Huami Magazine Arkansas May/June 2023

What Else Could I Say?

On a recent evening, I was invited to sit on a panel alongside a couple of other gentlemen. Our mission was to share our experiences and answer a few questions on the challenges and joys of being a black man and father. Though some questions were shared with us beforehand, I hadn’t prepared much for the event. Little did I know, the night would be full of surprises and lessons learned.

One panelist sitting beside me appeared to be great at public speaking. I determined this by how he held the microphone close to his face so that his voice would project throughout the room of people with clarity and precision. He was good. For me, I consider myself to be an average speaker, and I am not often intimidated when faced with the challenge of speaking publicly. Well, all of that was off the table that evening. While I knew what I wanted to share, I felt a little speechless when it was my turn to speak.

As the evening came to an end, a feeling of regret washed over me. Despite being invited as a panelist to share my thoughts and experiences, I couldn’t help but feel that I had left a lot unsaid. It’s a shame, really, because I know what I felt inside could resonate with someone in that room. After all, isn’t that why we were all there? To share our unique perspectives and shed some light on what being a black man and father is like.

That evening was a valuable lesson in many ways. One of the key takeaways was the importance of preparation before speaking. Another lesson learned was the need to seize every opportunity and own the moment. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Most importantly, I was reminded of the power of sharing my experiences and how it can change someone’s perspective. It was a great reminder not to waste any opportunity to connect with others and make a positive impact.

Imagine that, me at a loss for words.

Terry L. Watson

Airic & Synetra

Visionairi Enterprises

By Terry L. Watson

Visionairi Enterprises is the product of the brilliant and determined power couple of Dr. Aric Hughes and Dr. Synetra Hughes. The company provides film and media services, public speaking, and educational and social justice-focused programming. The organization also advances equity and inclusion for the black communities across Arkansas by celebrating Black heritage.

Airic founded Visionairi Enterprises in 2016 to promote and preserve Black culture through education, creativity, and social justice. Visionairi established the Micheaux Award & Film Labs in 2020 to support creatives of color in Arkansas through direct funding, expert-led training labs, and strategic network development. Their daughter’s name, Airiel Zaire, inspires the company’s name, and they hope the company will serve as a foundation for her and build generational wealth for their family.

“Airiel was born three months premature. The first nine months of her life were spent in the special care units at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. We launched shortly after Airiel came home for the first time. Her life and legacy inspired the creation of Visionairi and fueled the work that we do,” they shared.

Airic says their products and services are designed by and for global black communities. Examples of creative programs include It’s Black It’s Lit, a web-based showcase platform for black academics, activists, artists and entrepreneurs; and the Micheaux Award and Film Labs, which provides funding, education, and training, as well as strategic networking for creatives of color in Arkansas. Examples of their education programming include The Footnotes book club, a monthly community space to discuss literature by and with our favorite black authors and Negunomics. Negunomics transcends outdated presentation models to deliver deliberately constructive dialogue by and with the communities that have and need information, resources, and connections for sustained success. “We analyze Black economic history, calculate innovations and investment opportunities, showcase organizations supporting Black economics, and form strategic networks with authentic creativity,” he says.

Examples of their social justice programming include the incARceraTed series, a mobile art gallery, and film screening focused on the arts, criminal justice, and life transformation; and incARceraTed with Purpose, an offshoot collaborative youth intervention program bringing community organizations together to deliver the incARceraTed series objectives to youth in alternative schools and detention facilities.

Photos Provided by Visionairi Enterprises

Airic is an entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and faculty member in the Department of History at the University of Arkansas. He holds a bachelor of arts in History and African American History, masters of art in History, and a doctorate of Philosophy in History from the University of Arkansas. His research examines Black geographies in America through the lens of federal interstate development in his hometown, Little Rock, Arkansas. Airic was also recognized as a Southeastern Conference Emerging Scholar for 2022-2023.

Synetra is a native of West Memphis, Arkansas. In addition to her duties with Visionairi, she is the Managing Director of the Dr. Barbara A. Lofton Office of Diversity & Inclusion. She is a Walton College alum with a Bachelors of Science in Information Systems and Transportation and Logistics. Additionally, she holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Development and a Doctor of Education in Workforce Development with a concentration in Human Resources and Leadership Development. In addition to her many career accomplishments, Dr. Hughes educates people of all ages and backgrounds on all things regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and bridges the gap between our students and the business world.

