Representatives from retail giant Walmart’s philanthropic arm, Walmart.org, appeared at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs in downtown Atlanta Monday morning to present the organization with an $800,000 grant.

The funding marks the beginning of a collaboration between the two groups, intended to support the Russell Center’s efforts to stimulate rising entrepreneurs in Atlanta’s Black community.

Monique Carswell, director at Walmart.org’s Center for Racial Equity and Strategic Initiatives, said that her team strives to fund organizations and projects like RICE’s PayPal Retail Academy, designed to allocate educational and financial resources to small business owners burdened by systemic hurdles in their pursuit of entrepreneurship.

“We support initiatives that aim to reduce the racial wealth gap by advancing equity for Black-owned businesses… here in Atlanta and beyond,” Carswell said. “Through philanthropy, we are investing in organizations that are helping Black businesses in retail industries strengthen and grow their companies by tackling traditional barriers to their success, such as access to capital, social capital (and) marketing.”

Walmart partners with organizations that work closely with small business owners in their respective communities. Mark Espinoza, Walmart’s senior director of public affairs, said Walmart chooses to collaborate with organizations that ignite positive change in the communities surrounding them.

“We’re constantly looking for organizations that are making a difference in the community,” Espinoza said. “And when we met RICE, we saw the impact that they’re having with Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the area.”

Espinoza also said that Walmart aims to incite a broader economic impact through its partnership with RICE and other organizations by giving young entrepreneurs the resources needed to develop their businesses and send their products to retailers, inevitably helping funds pour back into local economies. The distribution of funding is part of a larger initiative set in motion by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation in 2020, which pledged to allocate $100 million over the course of five years to address racial disparities across the country.

Russell Innovation Center CEO Jay Bailey said that Walmart’s partnership will accelerate the progress of RICE’s existing work with local entrepreneurs, helping them to expand their businesses and prepare them for future opportunities in retail. Bailey said that the organization will use funding from the grant to create and staff a new comprehensive academy, intended to nurture inexperienced small business owners and teach them the fundamentals of entrepreneurial success.

“Walmart, thank you for the opportunity for Black entrepreneurs to see their value in their own reflection on the shelves that they shop at every day,” Bailey said. “It really means something.”

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CALI, Colombia — The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) embarked on the first ever trade mission that connected Afro-American entrepreneurs from Atlanta with Afro-Colombian businesses and leaders. 

RICE took 20 Black metro Atlanta entrepreneurs to Cali, Colombia to participate in a monumental mission for one week on Aug. 13 through Aug. 20.  

In collaboration with the Atlanta Black Chambers, City of Atlanta and ProColombia, the mission was created to enhance economic development, relationships, and global opportunities for international investment into Colombia.  

“Embracing the spirit of Atlanta’s resilient Black businesses, we venture beyond borders to Colombia, driven by a shared vision of access, opportunity, and advancing business acumen, ” said Jay Bailey, president & CEO of RICE. “Just as our roots grow deep in the rich Southern soil, so shall our collaborations flourish on international grounds. Through this journey, we transcend barriers, turning cultural diversity into a wellspring of innovation, forging connections that enrich both sides of the equator.” 

Also, ProColombia, according to the organization’s President Carmen Caballero, works thoroughly to show the beauty of Colombia and their territories internationally.  

“We were pleased to welcome this trade mission in Cali and the Pacific region to show the participants our diversified exports and our unmatched investment opportunities,” Caballero said. “Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America and has a dynamic internal market, making it the region’s fourth-largest economy. Undoubtedly, this trip has been a milestone in our relations with the United States”. 

Additionally, The Atlanta Voice was invited on the trade mission to get an in-person look at how RICE wants to expand, Afro-Colombian culture, and more.  

Why Cali? 

Santiago de Cali is the capital city of Colombia’s Valle del Cauca region. Its population totals around 2.4 million citizens, making Cali the third-largest city in the nation. It is the only region in the country with a network of seven intermediate cities with populations between 150,000 – 400,000 inhabitants. 

