ONYX Magazine November/December_2019

C E L E B R AT I NG B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H ROUG H OU T F LO R I DA

Volume 9 – Number 42 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019

NEW STUDY

DECOLONIZING THANKSGIVING A Time to Celebrate

HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight

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What Kwanzaa Means to African Americans

Ways to Safeguard Your Home This Holiday Season

FAMU RISING

Larry Robinson, Ph.D.

President Larry Robinson Peers Into the University’s Future

$3.50 onyxmagazine.com

contents 6

From the publisher

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Living your best life

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With Honors: ONYX Magazine’s Inaugural Black Men Honors Touts Florida’s Finest

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Celebrate Thanksgiving. Decolonize It.

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Cover Story – FAMU Rising

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The HBCU Experience

20 Royalty reigns on college campuses 22

Football coming back to FMU

24 Bethune-Cookman looks to “North Star” 25

Edward Waters College leveling up for students

26 All hail the chiefs – student leadership 30 Study: HBUCs punching above their weight 33

Five Answers from a Leader: Stacey Jones

34 What Kwanzaa Means to Black People 36 Seven benefits of having a library card 38

Congressional Black Caucus 2019

39 Benefits of ride-on toys 41

FEATURE

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FAMU Rising Peering Into FAMU’s Future of Excellence Photo above: FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., and wife, Sharon Robinson.

Photos courtesy of Florida A&M University

Check on seniors during the holidays

44 12 ways to safeguard your home this Christmas 46 Keep off the holiday pounds 49 Mission Care expands services for residents 50 Good reads for your winter break 52

ONYX on the Move

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Florida Scope/Beyond Florida

54 Single parents send kids to college for the first time 57

When holidays are hard – eating disorders

58 Black media – asking questions and getting answers 59 December in Florida 60 Back to your financial future 62 Festive cupcakes

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FROM THE PUBLISHER PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Richard “Rich” E. Black MANAGING EDITOR D. Shenell Reed, M.B.A. EXECUTIVE STRATEGIST Lena Graham-Morris EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Maria Barnes

RICHARD “RICH” E. BLACK

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Gayle Andrews Laura Dorsey Sharon Fletcher Jones

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 Dear Family, ONYX Magazine is proud to celebrate its 22nd Anniversary. It has been an incredible journey of significant growth! During this season of thanksgiving and holiday cheer, we say thank you for your continued support.

On the cover, we present Larry Robinson, Ph.D., the president of Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Robinson discusses FAMU’s accomplishments and future plans. Also in this issue you will meet Florida’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) student leaders and royalty. The students have taken the charge with academic excellence and impressive campus involvement. Our future is in great hands.

We would be remiss not to include one of America’s greatest past-times…football. One of the most exciting games in Florida football history is the Florida Classic where the Florida A&M University Rattlers match up with the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats. This is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the nation and ONYX Magazine will be there.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Kwanzaa open our hearts and doors to family and friends. This year, let your generosity flow outside your home and into the Bahamas. Families were hard hit after Hurricane Dorian and what better time than the holiday season to show them how much you care?

As always, we remain committed to bringing you news that entertains, inspires and informs. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a Happy New Year!

DESIGN DIRECTOR Jason Jones INTERN Ruelle Fludd BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Matt deJager CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Constance Brown-Riggs Mimi Brusa Scottie Campbell Frank Dobson

Laura Dorsey Ruelle Fludd Danielle Fritze Zenobia Jeffries-Warfield

Janet K. Keeler Deidre Parker Kevin Washington, Ph.D. Jeri Yonder

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Nancy Brown Grafi James Brion Price

ONYX ADVISORY COMMITTEE Deidre Parker, Chair Michelle Tatom, Immediate Past Chair Dick Batchelor Bob Berryhill Dr. Lavon Bracy Bryon Brooks Marva Brown Johnson Hon. Mable Butler Yolanda Cash Jackson Dr. Cynthia Chestnut James Clark

John Crossman Gary Hartfield Barbara Hartley Tony Hill Alma Horne Rodney Hurst Ann Jenkins Connie Kinnard Larry Lee, Jr.

Brenda March Nancy Port Schwalb Margaret J. Thompson Gail Thomas-DeWitt Hon. Alan Williams Carla Williams Dr. Samuel Wright Lady Dhyana Ziegler

FOUNDERS

Sincerely

Lester and Lillian Seays

Richard “Rich” E. Black

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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 $19.95 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 2018 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.

ELEVATE

Living Your Best Life

By Kevin Washington, Ph.D.

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ll people have the capacity to do wonderful things. Living your best life happens when you do things you are capable of doing or have been ordained to do. Those talents are given to us share with the universe. You must know the proper avenues to share these talents and manifest your greatness.

Often, those with immense talents become paralyzed by fear and never move. That is when others who are willing to express the same talent get recognized—not because they were more proficient, but simply because they were willing to present themselves.

You have heard people say, “I could do that differently” or “I speak/sing better.”

The difference between you and them is they are willing to fill the void that was created for you. Spirit allows us to see the “lesser” talent to motivate us to mobilize our greatness.

Life is about making decisive moves. It is about living your purpose. You do not have to ask permission to do what you have been ordained to do. You have the divine ordination to have more, to be more and to do more. Ask yourself “why am I waiting?” You have been given something great and profound to do. Believe this and, more importantly, live this.

We all get caught up in asking for permission to live our life’s purpose. There must come a time when you will move because it is time to move—no permission asked.

Consider these things to stop sitting on life’s sidelines: 1. What fears do I have about doing something? Failure? Success? Am I concerned about what others will think? Others will always think something.

2. Am I automatically putting up mental and physical stumbling blocks on the basis of my anxieties and fears? Do I create an atmosphere of failure through inactivity or through your miscalculated activity?

3. Have I forgiven myself for ever doubting and sabotaging my success? Understand that you did the best that you could with the information that you had at that time.

4. I know I have been divinely inspired for this moment. No one else can do it the way I can do it so, I might as well make it happen.

5. I have no reason to own the fears of others in my mind. Don’t give the shortcomings of others free rent in

Kevin Washington, Ph.D., is an academician and head of the Psychology Department at Grambling State University in Baton Rouge, La.

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If there is a song in you, then you must sing it.

If there is a vision in you, then you must actualize it.

If there is a thought within, then you must think it into life.

If there is a message in you, then you must be deliver it with power.

If there is a speech in you, then you must present it with passion.

If there is an ailment that you see, then you must heal it with knowledge.

If there is…, then you must…

your head. Evict the thoughts of failure.

Allow greatness manifestation in your soul. Never let negative external chatter become an internal matter.

6. I must get in touch with that aspect of my gift that I am most familiar with.

Nurture it. Refine it. Modify it. Develop it. Love it and prepare to express it back into the universe and watch how the universe celebrate and elevate me.

7. I will plan, prepare and present my divine inspiration and be prepared to start back at one.

HONOR

ONYX Magazine’s Inaugural Black Men Honors Touts Florida’s Finest Community acknowledged the positive impact black men make every day throughout Florida.

Staff Report

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NYX Magazine, along with Title Sponsor Gilchrist Enterprises, held the inaugural ONYX Magazine’s Black Men Honors (BMH) awards dinner to recognize business and community leaders from across Florida who exemplify leadership, achievement, integrity, and vision. The sold-out event was held Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, at the beautiful Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando with nearly 200 high-powered decision makers from Central Florida in attendance.

“After five years of celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of women during the highly successful ONYX Magazine’s Women on the Move event, we thought it was time to salute their counterparts,” said Richard “Rich” E. Black, ONYX Magazine’s publisher, CEO and editor-in-chief. During the event’s champagne reception, Black unveiled the magazine’s cover, which featured retired Episcopal Pastor Father Nelson Pinder as the Man of the Year.

Twenty-five men received recognition for their dedicated service to the business and grassroots communities. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and BMH co-chairs, Dee Parker and Nancy Port Schwalb, presented a crystal award and a gold medallion to each honoree. Three top awards went to Pinder; ONYX Magazine’s co-founder Lester Seays, Visionary Award recipient; and political activist and Orlando’s first black mayor, Ernest Page, Publisher’s Award recipient. Black’s teenage son and godson, Christian Black and Treyvon Fair, thanked the honorees for inspiring them to become positive role models.

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In the big surprise of the night, the ONYX Magazine staff and committees presented Black with the Richard E. Black Vanguard Award for his continual presence on the forefront of important issues that impact Orlando’s black community and for his innovation, creativity and leadership.

The keynote speaker of BMH was Shawn Dove, the chief executive officer of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), a national membership organization committed to improving the life outcomes for black men. Dove encouraged the audience to continue to support black men in their efforts. He was joined by Vanessa Echols of WFTV-Channel 9 who served as emcee.

The BMH event co-chairs were Chair Dee Parker, the president of Parker Realty Group; co-chair Nancy Port Schwalb, the president of Schwalb Public Relations; co-chair Reginald Riley, Ph.D., the community relations manager at Orlando Health; and co-chair Jon D. Brown, the principal of Brown Consult, LLC. “The ONYX Magazine’s Advisory Committee is committed to ensuring that African American people and those of the African diaspora are represented positively and progressively on every community level—from grassroots to media,” said Parker. “Black people across Florida continue to play a pivotal role in the future growth of our state and ONYX Magazine strives to stay at the helm in telling those stories.”

Sponsors of the inaugural event were: Title Sponsor Gilchrist Enterprises; Presenting Sponsor Orlando Utilities Commission; Reception Sponsor Orlando Health; Event Sponsors Clark Construction, SunTrust, Fusion Fest, The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando; and Program Sponsor Central Florida Foundation.

Visit www.onyxmagazine.smugmug.com to see all the photos from the event.

ONYX Magazine’s Black Men Honors recipients; Father Nelson Pinder accepts the Man of the Year Award; ONYX Magazine Lester Seays accepts the Visionary Award with Event Co-chair Nancy Port Schwalb, Len Burnett, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Event Chair Dee Parker and ONY Magazine CEO Rich Black; Orlando’s first black mayor, Ernest Page, center, accepts the Publisher’s Award; ONYX Magazine Advisory Committee Members Dick Batchelor and Barbara Hartley thank Title Sponsor Gilchrist Enterprises represented by Simone Askew, with Black; Batchelor and Hartley thank Presenting Sponsor Orlando Health, represented by Reginald Riley, Ph.D., with Black; Commissioners Regina Hill and Sam Ings gave remarks; the keynote speaker was Shawn Dove.

ONYX MAGAZINE 11

COMMENTARY

Decolonize Thanksgiving and Celebrate It Despite the holiday’s false origin tale, we can celebrate with our families in ways that honor those who the day originally dishonored

By Zenobia Jeffries-Warfield

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very year, more Americans opt out of celebrating Thanksgiving. Others heavily consider it.

Maybe it’s because they don’t have friends and family to share the holiday with, or simply don’t want to share the holiday with the friends and family they have.

Maybe it has something to do with the myth of Pilgrims giving thanks to “Indians” for helping them grow their first crop for the harvest, and reconciling that with the truth about the genocide of Indigenous peoples on this land by those settlers.

But we don’t have to reject the holiday completely. We can, and should, decolonize and reinterpret it.

This tale that the new settlers held a dinner after the harvest to thank the native peoples has been told to generations who have uncritically accepted it. By now, Americans should know that this version of the occasion told in school plays and history books is nothing more than the

patriotic indoctrination that is the foundation of our education system.

The celebration dates back to the 17th century. And over time, people have debated its origin and purpose.

The fact is, there is no one event from which the holiday is derived. And around the world, other countries such as Canada, Liberia, Netherlands, the Philippines, and Germany celebrate their own Thanksgiving on different days.

Some historians have documented that the tradition came to the New World with the settlers. Some say the holiday was secular. Others say it was religious. It has been observed on various dates throughout history.

