES

By Ibi Zoboi Publication Date: May 9, 2023 Warrior Princess. That’s what Nigeria Jones’s father calls her. He has raised her as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia.

But when her mother — the perfect matriarch of their Movement — disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended. She finds herself taking care of her baby brother and stepping into a role she doesn’t want. Nigeria’s mother had secrets.

She wished for a different life for her children, which includes sending her daughter to a private Quaker school outside of their strict group. Despite her father’s disapproval, Nigeria attends the school with her cousin, Kamau, and Sage, who used to be a friend. There, she begins to flourish and expand her universe.

THE TALK

By Darrin Bell Publication Date: June 6, 2023 Darrin Bell was 6 years old when his mother told him he couldn’t have a realistic water gun. She said she feared for his safety, that police tend to think of little Black boys as older and less innocent than they really are. Through evocative illustrations and sharp humor, Bell examines how The Talk shaped intimate and public moments from childhood to adulthood.

Drawing attention to the brutal murders of African Americans and showcasing revealing insights and cartoons along the way, he now Bell must decide whether he and his own 6-year-old son are ready to have The Talk.

PIECES OF A MAN

By Jamel Shabazz Publication Date: May 16, 2023 “Like his photographic influences—James Van Der Zee, Gordon Parks, and Leonard Freed, among others—Shabazz shares the ability to extend his perception of historical time across registers: from the moment he captures his images to their sequencing in monographs through the process of sorting and presenting work out of his archive to make an argument that pushes the status quo. With extensive global audiences and interlocutors for his work, he also regularly connects with his admirers on social media and on trips abroad, sometimes reconnecting with the subjects of his photography from earlier decades.” Excerpt from Reflecting Forward by Paul M. Farber WOMAN, THOU ART BLESSED: A GUIDED GRATITUDE JOURNAL

By T. D. Jakes Publication Date: June 6, 2023 Can You Stand To Be Blessed? Jesus brought with Him abundant blessings from Heaven, and His divine purpose and promises are here for the taking. By journaling and journeying with the Holy Spirit, you can explore a beautiful space that only God could create. This interactive journal allows you to delve into a world of blessings where God’s abundant love showers you with joy, grace, healing, and peace.

ONYX MAGAZINE 27

NEVER TOO LATE STARTING A BUSINESS AFTER 50 MIGHT BE A GREAT IDEA FOR YOU.

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tarting a business when you are older than 50 is both entirely possible and might even be a great idea for your future and the legacy you will eventually leave behind for your family. It Reports show entrepreneurs over 50-years-old are significantly more likely to succeed in their business ventures than those younger than 30. is not too late to consider this option but is important to understand everything you will need to put into it. Here are some things to consider.

PLAN YOUR FINANCES Make a plan for yourself, to ensure that you have your personal needs and finances handled before jumping into any business ideas or plans. Doing this will also help you understand what you are able to invest in your new business. Fortunately, many people over the age of 50 have a higher sense of financial stability than they did when they were younger. This puts you in a good position to maintain your livelihood and work with banks to acquire any needed funds at healthy rates.

UTILIZE YOUR NETWORK As an older entrepreneur, you will likely have more professional and personal acquaintances 28 ONYX MAGAZINE

in your circle. Do not be afraid to reach out to these people in your network for advice, help, and more contacts who might be interested in supporting you and your vision. Chances are, you may have a contact who is able to help you put together a rock-solid business idea in your field of interest.

BUILD ANOTHER (BUSINESS) NETWORK Whether you know it or not, local business assistance is all over the place. Reach out and attend events with the Chamber of Commerce, and get to know other local business owners. Having a network in a local area can help with word-ofmouth to get your initial customers and support system in place.

KNOW WHERE YOU NEED HELP While you are likely an expert in a field, you may also need help and support in other areas around your new venture. Understanding what you do not know is just as important as being aware of what you do know. Reach out to professionals who have more experience in areas you are not as comfortable. You can even hire a consultant for things that are more technical or specific.

CONSERVE PHYSICAL ENERGY The fact of the matter is that you are no longer a 20-year-old who can work outside long hours every day, indefinitely. It is also more likely that you have additional responsibilities such as holding your current job before you can fully launch your business, or you may have children and a family who need you. You need to pick and choose what is important for you to do and what can be delegated to others so that you can conserve your energy for the important things.

BECOME AN EXPERT If you are not already an expert in your field of choice, then you should be getting to know the field you are going into. With that said, it takes a lot to become an expert in the field and to be able to conquer your business goals. Utilize free online resources, continuing education, and online courses to become an absolute expert in your field. The more you know and can show your value, the better your business will grow.

BUILD A BUSINESS PLAN If you are not sure where to start, you can usually find free business plan templates online. However, it is best to consult with a professional once

SAGE/NEXT GEN

you get the basics down. Find someone in your field who can point you in the right direction and begin with framing your financial plan for your business. Without this, there will be no business to start in the first place.

KNOW THE STARTUP COSTS Once you have a business plan and a personal finance plan in place, you can figure out the startup costs. Many times, these will depend on what you are able to put into it. Be prepared for unexpected expenses in your startup costs and know when the payoff will begin.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR BRINGS BUSINESS BACK TO CAMPUS

BY JACAIYA STEPHENS

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Having a solid marketing plan can be one of the most important aspects of your business.

In today’s world, you have an (almost) infinite audience, so you need to have a plan to reach that audience. Your marketing plan can be physical advertisements in your local community, and you can also branch into the digital realm.

Always carry the vision and mission of your business with it. Professionalism is key to gaining a future client or customer’s trust.

air galore, bras, strikes, and more!