When asked what they love most about what they do, Airic and Synetra respond with genuine concern for the betterment of members of their community. “We live and work in a state with roots in succession and oppression of black freedom. Visionairi keeps us true to ourselves, helps us build community, make space for blackness, and bring value. The legacy of our ancestors and those who gave everything for us to have anything inspire us to do what we do.”

Airic and Synetra’s lives have also been impacted by individuals committed to making a difference. Synetra says, “I was raised by my great-grandmother. She was a strong black woman who gave selflessly to anyone in need. She has had a huge influence on my life and is the woman I aspire to become; as a mom, wife, and in all of the other roles I have taken on.” Airic says his grandfather, Howard Hughes, created a legacy for him as a man. Dr. Calvin White, Jr., his former professor and mentor, taught Airic the connection to his people.

Due to Arkansas’s economic and political polarity, Airic and Synera share they have been challenged with connecting and engaging with black communities throughout the state. They have overcome these challenges by strategically aligning with institutions and organizations across Arkansas and beyond that share their commitment to black culture preservation. Expanding their network allows them to reinvest their progress into capacity cultivation for the black community.

As the future happens, Airic and Synetra will continue to grow and scale Visionairi Enterprises. They share that pursuing strategic alignment with partners committed to their mission and values is their top priority. “There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now,” they share. h

The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab

Addressing HIV Prevention in Black Communities

By Dr. Marrissa Dick & Terry L. Watson Photos Provided by Still Shots Photography

This is a follow-up story to The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab article in the Huami Magazine 2022 edition. In this follow-up article, we will reintroduce Dr. Schenita Randolph and her work in sexual health equity for racial/ethnic minority populations and reintroduce Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), share the results of the study, and introduce the beauty industry partners who co-developed the work and helped to inform the research. Finally, we will share her futuristic vision for the HEEAT Lab and how she desires increased health equity and justice for the African American community. The Huami Magazine would like to reintroduce Dr. Schenita Randolph, an Associate Professor at the Duke University School of Nursing. Her mission is to address the root causes of health disparities and promote sexual health equity for racial/ethnic minority populations. Dr. Randolph is currently the Principal Investigator of a project funded by Gilead Sciences to develop a Salon-Based Intervention to promote the awareness and uptake of PrEP among Black women living in the United States South. She is a Fellow in the inaugural Betty Irene Moore Fellowship, where she developed the first nurse-led, web-based application to address the cooccurrence of HIV transmission and racial discrimination among African American male adolescents and young adults.

Notwithstanding, Dr. Randolph has been a nurse for over 25 years and is the founding Director of the HEEAT Research Lab. As a reminder, the H.E.E.A.T. acronym addresses Health disparities through Engagement, Equity, Advocacy, and Trust. The team members working with H.E.E.A.T. are dedicated clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, community members, and barber shop and beauty salon owners. These collective groups are vested in breaking down the barriers of implicit biases, health disparities, and inequities in health care delivery and outcomes within African American communities. The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab is committed to engaging and partnering with the community to find cultural and social ways to address some of these inequities.

Dr. Randolph believes that one way of addressing the disparities is by making the African American community aware of tools in healthcare that have proven to be effective but are less used by those who could benefit from them, such as the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This oral or injectable medication is a proven HIV prevention method for people who have taken an HIV test and know they are HIV-negative. PrEP comes in the form of a pill or injectable. In pill form, if taken daily, it is effective at preventing HIV by 99%. The FDA approves PrEP for the United States, but unfortunately, Black women do not see themselves in the messaging that advertises PrEP. According to Dr. Randolph, “PrEP is an FDA-approved oral medication if taken daily, will decrease a persons chances of acquiring HIV. PrEP has been FDA approved since 2012, but less than 1-2 % of African American cis-gendered women know about PrEP.” For those unfamiliar with the term cis gender, it is simply a person who identifies with the gender sex they were born to.

For example, a person born a male at birth identifies as a boy or a man. Likewise, a person who was born a female at birth identifies as a girl or a woman. These people are considered cis-gender. Most people would be more familiar with the word heterosexual. Dr. Randolph believes bringing awareness to PrEP is important because African American women represent over 65% of HIV cases and are 17 times more likely to acquire HIV than white women. The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab has revealed that those who have benefited the most from taking PrEP have been men who have sex with men. Because she understands the barriers that exist for the uptake of PrEP among African American women, including providers not offering it, increasing knowledge and awareness is critical to health outcomes. “I always tell people I am not a PrEP pusher. I want to be clear on that, but I believe that women should know that PrEP exists so they can make informed decisions about their own health based on their needs and personal values. Dr. Randolph and her team are leaving no stone unturned in helping to tear down barriers to acquiring equitable access to health care. For instance, you can access PrEP through an online telehealth service called QCare Plus. This online platform will allow you to speak with a provider, and send HIV testing kits and PrEP discretely to your home, should you decide it is right for you.

