Forward Magazine February 2023

We are proud to be celebrating our love for the culture this month at Thompson Hospitality as February commemorates the beginning of Black History month. On each of our campuses, we have the pleasure of serving a unique community of guests and this month we are allowed the pleasure of celebrating the Black and African-American culture that bind us all as HBCU students, faculty, staff, and partners.

Maurice P. Jenoure, Chief Operating Officer

Dina Zaikouk, Vice President of Operations

In our programming during this month, in particular, we are excited to showcase new recipes, campus dining events, and digital communication that highlights and exemplifies the bold and distinctive culture that not only makes our campuses special, but make them an honor to serve. Together We Thrived.

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For the Culture: 20 HBCU Grads To Watch

As we enter Black history month, we must celebrate all the history around us. It is essential to study and learn about the great black leaders of the past, such as Rosa Parks and her courage to fight racial injustice that launched the Bus Boycotts of Montgomery, Alabama, or first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall.

However, we must acknowledge the work that is being done today. Nowadays, we hear little about Black people doing extraordinary things in the community daily from our teachers, business owners, activists, and politicians.

The people making a difference and doing great things in the world often come from your campus community. Your impact does not have to be monumental to be known, and many graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities are doing amazing things post-graduation.

Here are 20 HBCU graduates that you should watch in 2023!

DJ Scream - Tuskegee University

What started as hosting parties, releasing mixtapes, and landing radio appearances transformed into opportunities to work with prominent hip-hop/rap artists nationwide. From rappers, The Game, Plies, OutKast, Gucci Mane, and Migos, Scream has had a very successful career following graduation. Scream is most known for being associated with rapper Rick Ross’ music group, Maybach Music, where he worked on Ross’ hit album Rich Forever. In 2020 Scream founded a non-profit organization to focus on youth empowerment in poverty-stricken neighborhoods called The Scream Foundation. (Instagram: @djscream)

Avery Atkinson - Norfolk State University

“Why be local when global is an option!” is Avery Atkinson’s motto that she embodies. This social worker graduated from undergrad and took on many roles and responsibilities to help her community thrive. She is a 3x international author, holistic wellness practitioner, wellness pastor, international speaker, mentor, spiritual wellness coach, and so much more. She is proof that you can do it if you put your mind to it. (Instagram: @ladyaglobal)

Shawn Parker - Coppin State University

Shawn Parker and his brother created a restaurant dedicated to their mother, Connie, called Connie’s Chicken and Waffles. They are located in their home of Baltimore, Maryland, in the downtown area of Lexington Market. The brothers have seen tremendous success and love from the surrounding neighborhood and community. (Instagram: @connies_cw)

James Crump Wallace - Virginia State University

Entrepreneur James Crump Wallace is progressing in the fashion industry with his brand, The Spot, taking streetwear to the next level. He also co-founded The Diamond Flea Market, where national and local brands have a space to showcase their art and product to the community and beyond. Alongside community engagement, Wallace has worked closely with the non-profit organization Dreamer Academy Foundation to aid in the progression of the community of Central Virginia. (Instagram: @notesxshoes)

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Orlando W. Paden - Coahoma Community College

Since 2016, Orlando Paden has served as the Mississippi House of Representatives member from the 26th district. He’s a two-time HBCU graduate, receiving his Associate of Art and Sciences from Coahoma Community College and obtaining his Bachelor of Art in Political Science from Alcorn State University.

Jahliel Thurman - Virginia State University

This Virginia State University alumnus is the CEO and Founder of the digital marketing brand Yard Talk. The platform aims to increase the social impact and awareness of HBCUs nationwide. He also is the host and executive producer of the TV show HBCU 101, which promotes entertainment, lifestyle, and culture on the ApsireTV network. (Instagram: @ jahlielthurman)

Olutoyin Asubiojo - Lincoln University

Upon graduation, Olutoyin Asubiojo began her career a JP Morgan Chase while furthering her education at Wilmington University, where she received her MBA. While at JP Morgan Chase, she created the first-ever HBCU DAY, allowing Lincoln University and Delaware State University students to experience JP Morgan Chase. She now works for Capital One and works to provide opportunities to Black and Latinx students. She also started her business to support women entrepreneurs and their brand, Toy’s Branding. (Instagram: @african_royalty)