It is safe to say that the students of Florida A&M University provided a warm welcome for Impressions of Beauty’s (IOB) Beautiversity Experience Tour in April, partnered with Victoria’s Secret, and held in the Grand Ballroom on campus.

Impressions of Beauty was founded by FAMU alumna and Tallahassee native Ashlee W. Gomez, who launched her brand, Impressions of Beauty, in 2013. IOB directly connects with multicultural college students through digital content, interactive campus events, and beauty and culture varieties.

LEARN SOCIAL MEDIA

THEIR IMPRESSION

If you do not already understand the ins and outs of popular social media platforms, then you will need to spend time beginning to understand this. Get to know media types, hashtags, people in your industry, and growth tactics to build your brand. Most importantly, be social on social media. People like to feel connected to brands.

On their mission, IOB works with Historically Black Colleges & Universities as an initiative for students who are interested in brand development and entrepreneurship. With Gomez was another notable FAMU alumna, Lydia Smith, who serves as the chief diversity officer for Victoria’s Secret.

IOB partnered with Victoria’s Secret hosting more than 100 young ladies. While offering brassiere fit tests and promoting diversity expansion and potential careers with Victoria’s Secret.

As exciting as this sounds, it was beyond amazing for a few FAMU attendees, like second-year student Adiyah Thomas.

“I rushed to the event as soon as my morning class was over!” Thomas continued to express her anticipation and excitement for the event by describing some of her favorite parts.

“My friends and I follow Impressions of Beauty on social media and love their content.

So, when we saw they were coming to FAMU, it was no question of if we were attending or not.

Once we got in, the vibes were great, the booth options were amazing. Especially, the Pretty Little Thing shopping items.”

IOB hosted several other beauty and lifestyle brands on their Beautiversity Tour, such

MARKETING PLAN

HAVE AN END IN PLACE Similar to having a business plan, you also need to have an end in place. If it is a low-cost business, maybe you can afford to hold out for a long time. If it is going to cost you your livelihood, regular large amounts of money, and is not successful – you should have a plan to pivot and increase income or stop altogether.

DO NOT SACRIFICE RETIREMENT ASSETS If your business fails or is not generating a large income within a few years, you could be losing out on your future livelihood over this decision. Additionally, if you have a family or other dependents who are relying on your income, then this can have even more devastating consequences. In this case, seek out other financial opportunities.

Photo credit: @impressionsofbeauty on Instagram

as Pretty Little Thing, Crème of Nature, Bolden, Originals by Africa’s Best, First Line, & Darling.

All participants had access to engage with campus influencers, student entrepreneurs, and Greek stroll-offs. The most noted was the mini merchandise shopping spree that had numerous natural hair samples and products from brands like Aunt Jackie’s and African Pride and clothing by Pretty Little Thing.

Our top IOB’s Beautiversity Experience Tour favorites: • The Camera360 and photo booth props • Personalized mini shopping booth with Pretty Little Thing • Sit-down chat with FAMU alumni Lydia Smith and, FAMU scholars & the DJ! Impressions of Beauty reps were able to strike the attention of several young ladies and leave their mark once again!

First-year student Briana Vene shared her experience, “I really liked that they have different ways to engage with them on and off campus. One of the Impressions of Beauty booths allowed us to apply for different influencer or campus positions, things outside of school that I would like to be a part of.”

The in-house event was truly a campus delight for all that attended. From goodie bags, giveaways, & empowering conversations…what more could you ask for?

Jacaiya Stephens is a student at Florida A&M University who writes for FAMU’s Journey Magazine.

ONYX MAGAZINE 29

COVER

SONG & SERVICE

KHRISTIAN DENTLEY OF TAKE 6 LETS GOD SING LEAD

BY JOEL STALEY

Khristian Dentley

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hristian Dentley, the baritone voice of the multi-Grammy Award winning vocal group Take 6, has always lived his life by the principle of faith. He said faith helps him not to worry about what he doesn’t have.

“I just take what I have and put it to work in the best way I know how.

God takes care of the rest.”

Born to pastor parents in Columbia, South Carolina, Dentley has been immersed since birth in a musical environment that not only includes gospel greats like Commissioned, the Winans and the Clark Sisters, but artists from a variety of genres including Barbara Streisand; Earth, Wind & Fire; Barry Manilow; and more.

“I’m grateful my parents exposed me to many types of music,” said Dentley. “It gave me many colors to paint with later in life.”

Dentley has been drawn to the stage from an early age. He graduated from the Dillard Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2000, and began to look for opportunities to find his musical place in life.

When musical heroes Fred Hammond and Take 6 brought their show to town, Dentley saw his chance. Undeterred by not having a ticket, he simply did what he always does: he went to work with what he had. And what he had was a Fred Hammond t-shirt. So, he put it on, drove to the venue, and sat in the parking lot wondering how he might get into the show. He thought it might take a miracle, but he had no idea how big the miracle would be.

When local stage workers began arriving to set up the sound equipment and staging for the show, they saw Dentley’s Fred Hammond T-shirt and assumed he was the singer’s roadie. They invited him into the venue for 30 ONYX MAGAZINE

breakfast and began asking him how to stage the show. His quick and clever reply was, “Let’s check the fax machine.” Hammond’s tech rider or set-up page was on the fax machine waiting with all the load-in instructions. Halfway through the equipment load-in, Hammond’s band walked in and saw Dentley wearing his T-shirt, so they invited him to lunch. Upon their return to the venue, Take 6 arrived and Dentley seized an opportunity to introduce himself to one of the group, Mark Kibble. He took an interest in Dentley and exchanged contact information.

Dentley said it was an amazing experience to meet his heroes, but fast forward to four years later, and he hadn’t yet left Fort Lauderdale. In fact, he was working at a call center and not in the music industry at all.

