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Category: Black Womens Triumphs and Achievements

  • Maj. Jas Boothe: From Homeless Vet to Housing Advocate

    Imagine facing stage-three cancer, homelessness after Hurricane Katrina, and being a single mother, all while navigating a system that seemed to fail you. This was the reality for Maj. Jaspen “Jas” Boothe (U.S. Army, Retired). Instead of succumbing to despair, Boothe channeled her immense challenges into a powerful mission: to ensure no woman veteran faces homelessness alone.

    A Systemic Failure and a Personal Mission

    Boothe recounts a particularly disheartening experience when seeking housing support from a federal agency. Despite being a veteran undergoing critical medical treatments, she was told, ‘Yes, we help veterans, but you’re a woman… Well, you mentioned you had an illegitimate child, right? You need to go get on welfare and food stamps like other women in your situation.’ This discriminatory response, coupled with losing everything in Hurricane Katrina, fueled her determination to create change.

    After couch-surfing and staying with family, Boothe began her recovery. She realized that the solution to the crisis she faced lay within her own resolve and leadership skills honed in the military. This realization led her to found Final Salute Inc. in 2010, a nonprofit dedicated exclusively to housing homeless women veterans and their children.

    Impact and Reach: Final Salute Inc.

    In just 15 years, Final Salute Inc. has become a vital lifeline, providing over 17,000 transitional housing days and serving more than 8,000 women veterans across 30 states and territories. The organization’s impact is profound, offering a safe haven for women like Lisa, a Navy veteran and single mother who received assistance with rent and vehicle issues, ensuring she and her daughters could keep their home.

    Boothe highlights a critical issue: minority veterans are overrepresented among the homeless, and over 70% of homeless women veterans have at least one child. Many suffer in silence, enduring dangerous situations to stay with their children, fearing they might lose them if they seek help. Final Salute Inc. provides a crucial, safe avenue for support.

    From Midwest Roots to Military Service

    Boothe’s journey began in Chicago and included formative years at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), an HBCU where she excelled on a basketball scholarship. She emphasizes the unique value of the HBCU experience for Black Americans. After earning her degree, she joined the Army National Guard, driven by a desire to break stereotypes about single mothers’ potential for success.

    Her decision to enter the military, a male-dominated field, initially met resistance from her ‘old school’ father, who harbored skepticism about Black people’s place in the military due to his experiences with segregation. However, as he witnessed her progression and accomplishments, he became her biggest supporter. Boothe served 17 years as an officer, overcoming cancer, knee replacements, and a spine fusion, believing her journey, though cut short of retirement, was divinely timed for her mission.

    The Power of an HBCU Foundation

    Boothe credits her HBCU education with providing the foundational sense of community essential for launching Final Salute Inc. Witnessing a segment on Oprah Winfrey’s show about a homeless woman veteran reignited her own experiences and the systemic issues she faced. This spurred her to action, leading her to write a compelling letter to the IRS requesting expedited approval for her 501(c)(3) status, emphasizing the urgency for women veterans.

    Remarkably, her nonprofit status was approved within 30 days, a testament to her unwavering drive. Final Salute Inc. operates entirely on private sector support, a significant achievement. The organization’s programs, including H.O.M.E. (transitional housing), S.A.F.E. (financial hardship prevention), and Next Uniform (professional attire for civilian workforce), provide comprehensive support at no cost to veterans.

    Trailblazing and Inspiring Others

    Maj. Boothe’s leadership extends beyond her organization. She is a beneficiary of the annual Ms. Veteran America competition and was recently honored as one of ‘100 Women to KNOW in America.’ She proudly states, ‘We are not damsels in distress. We are the trailblazers; we are the mountain movers.’ Her recognition underscores the success and impact women veterans can achieve.

    What inspires you most about Maj. Jas Boothe’s story and the work of Final Salute Inc.? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Atlanta Sisters Revitalize Southwest Side with BOSK

    Atlanta’s Southwest side is getting a vibrant culinary and cultural boost thanks to two native sisters, Nako and Narie Roberson. They’ve opened BOSK, a unique burger spot and cafe that’s not just serving delicious food but also fostering a sense of community and honoring the area’s rich heritage. This venture is more than a restaurant; it’s a revival.

