ONYX Magazine May/June 2024

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

Volume 27, Issue 3 MAY/JUNE 2024

African American Music Appreciation Month:

Support Small Businesses

Five Ways to Celebrate

They are the heartbeat of the economy and we should have their backs

Making Enough?

GOIN’ COUNTRY New releases have Black folks appreciating our country music roots

A recent survey shares what it really costs to live “comfortably”

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GOIN’ COUNTRY Recently released music has African Americans embracing country roots.

CONTENTS 6

From the Publisher

7

ONYX Salutes – Frankie Beverly & The O’Jays

8

Black History – About the Business

10 African American Music Appreciation Month – Paying Homage to Black Music 11 ONYX Profile – The Making of Two Bishops 12 Leadership – Women on the Move 15 Community – Benchmarking: Tampa Tour 16 Travel – International countries for Black travelers to consider 18 Mother's Day – Mother’s Day All Over the World 19 Father's Day – Five Things Black Dads Should Know 20 Workplace – Is it Time for a New Job? 23 Art & Culture – Sounds of the Mother Land 24 Under 40 – On Their Way: Four Rising Stars 27 Juneteenth – Why We Celebrate 28 ONYX Reads – Books 31 Environment – Preparing For a Busy Hurricane Season 32 The Quad – Stories from Campus 35 Smart Consumer – Money Woes 36 Family – Multigenerational Households Making a Comeback 37 SAGE – Stretching Your Retirement Budget 38 Health & Wellness 41 Real Estate – List Your Home in June 42 Feature – Goin' Country 44 Business – Small Businesses Are Heartbeat of the Economy 46 Smart Tips – Pedis Protection 47 Roots – Black Opry 48 Wealth & Finance – Making Enough?

How much money to make to be comfortable 50 Perspective – Linda Martell the Most Important Voice on Beyoncé’s Country Album 52 ONYX on the Move – ONYX in the Community 53 Social Justice – Voter Education is Key 54 Wine & Food – Wining and Dining Mom and Dad

4 ONYX MAGAZINE

SHOW HER YOU EMBRACE COMMUNITY AND SHE WILL, TOO.

SUPPORT POSITIVE BLACK MEDIA SUBSCRIBE TO ONYX MAGAZINE SIX ISSUES DIGITAL $11.99 IN-HOME $29.95

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rich Black EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sade Cole VICE PRESIDENT Deidre “Dee” Parker VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Nancy Port Schwalb MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A.

Dear Family, Welcome to this issue of ONYX Magazine. We focus these pages on business and entrepreneurship as we celebrate Small Business Month in May. As a small business, ONYX relies on our community for support—without you, we could not continue to be a beacon throughout the state. Help our continued success by purchasing a one-year subscription, then ask your friends and family to join you. 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 remind you that Country Music is a part of our history. Since Beyoncé released her new country songs, Black people have taken another look at the music that brought us together many years ago. We pay homage to those who fought racism and discrimination in the genre, salute the first woman to appear at the Grand Old Opry, and support the efforts of the upand-coming Black Country artists.

Another story that might pique your interest is about generations of families living under one roof. This trend is spreading, and we explore the pros and cons. Also, do you make enough money to live comfortably? A new survey defines "comfortable" and shows how much you need to make to live that way—be you single or a part of a family. Be sure to read all the stories in these pages. We hope you will be enlightened.

As always, ONYX Magazine enjoys bringing you the news that entertains, inspires and informs. Thank you for continuing to receive it for nearly 27 years.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Penny Dickerson Sharon Fletcher Jones Nancy Port Schwalb MAGAZINE DESIGN TEAM Design2Pro GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jon Burton Damonic Robertson BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Amann, Kimberly Argueta, Michah Barkley, Penny Dickerson, Raechel Duplain, Mitti Hicks, William Nash, Greg Padgett, A.R. Shaw, Kenneth Vaughan Ph.D. ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Nancy Port Schwalb, Chair Deidre Parker, Immediate Past Chair Ricky Anderson Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Sherri Brown Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler

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

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

FOUNDERS

Sincerely,

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 2024 by ONYX Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writer or interviewee and not necessarily those of the publisher. Manuscripts, photos and art should be submitted with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher does not assume responsibility for any materials not submitted in manner advised. Unsolicited materials are not subject to payment from ONYX Magazine.

6 ONYX MAGAZINE

ONYX MAGAZINE SALUTES

&

THE O'JAYS FRANKIE BEVERLY THE O’JAYS

A

fter more than 60 years electrifying people all over the world, the mighty, legendary, R&B/Soul kings The O’Jays are set to embark on their final tour! Featuring original members Eddie Levert Sr and Walter Williams Sr, who have been singing together since they were kids!

The O’Jays are touring history, a connection to an era and a sound that formed the soundtrack for the lives of several generations. In 1972, Gamble & Huff, a team of producers and songwriters with whom the O’Jays had been working for several years, signed the group to their Philadelphia International label.

With this magic formula, often called The Sound of Philadelphia, The O’Jays scored their first number 1 and millionselling song, “Backstabbers:, followed by more chart-topping pop and R&B singles including “Love Train,” “Put Your Hands Together,” “For The Love of Money,” “I Love Music,” “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet,

Tender, Love),” “Livin’ For The Weekend” and “Use Ta Be My Girl.”

This success propelled The O’Jays to be the first black vocal group to perform in arenas throughout America during the 70s and 80s. Eddie Levert Sr, Walter Williams Sr, and Eric Nolan Grant, who joined the group in 1995, continue to thrill fans today.

Throughout their career The O’Jays have achieved 10 Gold albums, 9 Platinum albums and 10 #1 hits. It’s been a long journey but thanks to the fans the LOVE TRAIN is still going strong!

The O’Jays were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2005 and honored with BET’s LifeTime Achievement Award in 2009. In 2013, they were inducted into The Official R&B Music Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the “One Last Time” went on sale in March 22. Check locally for tickets in your area.

FRANKIE BEVERLY

A

fter a more than 50-year career, singer, songwriter and producer Frankie Beverly has announced his retirement.

The “We Are One” singer announced in March that the band will hit the road for its “One Last Time” tour before he retires in June.

The tour kicked off in March 22. For decades, Beverly, along with his group Maze, has graced stages across the world with their mix of R&B, funk and soul music, becoming a crowd favorite at New Orleans festivals including Jazz and Heritage Festival and Essence Festival.

While the group originated in Philadelphia, it became an integral part of the Crescent City. In 1981, they released their “Live in New Orleans” album where they performed original hits “Joy and Pain,” “Happy Feelin’s,” “Golden Time of Day” and “Southern Girl.”

One of the group’s biggest hits, “Before I Let Go” has been sampled by artists of many generations, including Beyoncé. The song can be heard at weddings, parties, outings and across radio waves.

Joining the group on what will also be their final farewell tour are The O’Jays.

ONYX MAGAZINE 7

BLACK HISTORY

ABOUT THE BUSINESS S

SEVERAL FLORIDA BLACK-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES GO BACK MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

mall businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and boost economic growth. In fact, small businesses account for 99.7% of all U.S. businesses and employ 47.1% of private sector workers. Small businesses also play an important role in their communities. They support local charities and sponsor community events. They are also a source of pride for their communities. Black small business owners have played a pivotal role in Florida’s growth.

As we celebrate Small Business Month in May, we found a few Black-owned small businesses in the state that have real historic significance—a couple are still in operation after more than 100 years.

THE JACKSON ROOMING HOUSE (TAMPA) The Jackson Rooming House, also known as Jackson House, is a historic building constructed in 1901 as a boarding house in the city of Tampa. It provided accommodations to African Americans and other travelers of African descent during the era of racial segregation. On March 7, 2007, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The Jackson Rooming House was one of the only places in Tampa where Black travelers could find lodging, 8 ONYX MAGAZINE

as they were not accepted in standard hotels of the day. The 24-room establishment began as a sixroom cottage built by Moses and Sarah Jackson in 1901. Soon after, they added bedrooms and a second story to operate the rooming house, which remained in business until 1989. During its time the Jackson House played host to several prominent entertainers, including Count Basie, Cab Calloway, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. Acts such as these would come to play the nightclubs of Tampa's Black business district, which thrived nearby along Central Avenue until the 1960s.

HILLMAN-PRATT & WALTON FUNERAL HOME (JACKSONVILLE)

lished in 1900, this is the oldest funeral home in the state of Florida. Started by Lawton L. Pratt, it was founded as a funeral home for the AfricanAmerican community in Jacksonville. The Pratts lived upstairs, and the ground floor served as the funeral home. This is the last surviving business from Old LaVilla. Opening his business in 1900, Lawton Pratt is recognized as the second licensed Black funeral director in Florida. A graduate of the Cincinnati School of Embalming, Lawton Pratt was one of the organizers of the Florida Negro Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association. In 1915, Lawton Pratt built a new funeral home building. The attractive two-story brick building was designed and constructed by Joseph Haywood Blodgett, one of Jacksonville’s pioneer AfricanAmerican contractors. The funeral home was the meeting place of the first organization meeting of the Florida Negro Embalmers & Funeral Directors Association. Mr. Pratt was well beyond his time and included women in the field of embalming.

JACKSON’S SOUL FOOD (MIAMI) This LaVilla based business is currently operating as Hillman-Pratt & Walton Funeral Home. Estab-

Founded by Jessie and Demas Jackson in 1946, Jackson’s Soul Food delivers southern comfort in every bite. Located in the Overtown commu-

BLACK HISTORY nity of Miami, Jackson’s—which originally went

by Mama’s Cafe—has been a mainstay in the area since its humble beginnings. Now owned by one of their 12 children, Shirlene Jackson Ingraham, this popular dining location is still set on delivering one of the best soul food experiences guests have ever tasted. From presidents and celebrities to local, national, and international visitors alike, Jackson’s is bubbling with culinary delights like their famous catfish, biscuits and more.

THE H&O RESTAURANT (PENSACOLA)

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, boxing promoter Don King and local champion boxer Roy Jones, Jr.

ONE UNITED BANK (MIAMI) Founded in 1968, OneUnited Bank is the largest Black-owned bank and the first Black-owned internet bank in America, with a location in Miami.

OneUnited Bank was established by unifying several community banks across the country: Founders National Bank and Family Savings Bank in Los Angeles, People National Bank in Miami and Boston Bank of Commerce.

facets that make up the historical and cultural legacy of this community.” Building on the community’s proud heritage, the Ritz is truly a special place where history’s missing chapters are being restored, where talent is nurtured, and creativity is celebrated. It is a community gathering place where ideas are exchanged, information is disseminated, and a roadmap for the future is developed.

THE DUNBAR HOTEL: PLEASANT PLACE (GAINESVILLE)

NIKKI’S PLACE (ORLANDO)

The H&O Restaurant (also known as the H&O Cafe) is a historic restaurant in the Eastside neighborhood, located at 301 East Gonzalez Street, at the corner of Hayne Street. One of the first Black-owned restaurants in the Pensacola area, the H&O serves Southern-style soul food.

Its origins go back to the 1920s, when Hamp Lee and his brother opened a grocery and pool hall in a building on Gonzalez Street. They named the businesses H&O by combining the first letters of their wives' names, "Hattie and Ola." (Another explanation is that it stands for "Hamp and Ola.") The location was popular among the pre-integration Black community. In 1942, Givens Grier purchased the building and opened the restaurant. Grier's brother, Raymond Grier Sr., bought the café in 1957. When he passed away in 2001, his wife Dorothy took over operations.

Over the years the restaurant has served a number of celebrity patrons, including civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Senator Bob Graham,

Whether you’re born or raised or are a transplant into The City Beautiful, Nikki’s Place is a key part of Orlando’s culinary history. First opened under the name Roser’s Restaurant in 1949 by Parramore’s own Roser Mae Jones, the restaurant has seen a number of Black icons, Civil Rights leaders and athletes grace its space to get themselves a plate of deliciously memorable soul food. And once Jones’ nephew, Nick Aiken took over the restaurant in 1999 (though he had been working alongside her since 1952), its name has become even more synonymous with good eatin’. Dubbing the dishes available as "the finer side of soul food"— southern cuisine—Nikki’s Place, is bursting with history and culture.

THE RITZ MOVIE HOUSE (JACKSONVILLE) In 1999, The Ritz Theatre and Museum was constructed on the site of the 1929 Ritz Theater movie house in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of La Villa. During La Villa’s height of activity in the 1920s-1960s, it was known as the “Harlem of the South.” The mission of the Ritz Theatre and Museum is to “research, record, and preserve the material and artistic culture of African American life in Northeast Florida and the African Diaspora, and present it in an educational or entertaining format, showcasing the many

Prior to desegregation of the area, the Dunbar Hotel served minority patrons. It was established in 1938 by Joseph and Sophronia Dunbar. The hotel was graced by notable business persons, educators, and musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, B.B. King, and Duke Ellington. After the original hotel started deteriorating in the 1980s, the City of Gainesville restored it and Pleasant Place was established to care for teen moms in need of assistance. In addition to the main house, the small house in the back was converted into a haven for the homeless looking for a transition back to dignity.

WASHINGTON SHORES SAVINGS AND LOAN BANK (ORLANDO) The Washington Shores Federal Savings and Loan Bank in Orlando was the first Black-owned savings and loan bank in the state. It was established in 1963 by seven Black men including Dr. James R. Smith, Charles Hawkins and Paul Perkins. The bank building is currently the Axiom Bank.

ONYX MAGAZINE 9

A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N M U S I C A P P R E C I AT I O N M O N T H

Paying H!age to

BLACK MUSIC

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH IN JUNE.

BY A.R. SHAW

B

lack music coincides with the story of America. Genres such as blues, jazz, gospel, country, rock, R&B, and rap, all created by Black musicians, have inspired the world.

To honor the contributions of Black musicians, President Jimmy Carter declared June to be Black Music Month in 1979.

After journalist Dyana Williams lobbied for Black Music Month to be recognized by the U.S. government, President Bill Clinton signed a proclamation in 2000.

There are multiple ways to celebrate and honor the Black musicians of the past, present, and future.

DISCOVER BLACK MUSIC FROM DIFFERENT GENRES Black music is not monolithic. Although Black musicians dominate genres such as hip-hop, R&B, jazz, soul, and gospel, there are numerous Black artists who have found success in genres such country music, rock, and classical. Throughout the month, discover and listen to Black artists from different genres. A few to search include artists such as Robert McFerrin, the first Black person to sing lead at the Met Opera; country music star Allison Russell; and Black rock star Jackie Venson.