“I was grateful for the job, but I didn’t feel I was fulfilling my purpose in life,” Dentley said. “I was restlessly seeking more.”

Dentley didn’t know what “more” was or how to find it, but he did have Kibble’s email address. So, he sent a song he wrote and recorded and asked if Kibble would critique it. Dentley’s timing was perfect. Take 6 member Cedric Dent had just accepted an offer from Middle Tennessee State University to join their faculty as a professor and couldn’t make all the group’s tour dates.

“Mark called me and asked if I wrote and performed the song I emailed to him, and I said yes. He then invited me to work with him on one of his songs and to fill in for Cedric on a couple of tour dates,” said Dentley.

It was the moment he had been hoping for! Dentley impressed Kibble and the rest of Take 6 with his fill-in performances and eventually became a full-fledged member of the group in 2011.

Multi-Grammy Award-Winning Take 6

Dentley no longer lives in South Florida. He’s currently a resident of Ocoee, Florida. Many ask why he doesn’t live closer to the action like Atlanta or Los Angeles. Dentley explains that his family is based in Ocoee, so there’s no way he would live anywhere else.

“Taking care of my family is always the priority. I pride myself on being a present father and husband,” Dentley said. “I fly a lot and have a busy schedule. Some entertain tens of thousands and give everything on stage, but phone it in with their families. You win the crowd, but you lose your family. I can never allow myself to be guilty of that.”

In addition to the silky smooth vocals he delivers on Take 6 recordings and in live performances, Dentley also plays keyboards, drums and bass guitar.

“My father taught my brother and I to play these instruments. He said you might walk into a church service one day where they need an extra hand. He insisted that we always be available to serve the Lord with our musical gifts,” said Dentley.

Dentley’s about 10 years younger than the other members of the group and has had different influences in his life. He feels this allows him to bring new ideas to the group that helps keep their collective artistry and performances fresh. For example, though the group is best known for its acapella

delivery, at Dentley’s encouragement, they are now adding a band behind them from time to time.

“Once you’ve been blessed with great success, it’s easy to relax and become comfortable,” said Dentley. “If our group is going to progress, we have to be willing to be uncomfortable.”

They debuted their new show format including the backing band in a show earlier this year and hope to share it in other venues soon. The group also recently headlined “This is Jesus,” at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in Orlando. It’s a show many have called the Christian music event of the year. They shared the stage with Jordan Smith, winner of “The Voice” season 9 and Tecla Award winner Blanca. Other recent performances include a Beach Boys tribute where they sang “Don’t Worry Baby” with R&B legend Michael McDonald at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, Calf. It was taped and aired on CBS on Easter Sunday, April 9.

Despite all the achievements and stars he’s performed with, Dentley insists humility is the key.

“The level of humility we choose is critical to our success in life,” said Dentley. “Jesus made himself in the form of a servant. I don’t mind serving those around me, either.”

Joel Staley is the founder/CEO of JCS Communications, LLC. ONYX MAGAZINE 31

Educate. Learn. Talk About Cannabis in Florida.

Learn and talk about cannabis in a safe space.

Explore FAMU’s free online cannabis education modules

MMERI.FAMU.Edu/Educate

Get relevant information about marijuana in Florida

MMERI.FAMU.Edu/Learn

Join Conversations On Cannabis each month on YouTube and Facebook

MMERI.FAMU.Edu/Talk

Follow ‘Conversations on Cannabis’ on

@MMERIForumRadio

COMMUNITY

FOR SOME, MARIJUANA REMAINS A GATEWAY TO TROUBLE

StatePoint Media, Hero Images/iStock via Getty Images Plus

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annabis has come a long way in American culture, traveling a path that has taken it from a demonized drug to a widely accepted—and legalized—medicinal and recreational substance. Florida is one of 37 states along with D.C. that allow medical marijuana use for certain treatments.

Still, cannabis’s popularity hasn’t swayed some who view unregulated marijuana as an accessory to criminal activity, a gateway drug, and has a negative impact on the Black community.

Bobby Green is a captain in the Leon County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office, where he has worked for nearly 30 years. He views marijuana use as dangerous, even if it is legal because more people will use it and drive or work while they are impaired.

Capt. Green has seen lives devastated by marijuana, ranging from violent drug deals to arrests and incarceration for possession to loss of jobs or athletic scholarships for failing drug tests.

He said he believes the change in attitude toward cannabis has created a false impression that there are not consequences for using it illegally, such as in Florida.

But being arrested for possession of marijuana still poses the risk of criminal prosecution and jail time.

Getting arrested for distributing marijuana is another thing entirely, and Capt. Green says law enforcement continues to aggressively target people suspected of selling weed. Street-grade marijuana is much more powerful than it used to be 10 or 20 years ago, and he says if it’s laced with fentanyl, it could be deadly.

While medical marijuana use is legal under a qualified physician’s care in Florida, patients can still run into trouble with law enforcement, Capt.

Green explains.

“If they don't have their registry card or the medical marijuana is not packaged correctly, that can be an arrestable offense,” he warns.

Anthony Durden, a Miami-based street minister and recovered drug addict, says he believes that cultural norms in the Black community have changed with the popularization of cannabis by Black entertainers and sports figures.

“It's hard to convince young people that [marijuana is] harmless when they see their entertainers and athletes celebrate it and when they've been given platforms to promote it,” says Durden, who has been clean and sober for 19 years.

Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and

Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University. Visit ​​https://bit.ly/UnregulatedCannabis to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring Leon County Sheriff’s Office Captain Bobby Green and Anthony Durden, a Miami street minister and recovered drug addict, discuss unregulated cannabis use is illegal and its dangerous side effects.

4 Ways to Get Involved in Your Community Do you want to support your community through volunteerism and civic engagement but don’t know where to start? Here are some pointers.