Now that you know the type of research The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab conducted, let’s find out who participated in this study and what was discovered. Barbershops and Beauty salons have historically been staples in our community and the HEEAT Lab is honored to have some of the greatest barbers and stylists partnering with them in this work. One of the main reasons we have engaged our beauty salons and barber shops is because when our men and women go there, they can receive this information. In these establishments, deep conversations are held, and information is shared while sitting in the salon chair getting their hair styled or in the barbershop getting that beard groomed. These conversations flow freely with respected and trusted people within the community. Dr. Randolph says, “That’s why we’re intentional about partnering with the beauty industry.. During COVID-19, the beauty industry was on the front line having COVID testing in their shops. So, this article also allows us to thank the barbers and the stylists, those unspoken heroes and sheroes, who have helped promote good health within our communities.”

Dr. Randolph and her team intentionally partner with the community, ensuring they are at the forefront of every conversation and engaged as community leaders and stakeholders. That’s why on April 30th, her team hosted a brunch to honor the salon owners and participants from Durham County, Wake County, and Guilford County for their engagement and update them on the research study they participated in. This emerging data is a part of Using PrEP and Doing it for Ourselves (UPDOs). The UPDOs Protective Styles is a salon-based intervention developed and tested in partnership with researchers and the community to promote awareness, knowledge, and uptake of PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among African American women living in the United States South. UPDOs take a comprehensive approach and address the overall health of African American women in the United States.

Dr. Randolph shares, “The idea behind the UPDOs initiative was to develop a series of twenty-minute segments that women can watch in their own private space, highlighting stories of Black women, their lived experiences, and overall health, including awareness of HIV and PrEP. The data revealed that women’s awareness of PrEP did increase, trust around PrEP was strengthened, and women could accept the information because they could see themselves in the mini-series.

Tamica Campbell Hughes

Akili Hester Black Wallstreet Barbershop

The research also showed that women are willing to share the information with others in their networks; stigma around PrEP and HIV was also improved. Gains were made in many areas because the storylines were realistic and acceptable, and the information was delivered in a way that could be received. Even in this, women loudly voiced the need for more culturally and socially relevant messaging about health issues that impact them.”

The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab celebrates the beauty industry partners who are strong leaders and advocates in the community and acknowledges their impact in the mission to address inequities and justice in health care outcomes and delivery.

Akili Hester of Durham, NC, is a single father and barber. He also owns Black Wallstreet Barbershop, HAYTI Barbershop, and Akilithebull.com. When asked about the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, he says, “I think it’s necessary that people in my community are given proper information to share throughout the community. It’s important that the faces receiving information look like the faces of the people providing the information. We must know that the information we’re getting is true and factual,” he says.

Akili is a partner with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab and serves on the Community Advisory Council. He says his reason for serving is his firm belief that if he eats off of a community, he must also have a positive impact on his community. “Community work is important in maintaining that balance and giving back. Sharing resources and information and having access to resources is important also”.

Akili says that H.E.E.A.T.’s role in his community means a lot because miseducation plays a big role in living in lower-income areas. He says having resources based on facts is important.

Tamica Campbell Hughes is the co-owner of Pink Kotur Hair Salon and the founder of Level Up Parenting, a non-profit organization focusing on single mothers. She has two sons and five loving grandkids. When asked about the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, she says it encourages community involvement. “It helps to state the facts and educate people on what is happening in our black community. By being involved, I bring in other salon owners and stylists to engage in the research study. We educate clients that come to the salon on what is happening with the study and how they can participate in the research and survey. As a black woman in the community, it concerns me there isn’t enough information available. I want to learn more so I can share it with others in our community. The lab’s work will definitely help community leaders get it out by providing information,” she says. “The more people have knowledge, the number of black women with HIV will decrease. The information will change lives once it is out there.

Dr. Ragan Johnson‘s role with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab aligns with the vision of Dr. Randolph. The Memphis, TN, native and Duke University professor has similar interests in HIV prevention in black communities and how barbershops and hair salons were using their platforms to connect with others. “With the current project with hair salons, I help to create the stylist training in collaboration with the communities. Our training is face-to-face and down-to-earth. We try to speak the language of our communities. This approach has been effective mainly because as much as we want to teach our communities, we also hope to learn from them. In academia, we know historically what people think about HIV. Now, we want to teach them about prevention methods, including safe sex practices and PreP, a medication that can prevent exposure to HIV,” she says.

