2018 EEG - Final

1

2

table of contents

Attorneys At Law..................................... 9 HVAC........................................................ 38
Art/Framing............................................. 10 Insurance.................................................. 39
Automotive............................................... 10 Lawn Care................................................. 41
Banking/Finance..................................... 12 Men’s Accessories.................................... 41
Barber/Salon............................................ 16 Music/Performance................................. 48
Business Services..................................... 20 Optometry................................................ 49
Catering.................................................... 25 Printing..................................................... 50
Child Development................................. 25 Realty......................................................... 50
Cleaning Services.................................... 26 Recreation................................................. 54
Construction/ Home Improvement...... 26 Restaurants............................................... 54
Dentistry................................................... 26 Safety & Security...................................... 55
Events/Hospitality................................... 30 Spa/Massage............................................. 55
Floral......................................................... 31 Specialty Items......................................... 55
Funeral Services....................................... 31 Women’s Fashion..................................... 56
Graphic/Web Design............................... 31 Writing/Literary...................................... 56
Health and Human Services.................. 35

Economic Empowerment Guide Steering Committee

Walter Davis, Co-Chair Graphic Designer: Tenessa Moore, Moore Creative Ink
John F. Ham, Co-Chair Printer: Charles Kelley, Perfect Image Printing
Manwell Bynum (www.PerfectImagePrinting.com)
Dr. Gwyn Davis Special thanks to the FMBC staff for making this project
Tim Ellerby easy to execute, changes easy to implement and challenges
Michael Evans easy to resolve.
Wyndon Hibler
Hubert Humphrey 3
Tenessa Moore
DeLissé Thomas

It takes a
local business
owner to
protect one.

As a small business owner in our community, I
understand what it takes to protect your small
business. Let me help you get insurance for
your business at a great value.
Stop in or give me a call.

Emma Allen Insurance Agcy Inc
Emma S Allen, Agent
www.emmasallen.com

[email protected]
Bus: 704-372-1088
Fax: 336-759-0988

1706444 State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL 4
State Farm Florida Insurance Company, Winter Haven, Florida
State Farm Lloyds, Richardson, TX

   
 
Believing and Living like Jesus Christ is Lord!

 

FDeebcreumabreyr 22001178

Grace and Peace be unto you.

This book is a product of the committed members of the Economic Empowerment Ministry who desired
to offer a tool showcasing the many talents of business owners in the Friendship Family and greater
Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. As of 2017, these diverse entrepreneurs provide invaluable
businesses, services and are among 32 million non-farm businesses in the United States.

Your business, a vital part of this community, in supporting this guide supports the mission efforts of
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and the Economic Empowerment Ministry, locally and as far away
as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Jamaica and Haiti. Creating economic self-sufficiency in Zimbabwe resulted
in the digging and successful operation of three (3) wells used to provide water for villages and farm
animals... enabling farmers to grow food to eat and to sell. Pretoria, South Africa saw a new church,
community water tower for fresh water and a day care center dedicated resulting in economic
opportunities. In Jamaica, economic empowerment looks like having healthy persons working jobs,
persons who had vision problems are now able to work because they can see. Economic success in Haiti
was and still is helping to educate students to enter the workforce with knowledge and confidence because
they had help securing an education in their overcrowded schools.

Locally, our mission efforts are varied such as the Community Table distribution of non-perishable items
to churches, food pantries and community agencies in Mecklenburg County and beyond. We also embrace
and provide support for My Sister’s House, our Transitional Living Center for Women, the Youth
Opportunity University (Y.O.U.), the Brotherhood support of Briarwood Academy and Stoney Creek
Elementary as well as the Angel Tree Ministry and Spirit of Christmas.

Thank you for enriching us with your support as we strive to do the Lord’s work. Your insights and ideas
are welcomed as we grow into all that the Lord is calling us to be and do.

Sincerely,

Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Sr.
Senior Minister

5

3400 Beatties Ford Road Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Sr.
Charlotte, NC 28216
Phone Sr. Minister, Friendship Missionary Baptist
704-392-0392 Office
704-391-5800 Fax Dr. Clifford A. Jones, Sr. was born in Philadelphia and reared in New
704-391-3880 Prayer Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Maryland State
Email College (Princess Ann, MD); the Master of Divinity and Master of
[email protected] Theology degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Wake
Website Forest, NC); and a of Doctor of Ministry from Boston School of Theology
friendshipcharlotte.org (Boston, MA). He has studied at Regents Park College in Oxford, England
and Baptist Theological Seminary, in Ruschlikon, Switzerland. He has
served as the Senior Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in
Charlotte, North Carolina since October 1982.
Dr. Jones led a delegation to form a solid partnership with the Winterveldt
School in Mabopane, South Africa for Friendship to partner in the
purchase and building of a fully equipped Christian educational center
for grades Kindergarten through High School. In addition to the school in
Mabopane, under Dr. Jones’ leadership, a farm was purchased and three
greenhouses were built to grow vegetables for sale and a brick making
machine for building houses and business offices in an effort to create
economic interdependence.
Dr. Jones has organized and led numerous medical and religious mission
teams of preachers, doctors, nurses, technicians and teachers to provide
needed healthcare, medical supplies and educational training in Jamaica,
Africa, and Guyana, South America for children and families struggling
in poverty.
God’s blessings have truly been manifested upon Dr. Jones’ gifts and
talents and the Friendship family with the ownership of 115 acres. This
land is also being developed to provide an Intergenerational Day Care,
Commercial Block, Assisted Living for Seniors, Alzheimer’s Center,
Hospice, Single Family Dwellings, Park Shelter, Amphitheater, Offices
and more.
He has been a strong supporter of senior citizen programs and under his
leadership, Friendship provided the first satellite center for the Charlotte-
Mecklenburg Senior Centers, offering exercise and other classes for older
citizens living in the area.
He is married to the former Carolyn Brenda Reynolds. Dr. and Mrs. Jones
are the proud parents of Mrs. E. Renee Darity, Reverend Michelle A.
Jones, Pastor C. Anthony Jones, Jr. and Miss Alexa Mariah Fortune-Jones.