Stay Local While volunteering with any type of mission can help to better the world, people tend to be more impacted by volunteer opportunities from which they can observe the fruits of their labor. Collaborate with local nonprofits to affect change in the place where you live, work and play. Visit Points of Light Engage, https:// engage.pointsoflight.org/, to find an opportunity today in your city or zip code and based on your interests.

Volunteer With Friends and Family Families can support their communities by volunteering together. Consider working at a local food bank, participating in community clean-up initiatives, or organizing donation drives for local charities. Volunteering as a family not only provides a chance for quality time together but also encourages children to

develop empathy and social responsibility. By volunteering, families can strengthen relationships, build community connections, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Recognize and Expand What You’re Already Doing While many of us think about volunteering in a formal way with longer time commitments and structures, civic engagement comes in all forms. Informal actions like helping a neighbor and leveraging your purchase power all make up civic action. Ask yourself: how could I take three to five actions around one cause area that’s important to me to make greater impact? Find out how through the Points of Light Civic Circle https://www.pointsoflight. org/civic-circle/.

Get Inspired Check out your local volunteer organizations to see which one is the right fit for you. Your church, local community center, schools, and civic organizations are great places to start.

ONYX MAGAZINE 33

SMALL BUSINESS

4 TIPS TO GROW CASH FLOW FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

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you can develop behaviors and drive actions that lead to long-term, sustainable growth. The program also offers the opportunity to build capital, lending money to business owners based on their behavior in the program, not their credit history. With Wells Fargo philanthropic funding, the program is expanding and is now available in Spanish.

“Having access to a trusted expert in business and financial planning can be a game-changer for any small business owner to get their initial footing and grow for the long-term,” said Jenny Flores, head of small business growth philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “We are very intentional about funding non-profit organizations that can help guide small business owners through goal setting and improving their profitability.”

Article by Statepoint Media; photo iStock via Getty Images Plus

A

s every small business owner soon learns, growing sources of revenue and cash flow are key to survival, particularly during a venture’s first few years. While this is easier said than done, small businesses can focus on attracting new customers, building partnerships and scaling up sustainably to improve cash flow.

To get you started, Wells Fargo is sharing actionable tips for entrepreneurs, along with information about how to leverage helpful resources: 1. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN: Don’t just make a business plan, put it into action. Tech tools can help. For example, the Silver Lining Action Plan, a data-driven software service from the American Small Business Growth Program, provides wide-ranging support and structure so

2. EXPAND YOUR NETWORK: Expanding your network can be a powerful path to attracting new customers, contracts and cash flow. In addition to joining your local chamber of commerce, consider opportunities like Wells Fargo’s Connect to More program, which through the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, places women entrepreneurs from across the country into “circles” that receive virtual and in-person peer and professional coaching over 12 weeks, plus the support of a growing network of fellow business leaders. Since its inception, the program has empowered more than 1,200 entrepreneurs in 47 states to grow their business through a wider network of engagement.

3. SCALING UP: From streamlining operations to adjusting the business model, there are many moving parts to scaling up a business.

Look into programs that can help you develop a growth mindset and provide you with an empowering ecosystem of support needed to make it happen.

The Latino Business Action Network’s Business Scaling Program, a nine-week online and in-person hybrid program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, teaches participants about funding and capital options and pairs them with mentors who will challenge and support them. Corporate funders like Wells Fargo make it possible for the program to offer significant scholarships to admitted participants.

4. GET CERTIFIED: If you’re a diverse business owner, consider getting certified with a third party, such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce or Disability:In. Doing so can open up lucrative opportunities. For example, Wells Fargo, which is committed to working with diverse suppliers, spent over $330 million with certified women-owned businesses in 2021 alone.

“As a bank that serves millions of small business customers, we know that success is hard to come by without support,” said Flores. “That’s why we’re always trying to connect entrepreneurs to valuable resources and contacts. It’s important to find the right expertise for where you are on running or growing your company.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 35

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

STROKE AWARENESS MAY BRINGS ATTENTION TO A SERIOUS SILENT KILLER.

BY PENNY DICKERSON

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he American Stroke Association reports that someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies from a stroke every four minutes. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability, with more than 6.5 million stroke survivors currently living in the U.S. In Florida—stroke is the fifth leading cause of death while the state’s death rate is 38.9 per 100,000 population.

To amplify the severity of the cardiovascular disease, May is Stroke Awareness Month—a purposed time to define stroke, share root cause and overall impact on individuals and families.

While stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, its warning signs and risk factors are often asymptomatic. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a clot blocking a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or due to bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). When the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen, brain cells start to die within minutes. This can lead to permanent brain damage, disability, or even death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that a stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack” but terminology aside, a stroke is a medical emergency that can threaten an individual’s ability to live long and lead healthy lifestyles.

BLACKS AT DISPROPORTIONATE RISK In some Black communities, loose fodder incites a jolt of humor in the contrast that violence isn’t the biggest threat to Black lives—it’s table salt.

There is an unfortunate truth in the latter and physicians have consistently warned against consuming unhealthy foods high in fat and sodium like smoked meats and fried chicken doused with hot sauce. Obesity, smoking, diabetes and refraining from being physically active are also stroke risks.

The National Stroke Association (NSA) reports the risk of Blacks having a first stroke is nearly twice as high compared to whites. Strokes occur earlier in life for Blacks compared to racial counterparts and Black stroke survivors are also more likely to die, become disabled and experience difficulties with daily living and activities.

High blood pressure is the top risk factor for stroke, and one in three Blacks not only suffer from disease but is less likely to have it under control than other ethnic and racial groups. Additionally, a record of previous strokes or transient ischemic attack (TIA, or “mini-stroke”) increases the disproportionate risk for Blacks as illustrated below: • Overweight and obesity – almost 70% of Black men and over 80% of Black women are overweight or obese.