Anfernee Robinson - University of Maryland Eastern Shore

From the classroom to the world, Anfernee Robinson has created two anime series, AKAI and Double DUTCH!! His projects quickly became the #1 Best Selling titles worldwide via Amazon. He has also had full-time experience directing, producing, animation, and TV script writing, with many projects coming out soon. (Twitter: @zero_n_bless)

Dr. Nishan Pressely - Norfolk State University

Dr. Nishan Pressely is the first and only African American to graduate from the accelerated scholar’s optometry program, completing her doctorate in only three years. Currently pursuing her practice in Orlando, Florida, she aims to increase awareness about eye health in the community. She also owns a frame boutique called EyesOnMe and serves on the executive board of the national optometric association. (Instagram: @askdrnish)

Archie Clay - Tuskegee University

Taking the fashion industry to the next level, Archie Clay is the co-founder and CEO of a luxury fedora hat company called WearBrims. His goal is to change how people see luxury hats in the fashion industry. With the success of his brand, he has been featured in many magazines, including British GQ and The Huffington Post. Clay also has had many celebrities wear his products, including Chris Paul, Lance Gross, and Karen Civil. (Instagram: @archieclaythe3rd)

Ro’Chelle Williams- Tougaloo University

From serving on many executive boards in college to working in politics following graduation, Ro’Chelle Williams is looking to make a change within his community in any way he can. He has worked and interned for the Democratic National Committee in the office of the chair and the climate action campaign. Since obtaining his degree, he has been looking to further his career by receiving his Ph.D. at Howard University, Columbia University, or George Washington University in hopes of one day being a University’s President. He currently serves on several boards, including the board of directors for the Cassius L. Rudolph Scholarship Fund, the national membership chair of the Tougaloo College National Alum Association, and other boards through the Washington metropolitan area.

D’Ante Smith - Lincoln University

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Charlyne Smith - Coppin State University

The Jamaica native moved to the United States to pursue her career in science and technology to create clean energy solutions. Upon graduating from Coppin State University with a double major in Chemistry and Mathematics, she became the first black woman to graduate with a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Florida. During her Ph.D. program, she authored and co-authored many peer-reviewed journal manuscripts that received three research proposal awards totaling 150k. She hopes to introduce nuclear energy technology to the Caribbean and build STEM-based high schools in her home country. (Instagram: @charlyneamsmith)

Jewel Burks Soloman - Howard University

After achieving her bachelor’s degree at Howard University, Jewel Burks Solomon became the founder and CEO of a start-up called Partpic, allowing customers to quickly find industrial parts with a picture. In 2016, her organization was acquired by Amazon, where she helped elevate her technology to launch Amazon’s Part Finder in 2018. She is now head of Google for Startups in the United States, where she connects underrepresented startup founders with Google’s resources.

Myles Frost - Bowie State University

This Washington D.C native made his Broadway debut after starring as Michael Jackson in the new play MJ the Musical. He made history in the summer of 2022 after being the youngest individual actor to win a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance. Following his win, he signed with the leading global talent and entertainment company, United Talent Agency. (Instagram: @myles.frost)

Anthony Anderson - Howard University

Notable Actor Anthony Anderson recently achieved his lifelong dream of receiving his bachelor’s degree from Howard University in May 2022. After 30 years, he returned to Howard to finish schooling after dropping out years ago because of his financial hardships. Following his departure from school back then, his acting career took off. With 15 Primetime Emmy awards and 81 nominations in total, Anderson has made a notable name for himself with now HBCU graduate added to his accomplishments. (Instagram: @anthonyanderson)

Nicole Taylor - Clark Atlanta University

After receiving her degree at Clark Atlanta University, food writer Nicole Taylor has created a name for herself in the food industry. She has written for notable food publications such as Bon Appetit and Food and Wine. She also is known for her books The Up South Cookbook and The Last OG Cookbook. She recently released a new cookbook in 2022 inspired by Juneteenth celebrations called Watermelon and Red Birds. (Instagram: @foodcultrist)