In the late 1700s, George Washington declared November 26 a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. Seventy-four years later, Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November to celebrate the Union’s military successes in Civil War. And in 1941, FDR

signed a resolution changing the date from the last Thursday to the fourth Thursday of the month.

Since then, many have chosen to replace the traditional celebration with ones that honor their sociopolitical or familial beliefs.

In 1970, a group of Indigenous peoples in the northeastern region of the U.S. protested the day. Ever since, they and their supporters have been observing it as a National Day of Mourning. Participants gather at noon to honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native people today.

The ceremony held on Cole’s Hill overlooking Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is in remembrance of their spiritual connections as well as in protest of the racism and oppression of Indigenous peoples.

Over time, educators and parents across racial groups have approached the decolonizing process by introducing nontraditional historical texts to their students and writing letters to K-12 schools requesting such texts be taught in place of the traditional myth. They cite the harm done to young people by lying to them.

One educator suggested a number of resources, including these texts and letters.

Other examples include more individual, and maybe less political or educational approaches.

Many of us celebrate what I learned later in life to call Family Day. In some households, Pilgrims and “Indians” are never mentioned. Traditional American history is never mentioned.

The day is about spending time with family, and of course the culinary delights prepared by the matriarchs of our families.

My family would stand in a circle holding hands. We’d each share what we’re thankful for. My paternal grandmother would then pray and bless the food.

For some it’s about giving thanks by giving back to those who don’t have families to spend time with, or a meal to eat.

They go to church, visit hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, food pantries, or folks on the streets in their communities. Some sponsor dinners for families who are experiencing financial challenges.

A YES! reader shared that her family gave up their Thanksgiving turkey dinner

”

Let’s acknowledge the movement of decolonization and re-education happening in our country. to donate the money they would spend on food items to their local food bank.

“On [this] holiday we sit down with a simple bowl of rice (which two-thirds of the world population would have been happy to have) and we made lists of all the things and people we’re thankful to have and to know.”

Ultimately, within our families and communities and schools, we should stop, reinterpret, and repurpose traditions that are harmful, either in theory or practice.

I learned from my elders that when you know better, you should do better.

As we enter into this holiday, let’s acknowledge the movement of decolonization and re-education happening in our country.

We can observe and celebrate with our families in ways that honor those who the day originally dishonored, and those who continue to struggle under oppression.

Zenobia Jeffries Warfield wrote this article for YES! Magazine. Zenobia is the racial justice associate editor.

ONYX MAGAZINE 15

FEATURE

FAMU RISING Peering Into FAMU’s Future of Excellence

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By D. Shenell Reed

arlier this fall, Pres. Larry Robinson, Ph.D., took an important trip to Atlanta. His goal was to recruit the brightest scholars for matriculation on one of the highest of seven hills in Florida’s capital city. To prepare, he contemplated the words he would speak to the prospects and their parents about why Florida A&M University (FAMU) is the right choice for straight-A students.

The list of recent accomplishments at FAMU is so exceptional, Robinson might have found himself struggling to whittle it down to a few key points that show FAMU on the cutting edge of technological and educational achievement.

Just in 2019, scientists in the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences were the first in the nation to create human corneas using a 3D bio printer; FAMU received $24.8 million from the Legislature to complete construction of an 80,000-square-foot building to house key student services under one roof; FAMU began construction of a 700-bed student residence and dining facility; FAMU launched a partnership with Duke Energy to build a solar farm in Brooksville, Fla., and deliver clean energy to thousands of homes; and in 2017, the University received state funding to provide medical mari-

juana education to minority communities across Florida. Those are just a few advancements with long-term promise that have catapulted FAMU into the spotlight as a top institution of higher learning—not only among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), not only in Florida—but among all high-performing universities throughout the U.S. When Robinson stepped into the recruitment event, ready to greet 30 to 40 Merit Scholar-worthy students, he was overwhelmed by more than 80 vying for a spot at FAMU. That evening, the hopefuls learned that, by attending FAMU, they would be pushed beyond excellence over their next four years.

That strive for greatness is a part of FAMU Rising, a competitive strategic plan that will lead FAMU through the year 2022. It outlines key performance indicators for creating an exceptional student experience; attracting excellent and renowned faculty; conducting high-impact research, commercialization, outreach and extension services; engaging transformative alumni, communities and businesses; building a first-class business infrastructure; and providing an outstanding customer experience.

Dr. Larry Robinson enjoys spending time with the students and getting their feedback.

Seeking the best and brightest Creating an exceptional student experience starts with attracting the best, and FAMU is looking for scholars who can compete academically with their peers. Last year, more than 8,500 undergraduate applications landed in Admissions. Grades played a key role in student selection, and the average incoming freshman GPA was 3.6. In the end, around 1,600 (18 percent) students received acceptance letters.

“That’s a fairly competitive GPA, so anyone thinking they are going to back into FAMU because they got turned down by other institutions may want to rethink that,” said Robinson. “We tell people they need to make FAMU their No. 1 priority.”

In the future, the competition will only get stiffer.

Recruitment efforts stress the need for academic strength to excel. Also, FAMU captures the brightest students from state college system programs who want to earn a baccalaureate degree and beyond.

“The Florida State College matriculation into the state university system is already one of the best in the nation,” said Robinson. “(Overall), in terms of our enrollment management strategy, we are working to increase the profile of students coming in and making sure we retain them.”

Dr. Robinson with FAMU alum, director producer Will Packer meet a potential student at a college recruitment event in Atlanta.

Rankings don’t tell the whole story Student excellence gets others talking. When Robinson arrived at FAMU to lead the environmental program in 1997, the whole nation was buzzing about “The Hill,” impressed by the number of national lists it topped, including “Time Magazine’s” College of the Year. Today, FAMU still leads on many lists, but Robinson says that is not what gets him up in the morning.

“If you look at somebody’s opinion because of the size of the campus, who the president is, how much money is in the foundation, that doesn’t mean too much,” says Robinson. “However, when you look at metrics that show students success outcomes—how well they are doing; the kind of job they find after graduation; how quickly they can graduate—that is important.”

The “U.S. News & World Report” list that heralds FAMU as the 2020 highest-ranked public HBCU among national public universities highlights social mobility, the number of Pell Grant students who complete their education. Robinson says that measurement is crucial and FAMU graduates fair well there, too.

Facing criticism However, no matter how well the university performs, critics express their views. In August, the Concerned Alumni of Florida A&M University called for the resignation of Robin-

Edward Waters College President Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Dr. Larry Robinson, Florida Memorial University President Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, and Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite

son and the entire Board of Trustees, stemming from what they called a lack of transparency and institutional control related to how FAMU handles the Athletics deficit.

The FAMU National Alumni Association swiftly rebuffed the group’s claims and issued a statement supporting the president and trustees.

Robinson welcomes and addresses the concerns.

“I am committed to transparency and I welcome any reasonable constructive criticism,” said Robinson. “However, just because I don’t do it the way some would like it to be done, I hope we can agree that at least I heard you. I am accountable to the 10,000 students at FAMU and the Board of Trustees. Ultimately, those are the people who I have to be able to say, ‘here are the things I’ve done to advance the mission at Florida A&M University.’”

Collaboration is key With that, Robinson and FAMU keep leading the way. FAMU continues to partner with the best companies in the world to secure internships and job opportunities for students and research and training for faculty and staff.

The FAMU Industry Cluster has existed for more than 50 years and continues to identify highly-qualified students for placement in the business, scientific and technology fields.

In other collaborative efforts, in August, the presidents of all four Florida HBCUs (FAMU,

Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College and Florida Memorial University) met at Robinson’s request to plan and send a collective message that their great commonalities can be enhanced by working together. The first of its kind, the meeting was a boon for all the universities as they can be a resource to each other for like opportunities. Robinson says it was long overdue and future gatherings are to come.

Rising above and beyond Having had the university’s accreditation reaffirmed through 2028, looking five years into the future, Robinson has his sights set on FAMU being among the top 100 public institutions in the nation; the Brooksville facility will be putting power out to some 25,000 homes; graduates going out into the world and making a difference. FAMU will continue to rise and there will always be another plateau summit. Reaching immeasurable heights cannot happen without dedication.

“As president, I get to watch all the wonderful work being done to provide for our students,” Robinson said. “But we couldn’t be the institution we are without great faculty, great staff and great students. I like to acknowledge the people who do the real work around here. They are critically important; we could not get there without them.”

ONYX MAGAZINE 17

ENTERTAINMENT

Comcast Enhances “The HBCU Experience”

“T

he HBCU Experience,” on Xfinity on Demand is a unique content collection and campaign celebrating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the positive impact they’ve had on higher education for African Americans. HBCUs have provided the foundation for some of the most celebrated African American creatives and professionals in history, and with “The HBCU Experience,” Comcast is shining a light on these incredible institutions through the lens of entertainment.

According to the UNCF, 20 percent of all African American graduates attended HBCUs. The HBCU Experience on Xfinity on Demand, with more than 800 hours of relevant content, is a destination that celebrates and recognizes the sports, lifestyle, and culture within these great institutions.

“We’re excited to keep expanding The HBCU Experience collection and to continue providing a platform for these stories and community to be celebrated,” says Keesha Boyd, Executive Director of Multicultural Products at Comcast.

Created for the HBCU community and anyone interested in learning more about the unique culture of these hallmarks of the African American community, The HBCU Experience features sports, mov-

ies, TV series, music playlists, and videos showcasing student achievements, vibrant performances by HBCU school marching bands, alumni spotlights and more. Highlights include co-ed themed TV shows like “Suga” (The Africa Channel), “Bama State Style” (Aspire TV), “The Graduates” (Aspire TV) and “The Quad” (BET), as well as classic co-ed movie favorites like “Drumline,” “Stomp the Yard” and “School Daze.”

Xfinity celebrates all aspects of HBCUs, from the marching bands to Black Greek life and beyond. With “The HBCU Experience” you can view hit TV shows, popular web content and blockbuster movies about college life, keep track of HBCU football classics with stats and scores on live games, check out student tv and movie watchlists, listen to new music playlists and more. When it comes to HBCU entertainment, Xfinity has it covered. Simple. Easy.

Awesome.

Here are just a few of the ways Comcast will continue to bring the HBCU story to television viewers through the award-winning platform this Fall: • *New* Xfinity original content - Two new documentary style pieces about life at Historically Black Colleges and Uni-

versities. One will focus on Black Greek Organizations and the other will highlight “Howard University.”

• *New* web content highlighting the nine Black Greek Letter Organizations.

• Updated sports schedules and standings for HBCU sports teams.

• Updated content from programming networks including: -Updated Student TV & Movie watchlists -Two new series from Aspire TV (‘No Huddle’ and ‘After the Game’’) -Popular syndicated series like “A Different World’, ‘College Hill’ and ‘The Quad.’

-New music playlists from Music Choice and more!

Comcast also has released a series of videos featuring Keisha Knight Pulliam (Spelman College Alum), Towanda Braxton (Bowie State University Alum), and Fonzworth Bentley (Morehouse College Alum) to call attention to some of the successful people that have attended these institutions. The celebrities play a “What’s Your HBCU IQ” trivia game quizzing them on their HBCU knowledge.

Check it out the new offerings on-demand in “The HBCU Experience” by saying “Black Film & TV” into your X1 voice remote.

ONYX MAGAZINE 19

CAMPUS ROYALTY ROYALTY REIGNS ON HBCU CAMPUSES

Jemonique Barnabie Miss Florida Memorial University Jemonique Barnabie is a senior, from the beautiful island of Grand Bahama and is also of Jamaican heritage. Barnabie is involved in extracurricular activities including Éclat Modeling Troupe, Bahamian Connection, Caribbean International Student Association, FMU Pop Ensemble and the Ambassador Chorale. She previously held the royal titles of Miss Éclat, Miss Bahamian Connection, and served as the 2018-2019 Miss Black & Gold for the Delta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. She carries her cumulative grade point average of 3.86 with pride. Barnabie understands the importance of embracing and cultivating individuality, believing that we all have the potential to contribute our gifts and talents to a greater purpose.