Documentaries are great ways to learn more about the history of Black music. There are several great Black music documentaries to watch such as the Oscar-winning “Summer of Soul”; FX’s “Dear Mama,”; Quincy,” and “Devil At The Crossroads.”

Podcasts are another medium that you can use to discover great Black music stories.

READ BOOKS ON BLACK MUSIC There are dozens of great books that highlight the stories of Black music culture. A few great reads include, “The Power of Black Music”; “Black Noise”; “Music Is History”; and “Trap History” written by yours truly.

Music books can help readers understand how impactful Black music is to American life.

DISCOVER AND SUPPORT NEW ARTISTS We live in an era where music is often considered to be free. Find a new artist, and, if possible, purchase an item to support. That can include an 10 ONYX MAGAZINE

Robert McFerrin is the first Black person to sing at the Met Opera.

album, merchandise, or concert ticket. You can also support local music camps, schools and organizations that train young musicians.

VISIT MUSIC MUSEUMS OR ATTEND A SHOW Music is best when experienced live. Learn about the history of music by visiting museums such as the National Museum of African American Music In Nashville; the Trap Music Museum in Atlanta; Delta Music Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi; New Orleans Jazz Museum; and Universal Hip-Hop Museum in New York. You can also experience a concert or show in your local area to celebrate the month.

Story first appeared in The New Pittsburg Times

WATCH BLACK MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES

A S AC R E D C O N S E C R AT I O N S E RV I C E

THE MAKING OF

TWO BISHOPS N

estled in the middle anointing served as a tangible of the three-day expression of divine favor and CONNECT 24 Conempowerment upon their lives. ference, on April 11, 2024, the The culmination of the conInternational Bishops’ Confersecration service came with the ence, Inc. USA (+I+B+C+, Inc. presentation of the bishop's USA), set aside time for a most vestments along with an explasacred celebration: The Making nation of each beginning with of A Bishop. The Hope Event the Chasuble and ending with Center, transformed from a the final episcopal accoutreconference center by day into ment given - the Crozier, which The Hope Church Cathedral, is a symbolic staff representing was charged with reverence the authority and responsibility and anticipation as bishops of the bishop. As the crozier from around the globe, along was placed into their hands, with local clergy, dignitaries, the cathedral erupted with congregants, and community jubilant praise unto God, exemleaders gathered to witness plifying agreement with God’s a momentous occasion -- the choice, and heralding the dawn Bishop George Cope, Archbishop Emeritus Leroy Bailey, Archbishop Allen Wiggins, consecration of not one, but of a new chapter in the lives Jr., Bishop Larry Mills two generals of the faith: Dr. of these faithful men of God. George D. Cope of Clermont, Fla., and Dr. Larry selves before the altar, as a gesture of humility, Upon being pronounced Bishops in the Lord’s G. Mills of Orlando, who were consecrated and unwavering dedication, and selflessness; this church, the presiding bishop and co-consecrator elevated to the sacred office of Bishop. profound act was met with reflective silence, led the new bishops through the crowd and back The service began with a solemn procession punctuated only by prayers whispered by the to the pulpit where, in their new roles, they proof the +I+B+C+ College of Bishops ushering the congregants as they lifted their hands towards nounced their first episcopal blessing upon the two bishop-designates to the platform. With the the bishop-designates and offered their own people gathered. processional Cross and the Holy Bible leading supplications on their behalf.

Many may ask, “Why a Bishop?” The simple the way, the sacred symbols of the church drew Aided by their sons in the faith, the bishop- answer is that the consecration of a bishop is not everyone’s attention and echoed the Call to designates knelt before the Chief Consecrator merely a ceremonial event; it is a sacred affirmaWorship, a reminder that we were entering the and the Co-Consecrating bishops who laid their tion of God's enduring presence and providential presence of God in the shadow of the cross of hands upon the heads of both men expressing care for His Church, ensuring that its mission of Jesus Christ. Prayers, scriptures, songs, and well- conference of the sacred mantle of episcopal faith, hope, and love endures for generations to wishes were presented that set the stage for the authority and apostolic succession, linking the come. With more than 80 years of combined sersoul-stirring homily by Archbishop Allen Wiggins, newly consecrated bishops to the lineage of vice as pastors in the Lord’s Church, these new the Presiding Bishop of +I+B+C+, Inc. USA bishops stretching all the way back to Apostle bishops have demonstrated their commitment to Central to the consecration service was the Peter. care for God’s flock and now with the distinction Litany of Ordination and Prostration, a poiUpon completion of the laying on of hands, the of the bishopric will continue to serve until the gnant invocation of the heavenly hosts, calling presiding bishop and co-consecrators anointed coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. upon God’s blessing and guidance upon the the heads and hands of the newly consecrated bishop-designates and their new level of min- bishops with oil symbolizing the outpouring of Story by +I+B+C+, Inc. USA For more information istry. The bishop-designates prostrated them- the Holy Spirit upon the chosen vessels. This visit www.ibishop.org.

ONYX MAGAZINE 11

LEADERSHIP

Unveiling the magazine with Reception Sponsor Bahamasair

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ON Y X M AG A ZI N E CELEBR ATES

IMPACTFUL & INFLUENTIAL BLACK WOMAN ONYX STAFF REPORT

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earing its 27th year of celebrating Black achievement throughout Florida, ONYX Magazine hosted the ninth annual ONYX Magazine's Women on the Move (WOTM) along with Founding Partner Orlando Health Publisher Rich Black and Kickoff Reception Sponsor Bahamasair. The nationally recognized two-day event lauded 22 Black women in Florida and beyond during Women’s History Month.

On Thursday, March 7, ONYX Magazine held a kickoff reception at the Orlando Museum of Art, with Bahamasair Holdings, Ltd. 12 ONYX MAGAZINE

Award-winning journalist Annetta Wilson interviewed Woman of the Year Juliet Daniel, Ph.D., International Woman on the Move Tanya Pratt, and the 2023 Woman of the Year, Trisha BaiPresenter Daralene Jones ley, Ph.D., about Black women in leadership. Also, in two exquisite performances, NuLook School of Performing Arts students danced before the audience of 200 attendees, women’s groups and businesses showered the hon-

2024 WOTM honorees and committee orees with gifts, and ONYX unveiled the March/April issue, with Daniel gracing the cover.

On Friday, March 8, at the soldout awards luncheon on International Women’s Day, honorees received their awards at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Fla. More than 300 business and community leaders attended.

"I am both humbled and ecstatic and express best wishes to the Women on the Move class of 2024,” said ONYX Magazine Publisher Rich Black. “I am amazed when approached Juliet Daniel, Ph.D.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be this year's ONYX Magazine's Woman of the Year" Juliet Daniel, Ph.D.

by business and community leaders say they cannot find qualified Black women or men to serve on their boards or key positions. I find this to be troubling, as I encounter these accomplished Black professionals every day. It is my hope that the ecosystem ONYX Magazine’s WOTM and “Men of Honor” have created will be engaged by a cross-section of business leaders to select qualified professionals in the future.”

"Woman of the Year" Juliet Daniel, Ph.D., is a biology professor and researcher at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Daniel discovered and

named the Kaiso gene in 1999.

Kaiso plays a role in how quickly cancer grows throughout the body. Her research focuses on how the gene impacts aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancer subtypes that disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic women.

Now, she seeks to discover whether drugs can be developed to inhibit Kaiso's function.

"I am incredibly humbled and honored to be this year's ONYX Magazine's Woman of the Year," said Daniel, recalling a story about competing in a ping-pong Tanya Pratt tournament in graduate school.

"My male opponent had all these fancy shots, and my skill seemed to be good hand-eye coordination. (I and the crowd) heard him say under his breath, 'I can't let a girl beat me.' (The crowd) came to my side and chanted, 'Play your game.' I am proud to say I won the tournament because I focused on what I did best rather than trying to be like my opponent," she said. "Even now, when I feel intimidated in a professional situation, I remind myself to play my game. So, be your authentic self and play your game. Do you—don't try to be like anyone else; try to be the best version of yourself."

“International Woman on the Move” Tanya Pratt is the first woman to lead the Board of Directors at Bahamasair Holdings, Ltd. ONYX MAGAZINE 13

WOTM Scholars

ONYX Advisory Committee

WOTM Sponsors

"Through the grace of God, ladies, we have made it," said Pratt.

"We hear it all the time about us breaking the glass ceiling, but what does that mean to you? Are you paying it forward? Who are you bringing along with you? Are you creating opportunities for other sisters to break the glass ceiling? We must remember the importance of embracing and empowering through our role as women."

Punctuating the importance of education, the ONYX Foundation awarded four scholarships provided by Orlando Health to high school and college students during the event. Other highlights included a beautiful performance by Cyan Love of the Orlando Ballet Company and School.

Chair Dee Parker of Parker Realty, Co-chair Nany Port Schwalb of Schwalb Public Relations, and the Women on the Move Steering Committee led the event. Award-winning journalist Carolyn Fennell served as emcee while Daralene Jones of Orlando's WFTV Channel 9 introduced the Women on the Move.

Cyan Love 14 ONYX MAGAZINE

Host Carolyn Fennell

"Through the leadership and vision of our honorees, communities and workplaces actively undergo a transformation, benefitting future generations," said Parker. "I applaud our steering committee, staff, volunteers, and the supportive community for acknowledging these phenomenal women. We are also so grateful for our sponsors who have made this beautiful day come to fruition."

Other sponsors include Entertainment Sponsor U.S. Veterans Construction; Event Sponsors are Aetna, a CVS Health Company, Central Florida Urban League, Cox Media Group, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Ballet, 90.7 WMFE, Jones and Rose, Orlando Shakes, Lift Orlando, Express Medical Wound Care, and OUC. Reception sponsors are The Wedding Décor Store Oley's Bar B Que, Parker Realty Group, Downtown Arts District, Mason Accounting & Consulting, Definitive Beauty, Grey Wolf Defense, and White Glove Transportation.

NuLook dancers

COMMUNITY

BENCHMARKING: TAMPA ORLANDO LEADERS LOOK INTO TAMPA’S COMMUNITIES INCORPORATED WITH BLACK HISTORY.

T

o the unassuming, the cluster of apartment buildings is just another Tampa development constructed for downtown residents. But the vibrantly colored Encore District is a treasure trove of Black history—dating back to when Jim Crow laws forced Black entrepreneurs into their own thriving business district—and leaning forward to an encouraging future guided by the lessons of yesterday. ONYX Magazine and members of Orlando’s West Lakes communities stepped into this living time capsule to glean from its developers how similar steps could be taken in Orlando, further connecting the sister cities.

Nearly 50 of Orlando’s community and faithbased leaders traversed I-4 for an immersive experience in Black history, entrepreneurship and economic development. Armed with recording devices, the residents listened intently to history makers and took notes to further discuss the progressive expansion in West Lakes.

“When you don’t place names, monuments, markers, and you don’t own land, people render you nameless and faceless, and we will then have to move out of our communities, because we did not stand up at the time when we could have,”

said Rich Black. “The reason we’ve come here is to look at how we beautify our community, so we can buy houses, put together estate planning, and support our schools.”

Tampa political, civic, business, and community leaders led powerful discussions on bringing vital projects to completion. The underlying thread of advise: strong relationships with decision makers, with a punctuated focus on community solidarity.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers imparted the importance of getting the buy-in of elected officials; Tampa Housing Authority President Jerome Ryans drove home the art of listening to others’ ideas; Serenity Village Insurance President Gary Hartfield told the group to leverage social capital, or strong networking; CDC of Tampa President Ernest Coney spoke of the strong, united communities ; and NAACP of Hillsborough President Yvette Lewis encouraged them to tell their own story.

Following conversations about some of Tampa’s most critical projects, Tampa Housing Authority Director of Real Estate Development David Iloanya led the group on a tour of ENCORE!, sharing how its existence came to be. In the 1930s, the area was called Central Avenue, known for

bustling Black-owned businesses and homes after segregation laws forced its development. Its popularity waned as laws lifted and residents ventured out of the area.

In 1967, a race riot left the area in shambles.

Eventually, urban renewal finished off what was known as Tampa’s Black business district. However, in 2009, a new vision was unveiled and the mixed-use development was born.

Ashley Morrow, the manager of the St. James at ENCORE!, a church built in 1895 and preserved in the area, joined Iloanya. Morrow walked the group through the streets of ENCORE! and to Perry Harvey Park, which bears the name of one of Tampa’s most prominent business leaders when Central Avenue was at its peak.

The day ended when the tour viewed busts of important Black leaders who have contributed to Tampa’s success—a tour led by Tampa’s turn-to historian Fred Hearns, the Curator of Black History at the Tampa History Museum. Appreciative of the information they gathered, the West Lakes Orlando residents plan to meet to share ideas and efforts for a neighborhood beautification project at home.

ONYX Staff Report ONYX MAGAZINE 15

TR AVE L

PA S S PORT APPROVED

THE 11 BEST PLACES FOR BLACK AMERICANS TO MOVE ABROAD.

BY MITTI HICKS

T

he past few years has us re-establishing what flexibility looks like.

Both companies and people who are self-employed still adopt a hybrid work model where, essentially, they can work from anywhere in the world.

Given that with the racial tension and turmoil that still taunts the Black community, many travelers of color are ready to experience life outside the U.S. as they prioritize safety and overall well-being.

Considering a move? Here are the top 10 destinations for Black travelers looking to visit and/or relocate abroad. But before you go, be sure to check on current conditions in each country.

1. MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA Medellín has grown tremendously in popularity over the last few years. It’s an exciting city that offers a lot to do. There’s an active nightlife scene, a thriving Black expat community, and it’s also an affordable option for expats.

2. LISBON, PORTUGAL Lisbon is often described as a vibrant city with scenery that’s unlike any other place you will find. The views of the colorful houses combined with its iconic seven hills — as the yellow and red trams roll through neighborhoods — are simply iconic and make the perfect postcard. Lisbon is rich in diversity and culture, and a place where Black expats thrive.