Thanks to its strategic position within Colombia, Valle del Cauca is the best location to serve the Colombian ‘Golden Triangle’ market (area between Medellín, Bogotá and Cali), which represents 67% of the GDP and 61% of the population.  

Valle del Cauca is one of the most industrialized regions in the country, including over 180 foreign companies from diverse sectors are established in the region. They contribute nearly 37% of the region’s exports and 12% of its domestic GDP. There are also more than 430 local companies, and hundreds of other small–to medium-size enterprises. It sustains the nation’s most diversified export basket, exporting 12.2% of the country’s non-mining goods. 

“Cali was selected as a hub for this initiative due to its vibrant Afro culture, rich biodiversity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Its unique blend of heritage and innovation aligns harmoniously with Atlanta’s values, making it an ideal partner for this historic venture,” said Colombia’s Ambassador to the United States, The Honorable Ambassador Luis Gilberto Murillo.  

The significance of the Colombia trade mission is to develop and foster relationships that position Atlanta as a global hub for commerce, innovation, culture and diplomacy. 

Why is this a monumental trade mission? 

According to Murillo, the trade mission to Cali and Colombia’s Pacific region originated from recognizing remarkable parallels between two geographically distant, yet culturally akin regions: The Pacific region and Atlanta.  

“This is indeed a monumental effort by public and private business organizations both in Colombia and in the United States,” said Murillo. “The shared values of innovation, diversity, and resilience served as the catalyst for this endeavor. This mission is crucial to harness the strengths of both regions, foster collaboration beyond trade, and emphasize our collective commitment to growth and development.” 

Expanding Cali’s Afro culture, communities, and businesses to the U.S. and reciprocally, Murillo said, holds “profound significance”. 

“It enriches both sides culturally, economically, and socially. This exchange promotes cross-cultural understanding, empowers our communities, and facilitates economic progress through diverse perspectives and innovative collaborations,” he said.  

Additionally, Murillo said the event is described as “monumental” because this event is historic due to its unprecedented nature.  

“It brings together Cali and Colombia’s vast pacific region with Atlanta. These regions are seemingly distant but deeply connected by shared values and aspirations. This trade mission signifies the power of unity, demonstrating how mutual goals can transcend geographical boundaries and shape a meaningful future partnership.” 

This mission sets a precedent for future partnerships, emphasizing the power of shared values and common goals. 

Murillo also said Cali’s aspirations for the trade mission are “multi-faceted”.  

“The city aims to foster economic growth by exploring new opportunities with Atlanta, leveraging technology and innovation. Moreover, it seeks to celebrate its rich cultural heritage internationally, promoting inclusivity and cross-cultural exchange,” he said.  

Atlanta Black Entrepreneurs Paving the Way forward  

Jennifer Barbosa of International Supply Partners, LLC said making black businesses from different markets and parts of the world aware of each other, opening discussion, and how to not only do business with each other, but also support one another in the expansion within the pan-African diaspora is essential to the growth and generational impact of Black and Brown people.  

“This was nothing short of history in the making,” Barbosa said. 

Melba Clayton of Ez4u2 Shop, LLC, said the mission was imperative for the survival of the Afro community and generations to come.  

“We must build a strong foundation that supports sustainability and growth for all of our people around the globe. Interconnection and collaboration are crucial to make this happen,”  said Clayton. 

Additionally, Shellie Stark of InHer Peace Beauty, a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic line, also said the work they have done and continue to do moving forward is “laying the foundation for the next generation”.  

“I see it being so pivotal because not only are we laying the foundation for the next generation, we’re also being able to tap into the Afro-diaspora roots. It’s almost like a coming back home kind of situation,” Stark said. “We’re all coming together on one accord and for one purpose, and that’s to advance the Afro community. So, I see this not for just me, I see it for my children, I see it for my children’s children that they will now be able to have a connection to something greater than just being in the U.S.” 