Grant Peebles Mister Florida Memorial University Grant Peebles is from the electric city of Chicago.

He is a senior majoring in Business Administration.

Peebles exhibits leadership skills in each of his extracurricular activities on campus. He is the president of the Delta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He is also the captain of Florida Memorial University Men’s Soccer Team. His diverse personality traits include determination, respectfulness and above all pride.

After graduation, he plans to earn a master’s degree in Business Administration. Then, Peebles plans to work in real estate and for a public relations firm.

Crenel Francis, Jr. Mister Florida A&M University Crenel Francis Jr., is a senior Agribusiness student from Gainesville, Fla. He served as a 2017 Orientation Leader and was a Fall 2018 initiate of the Alpha Eta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He was a First Year Experience peer mentor, a resident assistant in Palmetto Phase III, the vice president of Collegiate 100, and the President of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences. Upon graduation, Francis would like to become an advocate and public relations specialist for an agriculture firm that focuses on sustainability, food security, and organic food production.

Kyra Dechelle Freeman Miss Florida A&M University Kyra Dechelle Freeman is a graduating biology, pre-medicine scholar from Miami. Upon graduation, Freeman plans to enroll in the Master of Public Health program at the Morehouse School of Medicine or at the University of Georgia, then earn her medical degree. She is actively involved as the FAMU Women Student Union, past resident assistant with FAMU Village West, Impact Campus Ministry, the National Council of Negro Women, Inductee of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, a spring 2019 initiate of the REAL Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as well as a past University cytogenetic researcher.

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Asiah Cheek Miss Edward Waters College Asiah Cheek is a 4.0 Biology scholar hailing from West Point, Ga.. At Edward Waters College, she serves as the 20192020 Miss Edward Waters College. After graduating college she plans to attend medical school to become an OB-GYN. Cheek is involved with several activities and organizations on campus, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Jamal Bouie Mister Edward Waters College Mister Jamal Bouie is a Senior Physical Education Scholar hailing from Orlando, Fla. At Edward Waters College, he serves as the 2019-2020 Mister Edward Waters College.

After graduating college he plans to start his own non-profit organization focusing on shifting the paradigms of at-risk students. Mister Bouie is involved with several activities and organizations on campus, and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Earl Robinson, Jr. Mister Bethune-Cookman University

Blake Alyse Minter Miss Bethune-Cookman University

Earl Robinson, Jr. is a native of Jacksonville, Fla. A rising senior majoring in Communication Studies at Bethune-Cookman University, Robinson entered B-CU in Fall 2016, and has held numerous leadership positions such as Mister Freshman, Mister Sophomore, Mister Junior and currently serves as the ninth Mister Bethune-Cookman University. Robinson has served and led the B-CU student body all while maintaining a 3.66 GPA. He serves in Progressive Black Men, Inc., where he holds the position of historian and the chairman of Internal Affairs; Black Males in Higher Education Think Tank (BMTT), and a Male Development Institute peer mentor.

Blake Alyse Minter is a senior, Accounting major from Toledo, Ohio. She entered BethuneCookman University in Fall 2016, and has held numerous leadership positions such as President of Phenomenal Women in Higher Education Think Tank, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Social/ Fundraising committee Chairman and an active General body member in other organizations.

With a 3.8 GPA Blake serves in various campus organizations such as The National Association of Black Accountants. She is passionate about helping others and believes everyone is equal no matter the position they hold or their societal status.

ONYX MAGAZINE 21

FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

Lions Get Ready for Some Football

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fter a 61-year hiatus, Florida Memorial University recently announced the return of its storied football program at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens. The press conference attracted over 200 people, including FMU students, employees, and alumni; Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert, III and four city council members; civic and business leaders and university supporters. Retired legendary Miami Dolphins players Nat Moore and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Little showed up to lend their support.

The Lions will play its first game during the fall of 2020. This ambitious initiative is a component of FMU President Jaffus Hardrick’s vision to fully integrate the university into the greater community and expand educational and economic opportunities in South Florida.

“We are elated about the impact the Football program will have on FMU’s enrollment, retention, and student engagement,” Hardrick said. “It will also galvanize our alumni and community, and elevate our university on a national scale.”

The Lions’ last foray onto the football field took place more than six decades ago. Then called Florida Normal and Industrial Institute, the Lions defeated the Albany State Golden Rams 14–8.

Ernest T. Jones, FMU’s director of Intercollegiate Athletics, presented his plan to reignite the Lions’ football tradition and tap into the team’s championship pedigree. The team will compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as a member of the Sun Conference.

“We’ve rebirthed the football program to ignite the pride and tradition of FMU and create an impact in this community,” Jones said.

“We are coming to add value and bring this community together!

It’s a new day at FMU. We are encouraging students to enroll now if they are interested in excelling academically, competing for championships, and serving this community.”

With the first game projected to start in 2020, plans to form the team began right away. The university recently hired legendary South Florida-based head coach Timothy “Ice” Harris and Benedict Hyppolite as the offensive coordinator. Prospective student-athletes can enroll and begin getting in shape with the strength and conditioning coach. FMU will hire the rest of the coaching staff during the academic year.

The rebirth also includes plans for a marching band, expanded cheering team, and dancing team. Most of the university’s field sports teams (track and field, soccer, and football) will compete at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. Renovations are

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President Jaffus Hardrick

Athletic Director Ernest Jones

underway in anticipation of an active athletic schedule. The use of the recreational complex was facilitated through a mutually-beneficial partnership with the City of Miami Gardens.

“Football is more than just a game, it brings immeasurable value in uniting people and having a social and cultural impact on the community and quality of life of our residents,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert, III. “This partnership between Miami Gardens, Florida’s largest predominantly black city and FMU, South Florida’s only HBCU, underscores our commitment to bring first-rate programs to the community. FMU has a rich history of producing graduates who are trailblazers in their respective fields, and this will be no exception.”

The announcement incited great excitement from alumni and recent graduates. “I’m just ecstatic,” said Troy Mitchell, a 2018 FMU graduate majoring in Communication. “I just know this energy is going to be a game changer with football back on the campus.”

For more information about FMU’s football program, log on to www. fmuathletics.com. Prospective students can apply for admission at www.fmuniv.edu.

ONYX MAGAZINE 23

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

“North Star” Defines the Future of the Wildcats

B

ethune-Cookman University’s (B-CU) mission is to develop global leaders committed to service, life-long learning and diversity by providing a faith-based environment of academic excellence and transformative experiences. Under the leadership of B-CU’s seventh President Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite, B-CU is well-immersed in strengthening the significance of its academic enterprise, faculty research, scholarship and creative endeavors, along with programming, that are the hallmarks of a vibrant academic community.

tion of Athletic Training Education. The MAT program is a clinical program which produces clinicians who are eligible to sit for the national licensure exam and are able to provide care within sports medicine. Students from this cohort have already received internships with entities such as the L.A. Chargers.

Furthermore, our faculty and students bring a wealth of knowledge and research to Florida’s history. The inaugural edition of the B-CU Oral History Collection launched, which documents the history of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, individuals with long relationships Excerpts from President with B-CU; many who knew Mrs. Bethune President Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite’s personally. Local veterans as part of the Library University Message: of Congress Veterans History Project conAs we continue our recovery and head to the future, it is valu- tributed personal stories from WWII, the Korean Conflict, the able to look around and see what truly defines us right now. What Vietnam War and the War on Terror. Since 2001, students in the defines B-CU is the commitment of our faculty and the drive of College of Liberal Arts courses, specifically Oral History and Afriour students, our “North Star.” can American History, have continuously studied the vision and For example, the 12 students from the B-CU Robotics Club in impact of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as well as the rich history of the College of Science Engineering and Mathematics who trav- Bethune Cookman University and blacks in Florida. eled to Huntsville, Ala., to compete in the Institute of Electronics “Five little girls and $1.50” is more than a slogan. This refrain and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) SoutheastCon Robotics Compe- reflects the grit, fearlessness and the fortitude that has been tition. Our students placed 10th out of 44 participating schools. central to B-CU’s character for 115 years. It also serves as a What defines us is that the National Science Foundation (NSF) reminder that while talent and potential are commonplace, access awarded B-CU with more than $1 Million in grants under the and opportunity are not. B-CU and institutions like ours provide direction of several College of Science, Engineering, and Math- the essential platform from which students can seize the mantle ematics faculty members for developing effective mathematical of success. science teachers for high-need schools, and Toward this end, our priority is to “up our game” in how we research to improve coastal water quality. prepare students for lives of passion and purpose. Our “North We are also defined by B-CU students who are offered com- Star” will be the creation of a student experience that delivers petitive internships with corporations and organizations such as the vitality, dynamism and the entrepreneurial creativity inherIBM, NASA, Nike, United Way, WellsFargo, just to name a few. ent in the world in which our graduates will ultimately live and B-CU is the only Historically Black College and University compete. We will display a visible and enduring commitment to (HBCU) in the nation to offer a nationally accredited Master of creating an academic infrastructure that is externally focused. It Athletic Training Program. The Master of Athletic Training Pro- will be student- and future-oriented. As a result, our enhanced gram in the Petrock College of Health Sciences officially received academic enterprise will develop the competencies that will make their inaugural accreditation by the Commission on Accredita- our graduates exceptional value creators.

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EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE

Leveling Up for Students

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dward Waters College (EWC) is pleased to announce that Florida Blue has made a financial investment in the “Level Up” Annual Giving Campaign for Emerging Eminence at EWC. This campaign provides a range of critical support to the college’s scholarship, programmatic and operational initiatives.

“At EWC we want to provide a high-quality 21st century undergraduate education consisting of a reinvigorated, practical and engaged liberal arts curriculum buttressed by an array of comprehensive academic services to support high academic scholarship, achievement and overall student success. This gift will assist us in this effort,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., the president and CEO of Edward Waters College.

The Annual Giving Campaign for Emerging Eminence supports the institution’s vision of creating a culture of philanthropy that will energize EWC’s constituency and stakeholders (both internal and external). This campaign also drives the expansion and diversification of the College’s philanthropic support.

“Florida Blue is a strong partner of EWC because we understand that its students’ success translates to uplifting the city and its business community,” said Florida Blue Market President Darnell Smith. “EWC has a long-term strategic plan to achieve academic eminence that includes student populations who are currently underrepresented on the college campus. Diversity in education will deliver a strong workforce to Jacksonville and help Florida Blue deliver on our mission to help people and communities achieve better health.”

“Edward Waters College is a destination institution for philanthropic investment because donors are confident in their realization of a high return on their investment in our students and EWC,” said President Faison.

Also, EWC received a significant $150,000 gift from Sissine’s Office Systems that will be used to support the Annual Giving Campaign for Emerging Eminence at EWC. “We are grateful for Sissine’s generous investment of $150,000 in support of the Annual Giving Campaign for Emerging Eminence,” said Faison. “An investment in the annual fund assists

in setting a foundational pathway leading to our College’s long term viability, sustainability, capacity and enhanced prominence in the coming years.”

Sissine’s Office Systems investment will build upon and enhance EWC’s Emerging Eminence trajectory as a premier urban, private, Sissine General Manager Robert Ache Christian (African and EWC President Zachery Faison.

Methodist Episcopal – AME), historically black, liberal arts college offering high quality four-year baccalaureate degrees and preparing students holistically to advance in a global society through the provision of an intellectually stimulating academic experience.

“As part of our local involvement in the community, Sissine’s along with the Leb Family are very excited to partner with Edward Waters College through providing financial support over a fiveyear duration as part of an agreement in the amount of $150,000,” said Sissine’s Office Systems General Manager Robert Ache.