6

Leadership Positions

Board of Trustees, Morris College, 2013-present
Board of Directors, National USA Foundation, Inc., Nashville, TN, 2012-present
Board of Directors, Faith Partnerships Inc., Raleigh, NC, 2011-present
Chairman of the Governance Committee, National Baptist Convention of USA, Inc. Nashville, TN, 2009-2014
Board of Trustees, Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC, 2006-2015
Host Chairperson, 133rd Annual Session of National Baptist Convention of USA, Inc., 2013
Vice President, Baptist World Alliance, Falls Virginia, VA, 2005-2010
Corporate Advisory Committee, New York Boys Choir, 1994-2001
Host Chairman, National Baptist Congress of Christian Education’s 96th Annual Session, 2001
President, Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, Washington, DC, 1994-1997
Former Community Advisory Council Member, Mint Museum, Charlotte, NC
Former Advisory Board Member, Mechanics and Farmers Bank, Charlotte, NC
President, General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc., Raleigh, NC, 1993-1997
Former Moderator, Mecklenburg General Baptist Association, 1989-1993

Civic and Community Affiliations

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
Life Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Awards and Recognitions

Proclamation from the City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 2016
Religious Award, My Veteran’s Keeper, 2016
Hatch Legacy Award, John Hatch Foundation, 2016
Proclamation for the City of Charlotte, NC 2015
Lifetime Achievement Award, Leadership Charlotte, 2015
Aggrey-Small Leadership Award, Aggrey-Small Transformational Leadership Symposium, Western West Africa
Episcopal District, 2014
Nelson Mandela Award Recipient, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., 2013
Keynote for the National Political Black Caucus Prayer Breakfast, 2007
City of Charlotte King Medallion Award Recipient, 2005
Charlotte Senior Centers Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, 2001
Duke Divinity School-Gardner C. Taylor Lecturer, 2000
North Carolina NAACP Humanitarian Award Recipient, 1997
Recipient, NC Governor’s The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, 1995

Published Works

The Star Book of Stewardship, Judson Press, 2012
Becoming and Practicing What It Means To Be A Christian, AK Classics, 2011
Consuming Passion: Christianity and the Consumer Culture, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove,n Illinois, 1998
From Brother to Brother, Judson Press, Valley Forge, PA, 1997
How Can I Find God?, Triumph Books, Liguori, Missouri, 1997
From Proclamation To Practice: A Unique African American Approach To Stewardship, Judson
Press, Valley Forge, PA, 1997

7

Attorneys At Law

Clark Law, PLLC The Law Offices of Harold Cogdell, Jr. PLLC

Patrice Clark Harold Cogdell, Jr.
704.879.5957 905 E. 7th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
The Law Offices of Cheryl R. Watkins 704.376.4464

Cheryl R. Watkins The Wright Law Firm of Charlotte
6000 Fairview Road
Suite 1200 Roderick Wright
Charlotte, North Carolina 28210 525 N. Tryon Street
704.552.3993 Suite 1600
Charlotte, NC 28202
704.332.2274

8

Art/Framing Automotive

Foster’s Frame & Art Gallery Harrelson Nissan of South Carolina, LLC

403 N. Old Statesville Rd. Corrine Butler
Huntersville, NC 28078 500 Galleria Blvd.
Rock Hill,SC 29730
704.948.1750 803.810.3198

The Tire Man

Fred L. Tatum
704.900.6658

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Harold Cogdell The Law Offices of Harold Cogdell Jr., PLLC
905 E. 7th Street
Law Offices of Harold Cogdell, Jr. Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
(Office) 704.376.4464
www.consultmyattorney.com

“Do unto others as you Tax Fraud, Money Laundering, Identity Theft and Drug
would have them do unto Offenses. In state court, Cogdell has handled matters
you,” is the motto used as a ranging from complex Homicide cases to Driving While
guiding force in the personal Impaired (DWI), Domestic Violence Offenses, and
and professional life of Weapons/Firearms Offenses. The firm’s third major focus
Attorney Harold Cogdell, Jr. area is Business & Corporate Law which includes: Contract
Cogdell’s father Harold, Sr. Development and Negotiation (vendor/customer contracts,
instilled in Harold, Jr. this franchise agreements, buy/sell agreements, MOU’s) and
principle, by living it daily. regulatory licensing, audits, recoupment issues and more.
Cogdell is a Kinston, North As a successful lawyer and businessman, Cogdell offers this
Carolina native raised by advice for future entrepreneurs, “Understand the core values
hardworking, loving parents of the market you seek to do business in ... it takes time,
who instilled core values in persistence and patience.” He believes Charlotte has a long
his heart and mind. Cogdell way to go in terms of offering vibrant minority entrepreneurs
grew up across the street from Harvey E. Beech, the first opportunities. “Real wealth building opportunities for
black graduate of the UNC School of Law. communities of color is a slow and arduous process, but we
Beech is regarded as a legal and philanthropic legend. must continue with purpose and intentionality to press for
Cogdell says, “He set the bar high for the many other young equality of economic opportunity in both the private and
people he influenced, he inspired me to pursue the field of public sectors…”.
law.” Cogdell credits his parents for giving him a phenomenal
Cogdell attended North Carolina A & T State University life. His dad was a retired law enforcement office and his
and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from mom is a retired teacher. They provided daily examples of
the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He earned being humble and treating people fairly. His mom served
his Juris Doctor degree from the North Carolina Central as minister of music at her church in Kinston for almost 60
University School of Law. During law school, Cogdell years.
was elected class president and served as a legal research A fascinating aspect of his life includes the fact that at age
assistant to University Chancellor and renowned Civil 23, Cogdell learned that he was adopted. Due to changes in
Rights Attorney Julius Chambers. the law, at age 39, he was able to locate his birth parents. It
His legal career was launched when he accepted the position was a “full circle of life experience” that helped him better
of Assistant District Attorney with the Mecklenburg understand himself and the world around him.
County District Attorney’s Office. In 1998, he founded the Cogdell is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist
Law Offices of Harold Cogdell, Jr., P.C. With the assistance Church and serves on the Social Justice Ministry. He is
of dedicated staff, Cogdell has represented thousands of also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the 100
clients in State and Federal Court before judges and juries. Black Men of Charlotte. Cogdell has served the Charlotte
Cogdell has an in depth understanding of the complexities community as a both a member of the Charlotte City Council
of federal criminal defense, state criminal defense and and the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners,
business and corporate law. He is a seasoned attorney becoming the first black county commissioner at-large re-
with more than 20 years of experience handling criminal elected and the first black Chairman of the Mecklenburg
defense and corporate regulatory matters. Go to: www. Board of County Commissioners.
consultmyattorney.com for detailed lists of the types of One of Cogdell’s favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5.
cases his firm will handle.

