C E L E B R AT I N G B L AC K AC H I E V E M E N T T H RO U G H O U T F L O R I DA
Volume 24 – Number 2 MARCH/APRIL 2021
WOMAN OF THE YEAR CAROLYN FENNELL: AHEAD OF HER TIME
VEEP
KAMALA HARRIS IS FIRST, BUT NOT THE LAST
BLACK COWGIRLS THEY DO EXIST
WOMEN ON THE MOVE
BLACK WOMEN TAKING CHARGE IN FLORIDA
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BEING ANTIRACIST
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WHAT TO TELL YOUR WHITE FRIENDS
F E AT U R E D CONTRIBUTORS
Patricia Brown Denis is a writer and educator in Tampa who pens the ONYX Reads column. She owns Patricia Brown Denis Consulting, Inc., helping you to Write it Right.
Penny Dickerson has contributed to Florida and national publications as both a journalist and editor. Her work can be viewed at pennydickersonwrites.com.
Laura Dorsey, is the CEO of LLD Consulting, an associate editor of ONYX Magazine and author of the ONYX Magazine Money Matters series. Laura lives in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Steven King, author, sommelier and critic.
Nancy Port Schwalb is the founder and president of Schwalb Public Relations in Orlando.
Kevin Washington, Ph.D., is an academician and psychologist who leads the Department of Psychology at Grambling University in Baton Rouge, La. Kevin is the author of ONYX Magazine’s Elevate series.
CONTENTS
6 From the publisher 7 Before Us: Black women throughout history 8 Rich Black: Social Justice Game Changer Award 10 Travel: Florida’s African American Culture 12 Woman of the Year: Carolyn Fennell 15 Woman on the Move: Verdenia Baker 16 Woman on the Move: Fentrice Driskell 17 Elevate: Acknowledge change and experience growth 18 Vice President Kamala Harris: First, but not the last 20 Real Estate: Value added ideas 21 Woman on the Move: Martha Ducatel 22 Woman on the Move: Nikki Gaskin-Capehart 23 Woman on the Move: Leila Freeze Gilliam 24 Health & Wellness: Heart to heart – cardiovascular health 26 Arts & Culture: Female CEO steers Black rodeo movement 28 Florida Scope 29 Beyond Florida 30 Woman on the Move: Lena Graham-Morris 31 Woman on the Move: Diana L. Green, Ph.D. 32 Woman on the Move: Malika Harrison 33 Woman on the Move: Bertha Henry 35 Woman on the Move: LaShawnda K. Jackson 36 Woman on the Move: Deidré Keller 37 Woman on the Move: Kena Lewis 38 Woman on the Move: Machelle Maner 39 Woman on the Move: Shaylia McRae 41 Woman on the Move: Erika Pulley-Hayes 42 Woman on the Move: Michele L. Stocker 43 Woman on the Move: Nicole Thomas 44 On the Rise: Resilient Magic-Disney Dreamer’s Academy 46 Politics: White storm – White women also sieged the U.S. Capitol 48 Money Matters: Retirement 50 The Quad: Stories of Black students 52 ONYX Reads: Soul searching 53 Page Turner: Embracing sexy sixties 54 ONYX on the Move: Community involvement 56 SAGE: Seniors doing better than others during pandemic 57 Family: Pets help seniors feel less lonely 58 Entertainment: Lenny Kravitz 60 Workplace: Being antiracist 62 Food & Wine: The low country
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WOMAN OF THE YEAR CAROLYN FENNELL PHOTO BY RED HUBER
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FEATURE
E D U C AT I O N
ACE ANY SEMESTER WITH THE FOLLOWING TOOLS AND STRATEGIES
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aintaining a passion for school can be tough during the spring semester, particularly during an unusual academic year. Here is a round-up of tools and strategies to help motivate students and facilitate their success: Outside Counsel: Now is a great time for students to meet with their academic advisor or counselor. Doing so can expand a student’s knowledge of current and future opportunities and serve as a temperature check on their progress toward degree completion. Plus, talking to someone invested in one’s success can provide the push needed to keep up the good work. Advance Calculations: To solve the most challenging equations and embrace the actual theory of mathematical concepts, it’s important to be equipped with an easy-to-use graphing calculator possessing all the latest functions. Boasting an advanced Computer Algebra System (CAS), Casio’s fx-CG500 is good example of a reasonably-priced next-generation graphing calculator helping students enrolled in advanced math and science courses. Clear visuals are especially important for distance-learning, and this model’s high-resolution, color, touchscreen LCD conveys a Natural Textbook display. Drag-and-drop functionality enables students to quickly and intuitively pull information from one representation into another. Meanwhile, split-screen functionality allows simultaneous viewing of functions and graphs. Mobile Hotspot: A mobile hotspot can be a lifesaver, making remote-learners impervious to internet outages or bandwidth demands from other household members or roommates, helping ensure that they never miss a lesson or pop quiz. Eliminate a Common Headache: Students writing term papers can easily get bogged down in the tiring logistics of creating a bibliography. And while this task is necessary, it’s unlikely to further a student’s knowledge of a subject. Fortunately, there are apps available that automatically create bibliography entries in the style of a student’s needs when they scan a book’s barcode. Simplifying this task will free up much-needed time and energy for students to research and actually write their papers. With the right tools and mindset, every student can have a strong spring semester. Story by StatePoint ONYX MAGAZINE 5