This gift serves as another major investment by the Jacksonville business community in its partnered effort to engender a culture of new institutional philanthropic support to the College and establish the Edward Waters brand as a best-in-class institution of distinction and Emerging Eminence.

“We believe in the mission of Edward Waters College and the work President Faison is leading in expanding educational opportunities for students who will become our city’s next generation of leaders. We very much welcome this long term partnership,” said Ache.

ONYX MAGAZINE 25

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

All Hail the

CHIEFS Student leadership enhances programs and student involvement across campuses.

Rochard Moricette Bio Florida A&M University Student Government President Rochard Moricette is a fourth-year Agribusiness student from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is the current student body president and University Trustee at Florida A&M University. Born in Port-de-Paix, Haiti, his family immigrated to the United States in December of 2004.

Moricette has a passion to elevate his peers and advocate on their behalf.

In Fall 2016, he became a freshman senator and was appointed the Activity and Service Fee Liaison in Spring 2017. He served as the senate president pro-tempore of the 47th Student Senate and senate president of the 48th Student Senate. He is an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences as well as an Orange and Green Guide for the Office of New Student Orientation and Campus Visitation. A member of the Alpha Xi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Moricette continues to excel academically having completed multiple internships with Elanco Animal Health as a companion animal sales representative. He believes that a strong balance of involvement and academia is the key to success at the collegiate level. His favorite quote is by Barack Obama and it states, “One voice can change a room… your voice can change the world.”

Johnnie Henry Edward Waters College Student Government Vice President Johnnie Henry is a Junior Mass Communications Scholar hailing from Blountstown, Florida. Here at Edward Waters College he serves as the 2019-2020 Student Government Association Vice President. After graduating college he plans to enlist in the military and the enroll into graduate school. Mr. Henry is involved with several activities and organizations on campus, and is a member Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

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Natalie Antenor Florida A&M University Student Government Vice President Natalie Antenor is a third-year Accounting student from Miami Gardens, Fla., and serves as the Student Government vice president at Florida A&M University for the 2019-2020 academic year. A first-generation college student, Antenor believes in Student Government’s mission of building benefits for the student body and has advocated on their behalf in several different capacities. In Fall 2017, Antenor became a Freshman Senator and was appointed the Activity and Service Fee Liaison in Spring 2018 of the 47thStudent Senate. She also served as the vice-chairwoman of the 2019 Activities and Service Budget Committee and member of the Organizations and Finance Committee of the 47th Student Senate. The only freshman at the time with a leadership role within the Senate, she was awarded the 47thStudent Senate Freshman Senator of the Year Award. She served as a member of the Judicial and Rules Committee of the 48thStudent Senate. Outside of Student Government, she is a Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholar, a national member of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), and a Student Affiliate of the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Though she is heavily involved on campus, Natalie strongly believes in prioritizing the pursuit of a formal education. She believes generational growth is measured by the academic and professional advancement of the youngest in the generation of a family and challenges all students to perform at high levels to raise the bar of excellence for the African-American community.

Charleigha Knowles Florida Memorial University Student Government President Charleigha Knowles was born in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas before transitioning to the United States to purse higher education at Florida Memorial University. Charleigha is a senior majoring in Business Administration with future aspirations of obtaining her PhD upon completion of her degree. Previously, Charleigha’s leadership roles at Florida Memorial University for 2018-2019 include her serving on the Royal Court as Miss Junior, President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated and an active member of Faces Modeling Troupe. Currently, she serves as the 2019-2020 Student Government Association President and a FMU Board of Trustee Member. Lastly, Charleigha was featured in the book titled Michelle Obama’s impact on African American women and girls.

Zion Gates-Norris Florida Memorial University Student Government Vice President Zion Gates-Norris was born in the great city of Plantation, Fla., and raised in Pompano Beach. He is currently a junior majoring in Law and Government. This proud Lion served as the 2017-2018 Freshman Class President and the 2018-2019 SGA Comptroller. Gates-Norris worked as the HBCU Organizer for the Andrew Gillum Campaign and also worked for the Democratic national committee last summer. He now diligently serves as the SGA Vice President for the 2019-2020 academic school year.

Joshua Young Edward Waters College Student Government President Joshua Young is a Senior Criminal Justice Scholar hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. Here at Edward Waters College he serves as the Student Government Association President and Trustee. After graduating college he plans to go to Law School and have hopes to joining the FBI. Mr. Young is involved with several activities and organizations on campus, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Jerykah Thomas Bethune-Cookman University Student Government President Jerykah Thomas is a senior Business Administration major from Tampa. While studying at B-CU, she held an internship, at the Parks and Recreation Department at the City of Temple Terrace. In that role, Thomas assisted park counselors with several activities and helped maintain the recreational facilities. Thomas kept a 4.0 grade point average while carrying a full load of 14 credit hours. In addition to serving as the president of the student body, Thomas is a member of the General Education Committee at Bethune Cookman University. This committee is responsible for ensuring that the General Education Core curriculum supports the mission of the university.

ONYX MAGAZINE 27

EDUCATION

HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight A UNCF study shows that HBCU’s impact on students is great despite challenges

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A

college degree is increasingly vital for career mobility and economic success as more employers are requiring greater levels of education and credentials. For more than 150 years, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have played a leading role in graduating black students and have made significant contributions to the workforce and economic vitality of the nation.

A historically black college and university is defined as “... any historically black college or university that was established before 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of African Americans.” There are 101 accredited public and private HBCUs located in 19 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While these institutions only represent 3 percent of the nation’s colleges and universities, they are economic engines in both their regional communities and the nation, generating substantial economic returns annually. In UNCF’s landmark study, HBCUs: Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of the Nation’s

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, UNCF quantified how much HBCUs are interwoven into the business fabric of their regional economies and how much graduates benefit in terms of increased earnings over a working lifetime. The study noted that every dollar spent on, and by, an HBCU and its students has a positive chain reaction in terms of heightened economic activity, increased job creation, and greater earning potential for graduates. At the national level, the study’s key findings revealed that: 1. HBCUs annually generate 134,090 jobs and $14.8 billion in total economic impact for their local and regional economies.

2. HBCU graduates from 2014 can expect total earnings of $130 billion over their lifetimes— 56 percent more than they could expect to earn without their college degrees.

These economic returns are particularly evident at the state level. Across the 21 states and territories where HBCUs are

located, they annually provide an average of 6,385 jobs in each state and generate an average $704.7 million in total economic impact.

The value of HBCUs is not limited to economic returns, but educational returns as well. Substantial research has documented the contributions of HBCUs in disproportionally enrolling and educating black students at the national level. For instance, despite representing only 3 percent of the nation’s colleges and universities, HBCUs enroll almost 10 percent of all African American undergraduates and award 17 percent of all bachelor’s degrees received by African American students.

Most notably, HBCUs award 24 percent of all bachelor’s degrees received by African Americans in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Evaluating the data at the state level helps to clearly illustrate this impact on the regions where they are located.

HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight, a research report released today by UNCF, makes a strong case for a powerful proposition: Given their small average size and a history of being under-resourced, the enrollment, degree and economic impacts of HBCUs on African Americans in their respective states are significantly greater than one would expect.

“The impact of HBCUs has been collectively downplayed, overlooked and undervalued, and HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight illustrates what everyone who has graduated from or taught at an HBCU has long known,” said UNCF president and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., “that for students in search of a higher education and for a country in urgent need of college-educated workers, a country rapidly becoming a majority-minority workforce, there’s no better choice than HBCUs.” Punching Above Their Weight shows that, in their most important function—enrolling and graduating college students—HBCUs perform far better than their sizes and resources would lead one to expect.

Taken state by state, Punching Above Their Weight demonstrates HBCUs’ “multiplier effect” is impressive. Some examples include:

“The impact of HBCUs has been collectively downplayed, overlooked and undervalued, and HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight illustrates what everyone who has graduated from or taught at an HBCU has long known.”

—UNCF president and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D.

• Florida HBCUs represent just 4 percent of the state’s four-year colleges and universities but enroll 9 percent of all black undergraduates in that state, and award 18 percent of all bachelor’s degrees to black college graduates.

• Louisiana HBCUs represent 19 percent of all colleges and universities in the state, but 38 percent of all black students and graduates.

• Virginia HBCUs represent just 11 percent of the state’s colleges and universities, but 29 percent of the state’s black college students and 32 percent of its black college graduates.

• •Delaware’s sole HBCU represents 20 percent of the four-year institutions in the state but it enrolls 40 percent of the black undergraduates and awards 47 percent of bachelor’s degrees to black students in the state.

HBCUs are found across a wider swath of America than many realize—a region defined by Pennsylvania and Ohio in the North, Delaware in the East, Florida in the South, and Texas in the West. Their most pronounced concentration, however, is in the states of the Southeast, a region that the online publication National Real Estate

Investor describes as an emerging “economic powerhouse.”

“The economic health of the country, and especially the economic health of the highly-diverse Southeast, is fueled by education,” stated Dr. Brian Bridges, UNCF’s Vice President, Research and Member Engagement. “The current and future needs of employers, workers, and communities leaves us little choice but to invest in the proven capability of HBCUs to produce the results that our continued prosperity demands.”

Punching Above Their Weight is the most recent of a succession of studies released

by UNCF’s research arm, the Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, that demonstrate the importance of HBCUs. Previous studies have found that HBCUs retain and graduate low-income and academically under-prepared African American students at higher rates than non-HBCUs; that total costs at UNCF-member HBCUs are lower than at comparable institutions and that HBCUs play a critical role in strengthening local, state and national economies.

Read the full report at UNCF.org/ PATW.

ONYX MAGAZINE 31

ONYX Foundation Donates $1,000 to Reading Program

ONYX Advisory Committee Chair Dee Parker, Assistant Principal Forrester Watts, Principal La Donna Johnson, and ONYX Foundation CEO Rich Black.

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Photo by Ted Hollins

T

he ONYX Foundation donated $1,000 to Orange Center Elementary School to help students get excited about reading. The Renaissance Accelerated Reader® program aims to motivate kids to read by offering incentives when they hit their weekly reading goals. Once students get enough points, they are eligible for free books and other rewards that motivate them to the next goal. The ONYX Foundation’s gift will help the school purchase the incentives.

“All students participate in this program. No student is left out,” said Assistant Principal Forrester Watts. “No matter the reading level, every student is involved.”

Orange Center has students from VPK to fifth grade reading on various levels. Accelerated Reader has a proven track record that shows personalized goals help students stay focused on the factors that matter most for reading growth— and helps educators monitor their progress and provide feedback to keep learners on track.

The ONYX Foundation, established in 2017 by ONYX Magazine CEO Rich Black, is dedicated to literacy, history and the arts. It has participated in the Orange County Library’s Read-In programs and has donated to numerous educational programs in Orlando. For more information about the ONYX Foundation, call 855-986-6699.

LEADERSHIP

Five Answers From a Leader

S

tacey Jones means business. The senior vice president of Treasury Management at BBVA Compass Bank in Tampa guides her clients to make solid financial decisions to advance their companies. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State (and subsequently an MBA at Franklin University), Jones entered a financial services training program, which led her into treasury management and a successful 20+-year career. Jones excels in being an inspiration to others. “I do what I do to remind myself and demonstrate to others that it is possible.

In doing so, I leave breadcrumbs behind so future generations will find it easier to make their way to the table of success.�

1. How important are trust and integrity in your business and how do you employ them daily?

Trust and integrity are fundamental values that should be mandatory in any workplace but, particularly in financial services. When advising on financial matters, clients like to know their banker has earned the right to be in the circle of trust. It is critical for banks to hire employees who demonstrate solid ethical and moral principles every single day. Over the last decade, there have been many regulatory and cultural changes in the banking industry. There have been instances where doing the wrong thing has had broad negative implications for financial institutions. Personal integrity is an invaluable quality in the world of finance. A high level of integrity must be consistent throughout all levels of an organization or everyone is at risk.