An example of federal cases handled by the Law Offices “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on
of Harold Cogdell include: Healthcare, Bank, Wire and your own understanding…”

10

Banking/Finance

Foster’s showcase originals & Charles H. Blackwell, CPA, P.C.
limited editions art by national
and local artists: Charles Bibbs, P.O. Box 34781
William Mangum, P. Buckley Moss, Charlotte, NC 28234-4761
Nellie Ashford, Carolyn Saine and 704.599.1514
Kathleen Wilson& others. 403 N. Old Statesville Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078 First Legacy Community Credit Union

We offer custom framing and 704-948-1750 ph Michelle Outlaw
pottery. 431 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.375.5781

M&F Bank

Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro,
Raleigh, Winston-Salem
800.433.8283

Premier Wealth Transfer Group, LLC

Cynthia Richards-Donald, CPA, CFP®
5340 Congress Street
Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28209
704.557.9660

Have a dream.
Since 1907, M&F Bank has served
those who wouldn’t be served elsewhere.
Today, we still believe in the power of
community. The power of doing what’s right.
The Power of You&We.TM

Mortgage financing / Mobile banking / SBA financing / Business banking / Wealth management / Online banking / Deposit accounts

Charlotte / Durham / Greensboro / Raleigh / Winston-Salem You11&We
800-433-8283 / mfbonline.com

Investment and insurance products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, may lose
value and are not insured by any federal government agency. Securities offered through LPL Financial, LLC.

Fundamentals event that you cannot communicate a Plan in place, answer the following
of Financial your end of life wishes. questions:
Planning 5) A Living Trust – is a written legal 1) Have you met with your banker
document through which your or financial advisor to initiate the
By Dave L. James assets are placed into a trust for your financial planning process?
benefit during your lifetime and then 2) Is your Will up to date?
A financial plan may be considered transferred to designated beneficiaries 3) Are appropriate and desired
by many to be a budget or forecast to at your death. beneficiary designations on your
predict future cash flows, asset values A Will is a legal written declaration retirement account, life insurance
or withdrawal plans. However, a better of what a person wishes to have policies and all other types of assets
perspective of a Financial/Estate Plan done with their property upon that can be inherited?
is a road map that provides guidance, death. A Will allows you to choose 4) Do you have adequate life insurance
instructions, and enlightenment to a personal representative for your coverage (through all life stages)?
individuals and families as they evolve estate and nominate a guardian for 5) Have you confirmed your choice
through the stages of life. your dependents. It also allows you of guardian for your minor children/
the power to name and distribute dependents is still suitable?
Planning becomes even more property, make gifts, and designate 6) Are your General & Health Care
important with the accumulation of the source of payment of your taxes Power of Attorneys still suitable?
assets and wealth, or preparation for and funeral expenses after death It 7) Are your assets titled properly?
retirement and leaving a legacy. The is a misconception that a Will helps 8) Has a trusted professional reviewed
challenge of preserving and eventually to avoid PROBATE. Probate is a your plan and documents?
distributing accumulated wealth procedure used by the court system to Once you have developed and put your
consistent with your objectives and validate a Will before its terms can be plan in place, you have to communicate
personal values may be concerning. executed and the decedent’s property it. Prepare to have an estate plan
Accumulated wealth may lead to is distributed to heirs. Without a Will, conversation with family members.
complexities within a family. The distribution of assets can be hindered Although it may feel uncomfortable,
process of maintaining and preserving by the court system. it is an important part of the planning
it should be documented which usually There are different types of Trust process. It will eliminate surprises
requires professional assistance. that can provide solutions to family and; may prevent or minimize discord
problems and preserve wealth for among siblings, relatives, and friends
Financial Planning allows you to put generations. However, the most in the future.
your wishes regarding a variety of common reason for using a Trust is The cost of estate planning documents
issues in writing. This includes how to provide for minor or dependent varies from “free” up to $5,000
property is distributed, guardianship beneficiaries who are unable to or more. Some firms offer estate
for your dependents, health care manage assets for themselves. A Trust planning as an add-on service, while
directives, and many other personal will allow you to consolidate assets in others may prorate the cost based on
decisions about your life. Everyone one place for consistent management. the customer’s relationship (assets
should develop a plan. A plan will help A Trust set forth the provisions for under management or number/
keep you on course and help others disposition of assets after death. Also, types of accounts). Increase in cost is
know your wishes. At a minimum, a Trust helps you avoid publicity, dependent on the complexity of the
everyone should have the following delay and expense of estate settlement estate. While not recommended there
basic estate planning documents: through probate. A Trust can help you are website that offer templates for
achieve charitable goals, provide credit individuals to complete basic estate
1) Last Will and Testament protection in the case of bankruptcy or documents. A better option is to talk
2) Advance Directive – Durable divorce, and manage estate taxes. with your banker or financial advisor
General Power of Attorney It is important that everyone has a then meet with an estate planning
3) Advance Directive – Health Care Financial/Estate Plan. If you currently attorney. This will ensure you have
Power of Attorney do not have a plan, Make A Plan professional documents to represent
4) A Living Will – which states your starting today. If you already have you when you cannot.
wishes regarding life support in the