3. BELIZE CITY, BELIZE Going to Belize will be one of the best decisions you’ve made.

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From its beaches to rain forests, Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty, so you will never get bored, and the cost of living is still considered low. What Black travelers will especially love about Belize is there’ significant Black history and culture, so you will feel welcomed. According to research from Hampton University, Belize has the highest percentage population of African descent of any Central American nation. For a taste of Afro-Belizean food, try “bile up.” It’s a Belizean creole dish with boiled eggs, fish or pigtails with plantain, yams, and tomato sauce.

4. DAKAR, SENEGAL Senegal is a great destination for Black travelers looking to be in a place where they can reconnect with their ancestors. What’s so exciting about Senegal is that there’s a rich history to learn about the past, but so much happening in the future that will put you in the right place at the right time. Senegal will also soon be home to a futuristic city that many call a “real-life Wakanda” after musical artist and mogul Akon announced plans to build a city that will serve as a “safe haven” for descendants of the diaspora looking to flee racial injustice.

Children dancing in Sengal.

5. LIMÓN, COSTA RICA Limón is probably the last place you considered in Costa Rica, but there’s a lot of potential as an up-and-coming expat destination. If your goal is to get away to a place that remains untouched, consider Limón. A third of the population identifies as AfroCosta Rican. There you can discover the Afro-Caribbean culture, food, and music. It’s far less touristy but a good place to live if you want the coastal and Caribbean vibe without

A beautiful street in Accra. the crowds — for now. When you’re there, keep in mind that Black History Month is celebrated in August. August was chosen to commemorate the First International Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World, which concluded with a ceremony in Madison Square Garden on August 31, 1920.

6. ACCRA, GHANA Accra is known for its welcoming vibe, especially when locals find out you’re from somewhere else and decided to “come home.” In fact, you will feel safe and welcome from the moment you arrive. As life becomes more threatening to Black people in America, many have chosen and are talking about moving to Ghana to put racism behind them. There are more than 3,000 African Americans living in Accra, according to Al Jazeera. While it’s true, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, many Black Americans will tell you they feel safe and free in Ghana. It’s a reason why Stevie Wonder, Dave Chappelle, and so many other celebrities are looking to relocate or buy a second home in Ghana.

7. PANAMA CITY, PANAMA No one wants to leave America and be uncomfortable somewhere else. That’s why we present to you Panama City, Panama. Panama is known for its lively carnival culture, beaches, and nightlife scene that includes a mix of friendly locals, expats, and tourists from around the world. But the most important thing, as a Black traveler, is you will feel welcome. Panama City is also a great place to live comfortably for less than $1,100 per month.

8. BANGKOK, THAILAND Speaking of safety, Thailand is a place where you don’t have to worry about your safety as a Black traveler. You will have access to some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, breathtaking scenery,

mouth-watering cuisine, and more. You can be in the moment, and not fear for your life just by existing.

9. BARCELONA, SPAIN Spain has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. When you combine that with the fact that there’s a successful and thriving expat community, Barcelona is a great place for those of you considering relocating. As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the perfect place that offers something for everyone, including Black singles or families. We want to be transparent about Spain as it’s controversial, and depending on where you are in the region, it gets mixed reviews. Some people say the further south you get, the more anti-Black it gets, yet, other expats have enjoyed and embraced their stay. Just be mindful.

10. MONTREAL, CANADA Montreal is a great option for people looking for a culturally rich experience but not interested in going too far. And the best part? Canada is ranked high for being one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Montreal is a [underrated] foodie city that has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada, according to Geos Montreal.

With its strong African and Caribbean culture, there’s no doubt that you will find diversity in the culinary scene, and you will be welcomed by locals.

11. TULUM, MEXICO In just a few months of its creation, the Black in Tulum Facebook group surged in followers. There are more than 14,000 followers because Tulum is quickly becoming the “Atlanta” of Mexico for Black expats.

There’s a thriving community of Black expats in Tulum and most importantly, it’s where people are going because they feel safe.

Mitti Hicks is a travel writer. This story first appeared in Travel Noire.

ONYX MAGAZINE 17

M O T H E R ’ S D AY

FOR MOM AROUND THE WORLD INTERNATIONAL MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATIONS MAY SPARK NEW IDEAS FOR HONORING YOUR MOM.

I

BY LAURA AMANN

n many U.S. households, the second Sunday in May begins with breakfast in bed, a floral bouquet, homemade cards, and other tokens of affection for Mom. Mother's Day — America's version, at least — has been an official holiday since 1914. In different corners of the globe, honoring Mom is a rite grounded in local traditions and customs — some ancient, some surprisingly new.

"Most cultures celebrate mothers because they are traditionally the main caregiver, which comes with great responsibility," says Mei-Ling Hopgood, author of How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm: And Other Adventures in Parenting.

Let's take a quick trip around the world to discover how families celebrate moms in five different countries and to inspire you to consider new ideas for your mother with some "at your home" ideas.

Ethiopian mothers are celebrated during a fall festival.

ETHIOPIA: Sing Along!

The Antrosht festival, observed at the end of the rainy season in early fall, is dedicated to moms. After the weather clears, family members flock to their homes for a large meal and celebration. Daughters traditionally bring vegetables and cheese, while sons supply meat. Together, they prepare a meat hash and sing and perform dances that tell stories of family heroes.

At Your Home: Turn on uplifting music and share stories about all the women in your family. Go through your photo albums together, quote your ancestors and create a personal scrapbook of those special moms who came before you.

INDIA: 10-Day Festival Hindus honor Durga, the goddess of mothers, each October during the 10-day festival known as Durga

Devotees prepare to immerse an idol of the Hindu goddess Durga into the Ganges River on the last day of the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata, India, October 8, 2019.

REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri

18 ONYX MAGAZINE

Puja. The celebration dates back to the sixteenth century and is both a religious ceremony and a family reunion. One story tells of Durga returning to her parents' home to show off her children. Families spend weeks preparing food, gathering gifts, and decorating their homes for the festival.

At Your Home: Visit other moms you know, among friends and family, and bring home-cooked goods to share.

JAPAN: The Right Flowers Following World War II, a version of Mother's Day grew popular as a way of comforting mothers who had lost sons to the war. Carnations are popular around the March holiday, as they symbolize the sweetness and endurance of motherhood in Japanese culture. Originally, children gave a red carnation to a living mother and displayed a white one if their mother had died. Now, white has become the traditional color.

At Your Home: Thank the moms in your community who help your family by writing notes of gratitude. Tie the notes to white carnations and leave the flowers on their doorsteps.

UNITED KINGDOM: A Church Custom "Mothering Sunday" is the fourth Sunday of Lent.

In the 1700s, the day was marked by young house

servants returning home to spend time with their mothers. That custom evolved from an earlier one in which families who had moved away would return to the original church they attended. Today, the holiday remains grounded in religion, with many churches handing out daffodils for children to give to mom. Traditionally, girls also bake a fruitcake for their mothers.

At Your Home: Ask your family to celebrate you on Mother's Day by launching a new tradition based on one from your childhood.

FRANCE: Medals For Mom In 1920, the government of France began awarding medals to mothers of large families in gratitude for helping rebuild the population after so many lives died in World War I. After the Second World War, the government declared the last Sunday in May to be the Day of Mothers. The traditional gift is now a flower-shaped cake.

At Your Home: Expressing gratitude never goes out of style—especially when you are demonstrating ways to express it to your children. Share your thankfulness for each family member at dinner and ask each to do the same.

Laura Amann is a freelance writer and editor in Chicago.

5 M

FAT H E R ’ S D AY

THINGS BLACK DADS

SHOULD KNOW

BY KENNETH VAUGHAN, PH.D.

ore than ever, it’s important for Black fathers to emphasize their active role in cultivating our communities, partnering with each other to teach our kids about our culture, becoming mentors, and creating a system to pave a new way forward. Taking on this task is not easy, but it is worth it.

Black dads are often marginalized in the media and even within our communities. The media often suggests that Black dads are either incarcerated or live dangerous lives.

Because many homes have lacked Black fathers, some have adopted the belief that kids don’t need dads, and many young people have missed out on the power of having a father in their lives.

Despite our many social, political, economic challenges, Black dads must stand in to close the gaps in our communities. Here’s what I want other black dads to know: • Your presence is critical as we move forward. The presence of strong, resilient, resourceful Black men in communities can help our women and children feel safe. It is your presence that forces other young men to stand at attention as they watch your mannerisms and practices. What society does not tell you is that even our tallest young men (and women) still want to feel protected and connected to a strong, older Black man.

• Your vision for our community is also critical. Many of our kids are influenced by the negative portrayal of our children’s future by media outlets, educational statistics, and the factors that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. Moms may express hope for the future, but too often, Black men who are in position to be a voice for communities have remained silent about their hopes for our children. Your vision can provide guidance as we pave a better way forward.

• Your voice matters. Black fathers’ voices provide hope and guidance for our community. We are taught not to raise our voices because of the fear

associated with the “loud large Black man.”

We have remained silent because of fear of losing our jobs, because of the way many Black leaders have been silenced or killed because they opposed systemic oppression, and the fear of the potential negative repercussions our families may face because of our activism. The result is that many of our communities continue to suffer in silence, and we often only hear the cries of Black mothers mourning the horrid conditions our children face.

• Your healing is critical.

As Black fathers, we often forget to address our past and present hurts. We have been taught that showing weakness is not manly. But we have to make time to heal if we want to live within our families permanently. One of the ways you can heal is by practicing self-care: you might meditate, take daily walks, work out, write down your thoughts, or connect with another brother about what you’re going through.

• You are enough. I struggle with how hard it is to be a Black father in today’s harsh climate, too. This responsibility is not for the faint of heart.

We are the heroes that we have been waiting on. I know it’s rough, but you are the superhero in the eyes of the kids who are looking for someone to come in and be the light of hope.

I want to say thank you to the Black dads who are standing in the gaps for our kids. Our kids need heroes that look like them and can help make things better in their communities. Black mothers need to know that they are not facing this battle by themselves. Black dads, be the change you want to see.

Kenneth Vaughan, Ph.D. is the author of Simba’s Paradox, What If Superheroes Taught Kindergarten, I Own My Success, New Beginnings, Shadows of a Man, With Great Power, and When Daddy’s Away.

ONYX MAGAZINE 19

WORKPLACE

NEW JOB

SEEKING HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO GO?

W

e’re all just looking for some peace at work. Sometimes circumstance may cause us to feel stuck, so we stay in situations longer than we should. That is unhealthy on so many levels. If you feel like you need a change at work, you’re not alone. According to a Pew Research study, only 51% of employees are satisfied with their jobs. For the other 49% of workers, it might be a good idea to start looking for greener pastures. Because employers post the bulk of their jobs in late fall with intensions to hire in February, do your research this summer to determine what’s really causing that nagging feeling. It is time to start taking steps to find the peace you deserve.

Here are six signs that it might be time to find a new job: • You're not excited about coming to work. Your job should offer you a level of contentment. Loosing that feeling could be a sign that you need a change.

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• High stress levels are affecting your personal life. Challenges at work can sometimes be stressful, but it shouldn't pervade your personal life.

• Your ideas and contributions aren't being valued. If you are putting your best ideas and best effort into your work, you want to feel valued for it. If you are consistently lacking this feeling, you might need a change.

• Friends and family regularly suggest that you should find a new job. Your friends and family likely know a lot about you. People who care about you regularly reach out when they think something isn't quite right.

If multiple people in your life are saying that they think you should find a new job, it might be a good idea.

• Low wages are making it hard to support your cost of living. Cost of living represents how much money a person needs to pay for their basic needs. If your salary or wages do not cover your cost of living, you should look for something else.

WORKPLACE • You often fantasize about having a different job. Regularly imagining that you have a different job or career, could be a sign that you need a change.

So, if the full list applies to you, then consider strongly taking the next steps.

Here is a step-by-step list for changing jobs:

1. Make a List of Long-term and Short-term Goals Your short-term professional goals have to do with your objectives or quotas and your daily routine. For example, you may want to have more time in your day or less stress. Your long-term professional goals represent your ideal career and lifestyle. For example, you may want to become a professor or a corporate executive. Ideally, your current job should be in line with either your short-term or long-term goals.

To see whether your current job aligns with your long-term goals, briefly outline the steps you need to take to reach them. Then try to generate a rough timeline for how you intend to accomplish your goals. Consider how staying at your job for an additional year or two affects your timeline.

2. Consider Your Feelings How you feel about your job is important and should be a part of your decision-making process. After listing your long-term and short-term goals, ask yourself probing questions regarding the atmosphere at work, your compensation and whether you feel valued and supported. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself to help organize your thoughts and feelings: • Will my current job help me reach my long-term career goals?

• Am I getting enough professional development and constructive feedback?

• Is there potential for me to get a raise or promotion at work?

• Do my current job responsibilities leave me with a comfortable amount of personal time?

• Are my unique talents, qualities or abilities being recognized at work?

• Do I feel physically and emotionally safe at work?

• Are there many people at work who have been with the company for a long time?

• Do I feel happy with my job functions?

• Am I satisfied with my compensation and benefits?

then that person should voice their concerns to a superior or someone in the human recourse department.

5. Prioritize Your Wants and Needs Your professional wants and needs to represent your personal ideal for work. Consider your compensation, benefits and professional career goals— and evaluate personal fulfillment and happiness that stems from your professional life.

Assess the work-life balance that your job affords and think about how that affects your health and relationships. Try to determine how important each of these factors is to you personally. The items that are most important represent your needs, and the others represent your wants.

If your current job satisfies all of your needs but doesn't include your wants, you may choose to stay. If your needs are not being met, then you might consider changing jobs.

6. Consult a Trusted Friend or Partner A trusted friend or partner is likely to know a lot about you and your professional history. Explain your goals to them and describe your primary concerns or challenges. Speaking with someone about your feelings can organize your thoughts and help you gain clarity. That person may also have helpful insights for you to consider.

7. Decide and Take Action After logically reviewing your goals and objectives, weighing in on your emotions and consulting friends or family, you should have a pretty good idea of whether you want to change jobs. If you decide that you want to stay at your current job, then take the necessary steps to try to find satisfaction and contentment at work.

This might mean talking to a supervisor, reaching out to the human recourses department or taking on new responsibilities. If you decide you want to change jobs, start the search for something more ideal and send out your resume.

3. Identify Your Primary Concerns Sometimes a person's dissatisfaction with one or two elements of their work or workplace can feel overwhelming. It is important to fully evaluate what is going on at work, so you can identify what your primary concerns are.