2. What is the single most important business decision you have made and how did it shape your team?

It was a personal one. I took a chance on myself and packed up and moved across the country for a growth opportunity. I literally turned my life upside down and jumped right in the fire. There were so many lessons in those flames. I learned as much about myself as I did other people. Making the move was a calculated risk because I did the research and analyzed the data to confirm success was within reach. I was not shy about asking for resources and jumped into the flames with protective gear. In the end, the role turned out to be satisfying, challenging and rewarding. Looking back, this experience is a big part of the reason that I push others to test the limits of their boundaries. It is important for people to be comfortable moving their boundary lines and even creating brand new ones.

3. How critical is it for leaders to hit the reset button to achieve success?

If leaders must have the capacity to pour creativity into our teams, we must have an abundance of creativity on hand. Hitting the reset button is how I release, recharge and jumpstart my creativity. This is accomplished in several ways; it might be a brisk walk in the middle of the afternoon or learning a new practice that provides a fresh perspective. The quick reboots are very helpful but at least once a year, a full reboot is necessary. I completely disconnect for a minimum of five days. The full reboot is critical for personal and professional sustainability.

4. What are the biggest pitfalls leaders should avoid and how?

When leaders talk more than they listen, they often lose sight of what really matters. My grandmother always said that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason and truer words were never spoken. The successful leaders are in tune with their customers and their employees and create opportunities for the sharing of ideas. We can not assume that we always know what is important to our clients or our employees. A leader will always have access to this information if they create a culture where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and they stop to listen.

5. What do you learn from failures and successes?

Both failures and success are necessary in life. They are experiences that have led us to the current moment in time and I am grateful for the sting in every failure and the joy and every success.

ONYX MAGAZINE 33

COMMUNITY

What Kwanzaa Means for African Americans

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n Dec. 26, millions throughout the world’s African community will start weeklong celebrations of Kwanzaa. There will be daily ceremonies with food, decorations and other cultural objects, such as the kinara, which holds seven candles. At many Kwanzaa ceremonies, there is also African drumming and dancing.

It is a time of communal self-affirmation—when famous black heroes and heroines, as well as late family members— are celebrated.

As a scholar who has written about racially motivated violence against blacks, directed black cultural centers on college campuses and sponsored numerous Kwanzaa celebrations, I understand the importance of this holiday.

For the African-American community, Kwanzaa is not just any “black holiday.”

It is a recognition that knowledge of black history is worthwhile.

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History of Kwanzaa Maulana Karenga, a noted black American scholar and activist created Kwanzaa in 1966. Its name is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili, the most widely spoken African language. However, Kwanzaa, the holiday, did not exist in Africa.

Each day of Kwanzaa is devoted to celebrating the seven basic values of African culture or the “Nguzo Saba” which in Swahili means the seven principles. Translated these are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics (building black businesses), purpose, creativity and faith. A candle is lit on each day to celebrate each one of these principles. On the last day, a black candle is lit and gifts are shared.

Today, Kwanzaa is quite popular. It is celebrated widely on college campuses, the U.S. Postal Service has periodically issued Kwanzaa stamps, there is at least one

municipal park named for it, and there are special Kwanzaa greeting cards.

Kwanzaa’s meaning for the black community Kwanzaa was created by Karenga out of the turbulent times of the 1960’s in Los Angeles, following the 1965 Watts riots, when a young African-American was pulled over on suspicions of drunk driving, resulting in an outbreak of violence.

Subsequently, Karenga founded an organization called Us – meaning, black people – which promoted black culture. The purpose of the organization was to provide a platform, which would help to rebuild the Watts neighborhood through a strong organization rooted in African culture.

Karenga called its creation an act of cultural discovery, which simply meant that he wished to point African-Americans to greater knowledge of their African heritage and past.

Rooted in the struggles and the gains

“We looked at Kwanzaa as part of the struggle to overturn white definitions for our lives.”

of the civil rights and black power movements of the 1950s and 1960s, it was a way of defining a unique black American identity. As Keith A. Mayes, a scholar of African-American history, notes in his book, “For black power activists, Kwanzaa was just as important as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Kwanzaa was their answer to what they understood as the ubiquity of white cultural practices that oppressed them as thoroughly as had Jim Crow laws.”

Overturning white definitions Today, the holiday has come to occupy a central role, not only in the U.S. but also in the global African diaspora.

A 2008 documentary, “The Black Candle” that filmed Kwanzaa observances in the United States and Europe, shows children not only in the United States, but as far away as France, reciting the principles of the Nguzo Saba.

It brings together the black community not on the basis of their religious faith, but a shared cultural heritage. Explaining the importance of the holiday for African-Americans today, writer Amiri Baraka, says during an interview in the documentary, “We looked at Kwanzaa as part of the

struggle to overturn white definitions for our lives.”

Indeed, since the early years of the holiday, until today, Kwanzaa has provided many black families with tools for instructing their childrenabout their African heritage.

Current activism and Kwanzaa This spirit of activism and pride in the African heritage is evident on college campus Kwanzaa celebrations – one of which I recently attended. (It was done a few days early so that students going on break could participate.)

The speaker, a veteran of the Nashville civil rights movement, spoke about Kwanzaa as a time of memory and celebration.

Wearing an African dashiki, he led those in attendance – blacks and whites and those of other ethnicities – in Kwanzaa songs and recitations. On a table decorated in kente cloth, a traditional African fabric, was a kinara, which contains seven holes, to correspond to the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. There were three red candles on the left side of the kinara, and three green candles on the right side of the kinara. The center candle was black. The colors of the candles represent the red, black and green

of the African Liberation flag.

The auditorium was packed. Those in attendance, young and old, black and white, held hands and chanted slogans celebrating black heroes and heroines, as diverse as the civil rights icons, Rosa Parks and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Jamaican musician Bob Marley.

It was a cultural observance that acknowledged solidarity with the struggles of the past and with one another. Like the black power movements, such as today’s Black Lives Matter movement, it is an affirmation of “Black folks’ humanity,” their “contributions to this society” and “resilience in the face of deadly oppression.”

Karenga wanted to “reaffirm the bonds between us” (black people) and to counter the damage done by the “holocaust of slavery.” Kwanzaa celebrations are a moment of this awareness and reflection.

Frank Dobson is the associate dean of Students at Vanderbilt University. The story was originally published in The Conversation and has been reprinted with permission.

ONYX MAGAZINE 35

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

400 Years: Our Legacy, Our Possibilities

Dr. Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Korey Wise hold the Phoenix Award. Right, members of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence attended the ALC.

The Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys The Commission was established to understand and eliminate the educational, economic, health, and other disparities that make it more difficult for black men and boys to thrive in this country. The afternoon discussion was held to discuss challenges and offer solutions on the state of black boys and men in the nation. Co-chair of ALC 2019 Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson presented the meeting. The Town Hall II - Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys was moderated by Paul Wilson, Jr.; and panelists were from left, Attorney Benjamin Crump; District Coordinator of 5000 Role Models Dr. Marcus Bright; Vice President of Global Communications and Advocacy at Procter and Gamble (Town Hall Sponsor) Damon Jones; Managing Principal of JIJ Communications and MSNBC contributor Jeff Johnson; Actor/Activist Larenz Tate; Actor/Activist Malik Yoba.

400 Years, Our Legacy, Our Opportunities National Council of Negro Women National President Johnnetta B. Cole, Ph.D., (far right), moderated the Town Hall panel discussion, and said “Sankofa, from the people in Ghana, as it says go back and fetch, understand our history and herstory so we can be prepared for the present and build for the future.” Panelists were from left, Virginia Senator Jennifer McClellan; National Urban League President Marc Morial; NAACP President Derrick Johnson; American Medical Association President Dr. Patrice Harris; and Author and Economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux.

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Photos courtesy of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Members of Exonerated Five Inducted Into 5000 Role Models of Excellence 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project students from Miami-Dade, Broward and Duval counties traveled to the 2019 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), in Washington, DC - September 12-15, 2019.

The 2019 ALC theme 400 Years: Our Legacy Our Possibilities commemorates the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade.

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, the founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, served as the ALC Honorary co-chair and proudly and enthusiastically welcomed the Role Models to the nation’s capital. The Role Models participated on panels focusing on issues impacting African Americans including education, the social status of black men and boys and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline and served as Ambassadors for the ALC. The Role Models also participated in the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Foundation’s Educate, Enrich and Empower ~ Experience Washington DC initiative, which is designed to provide a first-hand academic and cultural enrichment experience throughout dynamic policy sessions and challenging discussions with legislators, grassroots organizers, influencers and celebrities; and toured the United States Capitol, historical sites and museums.

Newly inducted Role Model Mentors include Korey Wise & Dr. Yusef Salaam, two of the Exonerated Five; Eric Brown, Educator; Damon Jones, VP Proctor & Gamble; and James Thompson, President -100 Black Men DC.

CHRISTMAS TOYS

Ride Along

Five benefits of buying ride-on toys for your toddler

By Mimi Brusa

C

hristmas is coming fast and most of us are pondering what to buy for those special people in our lives.

But if you have a toddler on your list, your shopping woes are over. When it comes to providing youngsters with a whole new level of enjoyment, nothing can beat ride-on toys. Why? They help kids develop some exceptional physical and mental skills and they are lots of fun. Do not miss the opportunity to let your kid explore these amazing skills. Here are some other reasons you should drop ride-on toys in your cart.

1. Develop balance and coordination skills Babies stumble the moment they start walking. They get up, giggle, take another step, stumble, and plop again. It is just a part of learning how legs work. Ride-on toys help with those stumbles. Scooting along, whether they are in a hurry or taking their time, is helping them learn to walk in so many ways. You might be amazed by how quickly kids master balancing and coordination skills. Very soon, they will be on their way to keeping up with you.

2. Build excellent motor skills Building some fine motor skills (movements involving smaller muscle groups

such as those in the hand and wrist) and gross motor skills (movements related to large muscles such as legs, arms, etc.) in your child is key. A ride-on toy will help do the trick. Apart from developing balancing skills, these toys are a great source of teaching your kid how to enhance their motor skills. Buy a good-looking ride-on tricycle or scooter and let your children learn how to use their hands to hold on and push; and use the legs to move about the house.

3. Develop love for exercise Getting kids to exercise is not difficult— they run and jump all the time. Adding ride-on toys to those natural ways of exercising may help your kids develop the love for exercise in an exciting way. From scooting cars to tricycles to skateboards as they get older, ride-on toys can bring out a sense of adventure and creativity in kids—as they pretend to be in the Daytona 500— instilling fitness skills the whole way!

4. Build confidence Some kids lack confidence in the early years. Ride-on toys can play a vital role in developing their confidence by allowing them to learn independently. With each passing day, kids get closer to more positive and higher self-esteem. As they fall and

rise, they will feel proud of themselves and will strive to learn and play more.

Eventually, they will get hang of it.

5. Encourage group play and social development Ride-on toys help kids develop some excellent emotional and social skills.

While playing in a group with other kids, they may find a healthy emotional attachment with them. They learn how to care for others as they all fall and get up. With a fleet of ride-on toys, children learn the important art of sharing and taking turns while they experiment with each toy. This kind of interaction also helps to diversify skills as they try different toys.

Psychologists also say that ride-on toys enhance a child’s sense of spatial intelligence—determining how much space they have to maneuver. For instance, if your child sees an obstacle like a tree or a stump before them, they will learn how to turn a wheel or change direction before they hit the obstacle. These are all key tips. However, the most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing these toys is to closely check for the safest toys and to purchase them for the right age group. With that, your kid can get moving!

ONYX MAGAZINE 39

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SAGE

Check on Seniors During the Holidays

By Danielle Fritze

T

he holiday season is in full swing.