• Diabetes – Blacks are more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.

• High cholesterol – nearly 30% of Black Americans have high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

• Sickle cell anemia – this common genetic disorder in Blacks is a risk factor for stroke.

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HEALTH EQUITY AND RACIAL DISPARITIES HEADS UP is an acronym for Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem Solving. In a 2020 multidisciplinary symposium held in Los Angeles, HEADS UP attendees placed a focused lens on racial and ethnic disparities in cerebrovascular disease with a goal to apply research toward the reduction of stroke disparities and identify positive health outcomes in racial minorities.

Some of the symposium’s final report summarized the following: “To achieve the goal of equity in the care of patients with or at risk for stroke, we need to identify and disseminate additional cost-effective interventions to further reduce racial/ethnic disparities, improve the control of stroke risk factors, increase stroke awareness, and improve access and quality of stroke care.”

Identified interventions included health insurance noting that copayment reductions have improved access to care for minority patients with or at risk for stroke; however, the persistence of racial/ethnic disparities in stroke health care and health across the United States still requires, “a need to train and mentor a new generation of stroke disparities researchers who can perform implementation science.”

Penny Dickerson is a 2023 Health Equity Fellow in partnership with the Jacksonville Business Journal and ONYX Magazine. The fellowship is sponsored by The Commonwealth Fund and the Association for Health Care Journalists.

FLORIDA SCOPE

TAMPA HIGHLIGHTED AMONG WORLD’S BEST TIME MAGAZINE: TAMPA AMONG “WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES” TIME Magazine released its list of 50 "World’s Greatest Places" for 2023, and Tampa made the list. For a lot of people, it’s the climate that makes it such a desirable place to live. But for TIME Magazine, it’s more than just the weather. Tampa is booming, and developments like Water Street, destinations like Sparkman Wharf, Armature Works, and the 2.6-mile Riverwalk really got TIME Magazine’s attention. Not to mention new businesses coming in and local businesses expanding.

"We used to be the retirement state, and I don’t think we’re that anymore," said Lynda Remund, the president and CEO of Tampa Downtown Part-

nership. "You can walk around here, you can see all the young people walking around, there’s a lot of energy here, there’s a lot of innovation going on." The list of the world’s greatest places also includes Barcelona, Spain, Naples, Italy, Medellín, Colombia, and Phuket, Thailand. American cities on the list include Washington, D.C.; Bozeman, MT; and Tucson, Arizona. Most places were picked because of their positive growth and change, sustainable tourism practices, and accessibility. For instance, TIME Magazine cited the soon-to-be double daily non-stop flights from Tampa to London (Heathrow and Gatwick). Fox 13

TAMPA HOTEL NAMED AMONG BEST IN THE WORLD

FLORIDA BLACK FARMERS COULD GET MEDICAL-MARIJUANA LICENSES Black farmers who didn’t make the cut last year could have another opportunity to vie for medical-marijuana licenses, under a bill approved by lawmakers in the final days of the 2023 legislative session. The bill, which awaits a decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is part of years-long efforts aimed at giving Black farmers an entry into Florida’s now-flourishing medical-marijuana industry. Legislators first attempted to loop Black farmers into the industry as part of a broader law carrying out a 2016 constitutional amendment that authorized medical marijuana. Part of a 2017 law required state health officials to grant a license to an appli-

cant who was a participant in decades-old litigation, known as “Pigford” cases, addressing racial discrimination against Black farmers by federal agriculture officials. To be eligible for the license, Black farmers also had to show they had been in business in Florida for at least five years. In October 2021, the Florida Department of Health rolled out a process for Black farmers to apply for the license. The bill (HB 387) would require the health department to issue licenses to Black farmers whose applications did not have any identified deficiencies, regardless of what scores they received from evaluators. Sun Sentinel

Travel + Leisure has released their list of the best new hotels in the world and the Tampa EDITION, Tampa’s first five-star hotel, made the cut. On the list are hotels in Istanbul, Paris, Thailand, Zambia, Brazil and yes, Tampa. The Tampa EDITION came in at #41 on their list of 100. The magazine says about The Tampa EDITION “You’ll know you’re in Florida the minute you step into the lobby’s verdant forest of palm fronds. And you’ll know you’re at the white-hot Tampa EDITION because, as a guest, you just breezed past a line of locals hoping to get in at one of the hotel’s seven dining spots, now among the city’s most coveted bookings.”

The Tampa EDITION is located in the Water Street district close to the Florida Aquarium, the Riverwalk, Sparkman’s Wharf and the Tampa Bay History Center. In addition to the great location, Travel + Leisure mentions the hotel’s large gym and spa, as well as their “super spacious” rooms. The hotel also features Lilac, a restaurant just added to the Michelin Guide in 2023. ESPN Florida, photo courtesy of Tampa EDITION ONYX MAGAZINE 37

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

COVER UP TAKE EXTRA CARE OF YOUR SKIN DURING THE HOTTEST MONTHS.

S

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Shade You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you are outside—even when you are in the shade.

Clothing When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing is not practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.

Hat For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.

If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen, or staying in the shade.

Sunglasses Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

pending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.

Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).

The UV Index forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

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

Sunscreen Don’t believe the hype. Black folks need sunscreen. Wear broad spectrum sunscreen that filters out both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside (some experts recommend an SPF of 30 or higher). Do not forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin.

Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S. Food

and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they must be in the sun.

Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Expiration date. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years.

Its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

7 TIPS TO GET BEACH READY

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BY PRINCESS GABBARA

f you have not noticed, summer will be here any minute, and right about now, you are probably panicking because those last pesky 10 or 20 pounds still haven’t melted off yet and are interfering with your summer body. Not to worry. Below is a list of seven helpful tips to whip you into shape just in time for summer.