Dr. Ragan Johnson Duke University

Dr. Ragan Johnson got involved in HIV prevention after having a female family member diagnosed with HIV in the 1990s. “Back then, there was a stigma surrounding the disease. It was painted as a gay man’s disease. People affected by the disease often didn’t follow through with care because they didn’t want to be stigmatized. Even more, there wasn’t any information available on how women contracted the disease and how it impacted them. That void of information prompted me to get involved. I wanted to be part of changing the trajectory and preventing HIV in our communities,” she says. “There are more medications available now to treat the disease. As a result of the work that has been done regarding research and education, HIV is no longer a death sentence.”

In the future, Dr. Johnson envisions the program growing nationally. “I see the stylist taking ownership of the program and running with it, with individuals like Dr. Randolph and myself sitting in the background and supporting them,” she says.

Professional Hair Stylist Tasha Crews describes herself as a progressive student of life. The name of her business is WHOLSEOME U (Hair, Health & Wellness Center) dba Hair designs by Tasha. She uses her trade to reach the masses and says that “Every life that takes a seat in my chair is one that is sure to be intentionally impacted. I consider it a privilege to be in anyone’s personal space as I have been.”

Tasha says she believes the work of the HE.E.A.T. Lab to be essential in our community, as it encourages and facilitates positive health solutions. “All of the staff and participants are personally dedicated to joining arms with each other, mainly because we see the disparities first hand. Education is integral to growth and personal development. It also assists us with making better health choices and brings hope to the upcoming generations,” Tasha says. “I am involved. I hit the pavement. I am grassroots to the heart. I compel and gather people who desire better for themselves. By serving on the advisory council and as a consultant with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, I use critical thinking skills and draw out imperative questions and offer tangible solutions in executing the objectives within the council’s guidelines. Suppose I can let people know they have options to assist in maintaining their health. In that case, we are closer to decreasing the health disparity number in our community for HIV, mental illness, violence, and much more. I am helping individuals have a better quality of life. In turn, they help their families have a better quality of life.”

Tasha says she believes things can improve in our communities when everyone realizes they are an integral part of our “thrival”. “Every individual has something to give back to our community. Each person must see themselves as important to our survival. Self-love and awareness are needed, and holding ourselves accountable for our personal decisions is necessary to pinpoint the culprit to our current condition. I look forward to witnessing the impact for the greater good of our communities. I love the team we have. Everyone is genuine. That’s where I like to be, with genuine people, serving from the heart and making a positive difference. I plan to serve with them and facilitate in any capacity needed to bring about that positive change. Starting in July we are partnering with the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab on a project to offer COVID testing in our shops and engaging the community to understand the barriers and facilitators to effective health communications and messaging.”

Gene Blackmon of Greensboro, NC, is a business owner, barber, barber instructor, mentor, and community advocate. Gene is the founder of Prestige Barber College and Establishing Safe Cultures, a non-profit organization which focuses on addressing issues affecting youth in his community. The most important roles that he serves are that of father, son, and brother.

Gene shares, “The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab is an awesome concept and gives our community the tools to educate our community on sexual health. I’m a consultant, and I’ve helped share information for studies and been a community advisory council member. I’ve chosen to be involved because I understand that there are disparities, and many of them exist because of a lack of knowledge and understanding and a lack of resources. The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab works to address both of those disparities. Things can improve with this model of the H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab being spread further throughout our community. We need to get it into multiple places in our community; schools, after-school programs, churches, community recreational centers, barbershops, and beauty salons. We should see an improvement in healthy sexual practices in our community.

The data discovered in this initial study will continue with Dr. Randolph’s next phase of research, expanding to Mecklenburg County, Forsyth County, and Cumberland County because those counties have a prevalence of HIV. She believes that provider awareness is equally critical. She advocates for provider awareness because “you can’t blame women for their inequities when this information isn’t disseminated equitably. In particular, African American women over 55 have seen a seven percent increase in acquiring an HIV diagnosis. So, providers must be mindful of the implicit biases and perceptions they carry into the clinical setting.” We know that knowledge is power. Now that you know The H.E.E.A.T. Research Lab, PrEP, and UPDOs, what will you do with your Power?

www.theheeat.nursing.duke.edu schenita.randolph@duke.edu

Tasha Crews

Gene Blackmon

Prestige Barber College

WHOLSEOME

The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce

CJ Broderick prides himself on connecting members of his community. He is an entrepreneur, student leader, community leader, and educator.