    Honoring Roots with ‘Big Oomp Studio Kitchen’

    The Roberson sisters established ‘Big Oomp Studio Kitchen’ as a tribute to a legendary record shop that was once a cornerstone of Atlanta’s Southwest side. As new entrepreneurs, they recognized the need to create a space that celebrates the community, especially in an area undergoing rapid development. Their menu is thoughtfully curated to center the residents and their homegrown roots, infusing local flavor into every recipe.

    The buzz around BOSK is palpable, with notable Atlanta figures like Kandi Burruss and Mayor Andre Dickens already stopping by to experience the offerings. The sisters shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE how their eatery came to life, driven by a deep dedication to Southwest Atlanta.

    From Hairdressing to General Contracting: A Sister’s Vision

    Narie Roberson, who has a background in hair styling, felt a calling for a career change. Driving past the available space, she saw an opportunity not just for herself but for her neighborhood. ‘I’ll stop doing hair. I’ll see it through full throttle,’ she recalls telling her father, who ultimately invested in their vision without loans, making it a true family business. Narie took on the immense task of overseeing the construction from the ground up, even learning the ins and outs of general contracting while pregnant with her son.

    Beyond the main restaurant, BOSK Cafe, the sisters’ second venture, is a testament to their love for reading, community, and sisterhood. With over $1 million invested, they have ambitious plans, aiming to expand their menu beyond traditional Southern fare with offerings like wine tastings, cigar smoking, and tapas, showcasing their culinary versatility.

    A Million-Dollar Investment in Community Pride

    While some might question investing a million dollars in a neighborhood with a perceived stigma, the Robersons view the Southwest Atlanta location as crucial to BOSK’s identity. ‘We’re SWATS. We’re ATL for real,’ Nako stated proudly. ‘We wouldn’t have put this nowhere else.’ They aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia and prove that the Southwest side offers a vibrant, elevated experience without needing to travel far.

    Their menu has already gained a reputation for its creative burgers, like the ‘Cascade,’ ‘Dirty South,’ and ‘AUC,’ alongside soul food delights such as the ‘Sobu’ salad. The welcoming, familial atmosphere draws a diverse clientele, from postal workers to local politicians, reinforcing BOSK’s role as a community hub.

    Keys to Success: Presence and Persistence

    The sisters emphasize the importance of being present in their business. Narie advises new owners to ‘face on the place,’ meaning being physically present, especially in the crucial first five years. ‘You need to be right here… every single day,’ she stresses, noting that customer visibility and investment are key to sustaining a new business.

    As BOSK continues to thrive, Nako gets emotional seeing the restaurant filled with people, feeling they’ve helped ‘bring community back to Southwest Atlanta.’ Their journey is a powerful beacon of representation and pride for their community.

    Have you visited BOSK or another amazing Black-owned restaurant in Atlanta? Share your favorite spots and experiences in the comments below!

  • Kimberly Adams: First Black Woman to Host Marketplace Morning Report

    Big news in the world of public radio! American Public Media has announced that Kimberly Adams will be the next host of its flagship weekday program, Marketplace Morning Report. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Adams becomes the first Black woman to lead one of Marketplace’s core shows, bringing her insightful economic analysis to millions of listeners nationwide.

    A Voice for the People

    Adams, currently serving as senior Washington correspondent and host of the popular podcast Make Me Smart, will officially step into her new role on June 8th. Her decades of experience as a journalist, particularly her focus on translating complex economic policy into everyday impacts, make her a natural fit for this prominent position.

    Reflecting on her journey, Adams shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, ‘I grew up in St. Louis, where the economic divides across race, class, and geography were always present and visible. Those lessons have informed my decades of work as a journalist.’ She emphasizes that business and economics news often circles back to fundamental questions of money, power, and access.

    Expanding the Conversation

    Adams is eager to broaden the scope of economic reporting. ‘I’m looking forward to expanding that remit to include not just what policymakers are doing in Washington, but also what company leaders are doing in boardrooms, what consumers are doing at the grocery store, and what living in this economy means for all kinds of people,’ she explained. This inclusive approach promises to connect with a wider audience.