R E A L E S TAT E
VALUE ADDED DIY IDEAS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME'S VALUE
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ow as much as ever, your home may be a sanctuary for all kinds of expression, from thinking and dreaming to working and playing. Over the past year, homeowners began to consider the intersection of function and design in new ways. Weekend warriors are dedicating themselves to creating more organized living spaces and making their homes better places for learning, working and living. If you’re considering upgrades to your home, consider these DIY ideas from the experts at Royal Building Products that can increase beauty and resale value. HOME OFFICE: Spending more time at home may mean storage space is at a premium, especially if you’re relying on a makeshift home office. You can add a high-impact and functional element to your office with a built-in bookcase or workstation. Consider your materials carefully since they have a big impact on your final results. For example, a versatile alternative to wood is synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) trim, which you don’t need to sand or prime before painting, ultimately saving time, energy and money. While PVC is slightly more expensive than some wood options, it also requires less maintenance long-term. BATHROOM: By updating worn-out items, modernizing fixtures and creating a more functional space, you can expect to recoup up to 50% of a bathroom’s remodel cost, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. If you’re considering an on-trend look like shiplap, a practical solution like Royal prefinished PVC Shiplap can help create a clean, comfortable space. It’s waterproof, mold resistant, flexible and works well in spaces with many slants and angles. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to install. ENTRYWAY: A home’s foyer offers the first impression of its interior, teasing the personality of architecture and decor found with each step deeper inside. Whether bold and dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in-between, the entryway often sets the tone for a home’s ambience. Details like decorative molding and lattice trim can create a striking entryway for almost any home style. EXTERIOR: Whether you’re sprucing up an outdoor living space or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhancements can make a big impact. For example, board and batten shutters offer an attractive, low-fuss way to highlight your home’s windows. Painting the front door is another low-cost way to freshen up your exterior. Or invite a touch of nature by adding flower boxes to your front porch or windows. Find more creative inspiration, tools, tips and practical steps for every level of DIY-er at buildroyaldiy.com. SELECT A TRIM STYLE TO MATCH YOUR HOME STYLE The right style of trim can transform a room into
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a whole new space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the style of trim consistent with your home style and from room to room. CRAFTSMAN: The craftsman home style pairs well with simple, tailored and purposeful doors and minimally ornamented window casings while white, light beige and cream-colored crown moulding can create roomier spaces. COLONIAL: This home style’s rustic simplicity and rich detail call for interior trim that lends a touch of stately courtliness. Choose multi-piece trim and wider baseboards, wainscoting and crown moulding to adorn family room floors, walls and ceilings. CAPE COD: This practical and quaintly unassuming design can be accented by subtle interior trim such as transom windows and sidelights that surround multi-paneled entry doors, casings for double-hung windows, picture rails and frame walls. MODERN: The clean expansiveness of this home style lends itself to unadorned window and door casings as well as baseboards. You can go minimalist and use trim merely to protect walls and floors. Alternatively, you could rely on trim to create an appealing contrast with the wall colors. RANCH: Open, informal and inviting, this style needs trim work that flows from room to room. Many styles work, from simple baseboards to more formal trimmed windows and cabinetry in the kitchen, fireplace mantels in the family room and passageway casings. Story by Family Features. Photos courtesy of Honey Built Home
WOMEN ON THE MOVE