In addition to Barbosa, Clayton and Stark, 17 other local business owners attended the trade mission to Cali. Their names and businesses are listed below:

Channing Baker – Evolve Contractors, LLC, Lindsay Barnette – Kultured Misfits, Ricardo Berrís – MI Group, Yaminah Childress – YANY Beauty, Melvin Coleman –  CEO Atlanta Black Chambers, Jon Exume – Technologists of Color, James Few – Chosen Few Media, Kris Hale – Dope Pieces, LLC, Natalie Jerome – Neighborhood Jewel Properties, L’Angela Lee – HoneySuckle Moon, LLC, Lauren Levins – Levins Realty/ L. Gabrielle Enterprises, Charla R. Mitchell – Charla Ruschelle, Akita Patterson – Experiential Marketing Development Network, Natasha Simmons – Yacht Club Access, Dawn Sizemore – PracEd Solutions, Kyra Solomon – Solomon and Solomon Construction, Jadaun Sweet – Take Heed Media, LLC The Visual Lyricst  

Looking Ahead to the Future 

Furthermore, Murillo said he hopes to see the 20 Atlanta entrepreneurs launch businesses in Colombia “without delay” after the trade mission trip. 

“Our nation stands as an exceptional business and investment destination, offering an array of opportunities. Our business landscapes are complementary, and alongside this, we share a profound sense of resilience and vibrant culture,” Murillo said. “The possibilities for collaboration are vast, and together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. This firsthand experience has the potential to ignite innovative thinking and forge pathways for collaboration that extend beyond geographical boundaries.” 

Murillo gave The Atlanta Voice a message for Atlanta, the people of Cali, and the country of Colombia.  

“To Atlanta, Cali conveys a message of unity, collaboration, and shared progress,” Muriilo said. “Our partnership holds immense potential to drive innovation, uplift communities, and create a brighter future together. The exchange is not only about mutual growth but also about the enhancement of our cultural and economic ties.” 

Additionally, Murillo said to the people of Cali and Colombia, they extend a message of pride and optimism. 

“We celebrate our heritage and shared values, recognizing this collaboration’s vast business potential,” he said. “This endeavor opens doors to a new era of opportunities for Colombian businesses to expand their horizons and establish meaningful connections with the vibrant business community in Atlanta. As we embark on this journey, we anticipate the positive impact it will have on both regions, fostering economic development and cross-cultural enrichment.” 

The trade mission was only the beginning for Atlanta and Colombia, and there is a long road ahead to expand, however connecting with one’s roots and people who look like them only motivates and drives the mission.  

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BIRMINGHAM, AL. — See you in Chicago. That is where next year’s National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention will be in 2024. This year’s convention, which wrapped up Sunday morning with the annual Gospel Brunch and NABJ Board of Directors Meeting, took place in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama and the result is I was wrong again.

I once thought that NABJ conventions were for everyone but me. I didn’t need to attend a convention with a massive job fair full of national organizations, hundreds of panels featuring professionals from all over the country, and in some cases the world, or be in the same place with thousands of Black journalists that look like me. My career started at Black newspapers in Atlanta — The Atlanta Voice and The Atlanta Daily World — in 2007 and I came up from reporting from the streets and the bleachers of BT Harvey Stadium and CAU Stadium in the Atlanta University Center. I covered the Atlanta Hawks for the past decade and Super Bowls, College Football National Championship games, NBA playoffs and major political campaigns. I didn’t need to attend NABJ.

Year after year I would find an excuse to not pay for a trip to Boston, Miami, Washington, D.C., and most recently Las Vegas. Even after my career advanced to the point where I worked for newspapers that could afford to send to conventions I didn’t see why I needed to go. Some of the advertising for conventions seemed to market towards student journalists looking to impress editors, publishers and recruiters. There were also dinners and award ceremonies and that surely isn’t my scene. I didn’t need to attend NABJ.

I was wrong. Keyword: WAS. I did need to attend NABJ and I plan to attend the convention every year going forward.