12

Servicing the Community since 1941

Residential First Mortgage Loans
Home Equity Line of Credit
Business Loans
Church
Automotive (New and Used)
Shared Secured
Unsecured

Charlotte ~ Gastonia ~ Salisbury ~ Statesville

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James H. Sills, III Mechanic and Farmers (M & F) Bank
101 Beatties Ford Road
President & CEO, M & F Bank Charlotte, North Carolina 23232
Phone
As President and CEO of Mechanics and Farmers Bank , James 704.332.2121
Sills manages the second oldest minority bank in the United Direct Access Banking – 844.463.2265
States. It’s the ninth largest and one of 20 minority banks still Corporate Office- 919.687.7800
remaining. The bank is headquartered in Durham, NC with other Website
locations in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Winston Salem. mfbonline.com
Sills was named President and CEO of the M & F Bank and M
& F Bancorp, Inc. in 2014. His background includes a unique
combination of executive experience within large-scale banking
operations, community banks and government organizations. He
has more than 30 years of banking and technology management
experience. Prior to his current position he served as the Cabinet
Secretary and Chief Information Officer for the state of Delaware.
M & F Bank is a full service state-chartered commercial bank that
was founded in 1907. Its name was inspired by the founders and
customers who worked in various trades and represented different
social-economic backgrounds, hence the name, “Mechanics and
Farmers.”
According to Black Enterprise magazine, M & F Bank has total
assets of $256 million and includes seven branch locations in five
major markets in North Carolina. The bank’s ongoing success is
evident through its ability to continue operations for 110 years.
“This achievement is partly due to the bank’s ability to help make
their client’s dreams come true,” said Sills.
The Charlotte branch has been renovated and rebranded to attract
a more diverse and younger customer base, while at the same time
continuing to serve the loyal West Charlotte customer base. M &
F Bank offers a variety of banking services including: checking
accounts, online banking, mobile banking, commercial loans,
SBA loans, personal loans, mortgages and wealth management.
The bank is proud of the fact that the majority of all deposits are
recycled back into the communities they serve.
Sills says, “We plan to continue a legacy of helping people and
communities achieve their dreams. Our goal is to be the provider
of financial services to consumers and small and medium sized
businesses in the Charlotte market.”
“We are proud of where we came from and excited about where
we can go together … we want your business Charlotte!”

14

Barber/Salons

Anderton’s Hair Studio Beautiful Hair Palace Dottie’s Beauty Salon

1218 Beatties Ford Road 1709 Central Avenue 2228-A Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216 Charlotte, NC 28205 Charlotte, NC 28216
704.333.0768 704.900.5174 704.394.9007

Artistry Hair Studio Designs Buy Wise Beauty Supply Exclusively Yours Hair Design, Inc.
1321 Beatties Ford Road 2121 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216 Charlotte, NC 28216 Lizzie Miles Williams and Sons
704. 335.0428 704.392.6090 1603 West Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28208
704.376.1328
AWA African Braiding Canvas Cuts
2204 Beatties Ford Road Jermaine Blackmon
Charlotte, NC 28216 2108-B Oaklawn Avenue Hair Defined
704.399.1149 Charlotte, NC 28216
704.910.6215 Deborah McLendon
7008-13 E. WT Harris Blvd.
BB Barber/Salon Charlotte, NC 28215
704.712.2026
5304 Sunset Road Crowns of Glory
Charlotte, NC 28269 Nichole Grice
980.226.6041 P. O. Box 1624 Goodfellas Barber Shop
Huntersville, NC 28078
Backstage Beauty Salon II 704.237.0753 4005-B Sunset Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
2731 Beatties Ford Road 704.399.3299

Charlotte, NC 28216 Dooby School Cosmetology Just for You Barber Styling Academy Inc.
704.391.1140
2107 Beatties Ford Road Jeffrey Broadie
B & J Barber Shop Charlotte, NC 28208 5108-5 Reagan Drive
980.216.1224 Charlotte, NC 28206

2200-D Beatties Ford Road 704.921.2998
Charlotte, NC 28216 Dooby Shop Beauty Salon
704.394.3303 5009-109 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.392.1400
15

La Rue Hair Palace SalonExclusive
1001 Beatties Ford Road Darrell LeGrand
Charlotte, NC 28216 4111 Rose Lake Dr.
704.333.5204 Suite F
Charlotte, NC 28217
704.488.3909
Legendary Cuts Barber Shop
1806 Rozzelles Ferry Road
Charlotte, NC 28216 Salon H2O
704.335.0911 Chundra Waters
3509 David Cox Road
Suite C
Loose Endz Hair Salon Charlotte, NC 28269
704.599.2995
3664 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.393.5816
Sarata’s African Braiding
2017 Beatties Ford Road
Maricelis Dominican Hair Styling Charlotte, NC 28216
704.399.5981
Venencia Feliciano
800 N. Polk Street
Pineville, NC 28134
704.889.0150

Nile Beauty Supply Salon H2O is an upscale Salon in the University area.  Our 
goal is to pamper you to bring out your individual, 
4005-A Sunset Road natural beauty.  Call us to make an appointment today. 
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.392.3868 Chundra Waters 3509 David Cox Road, Suite C
Owner Charlotte, NC  28269
No Grease Barber Shop 704.599.2995

