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Manifest Magic Manifest Magic: Black Girl Cooperative (MMBGC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the empowerment of Black women. Through education, engagement, access, and advocacy, Manifest Magic works to “shift the culture in a way that allows Black women to be their authentic selves and thrive without barriers.” At MMBGC’s helm is Juanita Charles, who has become a force for good in Clarksville. Charles is well known for her work with several local non-profits. Most recently, she and members of MMBGC took on the role of host/organizer of Clarksville’s First Annual Juneteenth Festival. The event which was held at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center had estimated attendance of more than 7,000, and was hailed as one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the region and had an economic impact of over $400,000. Originally from Savannah, GA, Charles joined the Army soon after high school. Her Military Occupational Specialty was Land Combat Electronic Missile Repair. She met her husband, Vibert, while stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea. They were both stationed at Fort Campbell, KY in 2005, and decided to make Clarksville their home. Over the years, Charles has established herself as a business woman, small business advocate, social and political activist, and community mobilizer/ organizer. She previously served as the Chairperson of the City of Clarksville’s Human Relations Commission, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, SOS Foundation, CECA, and the Clarksville Association of Realtors, among others. She also serves as a political coordinator, consultant, and trainer, and is a proud member of Women Veterans of America Chapter 47 and the NAACP. “I support the people of our community by elevating other voices, while remaining a voice that is un-bought and un-bossed,” Charles said. “I work to provide education, access, and training where disparities exist. Most importantly, I lead and serve by providing avenues for empowerment, because a seat at the table is not always the answer. It is more important to have the means to build your own table.” Manifest Magic: Black Girl Cooperative has hosted events such as Mimosas with Mom; created, staffed, and run an affordable and accessible Parent Cooperative School in response to the pandemic; and most recently, Clarksville’s Inaugural Juneteenth Festival.
Through education, engagement, access, and advocacy, Manifest Magic Black Girl Cooperative seeks to create a culture shift that allows Black women to thrive as their authentic selves without barriers. manifestmagicbgc.org | find us on facebook! 90 • JULY 2021 | VIP CLARKSVILLE MAGAZINE