Upon arriving Friday morning I immediately ran into Kari Cobham who I had known for years, but primarily through Twitter. We hugged like old friends and that set the tone for the rest of the weekend. Time after time I would see people or be seen by people that I am associated with in some fashion and it was all love. There is no place on Earth that I would see these people at one time, in one room. Journalists like John Dorman, Marq Burnett, and Carron Phillips. We all have spoken by phone and been connected via social media for years, but in the case of Burnett and Dorman, have never met in person. Longtime friends like Crystal Edmonson and Eric Stirgus, both Atlanta-based journalists, were there too and it was great to see them. I hadn’t seen either of them in months.

Over the next two days I attended panels on education justice hosted by the National Education Association (NEA), SWAC football in the post-Deion Sanders era, local reporting that serves your community, and politics of reporting in war zones and natural disasters. The latter had two of my favorite reporters, Sara Sidner and Shaquille Brewster, talking about how they do what they do under extreme pressure. That panel also introduced me to Elvina Nawaguna, the special projects editor at Punchbowl News, an online news outlet. Nawaguna’s insights on covering breaking news, particularly regarding climate change, were brilliant. On making climate change stories more appealing to our readers, Nawaguna said, “Try to connect with where they are. Focus on the impact, focus on the community.” Sidner added, among many other things, “Try to engage on a human level,” while Brewster, who has reported from hurricanes in Florida and the midwest and seen everything that people own tossed away in violent manners, said, “Put yourself in their shoes.”

I believe I will be most impacted by the final panel I attended this weekend, “Recognizing the Elephant in the Room: Black Men in PR.” The panel took place at 1:30 p.m. (CT) on a Saturday afternoon and still managed to be packed. It was a pleasure to hear Ron Carter, CEO of The Carter Agency and Neil Foote, president and CEO of Foote Communications and associate dean at the University of North Texas. Both men shared so many stories of their personal journeys, and in the case of Foote, a longtime newspaper reporter at The Miami Herald, Washington Post and Dallas Morning News, inspired me to keep going as I work towards being a better editor. The drive from Atlanta would have been worth it just to attend that panel. There were so many gems mixed in the stories these men told.

On being a Black man in the public relations field, Carter said, “You have to love pr to be a part of it because you’re the first person to show up and the last to leave.”

Foote left me with a simple yet powerful note about the amount of effort put into being a journalist when he said, “Time is our treasure.”

I was wrong about NABJ and I will admit that. I needed to be in Birmingham this weekend. I needed to be around my fellow Black journalists, pr professionals, students, and the like. I’m glad I decided to attend.

See you in Chicago.

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The Black Sports Business Symposium returns to Atlanta this week, bringing some of the biggest names in professional sports management to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons.

Kicking off this Thursday and wrapping up Saturday, April 15th, this year’s symposium will feature workshops, panel discussions and lectures intended to give Black professionals chances to network and learn from leaders in the fields of communication, management, marketing and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Notable speakers this year include sports broadcaster and philanthropist Maria Taylor, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and University of South Carolina’s head women’s basketball coach and multi-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley.

The Black Sports Business Symposium was created in 2022 as a way to diversify the sports business industry, fostering an environment that is inclusive and open to Black business professionals from an array of backgrounds. Leaders from professional football, baseball and soccer teams are slated to attend and participate this year, as well as select coaches and current and former players.

Arthur Blank of AMB Sports and Entertainment is partnering with the symposium for the second consecutive year, and will personally allocate funds to allow 100 university students to attend this year’s program, a gesture that the entrepreneur is carrying over from last year.

Gregory Gibson, Jr., CEO of the symposium, said the three-day event creates opportunities for students and young professionals to break into the sports business industry, which, in turn, incites change across the industry as a whole.

“We are excited that Mercedes-Benz Stadium remains the home for the Black Sports Business Symposium. The commitment of Arthur Blank and AMBSE was vital for such an industry-shifting event and continues to be foundational in the support of Black students and professionals seeking an opportunity to break into and or grow within sports,” Gibson said. “The impact felt in 2022 continues to reverberate within the industry and 2023’s event will be even more powerful.”