He is the son of two single parents, both of Liberian descent. He grew up having access to many things. His father and grandmother were both educators, and he shares that brought him to the Bull City. “Twenty-Five years ago, I attended Duke University and studied Mechanical Engineering. I fell in love with the community of Durham and wanted to stick around. Entrepreneurship was one of the things that I connected with and has kept me in Durham,” he says.

Today, CJ is the face of the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. CJ started a few companies before leading the chamber. One was called TYPE USA (The Young Professional Experience). He supported the company with its marketing needs in concert with the chamber. He was impressed by what he saw happening and decided to join. Eventually, the opportunity to lead the organization presented itself, and CJ was ready and willing.

In his role as the leader of the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce, CJ strives to support the growth and development of black entrepreneurs, black businesses, and the black ecosystem. As an organization, they do that by providing access, advocacy, education, and opportunity. As the chamber president, CJ is responsible for leading the tactical work in designing and executing its programs and efforts to deliver on its mission.

Under CJ’s leadership, the chamber has gone from a start-up agency to a more robust organization. They have established a business boot camp that is offered twice a year. The boot camp teaches businesses different business principles. In 2022, they purchased their office space, eliminating the need to rent. They have also conducted an annual black business gala, highlighting the successes and accomplishments of black businesses in their community.

Additionally, the chamber has increased its value by partnering with various organizations, such as the US Black Chamber of Commerce based in Washington, D.C., which is recognized as the voice of black business in America. On a local level, they have built strong relationships with the city and county organizations, providing chamber members with more opportunities.

CJ shares that the idea of building strong communities inspires him. He quotes a term by Shambo Palmer, “African Communalism”. “That was the first time I had ever heard that term. He spoke about the importance of community and how you are taught to value the success of everyone in your community in many different African communities,” CJ says. He also acknowledges the impact his grandmother had on his upbringing. “She always did community-centric things. Her example of leadership and taking the time to pour back into her community positively impacted me.”

CJ is determined to create opportunities for black-owned businesses to succeed in his community. He also identifies some of his organization’s challenges and how he has navigated them past them. “My Alexa started a racial equity consulting firm. Working with her allowed me to deeply interrogate race and racial identity development. I had worked with the chamber for seven years before we started our company. I thought I knew everything about blackness and how it showed up. When I started getting involved with my wife’s work, I realized there was so much I didn’t understand. Some people have not taken the time to think about what racism as a system has done to them and how it has shaped them. Because we don’t understand how the past has delivered our present, we may not understand what is next,” CJ says.

CJ plans to continue leading the Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce to greener pastures. He also encourages more individuals to become involved and learn more about the available opportunities and resources. To learn more about the organization, please visit their website.

www.thegdbcc.org h

Bamboo Park Consultants

By Terry L. Watson

Located in the southern city of Huntsville, Alabama, an aspiring entrepreneur named Jocelyn Lewis is making waves as the owner of Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC. With a passion for empowering traditional brick-andmortar business owners, Jocelyn’s expertise lies in providing cutting-edge digital marketing services. Her goal is to help businesses enhance their online visibility, boost their bottom line, and maximize their market share. Some of the services they offer are Website Development, Social Media Management, Brand Management, Online Reputation Management, Google Profile, and Email Suite Development and Management, as well as Email and SMS Marketing.

Along with running her company, Jocelyn is committed to meeting the needs of her family. She is a wife and mother of two daughters. She is also a graduate of Alabama A&M University’s School of Business and has a B.S. in Economics.

The inception of Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC happened in 2018. It was then that Jocelyn recognized a pressing challenge faced by business owners, which was juggling their core operations while maintaining a consistent online presence. She wanted to provide a solution, and one was social media marketing and management. “The first client, a dental office seeking assistance with their social media channels and content creation, set the tone for what would happen moving forward with my company,” she says. “Soon, I pursued professional development opportunities, enrolled in courses, and obtained certifications to expand my skill set. With each successful collaboration, my confidence flourished, and things took off from there.”

“With each successful collaboration, my confidence flourished, and things took off from there.”

Photos Provided by Jocelyn Lewis

www.hellobamboopark.com

Jocelyn says she loves building relationships and collaborating with her clients. She shares, “I enjoy taking something that they once viewed as difficult or even impossible and helping them better understand to reach their business goals. I also love the fact that digital marketing is always changing. There is always something new to learn; thus, I am never bored. There are always new opportunities to be innovative!”