Review your answers to the questions above. If you answered no to any of them, then that is an area of concern. If you answered no, to most or all of the questions, then a job change may be the right decision.

4. Voice Your Concerns After properly identifying your concerns, it is important to let someone at work know how you're feeling. Whether you want to stick with your current employer, or you're thinking of departing, speaking up about your experiences can help you reach your goals and help improve the overall culture and environment at work. Here are two examples of concerns to speak up about at work: Job role and salary: Imagine that someone is happy with the overall culture and work-life balance at their job, but is unhappy with their level of responsibility or compensation. Then that person might consider talking to their boss or supervisor about promotion opportunities.

Physical and emotional well-being: If a person is content with most aspects of their job and workplace, but lacks a sense of emotional or physical safety,

For more insights on making a job or career change, visit https://www.indeed. com/career-advice/starting-new-job/how-to-decide-to-change-jobs.

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

Installation view, Reframing Haitian Art: Masterworks from the Arthur Albrecht Collection, 2023. Photographer: Paige Boscia

REFRAMING HAITIAN ART: MASTERWORKS FROM THE ARTHUR ALBRECHT COLLECTION On view through June 23, 2024 The Arthur R. Albrecht Collection includes over 75 artworks from Haiti’s most prominent painters including Rigaud Benoit, Wilson Bigaud, Préfète Duffaut, and Philomé Obin. Rarely seen by the public, the works present an overview of the major developments in Haitian painting from the 1960s-80s. Highlights from the Albrecht Collection include paintings by the first generation of artists to train at Le Centre d’Art, Haiti’s premier art school in Port-au-Prince, and a selection of Cap Haitian works by the Obin Family.

Funds for the conservation of the Arthur Albrecht Collection were generously provided through a grant from the Bank of America Art Conservation Project.

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:

A R T & C U LT U R E

SOUNDS

OF THE MOTHER LAND MUCH OF OUR MUSIC AND THE INSTRUMENTS THAT PLAY IT COME FROM AFRICA.

A

DJEMBE A goblet-shaped drum, covered with skin and tuned by ropes, the djembe originates from West Africa, and has been traced to the Mandinka caste of blacksmiths known as the Numu. The musical instrument spread across the west coast of Africa with the rise of the Mali Empire (1230 AD), now the modern day countries of Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Gambia.

frica is music, and her musical instruments are used all over the world to produce sounds that are unique to the continent. From the green belts of the Serengeti to the Sahara desert, there are instruments that have been used for centuries before colonization (Trans-Atlantic and Trans-Saharan).

The following are some instruments that are still in use (in their original and modernized forms) that you might not know are from Africa.

BANJO The banjo is a stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a frame or cavity to form a resonator. The membrane is typically circular, in modern forms usually made of plastic, originally of animal skin.

Early forms of the instrument were fashioned by African Americans and had African antecedents. Historically, the banjo occupied a central place in Black American traditional music and rural folk culture before entering the mainstream via the minstrel shows of the 19th century. Along with the fiddle, the banjo is a mainstay of American styles of music, such as bluegrass and old-time music. It is also very frequently used in Dixieland jazz, as well as in Caribbean genres like biguine, calypso, mento and troubadour.

AKOTING Found in Senegal, Gambia and Guinea Bisau (all in West Africa), the akoting is believed to have given birth to the modern-day banjo.

According to oral history, the birth-

MARACAS Originally from West Africa and known as shekere, this percussion instrument is usually a gourd, either filled with beads, seeds or

stones (axatse), or covered by stringed beads (shekere). When shaken or slapped, it produces a variety of musical effects.

place of the instrument is the village of Kanjanka in Senegal. It has a skin-headed gourd body, with two long melody strings and one drone string.

BALAFON Played like the xylophone, the balafon is a percussion instrument and can be found in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso. It has been in recorded history since the 14th century and according to oral history (told by griots) the instrument originated from Mali.

ONYX MAGAZINE 23

UNDER 40

OnTheir

WAY

FOUR YOUNG BUSINESS OWNERS AND MUSICIANS ARE GETTING NOTICED.

TE’LARIO WATKINS:

MUSHROOMS ARE HIS PASSION

A

t 16, Te’Lario Watkins is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and Hunger Hero from Columbus, Ohio, who recently shared his vision in Florida at the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. At age 7, he started his own business, Tiger Mushroom Farms, after a Cub Scout project ended. He is passionate about food justice and started the nonprofit The Garden Club Project to help end hunger and encourage kids to eat healthier.

His interests include technology in agriculture, gardening, traveling, and watching and reading anime. His career goal is to use technology to improve the food system in his community and communities around the world.

ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ investor and successful businessman Daymond John left the aspiring young entrepreneur speechless when he surprised the student during the 17th annual Disney Dreamers Academy at Walt Disney World Resort with a personal invitation to join him on the set for a taping of ‘Shark Tank.’

Watkins thought he was in the middle of a media interview Saturday morning during Disney Dreamers Academy when John made a surprise appearance and delivered the personal invitation to visit the ABC show set in Los Angeles. For Watkins, it was a magical dream come true moment.

John is one of several celebrities taking part in Disney Dreamers Academy, the Walt Disney World Resort mentoring program that runs through Sunday. Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross, Hollywood veteran actor Lance Gross, Disney actress Dara Renee and other TV and movie stars are serving as mentors and speakers.

Mark Ashman, photographer, Walt Disney World 24 ONYX MAGAZINE

UNDER 40

DESTIN CONRAD

MAKING WAVES AROUND THE WORLD

D

estin Conrad, 22, is a sultry R&B singer hailing from Tampa, Fla. A newcomer to the music industry, Conrad got his start on Vine, amassing more than one million, including his longtime friend/collaborator, Kehlani. Years later he got his first major writing credits on her Billboard #2 album, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. Conrad debut project, COLORWAY, was released in 2021 and has surpassed 45 million streams. He spent the

last year on the road opening for artist’s Syd and Kehlani on their respective tours and just wrapped his first headline tour in EU and UK where he sold out shows in Amsterdam, Paris, and three nights in London. His sophomore project, SATIN, was released November 2022. Conrad had some more exciting releases in 2023 with collaborations with Musiq Soulchild and Masego. He kicked off 2024 with his first headlining tour in the US covering 35 cities.

HARMONY IN PERSISTENCE

EXPLORING MUSIC WITH ROBIN MALONE

BY MICAH BARKLEY

I

n the music industry, success is frequently evaluated not just by skill but by perseverance, teamwork and the ability to overcome setbacks. Robin Malone(also known as The Diva Don Dada), a rising star in the music industry who currently works at Florida A&M University, exemplifies these characteristics as she tells her life story and music career with excitement and determination.

Malone’s path began in high school, where her passion for music first blossomed. She followed her aspirations throughout college, but her path was not without challenges.

“I was supposed to sign to Sony that summer[after high school], but I ended up getting drugged… and it really changed my life,” Malone said.

After this, Malone states that her recovery was a slow-moving process, trying to take care of herself while searching for her way in music again. While her focal point in life has always been music, Malone’s narrative extends beyond that. She is upfront about her mental health issues, discussing how support has helped her on the road to recovery.

“Music never left my heart, I’ve done some shows and different things, but now I’m close to 100% myself,” Malone said.

Malone emphasizes that her fight at the time was with staying sane rather than her pursuit of music. She explained that being able to receive support from those closest to her is what built up her strength, and continues to

do so. She also makes sure to thank God for his part in her development.

“I thank God for not just giving me something that I couldn’t obtain, but giving me something that he prepared me for first,” Malone said.

Malone states that ever since this event, she has and still considers herself disabled in a way, but thanks God that she has improved to the mental state she is in now. Setbacks and delays strained her determination, but Malone remained undeterred, stating that her destiny had been delayed but not denied.

After a 21-year separation from music, Malone is about to release more of her music to the public. ” I think the single We Sharin is really the one that’s going to get me back to where I’ve been trying to go,” Malone said.

Malone says she has prepared herself mentally and physically for her full return to the entertainment industry, and with her new single We Sharin featuring Donell Davis, she feels that this new concept will propel her in the right direction. This song’s catchy spirit dives into the reality of this day and age’s dating pool, emphasizing that the man you may think is only for you, may be telling other women the same thing.

Photo: Picture of Robin Malone Photo Courtesy: Malone

CAMILLE ADRIENNE: INDIE NOIR MARKET

KEEPING BLACK BUSINESSES TOP OF MIND

I

ndie Noir Market is a grassroots "Melanated Merchant Marketplace" in Tampa founded in 2018 by Camille Adrienne, 37. It provides culturally curated experiences that showcase small Black businesses while providing the community safe spaces to support their local vendors and encourage the re-circulation of the Black dollar.

Indie Noir Market was founded to not only help small Black business thrive but also to cultivate the financial foundation for community healing and wealth building.

Despite niche community markets popping up on every corner, diversity is still limited. Indie Noir Market is unapologetically committed to the Black culture experience!

This year, Indie Noir Market is excited to announce the inaugural Black is Gold Festival in the heart of Tampa Bay: Perry Harvey Park on August 24. Celebrate Black Business Month during the ultimate Melenated Market Experience #BIGFEST24 featuring live music, kid zone, Art Walk and More!

ONYX MAGAZINE 25

Creamy Crack

7

26 ONYX MAGAZINE

Juneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops' arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. The Juneteenth flag's red, white and blue represent the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans.

Juneteenth 2024 will occur on Wednesday, June 19.

ONYX READS

ENTERTAINING, INSPIRING, INFORMING BOOKS THAT GIVE YOU IDEAS TO PONDER. SUCCESSFUL BLACK ENTREPRENEURS

DEAR BLACK DADS: WISDOM FOR YOUR JOURNEY TO FATHERHOOD

By Steven S. Rogers Successful Black Entrepreneurs is an insightful collection of Harvard Business School case studies about Black entrepreneurs succeeding in a variety of industries and through different routes, including start-ups, franchising, and acquisitions. The book also recognizes and celebrates Black entrepreneurial excellence, as it takes the reader through the stages of entrepreneurship, including ideation, raising capital, growing the company, and taking it public. In addition to identifying the positive aspects of Black entrepreneurship, the book also uses data, research, and anecdotes to highlight the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, including.

MUSIC IS HISTORY

By Questlove New York Times bestselling Music Is History combines Questlove’s deep musical expertise with his curiosity about history, examining America over the past 50 years. Focusing on the years 1971 to the present, Questlove finds the hidden connections in the American tapes, whether investigating how the blaxploitation era reshaped Black identity or considering the way disco took an assembly-line approach to Black genius. And these critical inquiries are complemented by his own memories as a music fan and the way his appetite for pop culture taught him about America. A history of the last half-century and an intimate conversation with one of music’s most influential and original voices, Music Is History is a singular look at contemporary America.

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By Jamal J. Myrick In 2013, studies showed that more than 72% of children in the African-American community were born to absent fathers—and that the lack of a male role model for said children is an express train right to prison, continuing the cycle. Dear Black Dads: Wisdom For Your Journey To Fatherhood aims to combat these outdated stereotypes and offer real perspectives from real Black dads who are looking to create new narratives for the Black community through fatherhood. This labor of love is for the Black male who's looking for encouragement and light for one of the biggest roles in their lives.

I HUMBLY SUBMIT

By Ebony Kenney This collection of affirmations was collected over a twoweek mission trip to Rwanda, my first time to the continent, on the heels of a broken relationship and on the cusp

of the next phase of my journey into self-awareness and acceptance. As I watched the people of the lovely country, I noticed their resolve and their strength, as they completed their daily activities, were steeped in gratitude. In those moments of observation, I received an idea from a divine place. I am loved, I am ordained and I belong on this planet at this time (and I Humbly Submit reflects that.)

STORM: DAWN OF A GODDESS: MARVEL

By Tiffany D. Jackson Before she was the superhero Storm of Marvel’s X-Men, she was Ororo of Cairo—a teenaged thief on the streets of Egypt, until her growing powers catch the eye of a villain who steals people’s souls. An epic origin story that will blow you away, from the New York Times bestselling author of Monday’s Not Coming. In her first speculative novel, New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson casts a breathtaking spell with one of Marvel’s most beloved characters and brings the superhero Storm to life as you’ve never seen her before.

FOR MAMA, WHO FORGOT WHO SHE WAS… STORIES ABOUT AN AMAZING WOMAN WHO OVERCAME EVERYTHING EXCEPT DEMENTIA

By Sharon Fletcher-Jones his collection of narratives speaks to who my mother was, how she lived and how she loved. Now written in memoriam, the book’s original title was “For Mama, For When She Forgets Who She Is” and was intended to help her navigate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It was also meant to help those of us who knew and loved her to better cope with her physical and mental decline. Some of the stories are funny while others are sad. However, most of them are inspiring, I hope. In writing this book, I wanted to capture the essence of the woman-child, lioness-queen who was Margaret Leslie Jones Gatling. I wanted to record everything I could about this woman who always used her superpowers for good.

T

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ENVIRONMENT

FORECASTERS WARN:

2024 COULD BE A HISTORICAL HURRICANE SEASON HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS.

BY GREG PADGETT

A

s the world grapples with increasingly severe weather patterns and the impacts of climate change become more evident, it is crucial to ensure that individuals and communities are adequately prepared for the upcoming hurricane season and there is reason to take note.

In the past few months, researchers and forecasters have issued grime warnings—the 2024 Hurricane Season will be extremely active due to several environmental factors that will likely cause a record number of storms to form. Unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and the setup of La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean Basin provide the perfect conditions for increased tropical activity which ultimately increases the likelihood of impacts in Florida, the most vulnerable state in the U.S. Hurricanes and any tropical system can bring devastating winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding—posing significant risks to life, property, and infrastructure. To plan for these risks and enhance resilience, proactive preparation is key.

Here are some essential steps to prepare your family and community for hurricane season: 1. Create a Family Emergency Plan: Developing a comprehensive family emergency plan is essential for ensuring everyone's safety during a hurricane.

This plan should include evacuation routes, designated meeting points, communication strategies, and emergency contacts. Assign specific responsibilities to each family member to ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

The most important item I recommend for your disaster kit is a solar cell phone charger!

2. Build an Emergency Kit: Assemble a wellstocked emergency kit that includes essential supplies to sustain you and your family for at least three days. This kit should include non-perishable food, water, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, cash, important documents, and any specific items for infants, elderly family members, or pets.