Princess Gabbara writes for BlackDoctor.org, where this story originally published.

1. SWITCH IT UP. So, you work out every day for at least a halfhour right before you go to bed. That is fine, but if you really want to start seeing results, set your alarm so that it goes off 30 minutes earlier than usual and go for a quick run or power walk before you go about your day.

Working out early in the morning causes your body to burn more fat. If you cannot work out in the morning, afternoon workouts can still boost your performance since you are more likely to have eaten a meal or two.

2. STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST. You may think you are doing yourself a favor by dashing out the front door on an empty stomach, but that’s where you are wrong.

When you skip out on meals, especially breakfast, your metabolism slows down, which makes the weight-loss process that much more difficult.

3. CUT BACK ON ALCOHOL. Hate to break it to you, but alcohol is loaded with empty calories and to make things worse, it slows down the fat-burning process. Who wants that when you’re trying to drop the lbs.?

4. EAT BEFORE YOU HIT THE GYM. Eating a little something before you work out helps you retain and build muscle.

5. DO NOT IGNORE HUNGER. When you start to feel those midday hunger pangs, go ahead and reach for a snack! And it doesn’t have to be a full meal – fruit, yogurt or a handful of almonds should do it. Actually, eating small meals throughout the day helps speed up your metabolism.

6. GO RAW. You cannot go wrong if your diet consists of mainly fruits, vegetables and complex carbs (beans, legumes, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and quinoa). These foods are lower in calories but still fill you up for hours.

7. GET SOME SLEEP. Eight hours is ideal, but at the very least, you should be getting six hours every night. Anything less than that can sabotage your waistline because get this: Lack of sleep causes you to eat more and when you eat more, you tend to gain weight, right? The last time I checked, that would totally be defeating the purpose.

Friends join the 5k runDisney Princess Race in February 2023.

ONYX Magazine Managing Editor D. Shenell Reed finished this race strong!

MAKE IT A FUN RUN

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etting fit does not have to be boring. Give yourself something fun to look forward to and—no surprise here—Walt Disney World has the answer. Train for runDisney! runDisney hosts Disney-themed multi-level races several times per year. Join thousands of walkers and runners on the most magical course on Earth for an experience you will not soon forget. Coming this November 2-5, 2023, is the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend’s Banquet Bash! This fun run serves up “courses” celebrating favorite moments found around the dinner (or tea) table and a Post-Race Party with global cuisine. The Alice in Wonderland-themed 5K takes runners through the kookiest tea party around, while runners can answer the (dinner) Belle at our Be Our Guestthemed 10K. Grab a seat at la mesa Madrigal and channel Luisa’s strength to tackle our Encanto-themed half marathon or take a journey into imagination and finish the 10K and Half Marathon on pace to complete the Disney Two Course Challenge and earn Figment’s topsy-turvy kitchen medal. Check out www.rundisney.com for all the events.

ONYX MAGAZINE 39

R E A L E S TAT E

THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS TODAY TO BECOME A HOMEOWNER D espite increased interest rates and inventory challenges, you can still be a homeowner this year.

Many first-time homebuyers may not realize that there are many ways to make home ownership happen, and not all of them involve a 20% down payment.

The need to put down 20% of the cost of a home is a general misconception according to Freedom Mortgage, a residential mortgage lender with experience originating conventional, FHA and VA loans. They are an independent, non-bank, full-service, residential lender whose mission is to expand opportunities for first-time homebuyers, especially military personnel and consumers with low down payments.

One secret to securing a successful loan is to work with a loan officer who is experienced in the wide range of available home loans, especially those backed by the U.S. govern-

ment. That way, homebuyers are aware of all potential financing opportunities and companies who offer those options. A good loan officer will walk you through the process and find a loan that works for your budget. Remember — even if your credit history is less than stellar, or if your resources for a down payment are limited, owning a home is still within reach.

Government-insured loans for first-time homebuyers that don’t require a 20% down payment include: VA Loans. If you are a Veteran — either active military or retired — you may be eligible for a VA purchase loan through the federal government with no down payment.

FHA loans. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan allows for lower rates, flexible credit terms, and low minimum down payments (approximately 3.5%). FHA loans are designed for individuals with lower credit scores (minimum 550) and can be used for refinancing, too.

USDA Loans. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans help people seeking to buy homes in rural (and some suburban) areas. USDA loans are not available everywhere, but they are an option in many states. Benefits include competitive interest rates and, in many cases, no down payments. USDA loans have no limits on the loan, and low mortgage guarantee fees. The minimum credit score is 620.

For homebuyers with good credit and finances, a conventional loan may be a good bet, because these loans allow you to finance a wider range of houses than other mortgage types do. Conventional loans also may allow you to borrow more money to finance a more expensive home.

The bottom line is that home ownership can — and should — be available to everyone.

A lender can help identify the best loan that lets you purchase a home sooner and start to build wealth through home equity.

ONYX MAGAZINE 41

THE QUAD

WOMAN AVIATION PIONEER VISITS FMU

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FAMU TOPS HBCUS FOR BEST IN HEALTH SCIENCE

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lorida A&M University (FAMU) ranked first among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for health sciences majors, according to Bestcolleges.com.

The top six are FAMU, Howard University, Spelman College, Oakwood University, Tuskegee University, and Lincoln University.

A health science degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers in healthcare and related fields, such as public health, healthcare management, and medical research.

Health science careers include doctor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse, registered dietitian, or health educator, physical or occupational therapist, and pharmacy sales representative or patient care advocate.

FAMU offers health science undergraduate and graduate degrees in

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the School of Nursing, School of Allied Health Sciences, the College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Health, and the College of Science and Technology.