Mosaic Village www.SalonH2OCharlotte.com
1635-E W Trade Street
Charlotte, NC 28216 Sista Locs & Braids
704.333.6311
1510 Beatties Ford Road
Paul Andre Boutique Charlotte, NC 28216
704.395.6005
1814 Rozzelles Ferry Rd
Charlotte, NC 28208 TNT Hair Solutions
980.299.9913
2342-C Beatties Ford Road
Power House Salon Charlotte, NC 28216
980.406.3274
1420 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216 Tom’s Barber & Styling
704.626.6680
2312 Lasalle Street
P.C Godfrey, Inc. Charlotte, NC 28216
704.391.2656
1816 Rozzelles Ferry Road
Charlotte, NC 28208 Turning Heads Hair Studio
704.334.8604
8134-C Mt Holly-Huntersville Road
Radiance Hair Studio Charlotte, NC 28216
980.209.0272
3608 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216 16
704.393.7677

17

Delight Three Times And Have
A Customer For Life By Wyndon A. Hibler

We’ve all experienced waiting longer at the restaurant you make your customer comfortable as they wait for the
than the Sunday Service, the product not working like it product or service?
was designed, or not getting a response from that service Be creative in showing appreciation to recurring customers.
provider. At one time or another we will find ourselves either Practice how you resolve complaints so that you don’t
the product/service provider or the customer. However, disrupt other customers’ experiences. Offer your customers
we sometimes forget the customer service aspect of the multiple options of paying you.
business when we are the provider of goods and services.

As a business owner or entrepreneur, the goal is to make The way you treat your customer directly ties to their
a profit by selling something to someone (the customer). experience in doing business with you. The better the
Regardless of the size of the customer or your business, you product or service, the more loyalty you will develop.
should delight your customer at least three times: before, Delight your customers with outstanding service delivery.
during and after the purchase. The perception of success Delight your customer after the purchase
of such interactions is dependent on the business’ ability to Your customer purchased your product or service. Their
impress and delight the customer. payment clears and they receive the receipt or invoice. Do
Delight your customer before the purchase your employees and you thank them for their purchase?
Delight your customer before they buy your product or Have you developed a mechanism to capture your best and
service by showing them how you operate. Whether you recurring customer’s information?
have an online shop or a brick & mortar store, do customers Let your customer help you get better. Ask for feedback
know what you offer in your shop at first glance? Is your through questionnaires and surveys. Learn from past
brand visible & effective? Is it easy for customers to find complaints and repetitive questions. Do you offer product/
what they’re looking for? Do you have things organized & service warranties and quick product replacement and
accessible? Are your policies visible? repairs? Do you say what you do and do what you say?
Sometimes budgets are tight. However, it is not an excuse Small business owners and entrepreneurs have to deliver
for not having a clean and presentable space for your own their word if they want to build creditability and build
customer to visit. Painting can change the atmosphere of their business.
any establishment. If you expect your customers to visit for Delight your customer after the purchase by showing
some period of time, you should provide a restroom that is them you want a long-term relationship. Develop a system
clean and maintained at least every 2 hours. or method that shows the customer that you are the best
The way you operate shows the potential customer your option for the product/service they are seeking. Delight
professionalism, preparedness, and product/service before, during and after the purchase.
knowledge. Delight your customer before the purchase and A note to the customer
it will show them you are prepared to serve them.

Delight your customer during the purchase We are all customers at some time. Some of us seek to
Once the customer is in your establishment or on your support small and disadvantage businesses. So, if that
website, delight them with your product and services and business delights you, let them know. Help them build their
how you treat them. Do you and your employees greet your business by sharing their stories. And, if they come short
customers? Is your website easy to navigate? It should be of delighting you find positive creative ways to share your
easy for the customer to buy products they have selected. thoughts to help them get better. If that particular business
Do you know the average time to serve a customer? Do does live up to your expectations, it’s execution of their plan
and processes, not their color, sex, or ethnicity.

18

Business Services SB&J Enterprises

Al’gges Mobile Notary Services Z. Sue Johnson
P. O. Box 32051
Alma Wynn Jones Charlotte, NC 28232
704.281.6549 704.376.0018

Batts and Associates SBS Installations, LLC

Lucille Batts John Williams
1995 Beatties Ford Road 4004 Sardis Drive
Charlotte, NC 28216 Suite 2
704.345.4501 Indian Trail, NC 28079
502.210.9086
Business Consultant
Time Design Personal Assistant Services
Tim Ellerby
704.618.3019 Kimberly Craig
704.408.1422
Davis Brown & Associates

Jewell Brown
4809 Boomerang Way
Charlotte, NC 28269
704.875.6444

ExC.E.L.L Quotient, Inc.

Dr. Vanessa Y. Stuart “Dr. V”
1287 Sandy Bottom Drive NW
Concord, NC 28027
336.338.8020

Mecklenburg County Economic
Development Office

Mark Stewart, MBA, MS
600 East Fourth Street
Suite 226
Charlotte, NC 28202
704.589.9404

Polish I.N.C.