To learn more about the symposium, visit the event’s official website at www.blacksportsbiz.com.

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The Atlanta Association of Black Journalists (AABJ) honored many of the organization’s trailblazing reporters, producers and editors Saturday, Feb. 11. The monthly chapter meeting was used to celebrate the careers and efforts of people who shattered stereotypes and broke barriers at radio and television stations and newspapers in Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Valdosta and other Georgia markets.

The Black history program, which began in 2018, had stopped taking place for a few years, but was resuscitated through efforts by longtime and founding members like Stan Washington, who said of having the event back after a few years, “I wanted to make the connection from the present to the past.”

The panelists that were invited to tell their stories were as follows: George Bryant, Phil Gee, Harold Lamar, Greg Morrison, Angela Robinson and Gwen Sommers-Redwine. All spent the early parts of their careers during the 70’s and 80’s when Atlanta was a fast-growing city and media market dominated at that time by white journalists. 

WSB-TV Community Affairs Director Condace Pressley, herself a groundbreaking journalist during her time on air as the news director at WSB Radio. She had a word of advice for the capacity crowd inside a conference room at WSB’s Midtown headquarters. “Before you leave today, please meet someone you do not know, because all of us stand on the shoulders of the people in this room.”

Some of those examples of Black journalistic excellence were also joined by contemporaries in the crowd, such as former Newsweek Atlanta Bureau Chief Vernon Smith, former Atlanta Daily World publisher Alexis Scott and filmmaker Monty Ross, to name a few.

The AABJ was founded in 1976 and from its inception has been a place for Black reporters, photographers, editors, cameramen and women and newscasters to decompress and fellowship. 

“I am very proud of the chapter because we have gone through some ups and downs but we’re still here,” Lamar said as he looked around the room. Lamar’s long radio career includes time in Vietnam on the Armed Forces Radio and TV Network. When he was announced by Pressley a large cheer filled the room.

Bryant added, “AABJ was so very important to me because we had a place, a forum that we could go to.” Bryant was one of the first Black reporters at FOX 5 (then known as WAGA TV). 

Gwen Sommers-Redwine, a native of Valdosta, broke color barriers and sexist stereotypes as an on-air radio personality in Commerce, before landing at WAOK-AM in Atlanta. Her stint as CNN Headline News’ first Black anchor is the stuff of legend. 

Sommers-Redwine talked of getting a chance in Atlanta because Miriam Richmond, another Black trailblazing producer, gave her a shot. “She took a chance on me and hired me, a single mother who was really struggling,” said Sommers-Redwine. 

After sharing their personal and career stories, the panelists answered questions from the crowd. One of those questions was what was the best piece of advice they had received during their careers? 

Angela Robinson, the Director of Operations for the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), was one of the trailblazers being given their flowers Saturday afternoon. An Atlanta native, Robinson spent time as an anchor for Atlanta’s NBA affiliate and CBS affiliate. She remembered the advice that helped carry her over an award-winning career. “You need to know who you are and to whom you are,” she said. 

“Know your audience,” added Sommers-Redwine. 

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” said Braynt.

Gee, a photographer that has traveled the world as a freelancer for all of the major television networks, was one of the first Black men to work behind the camera for both FOX5 (WAGA-TV5) and CBS’ Atlanta bureau. His piece of advice was simple: “As a journalist I think it’s important to learn the history of who and where you are covering.” 

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Pittsburgh Yards released its Holiday Gift & Giving Guide earlier this month, in preparation for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and the fast-approaching Christmas season.

The guide features local Black and women-owned businesses offering a variety of services, from retail to entertainment.

Chantell Glenn, senior program associate of Pittsburgh Yards’ largest funder of the development, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, said in a press release that the holidays are common time for the public to support businesses and charitable organizations, and that Pittsburgh Yards’ holiday gift guide makes supporting Black-owned businesses simple this year.