While Bamboo Park Consultants continues to make strides, Jocelyn shares some things that have strengthened her business acumen. “After college, I started a career in sales. To succeed in sales, you must be tough, resilient, confident, and good at taking rejection. My career in sales taught me a lot about building relationships and their importance. I do believe that has been the most impactful. I embraced roles in sales management and corporate sales training,” she says. “I didn’t realize then that I was building the foundation for my future and preparing for a life of entrepreneurship. My ability to build and maintain relationships has carried me and allowed me to build my dream. I learned the life of an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs, it can be a bit unpredictable. Yet, at the end of the day it is advantageous.”

Jocely shares she finds inspiration in knowing that anything is possible at the end of the day. “If you can conceive it with your mind, then you can hold it in your hand if you are willing to do the work,” she says.

While there have been challenges along her journey, there isn’t a whole lot of which she would change. “I wouldn’t change a single thing. Everything positive and negative has all worked together for my good. Facing challenges head-on has given me the grit and foresight necessary to push forward.”

Her advice to others who may follow in her footsteps is clear. “Value your relationships because they will take you further than any dollar ever will, and don’t be afraid to fail, and never stop learning” Moving forward, Jocelyn says she plans to continue to learn as much as she can and provide her clients with the best service possible while continuing to grow her business. “I want to scale into a full agency digital media powerhouse and serve multiple business sectors simultaneously. I also want to provide them with full digital media coverage while branching out into other media outlets,” she says.

Please visit their website to learn more about Bamboo Park Consultants, LLC.

Chef

The Block Bistro and Grill

By Terry L. Watson

Terry Anthony is the owner of The Block Bistro and Grill, based in Indianapolis, IN. Terry is a native of Louisville, KY. He attended Murray State University, the school where he received a college education and played basketball. He later moved to Indianapolis after being awarded a football scholarship and would soon settle for a corporate-America career.

In 2015, Terry exited corporate America and purchased his first Subway franchise in Indianapolis. He would eventually purchase several other Subway franchises, and everything was going great, and then the Covid 19 pandemic happened. Terry lost all but one store. From that ordeal, Terry endured the social unrest that occurred in Indianapolis due to the deaths of Brianna Taylor and George Floyd, among others. The unrest resulted in much of the downtown area of Indianapolis being destroyed. During that time, a downtown area property owner reached out to Terry and asked him if he would be interested in opening his business there. He was onboard and opened The Block Bistro in 2021 and hasn’t looked back since.

The Block Bistro is the first African-American-owned business in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. “In the fall of 2020, I started a business while no one was outside. I applied for my license online, rolled up my sleeves, tore down some walls, and now we have what the world experiences today,” he says.

Football was Terry’s first passion, not food. “I thought that football would be my ticket,” he says. He also says his mother instilled hard work into him at an early age, and those values helped to prepare him for what he is doing today.

His advice to those who may follow a path similar to his is to believe in yourself. You might not make it if you don’t believe in yourself enough to fight for what you want. There will be some hard days and some tough days, and you must want it more than you want to breathe. If you don’t have those values, you may not make it,” he says.

While there have been some good times along his journey, Terry says there have been some tough ones also. He shares how his marriage has been compromised, and he wishes that he would have invested more time spent with his family while building his business. “There have been some sacrifices I had to make to make this happen for everyone else. I wish I could have done some things differently.”

Moving forward, Terry plans to open additional locations of the Block Bistro around the country. “I just want to do what God has called me to do, which is to serve everyone, regardless of who you are or where you come from,” he says.

Please visit their website to learn more about Terry Anthony and the Block Bistro.

www.theblickbistro.com h

Photos Provided by The Block Bistro

By Terry L. Watson

The name “vibrant” represents Cheryl Gibbs very well. The Charleston, SC, resident owns Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC. Cheryl is a 1984 James Holland High School graduate who later attended Columbia College. “I didn’t finish at Columbia, mainly due to me being homesick,” she says. Her educational journey continues; she is currently a student at Trident Tech, located in Charleston, SC, and studies culinary.

Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC is a vision Cheryl says God gave her. She also credits Dr. Seebi with inspiring her to start her business. “I followed Dr. Seebi for four years before starting my business. I went on a 21-day fast with a Facebook group, and upon completing the fast, actually, on the 19th day, the vision was revealed. God told me to go out and help heal the land and educate others about a healthy way of living,” she says.

The menu offered by Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC consists primarily of mushrooms. Cheryl doesn’t use any soy-based products or tofu. She incorporates mushrooms and focuses on plant-based dishes. “My truck will not move if I don’t have oyster mushrooms on them,” she says.

