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.

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.

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