“Although the 365-day a year mission of Pittsburgh Yards is to support area Black businesses as they scale and grow, we know during this time of year people are focused on gift giving and year-end charitable donations,” Glenn said in the release. “By offering a Holiday Gift and Giving Guide, which features many of our businesses who are a part of the Pittsburgh Yards community of members and tenants, we make it easy for those who are interested in supporting Black-owned businesses and organizations to do so, especially supporting those businesses and organizations based here in south Atlanta.”

The guide organizes the featured businesses by category, beginning with retail and food before listing charitable organizations and hirable services, like accountants, interior designers and real estate consultants. The guide wraps up by spotlighting family-oriented organizations and purchasable entertainment and experiences.

Located in the historically Black Pittsburgh neighborhood in south Atlanta, Pittsburgh Yards is a 31-acre functioning office space dedicated to supporting Black businesses in the city’s largely Black communities. 

The gift guide features only a fraction of Pittsburgh Yards’ clientele, as the organization houses over 140 tenants each catering to the public in various capacities. A majority of Pittsburgh Yards’ tenants have a predominantly online business presence, making it easy for new customers to explore and shop for new services and merchandise.

To learn more about Pittsburgh Yards and its mission, check out the organization’s website.

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JABY (Just About Blessing You) Inc., a Stone Mountain-based non-profit whose philanthropic efforts involve mentoring, community service, scholarships and endowments, hosted its 2022 International Trailblazer Awards Sunday in Decatur.

The organization honored the following awardees:

Georgia State Representative Billy Mitchell

Dekalb County Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson

Olympic gold medalist and civil rights activist Dr. Tommie Smith

Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett

Businessman Leighton Hull

Chick-fil-A Vice President Rodney Bullard

Univ. of South Carolina Women’s Basketball Coach Dawn Staley

Southwest DeKalb High School Band Director James Seda

Moderated by JABY, Inc. CFO Ceasar Gaiters and mistress of ceremony Allison Lockhart, the International Trailblazer Awards recognized those individuals whose business accolades and/or commitment to service were exemplary, and had a positive impact on their respective communities.

“This evening is all about honoring the brightest and most deserving community leaders,” said Lockhart. “They embody the importance of service to the fullest, and I am in awe of all they have done to give back, and support those in need in their communities.”

The awards ceremony began with a short video of Dr. Tommie Smith’s iconic 1968 protest at the Mexico City Olympics, where he and fellow U.S. teammate Carlos John raised black-gloved fists in the air during the playing of the national anthem. Smith took this moment to reflect on his own youth, and then shared why the need to mentor the youth is so critical.

“I believe in raising our youth in the way that they should go, and they might not ever forget that our work is always needed,” Smith said. “And I’m very thankful to everybody, for doing your duty.”

Another prominent awardee was Georgia state representative Billy Mitchell, who was presented the Irvin J. Johnson Award by the trophy’s namesake, who serves as tax commissioner of DeKalb County. During the presentation, Rep. Mitchell discussed how the support of his spouse was so instrumental to his professional success, and why service should be the lifeblood of any community.

“He who will be the greatest among you will be a servant,” Mitchell said. “I hope it inspires some of you to be servants; that’s what our community needs more than anything else. If we could have more folks that are in the sphere of serving, we can have a better community.”

Along with trophies presented to the event’s honorees, scholarships were awarded to students who will begin college in the fall. The Ceasar Gaiters, Jr. Scholarship was awarded to Kylie Jones (Georgia Southern University), Hailey Fisher (University of Maryland Eastern Shore), Miles Richardson (University of Maryland Eastern Shore) and Justin Coley (Georgia State University).

As the evening came to an end, Mitchell stressed the importance of events such as these, and reiterated that a commitment to service was needed now, more than ever.

“I wish my grandmother were alive to see me amongst these outstanding community and corporate and public servants here. The reality is: we need more people who are in public service, doing good for our community. It has an overall positive effect, and I’m just so humbled to be among those honored tonight.”

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The Urban League of Greater Atlanta recently hosted its Spirit of the League luncheon, honoring entrepreneurs Pinky Cole, Derrick Hayes and others at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta.