Cheryl also describes herself as a loving, outgoing, and giving person. “Everything that I do, I do it from the kindness of my heart. I don’t seek recognition. I genuinely love people, and most of all, I love God,” she says.

Photos Provided by Cheryl Gibbs

“God told me to go out and help heal the land and educate others about a healthy way of living.”

For the most part, Cheryl’s love for people has always connected with her career aspirations. She began in corporate America and shares how important customer service was for her while there. Now, as a business owner, those same values come into play on a regular basis. “While running my business, I serve others, and treating people with kindness and compassion is very important. How I interact with others is important. I still get to meet and connect with people. I love that.”

Cheryl credits her mother with having the biggest impact on her life. She says, “My mom taught me and my siblings at an early age to be responsible and independent. My mom worked, and with me being the oldest, I did a lot. I watched my mom succeed even as a single parent. Seeing her set goals and accomplish them, even during challenges, encourages me to push and not settle. Those values and determination were embedded into my siblings also.”

As a small business owner, Cheryl says she faces some challenges. One is finding good help has remained a constant hurdle for her. Also, being an entrepreneur often calls for her to do the work when others do not show up. “My day starts early. I begin around 4:00 am by answering emails, setting proposals, and scheduling meetings. I accept the responsibilities of being self-employed, and I love it,” she says.

For those who may follow a path like that of Cheryl, her advice is to do your research and prepare for whatever may come. In the future, she plans to have multiple food trucks in her arsenal. “God gave me this vision to start my business. I didn’t have any training, but I never gave up. When I reflect on where I came from, I often smile. I am grateful for this journey,” she says.

To learn more about Vibrant Alkaline Vegan Meals LLC, please visit their website. h

Brandi Johnson-Harris Lotus Sewcial Club

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Brandi Johnson-Harris

While Brandi Johnson-Harris of Richmond, VA can do a whole lot of things, sewing is something she finds the most enjoyment with.

She is a wife and Realtor, and was educated in both private schools and the Richmond Public Schools system, before graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2003. She is the owner of A Touch of Lotus & Lotus Sewcial Club, which incorporates both sewing and real estate under one umbrella.

In 2019, Brandi started her journey in real estate. She says, “It wasn’t something that I was looking to get into, but it just happened that a family member was selling a property and needed some additional assistance. I helped, and that was pretty much all she wrote. I fell in love with helping people and assisting them with one of their life’s largest and scariest purchases,” she says.

Her venture into sewing happened in 2020 during the initial COVID lockdown. “My intention was to make masks to support my community and keep my family safe. However, that turned into a love for this new craft, and I began soaking up everything sewing. That included collecting notions and taking classes virtually. We were in a lockdown COVID, and since the craft store was deemed essential, I was able to go down a rabbit hole of sewing patterns,” Brandi shared.

She later decided to venture into garment making due to “cheesy date” that she went on with her husband, James. “I had the amazing idea to create one-of-a-kind matching outfits for us. Initially, my garments weren’t the best, but he has been a true sport in wearing my garments with pride. I can say I’ve come a long way with garment construction.” Bag-making came into play when Brandi saw a really expensive purse and focused on its construction. “I knew that it was something I could make. So with that, I set out to gain the skills essential for bag making and made it. I have been making bags ever since.”

As a realtor, Brandi helps people buy and sell homes and educates them on the process. She works with buyers who want to purchase by going the traditional route but also those who are wondering if owning a home is something they truly want to do. She also offers a lease-to-own program.

What does she love most about real estate? Her response is, “I love being able to help people educate themselves at one of the most pivotal points in their lives, along with seeing the joy that comes with purchasing a home. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, the excitement of the new adventure and memories always await them.”

Regarding sewing, Brandi says she loves the ability to get lost in the creative process, allowing herself to make her creations come to life. “I enjoy knowing that each piece is one of a kind. It gives me a sense of confidence knowing that I’m wearing something I created custom for me, and I didn’t have to go to a thousand stores looking for that perfect piece.”

Real Estate, Brandi says, is a learn-as-you-go career. She decided to commit to it and asked her broker and seasoned agent many questions. “If there was something I didn’t know, I found out the answer, that helped build my confidence in my ability to be this essential business partner for my clients.,” she explains. Some of the challenges she faced with sewing are connected to her belief that she is qualified to perform at the current level. “I overcome these things by taking a deep inner look and knowing that my work is of a professional quality that any consumer would expect. Even though it may be a short timeframe, I have taken steps to work on my craft, and my work shows that.”