3. Secure Your Home: Take proactive measures to secure your home and property against hurricane damage. Trim trees and branches, secure loose outdoor items, reinforce windows and doors, install storm shutters or plywood, and consider investing in a generator for backup power. Ensure that your insurance policies are up to date and provide adequate coverage for hurricane-related damages.

4. Stay Informed: Stay informed about approaching hurricanes and potential evacuation orders by monitoring weather forecasts and official communications from local authorities. Sign up for

MORE RESOURCES • National Hurricane Center: Provides real-time updates, forecasts, and information on hurricane preparedness and safety.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Offers comprehensive resources, guides, and tools for hurricane preparedness, response, and most importantly – information

on how to register and qualify for disaster aid if impacted by a storm.

• American Red Cross: Provides information on hurricane preparedness, emergency kits, evacuation planning, and shelter locations.

• Ready.gov: Offers practical tips, checklists, and resources

for preparing for hurricanes and other emergencies.

• Your Local Emergency Management Agency: Contact your local emergency management agency for specific information, resources, and guidance tailored to your area including determining if you are in a hurricane storm surge risk area.

emergency alerts and notifications from your local government or emergency management agencies. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelter locations in your area.

5. Evacuation Planning: If you live in a hurricane-prone area or a designated storm surge evacuation zone, have a plan in place for evacuating safely. Determine your evacuation route in advance, arrange transportation if needed, and don’t forget your pets. Follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities promptly and evacuate to a safe location outside of the storm's path. In Florida, emergency managers suggest you should only evacuate out of storm surge zones to a hurricane-fortified structure like a shelter or hotel. It is not recommended to evacuate hundreds of miles out of town.

6. Prepare Your Business: If you own a business, take steps to protect your employees, customers, and assets during hurricane season.

Develop a business continuity plan that outlines essential functions, backup systems, and communication protocols. Secure important documents and data, implement measures to safeguard your property, and ensure that employees are trained in emergency procedures.

7. Community Preparedness: Engage with your community and neighbors to promote collective preparedness and resilience. Participate in local preparedness events, volunteer with community organizations, and support vulnerable populations in your area. Collaborate with local authorities and emergency management agencies to develop community-wide preparedness initiatives and response plans. Don’t forget to check on the elderly and anyone who lives by themselves.

Greg Padgett is an award-winning meteorologist and disaster preparedness advocate focusing on the needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities. He currently serves as the Director of External Affairs for the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management and has penned the Environmental column for ONYX Magazine.

ONYX MAGAZINE 31

THE QUAD

B-CU HOSTS T MALE EMPOWERMENT SYMPOSIUM

Bethune-Cookman University Acting President and Provost Dr. William Berry (far left) and Dean of Students Jermaine McKinney ('96, far right) pose with male students at this year's Suits and Sneakers empowerment breakfast.

en years ago, Bethune-Cookman University’s Dean of Students and Executive Director of Civic Engagement Jermaine McKinney (‘96) was struggling with the disparity between male and female student enrollment on campus. At the time, he was over the university’s male development initiative and said he was trying to find ways to “empower our young men to be a better version of themselves,” he said.

And thus, the Male Empowerment Symposium was born. Held this year from April 15-17, the annual capstone initiative of the Student Affairs department is charged with bridging the gap when it comes to black males in college. The department collaborates with athletes and public figures from around the country to give the young men tangible examples of the success they can achieve if they stay the course.

This year’s events line-up kicked off with the Suits and Sneakers empowerment breakfast, which featured Dr. Charles Gibbs, CEO of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the Propel Center HBCU Consortium president in Atlanta, GA. Later that evening, the summit hosted a Barbershop Conversations panel, featuring leaders from the male Greek letter organizations. The next day, the men took to the Daytona Beach Municipal Golf Course for a day on the green that centered around the themes of growth, opportunity, life, and fulfillment. The summit concluded with a chapel service featuring Reverend Roy Johnson, the international grand chaplain for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., as the keynote speaker.

UF FIRST TO ELIMINATE DEI PROGRAMS

T

he University of Florida has eliminated positions affiliated with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and closed its office devoted to diversity, according to an administrative memo, in the latest example of the state’s efforts to eliminate DEI initiatives from public institutions. The university is the first in Florida to eliminate these programs.

In January, the State Board of Education implemented strict regulations to limit the use of public funds for DEI programs, activities, and policies in the Florida College System (FCS). The rule adopted by the Board defined, for the first time, DEI and affirmatively prohibits FCS institutions from using state or federal funds to administer programs that categorize individuals based on race or sex for the purpose of differential or preferential treatment. The Board's decision will ensure that taxpayer funds can no longer be used to promote DEI on Florida’s 28 state college campuses.

The State Board of Education also replaced the course "Principles of Sociology" with a comprehensive general education core course in American History. The aim is to provide students with an accurate and factual account of the nation's past, rather than exposing them to radical woke ideologies, which had become commonplace in the now replaced course.

32 ONYX MAGAZINE

Florida remains committed to providing our students with a worldclass education rooted in the pursuit of truth, rather than biased indoctrination, which is why the state’s higher education system has been ranked #1 in the nation for seven consecutive years by the U.S. News & World Report. – Florida Department of Education

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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

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH The

RIPPLE EFFECT of Mental Illness

Having a mental illness can make it challenging to live everyday life and maintain recovery. Beyond the individual, these challenges ripple out through our families, our communities, and our world.

People with serious mental illness have an increased risk for chronic disease, like diabetes or cancer

At least 8.4 million Americans provide care to an adult with an emotional or mental illness

21% of unhoused people experience serious mental illness

34% of U.S. adults with mental illness also have a substance use disorder

Rates of cardiometabolic disease are twice as high in adults with serious mental illness

Caregivers spend an average of 32 hours per week providing unpaid care

Depressive disorders are the #1 cause of hospitalization for people aged <18 after excluding those related to pregnancy and birth

20% of U.S. Veterans experience mental illness

Psychosis spectrum and mood disorders lead to nearly 600k hospitalizations per year for people aged 18-44

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide

Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources. Find citations for this resource at nami.org/mhstats

34 ONYX MAGAZINE

Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity

SMART CONSUMER

“The data tells us that Americans – no matter who they are – are uncertain about the sustainability of their financial lives. However, making small, incremental changes can help you accomplish your financial goals, and become more open and honest about your money habits,” says Michael Liersch, head of Advice and Planning for Wells Fargo.

MONEY WOES

WHY ANXIETY, DISHONESTY AND EVASION ARE SO COMMON WHERE MONEY IS CONCERNED

A

new survey suggests that while consumers are decreasing their spending to get by in the current economy, they harbor some anxieties and are struggling to improve their approach to money management.

The inaugural “Wells Fargo Money Study” surveyed American adults and teens to uncover candid truths about their current finances, money stories, personal goals and other issues related to their attitudes toward money.

One overarching theme to the findings is that complicated emotions and money often go hand-in-hand. Americans are worried about money and for many, these concerns began at a young age. More than two-thirds of adults worry about money and over half of teens do.

What’s more, many people reported feeling embarrassed, judged and overfocused on the subject. Some even admitted that money created tension in their family and relationships. At the same time, money is a subject that most Americans attempt to avoid. Up to two-thirds are reluctant to talk about money, four out of five regard it as a private topic, and most Americans say it’s harder to talk about than religion, politics or death.

Up to one-third of all those surveyed say they have lied about their money.

And among teens, half confess they have lied about how much they spend.

The good news? While money anxieties, and some not so positive habits are common, Americans remain optimistic about where their money stories are heading and believe there are solutions to helping them make improvements. Large majorities of respondents say they would value help from their bank in being more intentional and thoughtful about their spending, and in aligning their choices with their values. Most of those surveyed also see their bank as a potential source of education on financial subjects.

With nearly half of Americans seeking support in the form of ideas for improving their situation, along with ways to plan, envision and map out the future, and nearly one-fifth of Americans valuing technology solutions that simplify money management, tools like LifeSync in the Wells Fargo mobile app are meeting consumers where they are. This app allows users to create and personalize their goals and track their progress. It also offers financial snapshots, allowing users to view their account summary and FICO Score at the touch of the button, and provides market commentary, tailored insights and other content that can inspire smart decisions and a new approach to finances.

For additional survey insights, visit sites.wf.com/wfmoneystudy.

Statepoint Media

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: •

Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency

•

Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate

•

Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

ONYX MAGAZINE 35

F A M I LY

ALL IN

THE FAMILY SEVERAL GENERATIONS LIVING UNDER ONE ROOF IS MAKING A COMEBACK.

36 ONYX MAGAZINE

For more information, including demographic data, multigenerational family stories, and a complete set of recommendations, read the full report at https://www.gu.org/resources/multigenerational-families/.

BENEFITS OF MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLDS The overwhelming majority of Americans living in a multigenerational home (98%) say their household functions successfully, citing various factors that contribute to the success, many of which fall into three categories further delineated in the report: family relationships and interactions, home design and supports and services.

The families also cite many benefits of living together, including: • Enhanced bonds or relationships among family members (79%) • Making it easier to provide for the care needs of one or more family members (79%) • Improved finances for at least one family member (76%) • Positive impacts on personal mental and/ or physical health (76%) • Making it possible for at least one family member to continue school or enroll in job training (71%)

TYPES OF MULTIGENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLDS Multigenerational Households come in all shapes and sizes. A few common types include: Three-Generation: The most common multigenerational household arrangement consists of three generations – typically one or more working-age adults, one or more of their children (who may also be adults), and either aging parent(s) or grandchildren.

Grandfamilies: There are also growing numbers of Grandfamilies – that is, households headed by an older individual or couple who live with grandchildren under age 18.

Two Adult Generations: Most two-generation households consist of parent(s) and child(ren) under the ages of 18 to 22. However, this also includes parents moving in with adult children.

Four-Generation: Once a rarity except in some lower-income ethnic communities, the four- or even five-generation household – parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, adult children, their children – is more commonplace.

Report by Generations United

M

ultigenerational living is once again common in America. After being a norm for many generations, then declining as American families scattered, multigenerational households have grown over the past several decades.

The past 10 years have seen a remarkably large leap in multigenerational living, from 7% of Americans found in our 2011 survey to 26% of Americans in 2021. Most of us are likely either residing in a home with three or more generations, or we know someone who is.

Generations United report Family Matters: Multigenerational Living Is on the Rise and Here to Stay, finds that the number of Americans living in a multigenerational household with three or more generations has nearly quadrupled over the past decade, with a dramatic increase of 271% from 2011 to 2021.

Generations United estimates 66.7 million adults ages 18+ in the U.S. are living in a multigenerational household; that’s more than 1 in 4 Americans. Among those living in a multigenerational household, nearly 6 in 10 (57%) say they started or are continuing to live together because of the COVID19 pandemic and more than 7 in 10 (72%) of those currently living in a multigenerational household plan to continue doing so long-term.

Multigenerational living is here to stay. Therefore, it’s time for America to embrace this phenomenon as commonplace in American life among all socioeconomic levels. We must prepare for a multigenerational family future, examining our policies and approaches to home building and design, family support and care, healthcare, communication, business and service-provision, jobs, and more.

Generations United’s Key Recommendations include: • Increase multigenerational housing stock and affordability.

• Promote multigenerational living as an environmentally friendly housing option.

• Expand access to affordable, high-quality child and adult daycare including co-locating care by developing more intergenerational shared sites.

• Expand paid family leave and flexible work environments.

• Increase access to home- and community-based services and supports.

• Support innovative intergenerational approaches to education at home.

SAGE

STRETCH

YOUR RETIREMENT

BUDGET WAYS SENIORS CAN SAVE ON ENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES

R

etirement may mean you have unlimited time to enjoy each day, but it doesn’t mean you have a budget to match.

You probably already know staying active is essential for aging with grace, so instead of letting limited funds keep you at home, explore some ways you can enjoy your leisure time without breaking the bank.

HIT THE GYM Many fitness centers offer special rates and programs for older adults. Hitting the track or joining a group fitness class are easy ways to socialize while getting some exercise. The discounted membership is also an investment since staying fit is important for physical and mental health.

ENJOY EARLY DINNER DEALS You can still enjoy dining out occasionally, especially if you take advantage of lower-cost meals designed with older adults in mind. Many specials are for meals earlier in the day, which is consistent with a growing trend toward earlier dining. According to Yelp, the number of people eating from 4-6 p.m. has grown 9% (up to 26% from 17% in 2019). Eating earlier promotes better digestion, and earlier meals are often lighter portions for smaller appetites. For example, Cracker Barrel’s Early Dinner Deals feature smaller portions served from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays. Menu items include a variety of homestyle favorites like chicken n’ dumplins, meatloaf, catfish and more.

FAMILY FEATURES

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY Your local library is filled with hours of free entertainment, but it’s not just the kind you’ll find from getting a library card. You can undoubtedly find a book that covers any genre or interest you can name, but most local libraries also offer programming tailored to special interests and the sessions are typically offered for free or at a low cost. It’s an easy, affordable way to pick up a new skill, meet a favorite author, learn about a topic that intrigues you and more.

Other resources to explore include your library’s DVD collection and internet access if you don’t have a computer at home.

NURTURE A GARDEN Tending a garden may seem like a seasonal activity, but you can make it a year-round hobby. Researching and planning is a good way to carry your gardening enthusiasm into the cooler months and you can start seedlings indoors to extend your growing season. While you’re digging into this low-cost pastime, remember the results of your efforts, such as fresh fruits and veggies, can help cut your grocery costs, too.

MIND YOUR MONEY WITH DIY Saving money at the grocery store is just one way you can make DIY projects work for you. There are dozens of other examples of ways you can put your skills and interests to use by passing time doing something you enjoy while benefiting your bank account. If you like to tinker with cars, figure out what repairs you can handle yourself and avoid hefty service fees.

Crafting and sewing might mean you have ready-made gifts for special occasions and a way to repair or repurpose damaged clothing instead of discarding it.

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS You may be surprised by how many places offer discounts for older adults that they don’t readily advertise. In some cases, you’ll find the information on their website or signage, but other times, you may find it easier to just ask. When you’re booking an appointment or checking out, inquire about discounts for older adults, including any restrictions, age requirements, the amount of the discount and other pertinent details. Sometimes the discounts are offered on certain days or for specific services, or they may require you to join a loyalty club to access the discounts. When dining out, many restaurants offer a variety of loyalty perks. Rewards members at Cracker Barrel can earn points, or “Pegs,” on qualifying restaurant and retail purchases. Members can also take advantage of bonus birthday, anniversary and surprise rewards throughout the year.