COVID-19 halted the League’s 2020 celebration, so the organization’s leadership decided to combine the 10th annual Spirit of the League awards and its centennial celebration of the Urban League. Anonymous da Band kicked off the luncheon, with covers of well-known hits by Luther Vandross; Stevie Wonder; Earth, Wind & Fire and more.

Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes, owners of Slutty Vegan and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, respectively, were each presented with the Champion of the League award. The Urban League recognized the couple for their success, performance and dedication. Cole and Hayes have participated in numerous philanthropic projects targeting economic disparities within the African American community. Recently, Cole partnered with her alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, to present over $600,000 in scholarships, and provided LLCs for the entire graduating class of 2022. The couple also offered free life insurance to Black males making $30,000 or less annually.

“Community involvement is very important (to us), as we both have businesses, and people stand in our lines each and every day,” Hayes said. “As the community continues to support us, we feel the need to big up the community so we can help other people and continue to give them the resources to make a life that they don’t have to be stuck in.”

President and CEO of the Urban League, Nancy Flake Johnson, engaged in a stage-side conversation with the two to discuss difficulties they are navigating, improvements they are making and their future endeavors. Cole stressed the importance of not allowing “hurdles” to knock them down. Because Cole’s first eating establishment in New York was destroyed by fire, she used that as fuel to return to Atlanta and make a lasting impact on the world.

“Failure is not a failure at all. It’s finding aspirations in the losses,” Cole said.

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and Slutty Vegan are not only expanding their family; they are still developing their business and philanthropic endeavors. Hayes shared that he is opening two new locations, and is launching a line of food seasonings for consumers to enjoy at home. In addition, Slutty Vegan recently partnered with Steve Madden to create a limited-edition athletic shoe, which sold out in 48 hours.

The Urban League also presented awards to its Rising Stars and Spirit of the League Empowerment honorees. Alyssa Davis and Angel Walker were honored for their achievements within the Project Ready program, which focuses on adult education, and the ability to prepare for post-secondary education success. Serving as a Project Ready Ambassador and National Urban League council member, Davis completed high school in December 2021, and is an upcoming nursing major at Georgia State University. Walker, Booker T. Washington High School’s 2022 valedictorian, served as a Bank of America intern and a leader for Project Ready, a National Urban League initiative that promotes college and career readiness. Walker will be attending Xavier University this fall to study biomedical science.

“We are thrilled to have such remarkable people to honor as we combine these two celebrations: the 10th Spirit of the League awards ceremony and the kickoff of what is now several Centennial events,” said Johnson.

Spirit of the League Empowerment recipients included Portia Powell, George Worth and Ashley Winston. These individuals all overcame adversity and utilized the League to further their education and empower themselves economically. Community partners Back on my Feet, Caliber Collision, GEICO and TechBridge were instrumental in aiding the organization in bridging the gap between where the honored guests started and where they are now.

Fulton County commissioners proclaimed June 17 as The Urban League of Greater Atlanta Appreciation Day, to recognize the non-profit for its success in educating and empowering the community through advocacy, emergency assistance for needy families, economic re-empowerment, food assistance and more. The League has provided over $1 million in emergency assistance funds for Dekalb and Fulton County residents through its Financial Empowerment and Emergency Relief Center (FEERC), chartered in 2019. The organization plans to continue to address the needs of low-income individuals and will release its State of Black Georgia Report in December.

To stay up to date with future community projects, locate resources for yourself or loved ones visit https://ulgatl.org and https://pinkygivesback.com for more information.

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Courvoisier Cognac recently collaborated with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to host the Courvoisier Entrepreneurship Awards. Some of Atlanta’s top small business owners were involved in the awards ceremony, which was conducted as part of Courvoisier’s global philanthropic platform, Foundation 1828. Foundation 1828 is a $1 million financial commitment over five years to aid Black and minority small business owners and entrepreneurs in the U.S.