It is the time of year for good food, and good friends and family—at least for most of us. But for many others the holiday season can remind them of just how lonely they are.

The U.S. Census estimates that as many as 28 percent of adults 65 and older lived alone in 2010, but a person doesn’t have to live alone to feel lonely. Loneliness can affect anyone who doesn’t feel meaningful connections with other people.

Loneliness is more than an emotional issue; it has real implications for physical and mental health. Recent research has shown that feeling lonely or being isolated affects mortality in a similar way to that of a smoking habit of 15 cigarettes per day, and has more of an impact on mortality than other risk factors, like obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

A survey on loneliness from the AARP indicated that over half of people who had been diagnosed with anxiety, depression or another mood disorder reported being lonely. Furthermore, people who are lonely are more prone to depression and at greater risk of cognitive decline. The good news is, loneliness doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem. Here are four tips to help combat loneliness and protect the mental health of an older loved one this holiday and beyond.

1. Make communication a priority Some older adults go days without speak-

ing to anyone at all, especially those who are in poor health or who have limited mobility or transportation options. Nothing beats an in-person visit, but if you can’t see each other around the holidays, talking on the phone—or video chatting with Skype or Facetime if everyone has the technology—can make a world of difference.

Make a point to reach out on or before the actual holiday so the older adult in your life doesn’t feel as though they have been forgotten during this special time of year.

Encourage other friends or family members to do the same.

Keep the communication going in the new year by setting 15-30 minutes aside once a week to talk. Don’t feel restricted to small talk. Ask for advice, or how it felt to live through certain experiences. Older adults have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

2. Encourage and facilitate social activities through local organizations Places of faith, like churches, temples and mosques, are a great place for individuals of all ages to meet like-minded people and find opportunities for group activities. If your older loved one isn’t religious, consider activities available through a local senior center. Offer to join them on their first trip to any new places to reduce anxiety and apprehension.

3. Explore hobbies and other areas of interest Figure out what the older adult in your life likes to do to relax or as a hobby (this is also a great way to get gift ideas). If they don’t currently have any hobbies, ask if there is one they used to have that they would like to get back into or something new they would like to try. Odds are that other people share that interest and there are opportunities for socializing around it. Even seemingly solitary hobbies can become social. Avid readers can join book clubs; people who like to quilt or knit can join sewing or knitting circles.

If an older adult wants to try a new hobby, adult education classes are great places to meet other people while learning skills. Alternatively, if an older adult is exceptionally skilled at a craft, they may be able to teach it to others.

4. Identify opportunities to combat loneliness at any time For those times between visits, calls, organizational activities and hobbies when loneliness can strike, determine some options that your older loved one can take advantage of at any time of day. Mental Health America (MHA) has a support community that is full of individuals who are online day and night looking to communicate and support one another, and is a great option for the internet savvy older adult. Older adults who prefer talking on the phone can call The Friendship Line at 1-800-971-0016. The Friendship Line is available 24/7 for adults 60 and older to offer a caring ear and friendly conversation, and it also offers outreach services.

When these steps don’t do the trick If you have taken steps to address loneliness, but still find that the older adult in your life is withdrawn and in low spirits, they may be showing signs of depression.

MHA has a free, anonymous and confidential depression screener online at MHAScreening.org. Screening is the first step to determining if professional help may be needed to address a mental health condition.

Have a safe, happy and heartfelt holiday season!

This article first appeared for the National Council on Aging.

ONYX MAGAZINE 41

REAL ESTATE

Don’t Let Decorating Disasters Ruin Christmas Don’t Let Decorating Disasters Ruin Christmas

T

he holiday season is here! No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or all three, most are excited to share in the holiday spirit. It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, and while you’re busy decorating the house, safety may be one of the last things on your mind. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were 15,000 injuries related to holiday decorations in 2012. Mishaps send about 250 people to the ER daily, with falls, cuts and back strains topping the list of injuries. To ensure you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season with your friends and family, here are 12 tips to keep in mind as you deck out your home: 1. Keep live trees away from heat sources.

Place your tree away from fireplaces and heaters, and keep a fire extinguisher near your tree. Live trees are highly flammable, due to needles and sap.

2. Hydrate your tree.

A dried-out tree can catch fire faster than one that has been properly watered. Check the water level every other day to ensure

proper hydration. Starting with a green tree is one way to keep it from drying out so quickly.

3. Fake it!

If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.” Fire-resistant trees are less susceptible to catching fire.

4. Don’t burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.

Paper can catch fire very quickly and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle (or better yet, reuse!) your wrapping paper.

5. Work as a team.

When stringing lights and decorations above your normal reach, make sure you use a proper ladder with someone supporting the base.

6. Double-check your lights for safety.

Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, and loose connections. Check the CPSC for guidelines for seasonal light safety, which sets a minimum wire size, and standards for strain relief and over-current protection.

This article has been endorsed by Deidre “Dee” Parker of Parker Realty and the chair of the ONYX Magazine Advisory Committee.

44 ONYX MAGAZINE

7. Power down before you turn in.

Turn off all lights when you go to bed and before leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.

8. Prevent electrical cord damage.

Don’t mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks. Use hooks or insulated staples instead.

9. Secure candles.

Keep candles on a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit candle unattended.

10. Use unbreakable ornaments.

If you have fragile ornament, place them out of reach from pets and kids.

11. Skip the fake food.

Avoid decorations that look like candy or food if you have young children—or pets—in the house.

12. Beware poisonous plants.

While festive, poinsettias are poisonous when eaten, so keep them out of reach of kids and pets.

Happy holidays!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Keep Off the Holiday Weight

By Constance Brown-Riggs

F

or many, the holiday season is synonymous with weight gain. There are so many more opportunities for overindulgence in food and alcohol while enjoying the company of family and friends. Even the most experienced weight controller can be derailed during the holidays and end up with a few extra pounds.

On Christmas day alone, an individual might eat as much as 6000 calories! That’s three times the recommended daily allowance. However, by following a few simple tips, you can curb your overindulgence and stop the pounds from piling on at Christmas.

A new study published in the British Medical Journal shows that when people weigh themselves daily, monitor food intake and track how much physical activity is needed to burn off extra calories from favorite holiday foods they were able to get through the holiday season without gaining weight.

The study was carried out in 2016 and 2017, with participants weighed and measured in November and December each year and then follow-up measurements were taken

46 ONYX MAGAZINE

in January and February 2017 and 2018.

There were 272 participants in the study.

Half received only general information about leading a healthy lifestyle. This group was called the comparison group.

The intervention group—the other half, was asked to weigh themselves at least twice per week, but ideally every day, and record their weight. To encourage mindful eating they were asked to maintain a food and beverage diary. They were also given 10 top tips for weight management and a list of how much physical activity would be needed to burn off calories found in favorite food and drinks eaten at Christmas. For example, it takes 60 minutes of gardening to burn the 330 calories in a slice of sweet potato pie, 30 minutes of swimming laps to burn the 260 calories in 1 cup stuffing and 30 minutes of golf to burn ½ cup eggnog.

The results showed that on average, participants in the comparison group gained almost a pound over Christmas, but participants in the intervention group did not.

In fact, those in the intervention group actually lost about one-third of a pound.

“On overage people gain a small amount of weight of up to 1kg [about 2 pounds] each year and holidays such as Christmas are responsible for most of the annual weight gain,” Professor Amanda Daley with the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, said in a press release. “Weight gained during holiday periods often is not subsequently lost and, although these gains are small, over 10 years they would lead to a significant increase in body weight.”

Remember, the following strategies are proven to curb overindulgence during the holidays and prevent weight gain. (1) Weigh yourself at least twice per week— ideally every day, and record it. (2) Monitor food and drink intake by keeping a daily food diary. (3) Keep track of how much physical activity is needed to burn off calories in food and drinks consumed.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Five Ways to Mentally Prepare for the Festive Season

I

f the holiday season has you feeling stressed, you may feel the urge to jump back into your bed and curl under your warm blanket until the holiday madness is officially over. I mean, with the pressure of crossing off items on Christmas lists, sitting in an increased amount of traffic to get to the different holiday events you said you’ll attend and having to deal with extended family members ask you when you’re finally going to settle down and have some kids, the thought of sleeping away the remainder of the delightful holiday season seems warranted, but, it’s not really practical, eh?

Since cancelling the holiday season and ignoring everything that comes along with isn’t really possible, what you do have control over, however, is keeping a note of these mental health tips to help you conquer this season instead of dreading it.

1. Breathe through the situation It may seem obvious that you have to breathe since we naturally do it every day, however, mindful, deep-breathing is on a whole other level than the standard breathing we do on a regular basis. If you find yourself getting frustrated, especially with something that’s out of your control, take a few moments to yourself and breathe

By Shawna Davis

deeply – inhaling through your nose for four seconds and exhaling for eight seconds, or experiment with different time intervals that seem most calming for you.

2. Create experiences Do something for yourself or with your loved ones that doesn’t require any major expectations except for you to enjoy the time being spent at the moment. Whether it’s going to the spa to get in some “me” time or spending time at home with the family watching Christmas movies after putting the lights on the tree, do something that doesn’t take too much out of you mentally and can make you feel at ease.

3. Pick and choose holiday events Getting invited to events always sounds nice, but realistically, you may not be able to attend every one of them depending on your schedule during the busy holiday season. The best way to not stretch yourself too thin is to prioritize a list of a few events that you absolutely don’t want to miss out on and consider any other function you go to as a bonus.

4. Realize things don’t always go as expected While the holiday season is the time of year

where families come together and ordinary moments seem more magical than ever before, simply because it’s that time of the year where everything should be “perfect,” it doesn’t always work out that way – and that’s okay. Do what you can to make a situation as best as it can be, but don’t force yourself to make everything or anyone (including yourself ) appear perfect. Sometimes, our greatest memories in life come from unplanned moments where we ended up having the most fun and amazing time.

Don’t try too hard and go with the flow of the moment.

5. Cut back on spending Make a list of people you want to purchase gifts for and either set a budget for each person or come up with an entire amount you don’t want to go over. While you’re at it, remove yourself from the overwhelming store email lists that fill your inbox with reasons to purchase items that you more than likely didn’t plan on purchasing.

Constance Brown-Riggs, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of the Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World. Shawna Davis is a writer. Both Health & Wellness articles first appeared in BlackDoctor.org.

ONYX MAGAZINE 47

COMMUNITY

Community Programs Expand for Homeless Staff Report

O

n September 17, 2019, a contractor removed the iconic red cross that stood atop the Orlando Union Rescue Mission for 57 years. The 18-foot cross, with “God is Love, Christ is Saviour” emblazoned in neon lights, had served as a beacon for homeless men since its installation. The cross came down as the Mission prepared for a move to a renovated hotel on West Colonial Drive. The new location means expanded services for the men who live there.

Since 1948, the Mission has offered programs that equip the homeless to escape homelessness permanently. It is not a traditional shelter: besides offering a free meal and a place to sleep, it provides a wide range of services that focus on preparing its guests (the men, women and children) for long-term independence and self-sufficiency. It operates two facilities: Project Hope, the new men’s home, where single men live; and the Family Home, which houses single women, single moms and their children, single dads with kids, and couples with children.

The programs at the two homes are similar and share components. All adults without a high school diploma must attend the Mission’s Career Learning Center, an accredited Florida high school that awards diplomas. Every guest who is not employed full time must work at the Mission—on the maintenance crew, in the kitchen, in the laundry, on the housekeeping team, or in other areas of the Mission. The Mission provides addiction recovery programs for those who need them, and all guests meet with their case managers weekly.

The Mission offers a full range of programs to care for the 66 formerly homeless children who live at the Family Home. The Early Learning Center is a full-time preschool for the youngsters who live there, and the Youth Learning Center offers daily academic support, providing homework assistance and tutoring for every child.

The Orlando Union Rescue Mission has relocated and will serve even more residents.