ONYX MAGAZINE 37

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

STAYING AWARE OF

YOUR HEALTH

MAY AND JUNE PROMOTE HEALTHY LIVING THROUGH AWARENESS MONTHS. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO JUST A FEW WE INCLUDED HERE.

WOMEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS

W

omen’s Health Month serves as a reminder to take care of your overall health and make it a priority in your life. This includes seeking medical help when you need it, but it also involves engaging in preventive care to keep you healthy, like scheduling checkups, examinations, vaccinations, living a healthy lifestyle, and more. Around 15% of women over the age of 18 are in poor health. Women’s Health Month also acts as an opportunity to educate women on the most common risks to their health, the symptoms, the warning signs, and when they should seek medical attention, so they know when something is out of the ordinary.

Common health concerns for women are: breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, physical activity, diet, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

Women’s Health Month is a great time to prioritize your health and to educate yourself further on the most common health risks women face.

It’s also a perfect time to schedule any preventive care appointments, such as screenings, examinations, and tests. – MyAlly Health

MANAGING LUPUS

L

upus is a lifelong disease that can affect many parts of your life. However, many people with lupus live long, healthy lives. You can take steps to control your symptoms, prevent lupus flares and cope with the challenges of lupus: Learn how to tell that a flare is coming; See your doctors regularly; Limit the time you spend in the sun and in fluorescent and halogen light; Get enough sleep and rest; Build a support system made up of people you trust and can go to for help. – Lupus Foundation of America 38 ONYX MAGAZINE

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

T

his year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the Take the Moment campaign. We encourage you to join us in fostering open dialogues, cultivating empathy and understanding. We also urge you to share our resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Through "Take the Moment," we shine a spotlight on NAMI's array of signature programs including: NAMI Basics, NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Family & Friends, NAMI Homefront, NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Support Groups and our invaluable NAMI HelpLine, which is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. - NAMI

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

MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

J

une is National Men’s Health Month, a time to remind men of the health issues they face and what they can do to take charge of their health. Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report symptoms to a health care provider.

Here are some other important facts about men’s health to know: The overall mortality rate is 41 percent higher for men than women, and it’s higher for men for 8 out of 10 leading causes of death—including heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes; 31 percent of men suffer depression in their lifetime and 9 percent of men have daily feelings of depression or anxiety. But

IS UNREGULATED CANNABIS SAFE? FINDING OUT POSES HEALTH RISKS

only 1/4 talk to a mental health professional, and only 1/3 take medication; Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. A man is 2 to 3 times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother or son had it. Talk to your doctor about having PSA and DRE lev-

els checked. Erectile dysfunction affects nearly 30 million men of all ages across the United States.

If you’re having problems, see a urologist and make sure it’s not an early warning sign for something more serious, like heart disease, high blood pressure or high blood sugar. Compiled from Schools of Medicine

PREVENT SKIN CANCER

P

rotection 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 are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several ways to protect your skin when the UV index is 3 or higher: Stay in the shade; Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs; Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck; Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays; Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher; Bonus: Avoid indoor tanning. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ELIMINATE ARTHRITIS PAIN

T

here are many ways to manage arthritis pain. However, no single treatment is guaranteed to produce complete and consistent pain relief, and doctors say many patients have unrealistic expectations about how much improvement medicine can provide. The goal, they say, isn’t necessarily to eliminate all pain, but to learn to manage it so it isn’t the focus of your life—and many nondrug options are available to help you achieve that goal: Eat Well. A mostly plant-based diet can significantly cut inflammation and pain. Stay Active. Regular exercise—about 30 minutes five days per week. Take an (active) Break. Walk or bike after higher intensity workouts. Work on Posture. Ask a physical how to stand, sit and move to prevent problems.

Try Heat and Cold. Heat increases blood flow to painful joints. Cold therapy is best for pain and swelling after exercise. – Arthritis Foundation

T

wo longtime Florida law enforcement officers, now retired, say people are taking a chance with their health and safety when using unregulated marijuana.

“When you get unregulated marijuana, you never know what you're getting,” sums up Lesley “Trey” Miller III, who recently retired after 25 years with the Tampa Police Department as a detective and sergeant in the narcotics unit.

Unregulated marijuana, adds Ken Vila, could be contaminated with pesticides or heavy metals, or laced with heroin, cocaine, or the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Mr. Vila, retired recently after more than 30 years with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He now serves as Florida’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) statewide facilitator.

Recreational marijuana is illegal in Florida, unlike the regulated and legal medical cannabis by state law. But that could change in November 2024 if 60 percent of voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow adults 21 and over to “possess, purchase, or use” up to 3 ounces of marijuana products.

The increased use of cannabis-infused edibles is also a concern for Miller and Vila.

Unregulated but still legal gummies and chocolates, especially those infused with Delta-8 THC, are another growing concern as they are packaged to look like candy. The FDA has issued a warning and cited multiple media reports about “children and adults who accidentally consumed copycat edible products containing THC and experienced adverse events.”

Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University. Visit bit.ly/MMERIMarch2024CoC to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring retired law enforcement officers Lesley “Trey” Miller III and Ken Vila talk about “The Dangers of Unregulated Cannabis Use.” ONYX MAGAZINE 39

R E A L E S TAT E

BOOST YOUR

SALE PRICE

A RECENT REPORT SHOWS THAT LISTING YOUR HOME THIS JUNE MAY RESULT IN A HIGHER SALE AMOUNT.

S

pring home sellers looking to maximize their sale price may want to wait it out and list their home for sale in the first half of June.

A new Zillow® analysis of 2023 sales found that homes listed in the first two weeks of June sold for 2.3% more, a $7,700 boost on a typical U.S. home.

The best time to list consistently had been early May in the years leading up to the pandemic. The shift to June suggests mortgage rates are strongly influencing demand on top of the usual seasonality that brings buyers to the market in the spring. This home-shopping season is poised to follow a similar pattern as that in 2023, with the potential for a second wave if the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates midyear or later.

The sale price premium registered last June followed the first spring in more than 15 years with mortgage rates over 6% on a 30-year fixed-rate loan. The high rates put home buyers on the back foot, and as rates continued upward through May, those prospective buyers were reassessing and less likely to bid boldly. In June, however, rates pulled back a little from 6.79% to 6.67%, which likely presented an opportunity for determined buyers heading into summer. More buyers understood their market position and could afford to transact, boosting competition and sale prices.

"The old logic was that sellers could earn a premium by listing in late spring when their home would be on the top of the pile of listings when search activity was at its peak. Now, with persistently low inventory, mortgage rate fluctuations make their own seasonality," said Zillow Chief Economist Skylar Olsen. "First-time home buyers who are on the edge of qualifying for a home loan may dip in and out of the market, depending on

what's happening with rates. It is almost certain the Federal Reserve will push back any interest-rate cuts to mid-2024 at the earliest. If mortgage rates follow, that could bring another surge of buyers later this year."

Mortgage rates have been impacting affordability and sale prices since they began rising rapidly two years ago. In 2022, sellers nationwide saw the highest sale premium when they listed their home in late March, right before rates barreled past 5% and continued climbing.

Zillow's research finds the best time to list can vary widely by metropolitan area. In 2023, it was as early as the second half of February in San Francisco, and as late as the first half of July in New York. Thirty of the top 35 largest metro areas saw for-sale listings command the highest sale prices between May and early July last year.

Zillow also found a wide range in the sale price premiums associated with homes listed during those peak periods. At the hottest time of the year in San Jose, homes sold for 5.5% more, a $88,000 boost on a typical home. Meanwhile, homes in San Antonio sold for 1.9% more during that same time period.

"Most sellers don't have the luxury of timing the market. The best time to list is when it makes the most sense for their lives," said Olsen. "Regardless of the month, sellers who list their home for sale this spring can expect plenty of interest if their home is marketed and priced right. That's why it's more important than ever to hire a real estate agent with the experience to localize your strategy when comparable sales might be further afield.

Harvesting near record home equity to support your next purchase or retirement is still possible."

Report from Zillow®

 BEST TIME TO LIST YOUR HOME METROPOLITAN AREA

BEST TIME TO LIST

PRICE PREMIUM

DOLLAR BOOST

Miami

First half of June

2.3 %

$12,900

Orlando

First half of June

2.2 %

$8,700

Tampa

Second half of June

2.1 %

$8,000 ONYX MAGAZINE 41

Beyonce announced her album "Country Carter" after the 2024 Super Bowl.

Cou !ry

RE-AWAKENING BLACK ARTISTS’ PIVOT TO COUNTRY MUSIC LEAD TO A NEW APPRECIATION OF THIS GENRE ROOTED IN BLACK HISTORY.

BY PENNY DICKERSON

P

resident Jimmy Carter established Black Music Month in 1979 to celebrate the vast contributions Black artists make to music. This designation uplifted popular artists like Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Night & The Pips, Michael Jackson, and countless others whose careers were catapulted to new heights by signing contracts with major record labels.

The monthly tribute sounds honorable, but Carter never signed a proclamation to make it official.

It would take the determination of acclaimed journalist and community activist Dyana William, who sought assistance from Congressman Chaka Fattah. Together, they lobbied legislation to hold a Black Music Month event at the White House in 1998 during President Bill Clinton's term. Again, the need for an official proclamation halted efforts.

Black Music Month remained entangled in a quagmire of politics until 2009, when President Barack Obama renamed Black Music Month to African American Music

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Appreciation Month. That year, Obama also highlighted the importance of this month and the various genres in Black music, including sacred music, gospel themes, and Black Christian values. Blues and R&B relayed ideas of the homeland and racial integration. African American music is not just music but an integral part of American history.

African American musicians gave birth to several newer genres of music like jazz, rap, funk, Motown, and Hip-Hop. Historically, music not only brought generations together but, in recent decades, became an essential part of the Civil Rights Movement by celebrating the diversity, inclusivity, and the community's impact in shaping cultural conversations in modern America.

However voluminous and profound those conversations may be, they resonate that Black people are absent when the discussion leans toward Country Music. The irony is that the genre was bred by Black people who were from the country and rooted in the evolution of what was once called "Black Hillbilly Music."

Photo released by Parkwood Entertaiment

F E AT U R E

“It's awakened such a discussion, that for a long time, has felt like a closet obsession.”

Royster, an English professor at DePaul University and author of the 2022 book Country Music In a recent History and Culture segment published by National Geographic, Francesca Royster says she remembers waking up the morning after the 2024 Super Bowl to numerous excited text messages from friends: Beyoncé had just dropped two new country-tinged singles, and her forthcoming album—the second act in her purported Renaissance trilogy—would be a celebration of country music.

"It's awakened such a discussion," says Royster, an English professor at DePaul University and author of the 2022 book Country Music. "Students, friends, old friends from college have been calling, wanting to talk about this topic that, for a long time, has felt like a closet obsession."

Beyonce recently became the first Black woman to top the Billboard Country Music Chart for her released hit single, "Texas Hold' Em," in anticipation of her new album released on March 29. While this incredible accomplishment highlights Beyoncé's dedication and talent, it is no coincidence that since the creation of the country chart 76 years ago, a Black woman has never held the top spot on the chart.

Darius Rucker of Rock band Hootie & the Blowfish famously pivoted to country music in 2008, and the musician shared his thoughts regarding Beyonce's making her country debut with Cowboy Carter.

"I'm happy for her. I'm happy for the genre," Rucker, 57, said in an interview with Us Weekly while promoting his upcoming memoir and tour. "The eyes that she brought to country music went up, and that's always a good thing when you have more people watching country music."

Rucker is also a pioneer in the country music space and an advocate for people of color in the genre.

After taking a hiatus from Hootie & the Blowfish and signing with Capitol Nashville in 2008, he made his country debut with Learn to Live. The following year, Rucker became the first Black American to win New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Awards and the second Black person ever to win a CMA, following Country Music great Charley Pride.

A contributing writer to the Harvard Crimson, Michael Country Pioneer Charley Pride F. Bido offered the following in a is the first Black artist to win a March submission titled, Country Country Music Award.

Newcomers Chapel Heart

Darius Rucker pivoted from rock to country music and is the second Black artist to win a Country Music Award.

Music Has a problem: It's Not Beyonce. Bido said, "When we picture the founders of country music, it is imperative to picture enslaved people and African Americans and imagine traditional West African instruments, religious tunes, and work songs. We must envision a genre based in both unity and resistance. Country music is a genre founded, molded, and upheld by the Black community. Starting from the Banjo, an instrument within the lineage of the West African lute, Africans sparked the creation of the genre."

No Country Music conversation can be complete without the inclusion of legends like DeFord Bailey, one of the Grand Ole Opry's most popular early performers and country music's first African American star. Bailey excelled as a harmonica player in both country and blues music. In 1918, he moved to Nashville and accepted various odd jobs while learning jazz, blues, and pop songs from recordings and live shows.

In the 1960s, Charley Pride became country music's first Black superstar. He broke racial and cultural barriers, which led him to a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. His hit-making heyday lasted from 1966 through the 1980s, but his impact remains. In 2020, Pride received the Country Music Association's Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

What isn't often acknowledged is how Black singers across all genres have historically dabbled in country music. Beyoncé is by no means the first. Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Bobby Womack, Ester Philips, Otis Williams, Millie Jackson, and Tina Turner have recorded country albums. More recently, rap and R&B artists Ludacris, LL Cool J, Nelly, and Snoop Dogg have each collaborated with country music superstars. Even so, the misconception of Black people being innately averse to country music has stubbornly persisted throughout the years.

"Listeners, musicians, and executives actively, whether consciously or not, contribute to Black exclusion," said Bido. "Beyoncé is no stranger to this rejection, yet she continues to break the boundaries of the Country industry, defy expectations and records, and produce music with an irreplaceable impact and legacy."

Penny Dickerson is an independent journalist with full-time stints as managing editor of The Miami Times and innovation/entrepreneur reporter for Jacksonville Business Journal. Penny has been awarded seven fellowships with a focused lens on ethnic communities, poverty and health care equity. She writes feature stories for ONYX Magazine.