Starla Ross- Grambling State University

This educator and author have spent more than 15 years transforming children’s lives in and outside the classroom by partnering with districts all over the United States. She aims to ensure that every student has a fair shot at learning to read. She recently released a book titled Don’t Forget My Name to spread awareness about people who live with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (Twitter: @sweetstarla)

Cori Bush- Harris-Stowe State University

This HBCU graduate has served as the U.S. representative for Missouri’s 1st congressional district. She is a representative and has worn many hats as a registered nurse, activist, organizer, and ordained pastor. As she progresses in her career, she hopes to champion legislation that advocates for those in need and the community’s betterment. (Instagram: @coribush)

Dominique Vaultz - Virginia Union University

Since graduating, Dominique Vaultz has entered the world of media tackling everything from film, hosting, writing, and production. She now has two businesses that allow HBCU students to intern and gain experience in the field. She also currently serves as the Office Production Assistant for Viacom. (Instagram: @itsdominiquemvaultz)

A Long Time Coming The Origin of Black American Cuisine

African Americans have left an everlasting mark on the country, from the art and entertainment industry to politics. One of the most significant contributions to the country is the various recipes created by enslaved Africans during the 19th and 20th centuries. Over the years, ingredients have changed, but the dish’s history remains. This black history month, we would like to highlight the history of the most common foods in the African American community.

When enslaved Africans were brought to the land known today as the United States, they brought with them an abundance of knowledge of culinary skills.

The enslaved were forced to do field work, housekeeping, and, most importantly, cooking for the families they worked for. They were expected to cook food for everyone who passed through the land and remained in the kitchen to create meals.

Enslaved Africans were left with food scrapings. To make meals tasty, they would mix the leftovers with an abundance of seasonings and other ingredients they could find. With the knowledge of previous meals made in their homeland infused with the ingredients available, they created a type of cuisine known today as soul food.

Food creation did not end at the plantations but extended throughout the 20th century. As African Americans migrated across the country following the Emancipation Proclamation, they created even more recipes with their new resources.

African American cuisine can be found in various households throughout the country. Certain dishes have become a staple for family holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas and many unique occasions. Here are some familiar works created by African Americans.

Macaroni n’ Cheese

The history of the famous dish has always been a mystery. The first recipe in the United States came from American author Mary Randolph, who wrote the first American cookbook titled The Virginia House-Wife in 1824. Since publishing, she has been credited with the creation. Before Randolph, former President Thomas Jefferson was said to have brought the dish to the United States from his travels in Europe. However, the actual creator of the now-American staple is Jefferson’s enslaved chef, James Hemings. During his travels in Europe, Jefferson fell in love with the dish, took notes on how to make it, and instructed Hemings to follow the instructions while using the skills he learned in Europe with Jefferson. By teaching his brother Peter Hemings to make the dish for Jefferson, Hemings was able to obtain freedom. The cheesy dish became a staple in American culture after Peter Hemings made a “pie called macaroni” at a state dinner hosted by Jefferson.

Black Eyed Peas

Like many traditions worldwide, African Americans have a signature dish to ensure good luck in the new year. Blackeyed peas are a type of bean from the cowpea plant grown in West Africa. Brought to the American south during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the enslaved population started growing the plant for themselves and slaveholders. The tradition of seeing the black eye as good luck was not new. Enslaved Africans brought that tradition from West Africa, where the beans were served during special occasions like a child’s birth to symbolize good luck. It is unsure how the tradition started with eating them on New Year’s Day, but since the practice began, it has become a tradition in African American households.

Jambalaya

There is no better dish to symbolize the mixing of ethnicities in the Creole south than jambalaya. Spanish, French, African, Native American, and Caribbean cooking influenced the Creole dish. With the lack of resources and a need for a fulfilling meal, jambalaya was created using various meat, vegetables, and spices to feed families and large groups of people. In Louisiana, the dish became very popular. Many families have a recipe that has been passed down to every generation.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a plant belonging to the cabbage family. Though its roots can be traced to Greece, the style of cooking collard greens followed today comes from enslaved Africans. The recipe did not come from Africa; however, cooking the greens down into a low gravy and drinking the juices is an African practice. The recipe was made by the enslaved population when they would receive the leftover greens, the tops of turnips, and different body parts of a pig. The enslaved would put the ingredients together to make their meals and thus created the dish known today as collard greens.