The Mission is a faith-based institution; it not only helps its guests develop the functional skills that will sustain them financially, but also introduces them to the love of God. Additionally, children participate in social activities and cultural events sponsored by local arts, musical, and drama groups.

The move to the new facility represents the closing of one chapter in the Mission’s life and the opening of another. While many in our community will miss the old building where the community received services since 1960, the new facility promises expanded programs for the poor and homeless. The Mission will increase the number of men it serves from 120 to 210, taking 90 more homeless men off our streets.

Project Hope also enables the Mission to extend its outreach to the community with enhanced services for the underserved in Central Florida. The Mission is donating space to Doctors United Group, which will open a free community medical clinic at Project Hope in November 2019. Similarly, the Mission will work with Jobs Partnership, which conducts a successful jobs

preparedness program and will initiate new classes at Project Hope in spring 2020.

The Mission is a faith-based institution; it not only helps its guests develop the functional skills that will sustain them financially, but also introduces them to the love of God. It accepts no government funding off any kind, relying exclusively on the voluntary donations of local individuals, churches, and businesses. It also joyfully employs numerous volunteers who work in administrative jobs, as tutors for the children, serving meals to the guests, and in almost any other way imaginable. The volunteers who help there unanimously declare the effort a rewarding, inspiring experience.

The Mission has a long history of preparing its guests for life-long success. With the opening of Project Hope, it is poised to continue that tradition and help even more homeless people overcome homelessness permanently.

ONYX MAGAZINE 49

ONYX READS

Books to Curl Up With On Your Winter Break On the Come Up

By Angie Thomas This is the highly anticipated second novel by Angie Thomas, the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning The Hate U Give. Sixteen-year-old Bri wants to be one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Or at least win her first battle. As the daughter of an underground hip hop legend who died right before he hit big, Bri’s got massive shoes to fill. But it’s hard to get your come up when you’re labeled a hoodlum at school, and your fridge at home is empty after your mom loses her job. So Bri pours her anger and frustration into her first song, which goes viral…for all the wrong reasons. Bri soon finds herself at the center of a controversy, portrayed by the media as more menace than MC. But with an eviction notice staring her family down, Bri doesn’t just want to make it—she has to.

Even if it means becoming the very thing the public has made her out to be. Insightful, unflinching, and full of heart, On the Come Up is an ode to hip hop from one of the most influential literary voices of a generation. It is the story of fighting for your dreams, even as the odds are stacked against you; and about how, especially for young black people, freedom of speech isn’t always free.

Harper-Collins, publisher

50 ONYX MAGAZINE

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls

By Anissa Gray The Butler family has had their share of trials—as sisters Althea, Viola, and Lillian can attest—but nothing prepared them for the literal trial that will upend their lives.

Althea, the eldest sister and substitute matriarch, is a force to be reckoned with and her younger sisters have alternately appreciated and chafed at her strong will. They are as stunned as the rest of the small community when she and her husband, Proctor, are arrested, and in a heartbeat the family goes from one of the most respected in town to utter disgrace. The worst part is, not even her sisters are sure exactly what happened. As Althea awaits her fate, Lillian and Viola must come together in the house they grew up in to care for their sister’s teenage daughters. What unfolds is a stunning portrait of the heart and core of an American family in a story that is as page-turning as it is important. Berkley, publisher

ONYX ON THE MOVE

Clearwater Jazz Holiday ONYX Magazine was a media sponsor of the 2019 Clearwater Jazz Holiday in October. More than 40,000 visit Coachman Park over the four-day weekend featuring top musical performances from around the country. Headlining the 2019 event was Boyz II Men, Trombone Shorty and Chicago. The festival also remembers the community. CJH celebrates a Community Day at the festival each year recognizing nonprofits and other organizations positively impacting our community in positive ways. CJH is also proud to partner with many of these organizations with respect to our education and outreach activities throughout the year. Boyz II Men, Chicago, Polyrhythmics Photos courtesy of Clearwater Jazz Holiday/Sonja Pederson

Community Development Champions Luncheon ONYX Magazine attended the CDC of Tampa, Inc., Community Development Champions Luncheon at Armature Works in October. Nearly 600 filed into the beautifully set room to learn more about the CDC, which has a mission to create opportunities for people to build prosperous futures and vibrant communities. CDC President Ernest Coney shared his vision of having less impoverished communities with the upcoming Tampa True. This year’s Nehemia Awards winners were Chris Jimenez of Painters on Demand; Randy Prescott of KCI Technologies, Inc.; and Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback.

CDC CEO Ernest Coney, Jr., his wife, Anika Coney, Breion Allen, Winston’s fiancé, Jameis Winston, Mary Mitchell, Ernest Coney, Sr., Chole Coney.

JOIN OUR TEAM ONYX Magazine celebrates 20 years of entertaining, inspiring and informing African Americans throughout Florida. Join our team as we continue to expand. We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic Sales Representatives and Writers. Send your resume’ and writing clips (for writers) to info@onyxmagazine.com or call 407-451-2891.

ENTERTAINS, INSPIRES AND INFORMS

52 ONYX MAGAZINE

Scope FLORIDA

AND BEYOND FLORIDA

Lifetime Achievement Award Samuel L. Wright, Ed.D., received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2019 the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards. Wright, a member of the ONYX Magazine Advisory Committee and former student ombudsman at the University of South Florida, is known for his velvet voice around the Tampa Bay area. The vision of the Tampa Bay Gospel Awards is to honor, recognize and encourage those who express their love through the Ministry of Music, to continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ across the nation.

Farewell to Greats Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, 68, was born and raised in Baltimore, Md. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Howard University, serving as Student Government President and graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and then graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law. Congressman Cummings dedicated his life of service to uplifting and empowering the people he represented. He began his career of public service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served sixteen years and became the first African American in Maryland history to be named Speaker Pro Tem. First sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, Congressman Cummings proudly represented Maryland’s 7th District since 1996. He became Ranking Member of the Committee in 2011.He was appointed as Chairman of the Committee in 2019. Congressman Cummings often says that our children are the living messages that we send to a future we will never see. In that vein, he was committed to ensuring that our next generation has access to quality healthcare and education, clean air and water, and a strong economy defined by fiscal responsibility.

Former Congressman John James Conyers, 92, was an American career politician of the Democratic Party who served as a U.S. Representative for Michigan from 1965 to 2017. The districts he represented always included part of western Detroit. During his final three terms, his district included many of Detroit’s western suburbs, as well as a large portion of the Downriver area. Conyers served more than 50 years in Congress, becoming the longest-serving African American member of Congress. Conyers was the Dean of the House of Representatives. By the end of his last term, he was the last remaining member of Congress who had served since the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Conyers served as the ranking Democratic member on the House Committee on the Judiciary from 1995 to 2007 and again from 2011 to 2017. He served as chairman of that committee from 2007 to 2011 and as Chairman of the House Oversight Committee from 1989 to 1995.

Diahann Carroll, who pioneered television with her starring role in the 1968 series “Julia,” died at 84 after a battle with breast cancer. Known as much for her talent as she was her beauty and elegance, Carroll was beloved for her work in “Julia,” as well as her subsequent performance as the wealthy and cultured Dominique Deveraux in the 1980s ABC prime-time soap opera “Dynasty.” She became the first African-American woman to star in a network sitcom when “Julia” premiered on NBC in 1968. Her role as widowed nurse Julia Baker, who was raising a charming young son, also broke ground for its portrayal of a black woman as something other than a domestic worker. Carroll made her Broadway debut in 1954 in the musical “The House of Flowers,” which also starred Pearl Bailey and Juanita Hall. That same year Carroll appeared in her first film, the now classic “Carmen Jones,” starring Harry Belafonte and Dorothy Dandridge.

ONYX MAGAZINE 53

COLLEGE

Getting Kids To College— Single-Handedly

By Ruelle Fludd

54 ONYX MAGAZINE

Photos courtesy of Ruelle Fludd

R

aising kids is no easy task. Neither is doing it alone. When the time comes for college, single parents are faced with many obstacles to give their kids the opportunity of a lifetime.

Suzanne Baker, 53, is a single mother of three from Jamaica who currently resides in Miami with two kids furthering their education at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. With a degree in accounting from the University of the West Indies, Baker not only sets an example, but also makes college a top priority for all three of her kids. Baker said, “It is not an if, it’s a when.”

“I went to college and knew, leaving Jamaica and coming to America, the one goal I had for my three kids was to make sure that they go to college—regardless of my situation or my lack of finances because I’m a single mom trying to do it on my own,” added Baker.

Preparations to send her oldest son Dominic, 19, to college started while he was still in high school. Focusing on grades, involvement in sports and a strong relationship with the college advisor were the first steps Baker implemented unto her son before his acceptance into UCF in March 2018.

Yet, getting Dominic into college wasn’t Baker’s main concern. She knew she wouldn’t be able to pay tuition, housing and other associated costs on her own and was advised to have her son apply for loans, grants and scholarships. Dominic’s merit in high school provided major relief and Baker proudly said, “he worked hard enough to be able to qualify for 100% Bright Futures.”

Choosing the fiscally responsible university is a sacrifice that single parents must take to ensure their children matriculate successfully into higher education.

Dominic Baker on campus at UCF

“The geographic location of UCF is more affordable. It would have been cheaper, I know, to have kept him closer to Miami probably at FIU [Florida International University] or even Miami-Dade [College] but I dreamt big. I didn’t move from Jamaica to America to limit any of my children,” said Baker.

This summer Baker sent her daughter Gabrielle, 18, off to UCF to major in accounting like her mother did years ago. “I have two in college right now—they can cook, work together and share a car and luckily for me, they wanted that,” Baker added.

The experience of transitioning Dominic to UCF made Gabrielle’s matriculation that much easier. Baker explained that she’s grateful that her two older children not only went to college but wanted to go together.

“It was more of a personal goal of mine to make sure my children went to college,” said Baker. “There was no other consideration but to make sure that happened.”

Preparing for the big move is only half of a single parent’s journey to emptying the nest. Picking a university, gradually purchasing school supplies and moving kids out may seem like the biggest challenges, but they aren’t the only factors single parents need to consider.

Aquario Torres, 38, is mother to four children with two daughters living in Tallahassee who are transferring to Florida State University (FSU) from Tallahassee Community College (TCC) this August. While Torres didn’t give birth to her daughter Kaitlyn, she’s been a part of the family since age 14. Along with Torres’ oldest daughter Jennie, both girls constructed their master plan to leave Miami and have had support from the beginning in 2017.

“They came to me with their plan. They discussed it and decided they both wanted to leave Miami and go to Tallahassee. FSU is the college they decided on,” Torres said.

Torres planned for two months to give the girls the move to Tallahassee they wanted with the promise of financial security for two months until they got jobs.

Jennie received financial aid for classes through federal aid and Kaitlyn’s father used his GI Bill to assist with her tuition.

All other expenses fell on Torres. Two months quickly turned into six. Torres covered rent, utilities, food and transpor-

Suzanne Baker and her daughter, Gabrielle Baker

“I went to college and knew, leaving Jamaica and coming to America, the one goal I had for my three kids was to make sure that they go to college—regardless of my situation or my lack of finances.”

–Suzanne Baker

tation for both girls. “I planned as much as I could for it, so I was OK,” Torres said.

“It was a lot to handle for just one person.”

Florida is ranked 49th in the 2018-2019 undergraduate fees and tuition by state report by the Board of Governors State University System of Florida. It makes Florida the second cheapest state to pursue an undergraduate degree. This can prove to be an advantage to single parents especially if community colleges are considered as an option before transitioning to a university.

To Torres’ advantage, her daughters decided to start their education at TCC. Yet, the girls face a tuition increase of over $3,600 come Fall 2019 when they transfer to FSU. “I felt it was better that way because it’s cheaper,” said Torres. “The cost, I’m a bit concerned. I’m not sure if they’ve accounted for the increased cost as far as classes are concerned.”