C. Maria Macon
1101 Sunset Road
#681805
Charlotte, NC 28216
980.202.9149

Robinson Accounting & Business Services

Kenya Robinson-Clea
704.307.2593

19

Learning to with $250k or more to invest. So, not new. The solution is grounded
Navigate the the average investor may be forced in how we educate people on what
Investment to make financial decision in the drives the market, how it works,
Market Place dark. Most people are told to invest what to expect and how to manage.
for retirement, the long-haul, buy The solution should bridge the gaps
By Wyndon A. Hibler and hold. However, these principles between the novice, the do-it-yourself
may not hold true when processes investors and the expert. However,
Survey results from Bank Rate, Gallop and technology have changed the it shouldn’t be so overbearing that it
Pole and Pew Research all reveal less landscape in the 21st century. will keep individuals from wanting to
than 50% of Americans participate in The fact is the investment market engage.
the investment market. Investing in is intimately woven in the United Everybody will not invest in the
the market was defined by those who States financial system. You are market. Participation in the market
owned stocks, bonds, mutual funds, involved in the market regardless. place is based on two variables that
etc. in a retirement plan or regular It’s incorporated in every facet of create three potential outcomes. The
brokerage account. your life. You participate when you variables are: the willingness to invest
buy goods and services created and and the ability to select securities. The
Key reasons why more than 50% of delivered by companies that utilize three potential outcomes are:
Americans don’t participate in the the financial system to raise funds to 1) If there is no willingness to
market is: operate. invest chances are you are not in the
• Not enough money The financial system is made up of market.
• Fear of the market cash, stocks, and bonds. All other 2) If there is a willingness to
• Lack of education investment products like mutual invest but not the ability to select, you
• No trust in Financial Advisors funds, options, and ETFs are derived may need an advisor.
from one or a combination of the three. 3) If there is a willingness to
These are valid concerns. Investment It is important to note, while you may invest and the ability to select, you
principles are not taught in school. not own stocks or bonds, most people probably are a do-it yourself investor.
Information on the internet can do have cash in a checking, saving, Whichever group you fall in or in
be convoluted, fragmented and or money market accounts. The between, you are responsible for the
confusing. Historical perceptions balances in these accounts are used to level of success of your investments
have created an environment where make loans to companies. So, you are regardless of accountabilities.
potential investors don’t trust advisors indirectly involved in the investment So, it is prudent that you have an
and brokers. Moreover, many people world. The question becomes do you understanding of the psychology of
don’t have the financial resources to participate in a way that benefits you. the market, knowledge of the financial
participate in the investment market. Investors should be conscious, active tools that are at your disposal, and
On the other hand, many individuals and prudent. insight on basic portfolio building
have chosen other asset classes (real All participants who live and work strategies.
estate, art, cars, etc.) to invest their in the US financial system should be If you want to learn more about how
money. conscious of how it impacts their lives. the investment market works and
When possible we should actively how to better manage your portfolio,
Beyond these highlighted issues, educate ourselves on how the system manage risks, asset allocation and
those in the market are sometimes works and how we can utilize it. selecting securities, we encourage
misdirected or instructed to invest Finally, we should exercise prudence you to read Wyndon A. Hibler’s
based on 20th century principles in our decision making rather we are Navigating Oz: Gaining the Heart,
and processes. The average investor directly/indirectly in the market or Brain and Courage to Invest, available
has about $70,000 in investable not. on Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes &
asset while advisors target investors The issues outlined in the surveys that Noble and other outlets.
have kept the investment rate low are
20

SB&J Enterprises 1224 South Mint Street
Charlotte, NC 28232
704.376.0018
www.sbjenterprises.net

Entrepreneurship is the essence and foundation of SB&J
Enterprises. Founded in 1982, by Bernard Johnson, the business
has served the Charlotte community with a variety of different
ventures. Prior to launching his own business ventures Johnson
served in the military, graduated from the Wharton School
of Business, and had a stellar career with several Fortune 500
companies. Sue Johnson, a retired educator/principal (after 32
years), was her husband’s partner every step of the journey. She
says, “He had a true entrepreneurial spirit.”
Later, two extraordinary daughters Yolanda and Rhonda joined the family business
(hence the name S for Sue, B for Bernard and J for the Johnson daughters). After the
sudden passing of Bernard Johnson in 2009, the three women have controlled and
operated SB&J Enterprises and taken it to new heights.
SB&J Enterprises focuses on concessions, retail and development. They currently
own and operate several concessions at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
including: Wendy’s, Phipps Bistro, Uptown Bar & Lounge, News-2-U Gift and News
Store and On The Square Gift Store. They also operate a business partnership with
Erwin Pearl Jewelry Store and XpresSpa. SB&J also has an owner/manager partnership
at the Raleigh Durham Airport. A recent business partnership includes a restaurant in
Charlotte called, Poplar Tapas located in the Historic Fourth Ward at W. 10th Street. In
total, SB&J Enterprises employs approximately 100 people.
Yolanda said, “Our dad always said, ‘The best way you can help the local economy is by providing opportunity for
local suppliers and giving them a seat at the table.’ ”
Sue Johnson says, “We always encouraged our daughters to prepare themselves for whatever comes.” In addition to
instilling a strong work ethic, she says both daughters were encouraged to, “Give until it hurts.” They all give back to
the community in a myriad of ways.
Yolanda and Rhonda were both successful in corporate America before running the family business with their mother.
Yolanda is an attorney who previously worked at Bank of America’s Commercial Real Estate Division. She currently
serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for SB&J Enterprises.
Rhonda earned her MBA and was an electrical engineer before taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO)
for SB&J Enterprises. She oversees day-to-day operations at the airport. She says, “Our family has always been a real
team, but in 2007 we got even closer as I battled Lupus.” In July of 2017, Rhonda’s health challenges required a kidney
transplant. “The surgery brought us even closer,” she said.
All three phenomenal women are members of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where Sue serves as a Trustee.
They rely on their faith through life’s journey. Sue’s favorite scripture is Psalm 121, Rhonda’s favorite is Psalm 23 and
Yolanda’s is Matthew 17:20 – which reminds us that “nothing is impossible with faith in God.”