Sweet Potato Pie

If you have ever attended an African American Thanksgiving celebration, one of the most common desserts you will encounter is a sweet potato pie. The recipe dates to the late 1800s as a formerly enslaved person, Abby Fisher, published her cookbook titled What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Southern Cooking. She shared her sweet potato pie recipe with the world in this book. Inventor George Washington Carver made another great stride in cooking. He also has been credited as the pie creator as he developed more than 100 uses for sweet potatoes. He created his recipe for sweet potato pie that began circulating in books throughout the country during the 20th century.

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With commercials and advertisements full of couples making dinner plans, buying each other sentimental gifts, and simply spending quality time, it is easy to feel down about Valentine’s Day. A day geared around love should not be limited to romantic love and should celebrate platonic love as well, and the day before Valentine’s Day is designated for just that.

Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday designed for people who identify as women to celebrate their friendships. Single women are encouraged to give thoughtful gifts and spend quality time with their friends. This day takes place on February 13th but can also be a celebration on Valentine’s Day.

This unofficial holiday was created by a fictional character from Park and Recreation in 2010. In the episode’s ode to Galentine’s Day, one of the main characters gathers her girlfriends to have a breakfast-style celebration to highlight each other. From then on, people emulated the gathering and started the tradition.

Though Galentine’s Day does not need to be a breakfast gathering, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your love for your friends.

Host a Rainbow Picnic

This TikTok trend has gone viral as friend groups everywhere have been partaking. A rainbow picnic is a gathering where each person is assigned a rainbow color and must bring an item of that color. For instance, if given yellow, you would get yellow items or a package with yellow. Though this trend is Instagram-worthy, it is also fun to plan and coordinate. To add more fun, each person can dress in the color they are assigned and bring activities.

Exchange gifts: Secret Cupid

A great way to show that you care about someone is simply buying them a gift representing them. It can be expensive to buy a gift for each person. Therefore, an easy idea could be doing a secret cupid. Write down names in a jar, and each friend can take turns choosing before the exchange date. The gift does not have to be expensive and could be handmade. Some sentimental ideas include:

A jar of joy: buy an empty mason jar and decorate the outside personalizing it to the person. Then fill it with pieces of paper, each with positive affirmations.

A collage of pictures of you and the memories you all made together

A DIY gift basket full of their favorite candy and self-care items

Girls Night In

Miley Cyrus’ 2007 hit Girl’s Night Out encouraged girls everywhere to have a night out in the town with their girlfriends. However, nothing is better for rejuvenation than a relaxing and fun night in. Each friend can dress up in their favorite pajama sets to participate in a night dedicated to each other. Snacks, food, a good movie, and games will bring everyone closer together. Take this time to catch up with one another, relive some memories, and make some new ones.

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HEALTHY HEART Food to Eat for a

It is not common for young people to have heart health problems; your chances of heart disease increase as you age. However, in recent years young people have been tragically having more heart attacks and suffering from heart disease. In 2018 heart.org found an increase in young women patients having heart attacks from 21 percent to 31 percent, with a spike in young people collectively suffering from heart disease and heart attacks.

In Black women, there has been a significant increase in heart disease. One-half of Black women in the United States suffer from some form of heart disease and are more likely to die from heart disease at a younger age than White women, according to Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

A few risk factors associated with the increase in heart

disease include the spike in high blood pressure and diabetes. Research is still being done to determine what is leading to the cause of young people developing heart disease.

While the answers are still being found, taking control of your health is important now. One of the best ways to take care of your heart is to provide it with the proper nutrients it needs through the foods you consume.

Don’t rush to the grocery store; your dining hall provides all the necessary ingredients to ensure you are leading a healthy heart lifestyle.