MARTHA DUCATEL, DMD, FICOI CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HEALTHY BODIES MEDICAL AND DENTAL CENTER
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artha Ducatel, DMD, FICOI, is a cosmetic and general dentist. She is a native of Vero Beach, Fla. She enjoys the Florida heat, beautiful sunsets and spending time with her family, her husband, Dr. Watson Ducatel, and daughter, Phoenix. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, attending concerts and experiencing different cultures. Dr. Ducatel graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences. She then attended dental school at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine for her Doctorate in Dental Medicine. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Tampa Bay Area Dental Association, and Fellow of The International Congress of Implantologists. Along with her husband, she is CEO of Healthy Bodies Medical and Dental Center, where they provide medical and dental care uniquely crafted for each patient. Her inspiration to create smiles started back in high school after seeing the power of having a beautiful and confident smile when she went to the
dentist who improved her smile. At that time, she decided to become a dentist to help others who had smile problems like she once had. Having the opportunity to improve her patients’ smiles has been her true passion ever since. For the past decade, she has worked to perfect her craft. She is trained in advanced dentistry, including implant dentistry, sedation dentistry, Invisalign treatment, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Ducatel is involved in her community, speaking at the University of South Florida, several churches and chamber events to educate her community of the importance of oral health. She enjoys mentoring young women interested in both medicine and dentistry since she has benefited from several mentors along her journey. Her goal is to help her patients obtain their desired healthy smile, improving their oral health and educating them maintaining oral health.
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
HEART HEART TO
FOUR WAYS BLACK WOMEN CAN IMPROVE CARDIOVASCULAR CARE.
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igh blood pressure -- the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke—continues to disproportionately affect communities of color. Addressing this health inequity is especially important right now, as people with hypertension and serious heart conditions are at an increased risk for more severe outcomes if they acquire COVID-19. According to the American Heart Association, the prevalence of high blood pressure among Black adults in the U.S. is among the highest in the world, with the prevalence of high blood pressure in Black women nearly 40 percent higher than white women in the U.S. While many long-standing inequities and stressors produced by structural racism have created and continue to exacerbate these conditions, there are steps individuals can take to prioritize self-care for improved blood pressure. This is why the American Medical Association (AMA), the AMA Foundation, Association of Black
Cardiologists, American Heart Association, Minority Health Institute and National Medical Association have launched the “Release the Pressure” campaign with ESSENCE. The campaign is aimed at partnering with Black women to help improve their heart health and be part of a movement for healthy blood pressure, with a shared goal of engaging more than 300,000 Black women. As part of the campaign, the AMA and this coalition of national health care organizations encourages Black women to take a pledge to be part of a healthy blood pressure movement at ReleaseThePressure.org. Specifically, the pledge encourages Black women to take the following four steps: 1.
2.
3.
4.
Set a blood pressure goal: Schedule an appointment with your physician or other health care professional, in-person or virtually, to work in partnership on understanding your blood pressure numbers and knowing your goal for optimal blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure numbers at home: Once you learn your blood pressure numbers, take and keep regular records of your blood pressure. Activate a personalized wellness plan: Identify specific goals for fitness and heart healthy eating and connect virtually with family members and friends from your “squad” to keep you on track. Make regular check-ins with your “squad”: Lean on your family and friends to help you achieve your heart health goals by checking in with them on a daily basis.
Photo by (c) yacobchuk /iStock via Getty Images Plus
“Preventive care is vital to breaking the devastating impact of high blood pressure within the Black community, particularly during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Patrice A. Harris, M.D., MA, president of the AMA. “It starts with understanding blood pressure numbers and taking action to manage blood pressure.” Story by StatePoint.