ONYX MAGAZINE 43

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS,

BIG IMPACT WHY SMALL BUSINESSES ARE SO ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMY.

W

BY RAECHEL DUPLAIN

hat comes to mind when you think of small businesses? Maybe the family-run restaurant in town. Maybe your colleague has set up an Etsy shop that makes them an extra couple hundred a month. Surely the big-name brands dominate the marketplace, right?

Small businesses have a much bigger impact than you might initially think. Nearly half of U.S. employees work for small businesses and even the turbulence of recent years hasn’t slowed down the small business economy—last year alone, over 5 million new businesses were created. It’s undeniable that the US economy has a lot to thank small businesses for.

While economic uncertainty, mass redundancies, and the changes in priorities people experienced post-pandemic led to many people setting up on their own in recent years, digital transformation has also supported the

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rise in small businesses. Digital marketing, online shopping, remote working, and continued digital transformation have helped self-employed people and small businesses to operate successfully.

So, how important are small businesses to the economy?

3 REASONS SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ESSENTIAL TO OUR ECONOMY Small businesses are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy as they create new opportunities. That’s new opportunities for jobs, new opportunities for innovation, and new opportunities to serve niche communities. Operating with agility and the ability to adapt quickly, small businesses have an important role to play in society.

BUSINESS 1. SMALL BUSINESSES DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH In 2023, with the onset of a recession as a stark reminder of how important a growing economy is, small businesses played an essential role in keeping things running smoothly as they are responsible for 44% of U.S. economic activity. This economic success doesn’t only benefit business owners but also leads to team expansion and new roles.

In fact, 62% of the new jobs created between 1995 and 2020 were created by small businesses—more than large enterprises!

That’s a staggering impact that benefits the people in the local community. As well as supporting the local community with the creation of jobs, small businesses often source their supplies from the local community, boosting the local economy once again. This is an easily traceable and low carbon footprint supply chain that larger businesses that operate on mass just can’t compete with.

Speaking of large enterprises, small businesses keep them on their toes. While well-known brands tend to have better brand awareness, recognition, and trust, small businesses are still strong competition. They have a unique perspective that drives innovation and are more personable, enabling them to build strong relationships with customers. Due to small businesses innovating, large enterprises have to innovate too if they want to maintain their market share. This produces better options for the target market all around.

2. SMALL BUSINESSES OFFER A DIVERSE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES By nature, large enterprises operate on a large scale. So, they won’t implement changes unless it is appealing to a broad customer base and viable across area-wide, state-wide, nationwide, or even international locations. They are often limited to being generalists meaning they can’t appeal to the locals in the same way small businesses can. That’s a major pitfall as about 50% of customers have switched to a competitor that was more relevant and met their needs better.

Small businesses can leverage the power of niching by focusing on meeting the needs of, marketing to attract, and nurturing their relationship with a specific target audience. That could be a local community with specific needs that brand names aren’t meeting. Or they could leverage globalization and digital transformation by appealing to a niche market that doesn’t have large numbers locally but does on a wider scale and will interact with the business online.

A niche market that has grown in demand recently is eco-conscious shoppers. Big supermarkets tend to be slow in the uptake of new innovations like sustainable products. But by looking online these consumers can find plenty of options for making their home more eco-friendly such as Bee’s Wrap, which offers sustainable food storage options to cut down on plastic usage.

Specificity is profitable. You only have to look at the rise of personalized marketing, enabled by the technological development of data-driven segmentation, as evidence of this. In the age of information that can lead

to marketing overwhelm, direct marketing that speaks to a certain niche cuts through the noise. By adding diversity to the products and services on the market, small businesses give consumers the power of choice.

3. SMALL BUSINESSES ARE RESILIENT AND ADAPTIVE Small businesses can use their small scale to their advantage. They can adapt to changes in the market, come up with an action plan for overcoming economic downturns, and meet new demands with speed and efficiency that isn’t possible in a large enterprise.

This agility was put to the test during the Covid-19 pandemic. While 9.1 million jobs were lost in the first two quarters of 2020, small businesses created 5.5 million jobs in the following four quarters, recovering 60% of jobs lost. That’s quite the bounce back, and it shows how well small businesses can adapt to new circumstances and return to serving their customers.

For example, one battery company had only 50 employees at the onset of the pandemic. They were able to keep all of them working by using the equipment they had to operate in the battery sector to start making face shields which they sold through an e-commerce website. It was a massive success that led to sales of 6,000 face shields a day.

Such adaptability leads to a high level of resilience. It’s not just once-ina-lifetime pandemics that resilience protects the business against, but the fast pace of technological developments as well. To keep up with innovation and continue to meet customer expectations, digital transformation is a commitment all businesses need to make and small businesses have the advantage of implementing developments much faster.

There is no time like the present to be a small business owner. Thanks to digitalization, it’s possible to set up a venture with little investment, just a laptop. Potential clients are more responsive to working with small businesses with the rise of remote working and reliance on innovative digital tools, leading to a change in working styles and expectations.

Digital marketing is an accessible way to get customers and digital tools help businesses to deliver an excellent customer experience. For example, our text marketing tool. Globalization means small businesses can niche down to compete with large enterprises without losing out on numbers.

The bravery of entrepreneurs who are willing to set up on their own is very much needed as the U.S. economy relies on small businesses for jobs, economic growth, and competition to drive development maintaining the power of choice and high standards for consumers. Their adaptability positions small businesses as leaders in innovation and resilience against change.

Has all this got you tempted to start your own small business? Learn everything you need to know to turn your idea into a thriving business—a win for you and the economy. Explore Beginners’ Guide to Starting a Business at podium.com.

Raechel Duplain is an experienced content, marketing, and business professional at Podium, the premiere marketing and communications platform for local businesses.

ONYX MAGAZINE 45

SMART TIPS

PEDIS PROTECTION HOW TO KEEP FEET AND ANKLES IN TIP TOP SHAPE THIS SUMMER.

S

ummer fun and chores alike come with potential hazards to feet. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, here’s how to protect feet and ankles from the most common seasonal hazards:

BE DIY SAFE

WEAR SUNSCREEN

Wear proper gear—sturdy shoes, hat, light clothing, sunscreen—while working in the yard this summer.

LIMIT FLIMSY FOOTWEAR

While it’s nice to let feet breathe in flip flops and they’re a great choice for locker rooms and pools to avoid fungus and athlete’s foot, they shouldn’t be your main footwear of choice all summer. Flip flops lack arch support and stability, so wearing them too often can cause stress on the plantar fascia—the band of tissue extending from the heel to the base of the toes. This can result in plantar fasciitis, causing heel pain upon getting up in the morning and after inactivity. To avoid developing issues, which can take a long time to treat and subside, consider wearing structured sandals with proper shock absorption and arch support. If you can’t live without flip flops, wear them sparingly to keep your feet in good shape. And if you’ll be traveling, pack tennis shoes for sightseeing, hikes and other weight-bearing activities.

Many people skip their feet when applying sunscreen, but did you know that the skin on your feet is highly susceptible to melanoma? In fact, it’s the most diagnosed and fatal site of this form of skin cancer. Other types of skin cancer can also be found on the foot, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma. To keep your feet safe this summer: • Lather up with sunscreen from head to toe—literally.

• Check your feet and toes regularly for abnormal looking moles or freckles, even under toenails and on your soles. Promptly schedule an appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon to have suspicious marks examined.

• Schedule routine exams so your foot and ankle surgeon can track suspicious, changing marks. Early detection is key.

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BE MINDFUL OF DIABETES

People living with diabetes should never go barefoot, because their nervous system may not “feel” an injury and their circulatory system will struggle to heal breaks in the skin.

“Most patients living with diabetes know they shouldn’t walk barefoot but can be more inclined to disregard this precaution in summer. However third-degree burns on the soles of feet can occur in a matter of minutes,” says Dr. Dairman.

This summer, be smart. Take care of your feet so they take care of you. If you suffer a foot and ankle injury this summer, visit FootHealthFacts.org for valuable foot and ankle health information and to find a physician near you.

StatePoint Media

DIY projects like power washing, roofing and decking require ramped up safety measures. Always wear closedtoed shoes with traction to prevent injuries, splinters, puncture wounds and falls. Mowing can be particularly hazardous. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates more than 37,000 Americans suffer a power mower-related injury annually.

“Lawnmower blades whirl at 3,000 revolutions per minute. Yet we see patients who’ve been hurt operating a mower barefoot,” said Matthew Dairman, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “Foot injuries range from dirty, infection-prone lacerations to severed tendons to amputated toes. People need to take lawn mowing safety seriously because the injuries can, indeed, be very serious.”

To avoid becoming a statistic, follow these sensible guidelines: • Don’t mow a wet lawn. Losing control from slipping on rain-soaked grass is the leading cause of foot injuries caused by power mowers.

• Wear heavy shoes or work boots—no sneakers or sandals.

• Never pull a running mower backward.

• Keep the clip bag attached during operation to prevent projectile injuries.

• Use a mower with a release mechanism that automatically shuts it off when hands let go.

• Always keep children away during mowing.

• If an accident occurs, even a minor one, consult a foot and ankle surgeon right away.

BLACK e h T OPRY ROOTS

KEEPING THE ROOTS OF COUNTRY MUSIC TOP OF MIND.

T

he Black Opry was started in April 2021 by Holly G., a writer and flight attendant from Virginia. She was inspired to create a website dedicated to Black country music singers, in response to a study done by a musicologist which found that fewer than one percent of artists played on country radio in the preceding 20 years were artists of color. She began contacting various Black country artists through social media platforms to help raise awareness of their music. Holly G. has stated that she was inspired by Color Me Country, a podcast hosted by Black country singer Rissi Palmer which also discusses country music artists of color. Holly G. also cited as inspiration an incident in February 2021, when a recording of country singer Morgan Wal-

len using the racial slur nigger was publicized, leading to criticism and increased discussion of racial roles within country music.

The intent of the Black Opry is to allow Black country music artists to tour and perform. The Black Opry lists Black artists in the genre through its website, and through national tours under the name Black Opry

Revue. In mid-2021, Holly G. and the Black Opry hosted a five-day concert focused on Black country artists, which included acts such as Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks. This was followed in September 2021 by the first performance under the Black Opry Revue name at New York City's Rockwood Music Hall. Tylar Bryant, Lizzie No, Roberta Lea, Joy Clark, and Jett Holden performed at this event. The Black Opry Revue also performed at Exit/In in Nashville, Tennessee, in December 2021 with Canadian singer Allison Russell. In February 2022, the Revue performed in Chicago and Washington, D.C. The Black Opry held a firstanniversary party at City Winery in Nashville on April 18, 2022. This party was sponsored by the television network CMT.

ONYX MAGAZINE 47

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

MAKING ENOUGH?

TWO STUDIES SHOW HOW MUCH MONEY YOU NEED TO MAKE FOR A BASIC OR COMFORTABLE LIFESTYLE.

N

ew data shows how much money a person needs to make to support themselves and their family in Florida. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) created living wage calculator in 2003, to estimate the living wage that a full-time worker needs to cover the costs of their family’s basic needs where they live, reported by Tampa’s WFLA. MIT updated the data for the living wage calculator in February 2024 and looked at the costs of eight components of basic need: childcare, civic engagement, food, health care, housing, internet & mobile, transportation, and other necessities.

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According to MIT’s living wage calculator, the required annual income before taxes for a single adult in Florida is $46,645 or $22.43 an hour. A single adult with one child will need to make at least $77,515 a year, the tool showed.

However, if you want to maintain a “comfortable lifestyle,” a study from SmartAsset showed that single working adults in Florida would need to double their income and make $44.86 an hour or $93,309 a year. The average Florida worker makes $55,980 or $26.91 per hour, according to Forbes Advisor.

To define “comfortable,” SmartAsset used the 50/30/20 budget rule, which recommends spend-

ing about 50% of your income on basic needs like food and housing, 30% on wants and putting away the remainder toward savings or paying off debt.

While cost of living premiums and inflation metrics capture the price increases in goods and services, they do not necessarily account for all the additional costs needed to live comfortably—such as a buffer from the stress of living paycheck to paycheck.

The 50/30/20 budget recommends that for sustainable comfort, 50% of your salary should be allocated to your needs, such as housing, groceries and transportation; 30% toward wants like entertainment and hobbies; and 20% toward

paying off debt, saving or investing. Applying the local cost of necessities and taxes to this rule, we can derive the pre-tax salary needed to live comfortably in 99 U.S. cities.

KEY FINDINGS IN THE SMARTASSETS STUDY On average, an individual needs $96,500 for sustainable comfort in a major U.S. city. This includes being able to pay off debt and invest for the future. It is even more expensive for families who need to make an average combined income of about $235,000 to support two adults and two children without the pressure of living paycheck to paycheck.

MORE ABOUT THE 50/30/20 BUDGET RULE? The 50/30/20 budget breaks your money up into three basic divisions: needs, wants and debt/ savings. Parceling up your costs in this way can help you understand where your money is going more precisely.

You will start by calculating your monthly take-home pay. This is your salary minus taxes.

If you have a health insurance plan or retirement contributions deducted from your paycheck, add those back in. Now you know your monthly pay, let’s divvy it up according to the budget.

It is important to note that the 50/30/20 budget assumes you bring home roughly the same amount of money each month. If your income is less stable from month to month, you may want to find a budgeting method that works better for your situation.

50%

OF YOUR BUDGET FOR NEEDS

Divide your monthly pay in half. That number is the amount of money you will allocate for needs.

Housing, utilities, health insurance, groceries, transportation and prescriptions all count as needs. Some debt is considered a need as well, such as credit card payments or car payments.

If you miss payments, your credit score’s negatively impacted. Other needs include child support and alimony. Missing payments for either will get you in hot water. Therefore, it is a need.

But that’s not an exhaustive list. If you are not sure what is a need versus a want, consider the impact if you take it away. Health insurance, for example, is a need because you will incur fines if you forgo coverage. Plus, it is essential for your wellness. Trickier situations, such as whether your cell phone is a need or a want, take more thought. It might be a need but own-

ing anything above a base model cell phone and basic phone plan tilts more toward a want.

“People don’t realize that many of their needs are really classified as wants (such as cable and morning lattes) and they may blow this ratio quickly,” said Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert. She suggests starting “by making an honest assessment of your spending and look for ways to improve and cut back.”