According to Bestcolleges.com, HBCUs with health science majors “offer supportive environments that center the experiences of Black and other underrepresented students. This can create a strong sense of community and belonging, which is important for academic success and personal growth.”

“In addition, HBCUs have specialized programs that address health disparities in underserved communities, allowing you to do meaningful research. Graduating with an HBCU education can also give you a valuable alumni network that can provide mentorship and connections,” the website said. Andrews Skerritt, Florida A&M University

aptain Theresa Claiborne, the first African American woman to be a United States Air Force pilot in history, was the guest speaker at Florida Memorial University’s 14th annual Black Pioneers in Aviation program in March. Dozens of our university’s aviation students, faculty, staff, and honored guests listened intently as Captain Claiborne shared her story of challenges and successes. She spoke passionately about what it means to be a good leader and the vital role of HBCUs. “Take advantage of the legacy and experiences only HBCUs can provide, remembering that these institutions were established because others did not want you to succeed, so students put your nose to the ground and come prepared and ready,” she said. “Our kids need something to inspire them, our kids need role models, and they must be motivated to do better. This is something that is very important to me, and I am pleased to be here to speak to our students about achieving their career goals in aviation.”

Captain Claiborne is also the second African American woman captain for United Airlines.

She shared that there are 168,000 pilots in the U.S., five percent are women and less than one percent are Black women. She is the co-founder and current president of Sisters of the Skies, a nonprofit organization that was created to help young girls with a desire of becoming pilots.

Florida Memorial University’s aviation program offers the following degrees, BS-Aeronautical Science (Air Traffic Control), BS-Aeronautical Science (Flight Education), and BS-Aviation Management. Since the program’s inception, more than 500 students have graduated and 85 percent of them have landed jobs in the industry as commercial airline pilots, airport ground, and support staff all over the world.

FMU’s aviation students also presented Captain Claiborne with a special certificate of appreciation. Florida Memorial University

Theresa Claiborne is surrounded by FMU students in the Aviation program.

THE QUAD

B-CU PENS PARTNERSHIP WITH DAYTONA STATE COLLEGE

STUDY SHOWS GAP IN GRADUATION RATES

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new study from the Brookings Institution finds that nationwide, the gender gap in high school graduation rates is about 6 percentage points. But in every single state where data are available, boys’ high school graduation rates lag those of girls. In New Mexico, boys trailed girls by almost 9 percentage points in high school graduation, whereas in Vermont, the state with the smallest gender gap, boys were behind girls by just over 2 percentage points.

In five large states, data is readily available by both sex and race: California, Florida, New York, Michigan, and Virginia. In 2021, in these states, about 89 percent of girls graduated on time compared to 83 percent of boys — again a 6 percentage-point gap­. But there are significant differences in the gender gap by race in these five large states, with a 9 percentage-point gap between Black and Hispanic girls and boys. In comparison, there was only a 4 percentage-point gender gap for White students and a 3-point gap for Asian students.

College presidents surrounded by representation from both schools.

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aytona State College and Bethune-Cookman University signed an agreement providing admissions, transfer credit and scholarship support for DSC students pursuing an advanced degree in Criminal Justice at B-CU. The agreement, which is effective immediately, provides support for Daytona State students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree or an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice who intend to transfer to Bethune-Cookman University to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

“Our partnership with Bethune-Cookman University greatly streamlines the process for students looking to continue their education in Criminal Justice,” said Tom LoBasso, the president of Daytona State College.

“Pursuing a baccalaureate degree significantly increases career opportunities and better prepares students who are dedicating themselves to public service.”

Daytona State students who have

earned an Associate of Arts degree will be eligible to receive full credit for general education requirements at Bethune-Cookman and are eligible for up to 60 transferable credits in total.

Daytona State students who have earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice and who are part of DSC’s Law Enforcement Academy plan are eligible to receive up to 42 transfer credits, including at least 15 general education core classes. DSC students who have earned an A.S. degree in Criminal Justice who are not part of the Law Enforcement Academy plan are eligible to receive up to 54 credits, including at least 15 general education core classes.

“Daytona State has an incredible reputation for preparing its students to continue their education and enter the workforce,” said Dr. Lawrence M. Drake, Interim President of Bethune-Cookman University. “We share a mission to serve our communities and look forward to helping students achieve their goals at B-CU.” Bethune-Cookman University

In some states, the on-time high school graduation rates for specific sub-groups are quite low. In Michigan, for example, only 61 percent of Black boys graduate high school on time, compared to 75 percent of Black girls, 81 percent of White boys, and 87 percent of White girls.

The authors of the report conclude that “requiring states to report their high school graduation data by sex, as well as by sex and race would not impose a new burden. The states are collecting the data already. Given the growing concerns of policymakers to address educational inequities, especially considering the impact of the pandemic, it is time to address this oversight.

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

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TALK TO YOUR KIDS t u o b a MONEY

eaching children about money is one of the greatest gifts you can give them — and it is a smart way to contribute to closing the Black wealth gap. Start when they are young with simple lessons like saving up to buy a toy. You can build upon those lessons as they get older and become responsible for things like buying their own car or preparing their finances for college.

Talking about money is not always easy, especially if you do not trust your own money management skills. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can boost your self-confidence and help you create a plan that supports your family members in understanding their finances.

Here are a few tips to talking with your kids at each stage of their young lives.

LITTLE KIDS When your kids are very young, stick to the basics. Explain three things you can do with money: Spend it, save it or give it away.

Show them how to divide money they get from gifts or an allowance by putting a portion into savings or donating to a charity, and then allow them to spend the rest. Also, share how you make money decisions for the family when you shop, cook and pay bills.