21

BUSINREesoSurcSes

Become a Vendor of the US Government Become a Vendor of the City of Charlotte

1. The System for Award Management (SAM) is an www.charlottenc.gov/DoingBusiness/Pages/Vendors.
official website of the U.S. government.
www.sam.gov aspx
704.432.4777

There is no cost to use SAM. You can use this site for Become a Vendor of Charlotte Douglas
FREE to: International Airport

• Register to do business with the U.S. government www.cltairport.com/DoingBusinesswithCLT/Pages/
• Update or renew your entity registration Default.aspx
• Check status of an entity registration 704.359.1910
• Search for entity registration and exclusion records
Small Business and Minority-owned
2. Federal Business Opportunities (FEDBIZOPPS. Business Support Organizations
GOV) The primary marketplace for government
buyers and vendors. United States Small Business
www.fbo.gov Administration

3. US Government Services Administration (GSA). Charlotte District Office
The centralized procurement arm for the federal www.sba.gov/offices/district/nc/charlotte
government, GSA offers products, services, and 704.344.6563
facilities needed by federal agencies for serving
the public. In turn, GSA offers businesses the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
opportunity to sell billions of dollars worth of
products and services to those agencies. www.charlottechamber.com
www.gsa.gov/acquisition/getting-started-with-gsa- 704.378.1300
purchasing-programs
Charlotte Mecklenburg Black
Become a Vendor of the State Chamber of Commerce
of North Carolina
www.cmbcc.org
North Carolina Administration Vendor Services. 704.212.2032
Insight of key discussions to assist in doing business
with the state of North Carolina. It includes Carolinas Virginia Minority Supplier
frequently asked questions, process of registering Development Council
with NC, and the contracting officers for various
state departments. www.cvmsdc.org
www.ncadmin.nc.gov/businesses/vendor-resources 704.549.1000
919.807.2330
Charlotte Business Resources

www.charlottebusinessresources.com

22

BATTS & ASSOCIATES

Copies • Fax • Printing • Advertising ATTITUDE
Specialties • Notary Public and More!
“The longer I live, the more I realize
Coming Soon... the impact of attitude on life.

Self Improvement and Cultural Library Attitude, to me, is more important
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than the past, than education, than
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is more important than appearance,
704.345.4501 ph giftedness or skill. It will make
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home. The remarkable thing is we
have a choice every day regarding
the attitude we will embrace for
that day. We cannot change our
past... we cannot change the fact
that people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change inevitable. The
only thing we can do is play on the
one string we have... and that is our
attitude... I am convinced that life is
10% what happens to me and 90%

how I react to it.”

~ Charles Swindoll

23

Catering

Eloquent Creations Catering & Design Services

Vereda Elliott
2818 Queen City Drive
Charlotte, NC 28208
704.200.6883

Jewell Treats

Tami Jewell
Hearst Tower
214 N. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
980.202.2530

Legally Delicious Personal Chef and Custom Catering

Attorney/Chef Roderick Wright
525 N. Tryon Street
Suite 1600 Child Development
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-293-7114

Nettalicious Events University Child Development Center

Genetta Wynn Highland Creek: 6025 Clark Creek Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28269
704.606.2101 University City: 8303 University Executive Park #450, Charlotte, NC 28262
Huntersville: 16701 Northcross Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078

“Graduating Tomorrow’s Leaders” Visit Our
Website to

Register!

Five Star Licensed, NC’s Highest Rating

Family-Owned & Operated

Creative Curriculum Philosophy

Highly Qualified & Professional Staff

CCRI & NACCRRA Accepted

Private Tutoring Also Available Celebrating 29 Years in the Charlotte Area • Three Locations To Serve Your Family!

Meals & Snacks Provided Highland Creek Northcross/Huntersville University Executive Park
Campus Campus Campus
Before School & After School Transportation
Available 704.875.3338 704.896.8942 704.549.4029

Infants · Toddlers · Pre-School · Transitional Kindergarten (T-K) · Before/After School for School–Age Children
Hours of Operation 6:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday – Friday • www.UniversityChildDevelopment.com
24

Cleaning Services

Carolyn and Company Residential Cleaning
Justin and Rosalind Pettway
PO Box 481557
Charlotte, NC 28269
704.449.3792
Construction/Home
Improvement

Tony’s Painting

Tony Withers
308 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road
Charlotte, NC 28214
704.309.5283

Dentistry Selden Orthordontics

General Dentist Dr. Robert Selden, III, DDS, PA
2325 West Arbors Drive, Suite 106
Dr. Gwyn Davis Charlotte, NC 28269
704.650.5639 704.992.1022

Robert E. Scott, D.M.D. University Pediatric Dentistry

4100-B Triangle Drive Dr. M. Danielle Funny Stephens
Charlotte, NC 28208 2325 West Arbors Drive
704.393.2626 Suite 104
Charlotte, NC 28262
914-643-2204