Here Are Five Foods You Can Eat For A Healthy Heart:

Leafy Greens

When we were children, our parents and various television programs ingrained in our heads that it is important to eat vegetables of all kinds. As much as the green color and the obscure textures can look unappealing, our bodies need the nutrients from vegetables to keep us healthy. Leafy greens include kale, parsley, broccoli, and spinach. They are specifically known for being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a great source of vitamin K, which protects your arteries from stiffness and decreases cardiovascular mortality. Increasing your intake of leafy greens also helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

Whole Grains

Wheat, corn, rice, oats, quinoa, and brown rice are all whole grains that can benefit the heart. Many whole grains contain a good source of dietary fiber, which adds to your diet and helps with digestion. The dietary fibers in whole grains also can help improve blood cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. The best whole-grain foods include dark bread, brown rice, toasted wheat cereals, and oatmeal.

Berries

Not only are berries sweet and refreshing, they are packed with antioxidants that specifically protect against the stress and inflammation contributing to heart disease. Healthline.com reported that 33 adults who consumed two and a half servings of strawberries for four weeks improved cholesterol health directly correlated to heart health.

Beans

“Beans, beans good for your heart!” We all know the old saying involving the importance of consuming beans; however, as comical as the second half of the phrase, there is absolute truth in the first half. Beans work to reduce cholesterol and decrease inflammation. Your digestive tract may be disrupted following your meal with beans; however, because they are rich in fiber, adding beans will help you feel full longer.

Fatty fish and Fish Oil

Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna are all examples of fatty fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, according to WebMD.com, are nutrients from the food that help build and maintain a healthy body. These nutrients have been studied, and it was discovered that they play a massive role in protecting the heart. Fish consumption generally lowers the risk of heart disease, depression, and mortality.

Krewes for the Culture: In Honor of

Mardi Gras

The colorful, joyful, and harmonious time has finally made its way back around. As we dive into Black history in February, a beautiful and prosperous city is celebrating its cultural holiday that has people from all over traveling to participate.

Mardi Gras is a festive day that marks the close of the pre-Lenten season before the Christian tradition of Lent in preparation for the Easter holiday. Mardi Gras directly translates to “Fat Tuesday” and derives from the custom of using all the fats in the home in preparation for fasting and abstinence amid Easter. The holiday’s true history is unclear. However, it is known that its origins come from the Christian faith and date back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility.

The first celebration of the holiday in now New Orleans happened on March 3rd, 1699, when French explorers landed and held a small celebration. In the following decades, the tradition continued and expanded to street parties, masked balls, and lavish dinners. Though the celebrations grew to be something the world waited and traveled for, Mardi Gras grew to look different in other communities.

There is a history of Mardi Gras that gets overlooked by mainstream celebrations. However, during the parades and festivities, a group known as the Mardi Gras Indians formed and created their traditions. The Mardi Gras Indians are made up of the inner-city African American community of New Orleans. This community has been around for over a century, but its parade and festivities are the least recognized by the masses.

Krewes have been traditionally associated with Mardi Gras, as they are organizations that stage a parade for a carnival celebration. A krewe usually names their parades after certain Roman or Greek heroes. There was historically cultural separation because of slavery,

resulting in Black people not being allowed to participate in traditional krewes.

Mardi Gras Indians named themselves to pay respect to the Native Americans for helping them escape enslavement and accepting them into their society. Once freed, they developed their style of celebration, and krewes opted to use imaginary Indian tribes according to the streets of their ward or neighborhood to name their krewe.

The Mardi Gras Indians did not always have a joyous holiday, as they previously used this day to settle scores with neighboring tribes. Violence was horrendous, and police could not intervene because of the confusion with the main city events, causing a very crowded area with masked participants.

The days of settling disputes are long gone, and today, the Mardi Gras Indians use the day to compare one another’s art and craftsmanship. Though the Mardi Gras Indians are overlooked, they continue to impact their communities by bringing everyone together to celebrate rich history and art.

If you happen to be in New Orleans during the celebrations, see if you spot the parade of the Mardi Gras Indians. Enjoy the sight of a century-long tradition!

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Heaven Smallwood, Chief Editor

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