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EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE UNVEILS AND NAMES NEW STUDENT RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
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FAMILY, BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY HONOR LEGENDARY COACH
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he life of Jack “Cy” McClairen is one of the crown jewels in our rich history of Bethune-Cookman University. His storied career as a legendary coach and athletic administrator, coupled with his exploits as a Wildcat student-athlete and pro football player served as an illustration of the greatness of our university. His life was dedicated to Bethune-Cookman and its’ Wildcats! To honor his memory, the McClairen Family and Bethune-Cookman University have joined together to ensure that the Legacy of Coach Cy will forever impact our students as they matriculate through this great institution. We encourage your support of the Jack “Cy” McClairen Scholarship Fund and Wildcat Athletics in order to support the educational pursuits of the students Cy dedicated his life to serving. Coach Cy touched countless people through
his generosity and leadership. All you have to do is walk the campus, look at the people and listen to the stories. To ensure that these stories continue through his life’s work and inspiration we encourage you to follow Cy’s great example as he “Entered to Learn…Departed to Serve…and Returned to Invest.” There is no greater legacy to leave than that of an investment in tomorrow’s leaders.
PHOTO COURTESY OF EDWARD WATERS COLLEGE; COURTESY OF BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
Edward Waters College (EWC) is taking significant steps to enhance its living and learning environment for students that reside on its campus. In a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, the College unveiled and dedicated the new Bishop Adam J. and Connie S. Richardson Hall located at 1780 Pearce Street. “We look forward to welcoming our students to this state-of-the-art residential facility,” said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., president and CEO of Edward Waters College. “It is a special day for us all to recognize Bishop Richardson, chairman of the board of trustees of Edward Waters College, and, his wife, Supervisor Connie Richardson, for all that they do for the College, the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Jacksonville. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support from the City of Jacksonville and our outstanding relationship with Mayor Lenny Curry.” In late 2019, the College broke ground on a comprehensive $4.4 million renovation of its largest student residence facility due to a special partnership with the City of Jacksonville. The newly renovated Bishop Adam J. and Connie S. Richardson Hall has 176 beds and includes new furnishings throughout the entire facility including a computer lab, lounge and study areas and high-speed internet. The apartment-style units are outfitted with a furnished common area, bathroom furnishings and kitchenette. A courtyard has been created with greenery and other features for the students to enjoy.
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FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY STUDENT COMPETES IN APGA TOURNEY BY BRIAN HOWARD
PHOTO COURTESY OF FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
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lorida A&M University (FAMU) senior golfer Mulbe Dillard competed in February at the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour Farmers Insurance Open Invitational at Torrey Pines on the North Course in La Jolla, Calif. The Chicago, Ill., native finished the 27-hole event 11th at 8-over par 116 as former LSU star Landon Lyons won the tournament at 5 under. “It was a beautiful course,” Dillard said. “It’s long and pretty demanding. It’s really a driver-driven course and can’t miss the fairways. But overall, I just didn’t have good putting during my two days.” The APGA Tour was established in 2010. The non-profit organization’s mission, according to its website, is “to bring greater diversity to the game of golf by developing African Americans and other minorities for careers in golf.” While Dillard didn’t get the finish he was looking for, he said his experience was great.
“Not only did we have our APGA Tour event, but we also had the opportunity to play in the PGA Pro-Am with professional golfer Danny Lee,” Dillard said. Dillard was named the top-ranked golfer in the inaugural APGA Tour collegiate rankings in October, while teammates Mahindra Lutchman, Ethan Mangum and Cameron Riley claimed third, fourth and fifth, respectively. “Obviously it is a great feeling to earn the top ranking, but I try not to let it get to my head,” Dillard said. “While the position is just a ranking, for me it won’t change who I am and how hard I work to develop and craft my game.” Last season, the Florida A&M golf program had a phenomenal year winning four consecutive tournaments and solidifying itself as the premiere HBCU golf team in the nation.
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