    Before her role as a D.C. correspondent, Adams honed her skills as a freelance journalist, earning accolades from organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists. Her versatility is further demonstrated by her experience as a fill-in host for C-SPAN’s Washington Journal and her board service with the International Women’s Media Foundation.

    A Trusted Voice for Economic Understanding

    Neal Scarbrough, vice president and general manager at Marketplace, praised Adams’s qualifications, noting her ‘diligent reporting’ and how listeners have embraced her ‘leadership and versatility.’ He highlighted her ability to build an ‘unwavering connection with our audience’ through her sharp economic analysis.

    Adams is excited to help listeners navigate the current economic landscape. ‘In this moment of economic transition, it’s vital our community has access to the best journalism about how money is moving in our society,’ she stated. ‘I feel incredibly honored to step into this role at this time to help bring timely and relevant information to the folks who need it most.’

    What are your favorite segments or topics covered by Marketplace Morning Report? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Charlotte Newman: Championing Black Art & Wealth

    Charlotte Newman, a distinguished fine art collector, is on a mission to democratize the art world. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing, her extensive education, and a career spanning politics, entrepreneurship, and technology, Newman is leveraging her passion and expertise to expand access to art by Black artists and those from the African diaspora. She sees fine art not just as aesthetic beauty, but as a powerful vehicle for wealth creation and cultural legacy.

    Bridging the Gap in Art Ownership

    Newman, who holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard Business School, recognizes the significant underrepresentation of Black collectors and artists in the fine art industry. With white men dominating the collector landscape and Black artists historically undervalued, Newman aims to shift this paradigm. She believes fine art is ‘culture’ and should be engaged with through ‘seeing’ rather than solely through acquisition, making it less intimidating.

    Her commitment extends beyond her personal collection. Newman founded the Scott Newman Collection to support artists of African descent, continuing a family tradition of arts appreciation. This collection focuses on diverse works, including figurative and abstract pieces that explore themes of politics, race, gender, and sexuality, serving as a ‘vehicle for legacy’ and a means to ‘contribute to generational wealth.’

    Beyond Affordability: Information, Proximity, and Confidence

    Newman acknowledges that the high cost of fine art can be a barrier for many in the Black community. However, she emphasizes that increasing access involves more than just affordability. ‘It is also about information, proximity and confidence,’ she stated. The art world can often feel inaccessible due to a lack of knowledge about where to start, what questions to ask, or how to trust one’s own perspective.

    To address this, Newman actively uses platforms like online viewing rooms, art fairs, and the Clubhouse app to share insights into art history and foster appreciation. Through her Substack column, ‘Crown and Capital,’ she provides valuable perspectives on the art world, demystifying the process for aspiring collectors and enthusiasts.

    Building Cultural Legacy and Community Support

    Artists like Lindsay Adams, whose piece ‘The Source of Self Regard’ is in Newman’s collection, highlight the importance of Black collectors. ‘It helps to further ground our cultural legacy and voice… and the role that we play in the art historical canon,’ Adams noted. Newman’s support ensures that the work of Black artists is not only preserved but also celebrated within the broader art historical narrative.

    Her collection includes significant pieces, such as an 1880s work by Edward Mitchell Bannister, the first Black artist to win a national art award. Newman also experienced a full-circle moment winning a Gordon Parks photograph at a foundation gala, having previously helped draft a Congressional Resolution commemorating Parks’ life and legacy.

    Connecting Through Art and Shared Values

    Newman’s approach goes beyond mere acquisition; she seeks deep connections with artists. She is intrigued by their inspirations, their reading materials, and how they weave literature, science, and culture into their work. This led her to become an executive producer on Alteronce Gumby’s upcoming film, ‘Color In Nature,’ showcasing her commitment to supporting artists holistically.

    Her diverse background, influenced by her godmother, renowned artist Tina Dunkley, provides a unique perspective. Newman understands that value extends beyond the financial, encompassing culture, relationships, reputation, and trust. She applies this holistic view to her collecting, recently purchasing Candice Tavares’s intricate piece, ‘Wade In The Water,’ appreciating the artist’s unique techniques and the story behind the work.

    What does art mean to you as a form of cultural expression or wealth building? Share your thoughts in the comments below!