TEENS When teenagers get their first job, they get hands-on experience with budgeting. They learn to allocate money they earn to buy what they need, such as gas for their car. It also is the perfect time to teach them about taxes. Go over their first paycheck and point out payroll deductions, explaining how the system works. When your teen is ready, introduce them to the rules of compound interest and the basics of investing.

COLLEGE STUDENTS Once your child reaches college age, engage in more straightforward money conversations. Discuss spending and cost-saving strategies. Go over student loan and credit card debt, making sure they understand their statements, interest rates, loan terms and repayment options.

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ADULT CHILDREN With adult children, the type of money conversations you have will depend on whether they are living on their own or with you. If your child still lives with you, strike a balance between helping them and protecting your own financial well-being, perhaps even drawing up a move-in agreement to keep everyone on the same page.

YOUR ESTATE Regardless of where they live, speak to your children about your estate plan. Explain who you have designated to serve as your estate executor (the person responsible for distributing your estate and paying any remaining debts).

Make your children aware of the option of working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional to build a more successful and financially secure future. To find a CFP® professional near you, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

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

END

FINANCIAL ANXIETY

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new poll paints a troubling picture of how anxious Americans are about their finances.

Nearly half of respondents said they did not feel “financially stable,” according to the survey from financial services firm Edward Jones and Morning Consult, and 29% admitted to having less than $500 in their emergency savings fund.

That’s right, less than $500.

Anyone who has been to the supermarket lately — the price of a dozen eggs in January was up 70% from the same time last year — can guess one of the main reasons for that low savings rate.

“People have been facing turbulent times,” said Meagan Dow, a senior strategist at Edward Jones.

“Understandably, inflation is forcing consumers to spend more on necessities, like housing and groceries, while market conditions are startling investors, so savings are falling low on the priority list.”

How to take control when so much seems out of our control? If, like most respondents, you measure “financial wellness” as being free of debt and worries over monthly bills, and having enough money to care for your family, read on for ways to move forward.

Build three to six months’ worth of living expenses in savings to cover emergencies.

Keep in mind that even a few hundred dollars can help improve your financial stability, so start small and celebrate your progress. The specific amount to ultimately target depends on variables like whether your car is on its last leg, or your house is in an area prone to natural disasters. “There’s also your risk of temporary loss of income to consider, especially if you're a single earner or have job insecurity,” said Dow. "The higher your risks, the more you'll want to save."

Save enough for your unique retirement needs. This year the average senior can count on only $21,924 from Social Security, with the maximum benefit for those retiring in 2023 and claiming at age 70 being $54,660.

Most people won't want to solely rely on Social Security for their retirement income.

Which means, if at all possible, you'll want to be saving money now. At a minimum, you should contribute enough to take full advantage of any employer match for a 401(k) or other employer plan. A match is essentially free money, and generally a 50% or 100% return on your contributions. Then look to increase your savings over time, ideally at least annually or whenever you get a raise. "Many plans offer a feature to automatically increase your contributions, making it easier than ever to boost your savings," said Dow. And if you're working but don't have access to an employer plan or have maxed out your contributions? You may be able to save in an IRA. For 2023, you can contribute up to $6,500 if you have taxable compensation, or $7,500 you’re age 50 or older. Although a Roth IRA has income limitations that may prevent you from contributing the full amount, a backdoor Roth strategy allows you to contribute to a Roth IRA even if you exceed those income limitations. A financial advisor can help determine if this strategy makes sense for you.

Pay down debt. Start with high-interest, non-deductible debt. The most common form of this is credit card debt, but any high-interest debt is likely to cost you more in interest than you can expect to earn on your investments. Take a look at the "Minimum Payment Warning" box on your statement to see how paying extra can save you in interest payments, and significantly shorten how long it will take you to pay off your balance.

Then you can focus on paying down other debt, starting with the highest after-tax interest rate. "Target a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 35% or lower if you have a mortgage, and 20% or lower if you don't," said Dow. To calculate your DTI, divide your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income.

Interestingly, the survey also found that those who said they used a financial advisor, instead of trying a do-it-yourself approach, were twice as likely to feel confident about their present and future financial situations. A trusted local advisor at Edward Jones can help you create a roadmap to work toward your own financial wellness.

ONYX MAGAZINE 45

WINE & FOOD

RIGHT IN YOUR BACKYARD D

id you know that there are twenty-four independently owned Certified Florida Farm Wineries throughout the state of Florida?

The good news is that you won't have to go far to enjoy a visit to a Florida Winery. Each one is unique in size, appearance and volume output, many producing native grown and indigenous Muscadine vines, hybrid bunch grapes or exotic and citrus fruit wines. A variety of table, sparkling and dessert wines, from dry white and red to sweet and fruity wines are now available promising to excite any palate.

All Florida Wineries offer wine tasting, interesting winery tours and in most cases,

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special events, and fun-filled festivals with live music to enhance a local day trip or weekend visit. Each Winery can showcase the art and history of wine-making in Florida and offer an educational experience for the entire family to enjoy.

Come explore what Florida wines and wineries have to offer, we know you will not be disappointed!

Can't make it to a Winery? Don't forget, large selections of your favorite Florida wines are now available in your local supermarket or wine shop.

To learn about all the wineries in the state, visit tryfloridawine.com.

Photo from FloridaTrippers

WINERIES THROUGHOUT FLORIDA ARE MISSING ONE THING. YOU!

BE A PART OF

HIGHWAYMEN HISTORY

Order your Florida Highwaymen Specialty License Plate Voucher

www.flhsmv.gov Proceeds from the sales of Highwaymen specialty license plates will help fund the construction of the Highwaymen Museum and African-American Cultural Center, as well as art education projects in St. Lucie County.

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choose well.