30%

OF YOUR BUDGET FOR WANTS

Now for the fun stuff: wants. Multiply your monthly take-home pay by 0.3 to find the amount you have in this category. A want is anything that is not a basic need to survive. Vacations, cable and Netflix, gym memberships, and dining out all count as wants. Salon visits and clothes shopping are part of the category, as well. Where the line gets fuzzy is with expenses you may consider essential, but in reality, could live without: this could mean high-speed internet or leasing a fuel-heavy car.

With the 50/30/20 budget, you allocate a larger percentage of your money for wants versus savings. You may want to change your allocations if your goal is to build wealth or pay down debt as fast as possible.

20%

OF YOUR BUDGET FOR DEBT/SAVINGS

To find what you should set aside for debt and savings, multiply your take-home pay by 0.2. For example, if your paycheck after taxes is $3,200 a month, you’d put aside $640 for debt and savings ($3,200 x 0.2). Savings include retire-

ment accounts, emergency funds and whatever other financial goals you have. Woroch even recommends you “put [your] savings away first before paying for other luxuries.” A savings calculator can help you see how this money will grow over time.

As for debt, this category includes student loans or other debt you want to put extra money toward paying off. While the “needs” category may have included a large portion of your essential must-pay debt (such as your credit card), this money is for any extra payments you can make once you put aside retirement or health savings account funds.

BOTTOM LINE You don’t have to feel tied to the 50/30/20 rule.

If you want to tweak it to your personal financial goals, you can absolutely do so. While you probably do not want to dip below saving 50% for needs, you can always scale back wants and add more to your savings. On the flip side, if you are debt-free and have healthy savings, perhaps you can allow yourself more wants. Or, perhaps you add a percentage for charitable contributions.

Whatever your financial goals are, remember that making a plan is the best way to meet them.

Finally, Woroch cautions against jumping into the plan too quickly. While saving 20% may not seem like a lot, you might surprise yourself.

“Take it step by step though because it’s a lot easier to adjust to small changes than to a complete life overhaul.”

Compiled from stories by Katlyn Brieskorn, WFLA - Tampa; Nina Semczuk, CEPF®, SmartAsset; Jaclyn DeJohn, Smart Asset.

ONYX MAGAZINE 49

PERSPECTIVE

LINDA MARTELL COUNTRY MUSIC PIONEER

THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO PERFORM AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY SERVES AS AN INSPIRATION ON BEYONCÉ’S “COWBOY CARTER”

BY WILLIAM NASH 50 ONYX MAGAZINE

O

ne of the most impressive parts of Beyoncé’s new album, “Cowboy Carter,” is her roster of collaborators, which includes rising country artist Shaboozey alongside country superstars Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.

But to me, the most important guest voice is the one least likely to be familiar to Beyoncé’s listeners: Linda Martell, the first commercially successful Black female country music artist.

Two tracks on “Cowboy Carter,” “Spaghettii” and “The Linda Martell Show,” include spoken word commentary from Martell. By giving Martell a platform, Beyoncé simultaneously gives credit to her predecessor while staking her own place in the country music tradition.

I’ve previously written about how the categories of race and genre have long restrained country musicians.

“Spaghettii,” Martell confronts the conundrums of genre: “Genres are a funny little concept, aren’t they?. … In theory, they have a simple little definition that’s easy to understand. But in practice, well, some may feel confined.”

Confinement was the essence of Martell’s brief musical career – and it’s the exact sort of fate that Beyoncé has sought to avoid as she has moved from bubblegum pop singer to Afrofuturist oracle and country music scion.

Shared through a creative commons license with TheConversation.

‘A TRUE FEELING FOR A COUNTRY LYRIC’ Linda Martell’s rapid ascendancy to prominence as a country musician and her equally precipitous decline offer a lesson about the challenges Black artists faced in the 1970s.

Born in South Carolina, Martell first began to sing as a child, forming a group with her sisters that performed R&B and gospel songs. After the sisters parted ways artistically, Martell often performed as a solo act.

During a performance at Charleston Air Force Base in 1969, Duke Rayner, Martell’s soon-to-be agent, was in the audience.

Rayner, who believed Martell could be “a female Charley Pride,” persuaded her to try her hand at country music.

Having recently released the hit “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me),” Pride was proving that Black country music artists could succeed.

For a time, Martell was similarly popular.

She went to Nashville, Tennessee, to record a country version of “Color Him Father,” a soul song

NO MARGIN FOR ERROR

by The Winstons that had hit No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year. Martell’s version reached No. 22 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles – the highest position any Black woman had reached on that chart until Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuted at No. 1 in February 2024.

Martell followed that single with a Country Top 40 album, “Color Me Country.” One reviewer proved Rayner’s prophecy correct, opining: “Linda impresses as a female Charley Pride. She has a terrific style and a true feeling for a country lyric.”

Martell’s success opened doors for her in Nashville.

She was invited to join a host of country artists on tour, including Waylon Jennings and Hank Snow.

She also appeared on country television shows such as “Hee Haw.” Most importantly, Martell was the first Black woman to debut as a solo artist at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s weekly live music program that has been the most important venue for country artists since the late 1920s. Over the next five years, she made 11 subsequent appearances on the stage of “the Mother Church of country music.”

More than once, Martell sang her songs to audiences that shouted back racial slurs. Reflecting on the experiences in 2021, she noted, “You’re trying to entertain and be called a name very, very loudly in a club or arena and try to get through the song without crying.”

For all the pain and anger she felt, Martell didn’t dare react to the taunts, though she often wondered why people couldn’t “just sit there and enjoy the music.”

Martell also faced thinly veiled racism from the people who were supposed to be promoting her career.

Producer Shelby Singleton, who signed Martell, didn’t release “Color Me Country” on his SSI label, opting instead to record her on a subsidiary label, Plantation Records.

While he promoted Martell for a time, when one of his white artists, Jeanne C. Riley, recorded the smash hit “Harper Valley PTA,” Singleton threw all of his energy and attention behind Riley.

With her record company promoting what essentially amounted to a one-hit wonder at her expense, Martell tried to switch labels.

Singleton responded by essentially blackballing her in Nashville, ensuring no other label would sign her. Martell all but disappeared from the public eye by 1974.

She tried returning to R&B, but her career ultimately fizzled.

KICKING OPEN DOORS In the 2005 documentary “Waiting in the Wings,” Martell offers words of advice for any who would follow in her footsteps: “A woman of color, if you go into country music – if the record stations don’t play you, you’re not going anywhere. Brace yourself. But don’t give up.”

Martell’s industry exile resonates with one element of “Cowboy Carter,” in particular.

Beyoncé has said that she made the album, in part, as a response to a time when she “felt excluded.” She has never said when, exactly, that time was, but I think she could well be alluding to her performance of “Daddy Lessons” with the Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.

Members of the audience were cool to her presence, at best; one country music mainstay, Alan Jackson, got up from the front row and walked out in the middle of the song.

With “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé has triumphantly returned, kicking the doors open and marching through them with Martell proudly by her side, giving the 82-year-old country star the recognition that has long eluded her.

Beyoncé seems to know that no cultural box can contain her, and I see “Cowboy Carter” as a revolutionary album because Beyoncé is paving the way for more musicians to take creative risks, to refuse to be pigeonholed and to break the artificial boundaries of genre.

ONYX MAGAZINE 51

ONYX ON THE MOVE

Photos of Scouts board members and award winners.

BOY SCOUT DINNER HONORS LEADERS The Boy Scout Golden Eagle Dinner is the annual fundraising event that helps make Scouting happen in Central Florida. It brings together the business, civic and political leaders of our community to share the story of Scouting’s impact on our youth. This year, nearly 800 people attended on April 23 at the Kia Center to hear from local Scouts and the impact Scouting is having on over 17,000 youth in Central Florida.

Scouting continues to be one of the best organizations at instilling character and leadership skills in our young people to help develop them to lead a life of impact and purpose. The event raised more than $800,000 from sponsors and guests.

DISNEY DREAMERS ACADEMY The 100 teens at Walt Disney World Resort for Disney Dreamers Academy were treated to a rousing and heartfelt commencement ceremony Sunday, creating a magical ending to a week filled with inspiring empowerment

ORLANDO SHAKES PRESENTS… ONYX Magazine sponsored a production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ in April, hosting nearly 200 community members to a light dinner and a show. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical also won the Drama Desk award for Outstanding Musical. This delightful Broadway revue evokes the humor and infectious energy of this American original to provide an evening of humor, romance and thrilling music, including “Keepin’ Out of Mischief,” “This Joint is Jumpin’,” “Mean to Me” and title song, “Ain’t Misbehavin’”.

The Golden Eagle Dinner also affords the Central Florida Council the opportunity to honor great community leaders for their service. The Scouting program also recognized Terry Prather and Baker Barrios Architects for their service to the Central Florida community for many years. They also recognized Carolyn Fennell with the Whitney M Young Jr. Service Award for her commitment to helping youth in underserved areas of Central Florida. Each honoree inspired the crowd with their acceptance speeches and shared the importance of making deep, meaningful impact on people in their local community.

sessions, cool career-related opportunities and tons of Disney fun. Several celebrities, educators, business executives and community leaders were part of the five-day mentoring event, interacting with the students each day in an effort to supercharge their career dreams. Among the celebrities supporting the event onsite were stars such as Daymond John (ABC’s “Shark Tank”), Dara Reneé (Disney’s “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Lance Gross (“House of Payne”) and Sanya Richards-Ross (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Rickey Smiley (Rickey Smiley Morning Show), and educator, anthropologist and “Disney’s Soul” consultant Johnetta Cole, Ph.D., (ONYX Magazine’s 2022 Woman of the Year), among others.

Dr. Johnetta Cole, center, with Dreamers.

EDUCATOR RECEIVES HIGH AWARD

Heidelberg

Alex Heidelberg, the senior director at Orange Technical College, South Campus, received the Corner Stone Award from SkillsUSA for his outstanding leadership in education. Heidelberg started his career with the college as a teacher and advanced through several administrative roles. Heidelberg serves on the Boards of Directors for Adult Community Education of Florida and Orange County Association of School Administrators. He also is involved with the Orange County Public School District’s Bargaining Team. SkillsUSA is a national non-profit student organization representing nearly 400,000 career and technical education students and teachers.

DEE PARKER RECEIVES AWARD

Cast of Ain’t Misbehavin.ююю

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ONYX Magazine Vice President Dee Parker received the Women of Color Trailblazers Award from Guardian Care for her work in the community and with other women leaders.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

EDUCATED VOTING

BEFORE YOU GO TO THE POLLS IN NOVEMBER, KNOW WHERE YOU STAND.

BY KIMBERLY ARGUETA

Kimberly Argueta is a writer for the Daily Cougar.

T

he 2024 presidential election is coming up and as voters, our voices have a right to be heard. It’s important that we vote and act based on facts over opinions so that we can accurately vote and make a decision that will benefit us and our country in the long run.

The best way to do this is to educate ourselves on politics, the voting process, the candidates and the issues surrounding the election so that we know what we are getting ourselves into when we show up to vote.

This is called voter education and it is a vital step in voting because when we vote, we are ultimately deciding the future of not only ourselves, but our country and those around us.

FACTS OVER BIAS Yes, voting is ultimately making a decision based on your specific opinions or bias, but oftentimes, people have preconceived opinions about certain topics and issues in which they only pay attention to how they as an individual will be affected.

In reality, it’s the whole country and a large population of people who are affected. This is why it is crucial that every voter makes an effort to educate themselves on politics. It doesn’t hurt to listen to differing opinions from yours, unless they are truly discriminatory and destructive.

Going out of your way to explore different opinions on varying issues can often be eye opening because you get the opportunity to learn why some people have certain beliefs. Additionally, you can have very insightful conversations with others in which you can see things from new perspectives.

However, just listening to other perspectives as well as your own isn’t enough to be an educated voter. This is where the internet, teachers and even textbooks come into play.

Being an educated and successful voter calls for some background knowledge on the voting process and the issues surrounding the election.

This means that people should take some time out of their days to simply search, “things I need to know about the 2024 election” or “things to know before I vote.”

Opening a textbook or reaching out to professors would be helpful, in fact, it will most likely assist you and the people around you because it allows for people to become enlightened so that everyone can make educated and well thought out decisions for something as important as the future of our country.

It is important to be an active voter and participate in every election, but it’s no secret that voter turnout is typically higher when it comes to presidential elections.

This year on Nov. 5, our presidential election is to be held. Check your local Supervisor of Elections office for dates to register to vote and be sure to beat the deadline. Then, educate yourselves on the different aspects of politics and voting and all the candidates who will be on your slate. Politics essentially run our country and as eligible voters, it’s important that people take advantage of their right to vote and make the most out of it through educating ourselves and those around us.

ONYX MAGAZINE 53

N ED && FW O IONDE FWOI O

Wining&Dining

other’s Day and Father’s Day are just around the corner, which means you are probably already thinking of how to express gratitude to the two people who brought you here. A traditional way to celebrate mom and dad is a simple family brunch, which would not be complete without just the right wine to set the mood. Here are some you should consider on those special days.

CHENIN BLANC Chenin Blanc is an intriguing white grape variety capable of producing a vast range of styles. From lean, dry white wines to aromatic sparklers and rich, luscious, sweet wines, there is a lot to explore in the world of Chenin Blanc.

SAUVIGNON BLANC Aromatic white wines are always a great option for refreshing brunch drinks made even more enjoyable when paired with the right dishes. Adored worldwide, Sauvignon Blanc is an easily accessible aromatic white wine and likely to be on the wine list just about anywhere you dine.

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CHABLIS Though a rich, buttery, oaked Chardonnay might not have a place at the brunch table, there’s definitely room for a crisp, acid-driven Chablis. This French appellation lies at the northernmost part of Burgundy. Unlike many of its neighboring appellations to the south and many New World styles, Chablis is unoaked. This Chardonnay is instead adored for its zippy acidity and flavors of green apple and citrus.

GRENACHE ROSÉ In terms of brunch drinks, rosé is a no-brainer. It’s always fresh, generally fruity, possibly herbaceous, and pairs well with everything.

TEMPRANILLO Red wine lovers in search of the best brunch drinks tend to reach for lighter-bodied red wines like Gamay or Pinot Noir.

Florida Environmental Protection

Descriptions by Palate Club

M

MOM & DAD

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choose well.