If she could rewrite the way things have happened for her with real estate, Brandi says she would have started with a larger brokerage. “I initially began with a broker who had no other agents or systems to help me succeed. It took me a lot longer to get my business off the ground while trying to figure things out on my own. For sewing, she appreciates the way things have happened thus far.

To learn more about Brandi and her brands, please visit her website.

“I enjoy knowing that each piece is one of a kind. It gives me a sense of confidence knowing that I’m wearing something I created custom for me, and I didn’t have to go to a thousand stores looking for that perfect piece.”

John Jenkins

By Dorjae’ McClammey Photos Provided by John Jenkins

The focus of NVision Source Technology is to integrate technology that will support other businesses. Their products are designed to serve corporations and organizations throughout the southern region of the United States and abroad. These may include churches, productions, and others that require heavy tech work for major live events. They also specialize in networking infrastructure, architecture, audio, video, and more. John emphasizes that customer satisfaction remains their top priority, and in addition to creating products, they offer customer support around the clock, 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

John’s journey to where he is today began long ago. He had always been interested in technology and electronics and loved working with his hands. Before starting NVTS, he owned a few companies; however, as time went on and the more he worked, he realized there was a considerable need for tech integration and support companies in Mississippi. He shares, “We started out of necessity. I felt there weren’t many opportunities, especially for blacks in Mississippi, and I wanted to change that narrative.” Eventually, he dissolved the previous company, moved to the Gulf of Mississippi, and established NVision Source Technology in 2002. Today, NVTS offers many opportunities for black people in his community who may be interested in tech.

When asked what a typical day at NVision Source Technology involves, John describes the experience with one word, “everything.” Their primary focus is always the clients, helping current ones, finding new ones, and checking in on old clients. “It’s never just one job, and we’re done. It’s so much involved in this business.” John and his team designed almost every product from scratch. Their theme is “We are your technology partner,” meaning they arm clients with all technology needs.

Through his company, John has made connections all over the world. He’s serviced clients in Canada, Thailand, South America, and more. Even when he’s not on the clock and traveling for himself, he still connects with those in his field. “When it comes to technology, we can’t always limit ourselves to what’s acceptable here,” he says. John strives to help other tech companies, whether it’s brainstorming, consulting, or being hands-on with a project. “The bigger the project, the better the team,” John says.

And while only a few materials utilized in the tech industry are manufactured in the U.S., John uses his connections in other countries to help build his business in Mississippi.

John Jenkins of Gulfport, MS, is the founder and CEO of NVision Source Technology.

As a small business owner, John has encountered a few challenges here and there. Some have been a lack of acceptance and support, especially from people who don’t fully understand the scope of his capability. “Being a black man from Mississippi, most people judged me and assumed from the outside looking in that I do not have the complete knowledge to run my company,” he says. John’s solution was to let the company speak for him. Rather than label himself as the founder and owner, John runs his business from behind the front line per se. He titled himself the ‘Technology Director’ instead of being recognized as the owner of NVST. “I feel this is a better way to help my company continue to grow and open opportunities for me, my team, and other young black minds wanting to get started in the field. The bottom line is to provide an opportunity or avenue for people to make money, especially those who look like me. Sometimes you have to put yourself in the backseat. If my being out front reduces the opportunities for other people, then what did I really accomplish?”.

Owning his own company is something that John loves. He shares that he loves the ability to build opportunities for others. Growing up, nobody thought that someone who looked like him knew anything, so to create an opportunity and show other young black men that there is no limitation, no matter where or who you are, is confirmation of his purpose.

Tech and electronics are all John knows. It is what keeps him inspired and motivated. Moving forward, John and his team plan to implement several new products and design some of their own. He plans to invest in other tech and marketing forms to keep up with the growing field. He has also partnered with the Mississippi Applied Tech Association to bring awareness to the state’s need for more technological products and jobs. He currently serves as the organization’s president.

If you are looking to follow in John’s footsteps, his advice for you is to remember that this field can become very difficult. “Be ready to work long, hard hours. This industry is constantly changing and may require you to reinvent yourself. Please remember to keep your individuality and stay humble. Most importantly, always know that your drive for change has to outweigh your need for success,” he shares.

To find out more about Mr. John Jenkins and NVision Source Technology, please visit their website.

“Sometimes you have to put yourself in

my being out front reduces the

MAGAZINE Zoelle Alaiya Scott

Cutest Baby

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The daughter of Charita Jackson