Torres’ girls are now covering their own bills by working part-time jobs and putting money toward their class expenses. “They’ve managed it well. They’ve planned for it well,” Torres said. “I trust them, they’ve been independent for some time now.”

The stories of these two mothers provide a testimony to all single parents who worry about sending their kids off to college. Do your research, make the necessary preparations and prioritize the importance of higher-level education to children of all ages.

The Board of Governors State University System of Florida website details university costs on a yearly basis and offers national data on tuition and fees. This resource can be essential to single parents and aspiring college students to compare tuition and fees among 12 different state universities.

The site doesn’t include data on the multiple private institutions Florida has to offer, but keep in mind, tuition is more expensive. For more information on university costs visit flbog.edu.

Check out https://studentaid.ed.gov/ sa/fafsa, https://bigfuture.collegeboard. org/ and https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org for further information on preparation and costs.

Ruelle Fludd is a senior graduating in fall 2019 from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.

ONYX MAGAZINE 55

SELF CARE

When Holidays are Hard Tips for coping with a food-centric season

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

D

uring the holidays, no matter where you turn, you find food, food and more food. From vendor treats filling the office breakroom to celebratory dinners with family and friends, virtually everything and everyone seems to be focused on food. For someone working to overcome an eating disorder, it makes the season anything but festive.

Eating disorders affect 20 million females and 10 million males in the United States and can be diagnosed in boys and girls 7 years old and sometimes even younger.

Eating disorders are not a lifestyle choice; they are mental health disorders similar to depression, bipolar disease or schizophrenia. It is not an individual choice to develop an eating disorder, but rather severe underlying pathological factors which drive individuals to take part in self-destructive behaviors associated with eating disorders.

Genetic, environmental and social factors all play a role in the development of an eating disorder. Interpersonal issues, past trauma, low self-esteem, abuse, co-occurring mental health disorders, substance abuse disorders and unhealthy family and

personal relationships can all contribute to the environmental and social factors associated with eating disorders.

Even for someone who is well into a successful recovery program, the holidays can trigger unwanted thoughts and comments surrounding food. Whether you are actively treating your eating disorder or suspect you may have one, you can take steps to make this holiday season more comfortable with these tips from eating disorder expert and licensed therapist Dawn Delgado, director of clinical development at Center for Discovery.

1. Always have a safe plan. If you plan on attending a holiday party or gathering, you may want to consult with your dietitian to have a plan beforehand, especially if you feel you may be inclined to binge. If you feel triggered to binge, or if you feel pressured by another individual, create an escape plan, which may mean having a friend accompany you to the party or even come pick you up. Your plan may also involve finding a safe place at the party where you can be alone to gather your thoughts until you feel comfortable re-engaging with others.

2. Be prepared to say “no.” Many individuals, with good intentions, will push food your way. They will want you to try their favorite dessert or their new recipe without understanding your struggle.

Know that it is OK to say “no” and to take care of yourself in these situations. You can choose to clarify why you are saying “no,” but do not feel obligated to do so. Also give yourself permission to decline joining holiday office parties, family parties or other holiday-themed get-togethers if your recovery could be compromised, or plan to bring a supportive friend.

3. Know your triggers before you engage in social situations. Understanding your triggers and learning how to use coping skills to control them at holiday functions can help keep negative thoughts and self-sabotaging at bay. If there are certain topics of conversation that trigger you then avoid those topics or change the conversation when those topics arise. Be honest with yourself, be honest with others, recognize your emotions and learn to take control of your scenarios.

Learn more and find options for treatment at centerfordiscovery.com.

This Center for Discovery article first appeared in Family Features and has been reprinted with permission.

ONYX MAGAZINE 57

MEDIA

The Black Press Association of Florida— Asking Questions, Demanding Answers

By Jeri Yonder

T

he Black Press Association of Florida (BPAOF) launched its strategic agenda for 2020. The organization consists of 13 publications, broadcasters, and media firms representing all major Florida media markets. With more than 300 years of combined existence, there can be no doubt that the organization knows the needs of African Americans in Florida.

“Our members have worked together since 2005 to keep our communities informed on local, state, and national issues. This election year is critical. Because the outcome will determine our quality of life, our responsibility is heightened,” says BPAOF President Gayle Andrews.

BPAOF has begun annual meetings with the governor and state cabinet members to discuss mutual goals and objectives. The officers of the organization also joined the Florida Conference of Black State Legislature’s leadership forum to produce a focused agenda for the state. The association will also dialogue with presidential candidates to bring those individual plans and perspectives to the African American community.

“We will produce articles, columns, and report cards for constituents to evaluate. We believe all elected officials should be accountable,” Andrews said.

For many generations, the black press has maintained a constant information presence in the African American community, and the Black Press Association is a part of that contingency. Communicating the struggles and break though victories despite the racism and other hurdles that plagued a people who helped to build and shape the greatest nation in the world. The BPAOF continues to uphold the 192-year-old pledge to educate, inform and uplift the community. Florida’s black media wields a powerful weapon reaching 900,000 readers, viewers and listeners each week. The association remains committed to being “The Voice of the Black Community.”

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Black Press Association of Florida Officers

Gayle Andrews

Rich Black

Andrews Plus President

ONYX Magazine 1st Vice President

Samuel Roberts

Peter Webley

Caribbean American Passport Vice President

Caribbean Today Treasurer

Lyn Johnson

Silvia Perry

The Weekly Challenger Secretary

Jacksonville Free Press President Emeritus

TRAVEL

December in the Sunshine State

By Janet K. Keeler

W

inter is a glorious time in Florida, with plenty of holiday events and outdoor festivals celebrating food, art and culture. The beautiful beaches, matched by even more gorgeous weather, bring winter residents back and attract travelers from around the world. Floridians come out to play, too.

Some winter events are known far and wide, like the rollicking New Year’s Eve traditions in Key West, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World, the world-renowned Art Basel, in Miami and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Here’s a list of some lesser known, but equally fun, winter events in the Sunshine State.

Photo courtesy of Pensacola Winter Fest.

Gilded Holiday Glory The “Christmas Spectacular!” Holiday Home Tour in DeLand is elaborate, elegant, and over-the-top, featuring designer Christmas decorations in one of Florida’s most historic mansions, the 1886 “Gilded Age” Victorian Stetson Mansion. How spectacular is it? The mansion has been recently been listed as one of the “Top 10 Things to do in Florida” by Tripadvisor. Reservations are required.

Snow in Florida?

People come to the Sunshine State to get away from the cold, but we still like a side of the white stuff with holidays, even if it is artificial. Pensacola Winterfest turns Florida’s westernmost city into a holiday wonderland with an elf parade, snowball derby and Santa’s Holiday Express. And snow, too.

Twinkle, Twinkle Florida The Jacksonville Zoo goes all “Hairy and Bright” for the annual ZOOlights holiday extravaganza. Thousands of LED lights lead visitors through a magical place with moving sculptures, a fairy village and “ice” skating. The zoo closes at 5 p.m. and then reopens at 6 p.m. for the holiday event. Most of the zoo’s creatures will be snoozing but the stingrays, leopards, jaguars, and Lost Temple reptiles and primates can be observed. Carousel and lighted train rides also available.

Snow in Florida?

Arty Holiday Shopping Florida’s newly minted arts city, St. Petersburg, hosts a second Saturday ArtWalk each month that is more festive than ever in December. That’s because 40 galleries and art venues festooned with holiday decorations offer last-minute gifts in a wide range of prices. Hundreds of folks ride the free ArtWalk trolleys connecting the city’s arts districts. Some of the highlights are the glassblowing demonstrations at Duncan McClellan Gallery and tours of artist studios in the Warehouse Arts District and downtown Art Lofts. Many shops stay open for the 5 to 9 p.m. event and the trolleys stop close enough to the city’s craft beer breweries to try a pint, like a Brown Pelican Dunkel at 3 Daughters Brewing.

Ringing in the New Year, Miami-Style Bayfront Park on Biscayne Bay is host to the “Big Orange” drop, on New Year’s Eve, South Florida’s answer to the Times Square ball drop. Early in the evening, a 35-foot neon (of course) orange wearing sunglasses (of course) creeps up the side of the InterContinental Hotel across from the park. It drops as the clock ticks toward midnight, after which fireworks light the sky. The free concert will be broadcast live. Parking is limited but there is public transportation.

For more information on winter events in Florida, go to www.visitflorida.com.

ONYX MAGAZINE 59

MONEY MATTERS

Back to Your

FINANCIAL FUTURE Peering into money matters beyond 2020

By Laura Dorsey

E

ach year at this time, I pen an article that talks about holiday spending or something equally motivating. Even though I want you to enjoy the holidays, this year I am changing direction. Instead of only looking at the holiday, I want you to put on your superhero glasses and look into the future—2020 and beyond—for you and your family, specifically your financial future.

Black Lives Matter is an international activist movement, originating in the black community to campaign against the violence and systemic racism toward black people; and the campaign has had some success. If that scenario rings true, is it not time to support the Black Money Matters movement? We already know how to do this because the organization exists and is growing traction. We know the rules of the game, we just are not playing it well.

Our generation is more educated and entrepreneurial than the parents who raised us—with the boldness of the past generation—who fought for the rights that we enjoy today. According to “Black Enter-

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prise” magazine, 89 percent of African Americans between 25-34 years completed high school, compared to 77 percent of African American 55 and older. Twenty-one percent of African Americans 25-34 have an associate degree or higher versus 17 percent of those who are 55 and older.

According to the Black Money Matters movement our buying power is $1.3 trillion, yet we have a bad habit of investing that money in everything but ourselves.

Our natural instinct is to spend more if we make more. The movement suggests supporting black owned banks because 67 percent of their mortgage loans go to black people. In 2001, there were 48 black-owned banks in the U.S.; now there are only 22, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., with assets of approximately $5.3 billion. Yet, black people have spending power of $1.3 trillion. You do the math.

The Black Money Matters movement will propel our community forward.

Eighty-four percent believe the American Dream means financial security and 78 percent believe it is not living paycheck to paycheck. No matter the goals, many African Americans do not have the tangi-

ble assets to make these goals happen. We need the Black Money Matters movement because money gives you options. If you find yourself in a job you really hate, you can quit if you have enough money in the bank. If you have a dream for a business that you want to pursue full time, you can do that with money in the bank.

As you look forward to the future and Black Money Matters, be aware of how the ballot box can assist in the movement.

Learn how to use your elected officials.

That means taking your financial concerns to them.

There is a disconnect between African American financial situations and their hope for the future. Financial disparities and the wealth gap possibly explain why 31 percent are convinced the American Dream may be fading away. The Black Money Matters movement can create a different scenario of our future.

As we go into the new year and beyond, remember a movement that you can support: #BLACK MONEY MATTERS!!

FOOD AND WINE

FESTIVE CUPCAKES The holiday season isn’t the same without tempting tasty treats to put you in the festive mood—and cupcakes are a favorite. They are easy to make and the whole family can get in the mix. Top these delectable mini cakes with your fanciest edible Christmas decorations and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

Instructions

1 1/3 cups (185 grams/6.5 ounces) all-purpose flour

1. Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Line muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.

1 teaspoon baking powder

3. In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about three minutes.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. On medium speed, beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients and beat just until combined. Add milk and beat until combined. Add the other half of the dry ingredients and beat slowly or fold by hand only until combined. Do not over mix – the less you mix, the lighter the cake will be.

1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick/115 grams) butter, softened 1 cup (200 grams/7 ounces) granulated sugar 2 large eggs , room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

4. Divide batter evenly between the cups, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes (or 8-10 minutes if making mini cupcakes) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Allow cupcakes to sit for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Unfrosted cupcakes can be kept tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw, still covered, on the counter or overnight in the fridge.

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