As an extension of its multiyear partnership with the National Urban League (NUL), Courvoisier teamed up with a regional affiliate, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, to host a compelling pitch competition, small business networking session and educational panel. Winners of the business pitch competition were rewarded with monetary gifts from both organizations.  

To ensure that rewards were allocated fairly, Courvoisier and the Urban League enlisted the guidance of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Business League and the Atlanta Black Chambers to nominate the most deserving entrepreneurs and business leaders in their communities to participate. Each small business nominee who participated in the Courvoisier Entrepreneurship Awards had an opportunity to win a monetary grant; the awards were $25,000 for the grand prize; $15,000 for the first runner up; $10,000 for the second runner up and $5,000 for the final runner up.

 The following is the list of winners for the 2022 Courvoisier Entrepreneurship Awards:

Grand Prize Winner – $25,000

• Kristel Valencia – Cafexito Coffee Shop

Cafexito is a coffee shop that serves responsibly sourced coffee primarily from Mexico & Latin America, showcasing the beauty of Mexican culture through its product offerings

First Runner Up – $15,000

• Sherolyn Sellers – Urban Tea Party

Urban Tea Party offers a variety of tea products and signature blends for today’s health-conscious modern drinker

Second Runner Up – $10,000

• Christina “Chris” Wright – The WEM Sisterhood 

The WEM Sisterhood offers memberships for women entrepreneurs to mingle and grow with other like-minded women. The memberships include a 24/7 virtual social club that supports members both personally and professionally

Third Runner Up – $5,000

• Marti Covington – MarChasCo Productions 

MarChasCo Productions is an award-winning, boutique production company that has experience executing small, medium and large video projects.

The Courvoisier Entrepreneurship Awards in Atlanta served as a pillar of the brand’s first formal event under the Foundation 1828 initiative. Later this year, Courvoisier will host three additional pitch competitions in key markets with NUL Entrepreneurship Center Programs, furthering the multi-year partnership to equip minority business communities with critical resources – from educational programs and mentorship opportunities to financial support.

For more information about Courvoisier’s support of underserved minority businesses in the U.S., please visit: www.courvoisier.com. For additional Foundation 1828 updates, be sure to follow @CourvoisierUSA and @ulgatl across all social media platforms.

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The Saturday, July 9^th Event Is Expected to Feed 200 Atlanta Families

200 Atlanta families experiencing food insecurity will participate in a free grocery shopping experience at Goodr Pop-up Grocery Market sponsored by Smooth Jazz 101/100 (Davis Broadcasting Inc.) and Chevrolet. The event will take place Saturday, July 9th, at 9 a.m., at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (504 Fair St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30313.) Families must pre-register to attend and can do so at  https://www.smoothjazzatl.com/event/fresh-market-grocery-giveaway/. Preregistered families will receive fresh produce, shelf stable items, meat, eggs, bread, milk and more.

Founded in 1986 by Mr. Greg Davis Sr, who serves as President/CEO, Davis Broadcasting is a minority and family-owned broadcasting company with radio stations located in both Columbus, GA (6 Stations) and Atlanta, GA (3 Stations). Davis Broadcasting of Atlanta currently owns and operates 3 stations, WLKQ – La Raza 102.3/107.1, WCHK – La Mega 96.5FM/105.1FM/1290AM, and WJZA – Smooth Jazz 101.1FM/100.1FM/1310AM.

“We are grateful to Davis Broadcasting and Chevrolet for partnering with us to provide some much-needed relief to some families at a time of historic inflation,” Goodr’s Founder and CEO, Jasmine Crowe said. “Activations like these are needed now more than ever and it is an honor to work alongside these companies to serve our community.”

“Often times we take for granted the ability to provide healthy food options for our families,” Davis Broadcasting’s Vice President and Atlanta Market Manager, Greg Davis Jr. said. “Goodr continues to make a positive impact on our community and Davis Broadcasting Inc. of Atlanta could not be more excited to partner with them and Chevrolet to provide families in need with this shopping experience. As a graduate of Morehouse College, I’m equally thrilled to host this event in the heart of Southwest Atlanta at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs.”

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