25

Dr. Robert Selden, III, DDS, MS, PA

10125 Hickorywood Hill Ave. 2325 West Arbors Drive, Suite 106
Huntersville, NC 28078 Charlotte, NC 28269

704.992.1022 Ph [email protected]
704.992.1120 Fax www.seldensmiles.com

Dr. Robert M. Selden, III is a Charlotte orthodontist who knows that his chosen profession was the perfect choice for his
personality. He is the kind of person who enjoys the order, organization and attractive outcomes. He says, “It is appro-
priate that in my profession I am organizing teeth. The before and after is rewarding.” When parents tell him how their
children smile more after the orthodontic process, Dr. Selden describes that as “a good feeling.”
A native of Belmont, North Carolina Dr. Selden attended UNC Chapel Hill for both undergraduate school and dental
school. After finishing his residency in 2001, he opened his first office in Huntersville, NC. In 2012, he opened his sec-
ond office in Charlotte, NC. He splits time between the two office Monday through Friday each week.
Dr. Selden comes from a family of dentists. His father practices general dentistry in Virginia Beach and his brother prac-
tices cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte. Their sister manages his brother’s office. Dr. Selden says he was inspired during his
middle school years by his orthodontist, Dr. Owens. “The process of the treatment was fascinating to me,” he said.
Another major influencers in his life included his mother who taught him early in life how to handle money and prepare
for the future as a businessman.
Dr. Selden shares this business advice, “Don’t be afraid to start a business. Who better to invest in than yourself?” Dr.
Selden also stresses the importance of having a network of people to support you. “Building that network is a challenge.
Having a father and brother who are small business owners was very helpful,” he said.
Dr. Selden and his wife Sharay have three children. They love to travel and are active in the FMBC MEG ministry.
Besides his busy orthodontic practice, Dr. Selden has a long list of professional involvements, community outreach and
extracurricular health related activities.
He is the past president and executive officer with the Old North State Dental Society; active with the NC Association
of Orthodontics (in line to become president); officer in the Southern Association of Orthodontics; officer in the Con-
tinental Orthodontic Study Club; Chair of the Dental Foundation Board of NC, serves as an adjunct faculty member
of the Dept. of Orthodontics at UNC Chapel Hill. Dr. Selden has assisted with a dental clinic through Project Lift and
much more. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.
Dr. Selden believes that you need faith to accomplish anything. He reflects on a time in his life when he took the word of
an individual for a job opportunity early in his career. The person did not honor his word and there was no job - which
caused temporary hardship. Shortly after that, Dr. Selden found a job
that paid him twice as much. He was blessed with something better. Dr. Selden says, “You don’t know what God’s plan is
… trust in Him and it will work out.”

26

27

Dr. M. Danielle Funny University Pediatric Dentistry
Stephens 2325 W. Arbors Drive (Suite 104)
Charlotte, NC 28262
704.688.1664
www.funnydds.com

Dr. Funny (as she is known professionally) is a pediatric dentist practicing in Charlotte. Her
patients range in age from infants to adults with special needs. She always had an interest in
health care, smiling faces and the opportunity to help people.

Her life was blessed by parents who valued education and supported her in every way. Her
mother, who was a teacher, inspired her to have a career that was fulfilling, and her father, who
was a general contractor, helped instill in her a strong work ethic.

Dr. Funny grew up in Elmsford New York, graduated from Howard University and the New
York University College of Dentistry. She went on to specialize in pediatric dentistry by com-
pleting her residency at NYU.

In 2011, Dr. Funny purchased her practice, “University Pediatric Dentistry” in Charlotte, North Carolina. She felt that
the cost of living was better in Charlotte and the city was a good fit for her. Her parents later moved to Charlotte as well.

Dr. Funny has a positive outlook on life and believes, “If you’re passionate and do the work required … the sky is the
limit. Doors tend to open for you.”

“I learned that your business is like a garden. It’s not going to grow by itself, it’s not going to work itself. It requires con-
stant attention and nourishment,” said Dr. Funny. “You must be willing to do whatever it takes … you can fulfill your
dream.”

Since getting access to capital is a challenge when opening your own practice, Dr. Funny knew that having a village of
support was important. Her advice for future professionals is to, “Find a mentor or two or three. Good advice will carry
you through the valley.” She says, “It’s important to have a network or support system of like minded individuals who
will hold you accountable.”

“Cheerleaders are nice but what successful people need are a circle of trusted individuals who will give honest advice
and feedback.”

Dr. Funny enjoys listening to podcasts and audio books. A couple of her favorites include, “The Millionaire Next Door”
by Thomas Stanley and “The Prayer of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson.

She and her husband Chigozie have two daughters. She has been a member of FMBC for eight years.

“I walk by faith and trust that God’s carried me so much and will carry me in the future,” said Dr. Funny.

Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.”

Dr. Funny fondly remembers the words on her grandfather’s tombstone in South Carolina, which says, ”Let the work
I’ve done speak for me.”

She said, “Your faith walk is much more impactful than your faith talk.”

28

Events/Hospitality IBG Professionals

All Annes on Deck Theresa Ann Clark
P.O. Box 38503
Anne Stitt Charlotte, NC 28278
PO Box 620361 980.267.0436
Charlotte NC 28262
704.488.8375 Party In A Tent

Cox Duncan Network Bernard & Alana D. Bennett
5511 Versage Drive
Sharon Cox Mint Hill, NC 28227
2117 Gallant Fox Court 704.399.5214
Waxhaw, NC 28173
980.312.1198 Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast
Cheryl Watkins
Event Sharp, LLC 334 N. Sharon Amity Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Tiffany Kesler
Po Box 55
Midland, NC 28107
704.495.7747

Exceptional Explorations, LLC

Kristy Coward, Travel Agent
704.951.4476

704.365.5189 29

Platinum Events By Andrea

Andrea Bryant
Indian Trail, NC 28079
704.458.6234

Floral

Flowers By Lois Funeral Services

Lois Vaughters A.E. Grier & Sons Funeral and Cremation, LLC
2824 Statesville Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28208 310 Statesville Avenue
704.377.2625 Charlotte, NC 28206
704.377.4243
Gethsemane Cemetery &
Memorial Garden Boston’s Mortuary

Cedric Thomas Clarence Boston
4300 Statesville Road
Pre-Need Counselor Charlotte, NC 28269
704.509.1550
Contact Me Today!
Gethsemane Cemetery & Memorial Garden
[email protected]
Cedric Thomas
* Call 980-223-6852 to get 50% off Plan A/B only 980.223.6852
* Free “Simple Will” certificate service
* Free Personal Planning Portfolio 30

Long & Son Mortuary Services We excel in providing quality professional
Funeral and Cremation services.
2312 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.394.1111

2312 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216

Visit Us On The Web
www.longandsonmortuary.com

Contact Us
704.394.1111
[email protected]

Serving Charlotte with dignity since 1947

Graphic/Web Design

Moore Creative Ink, Inc. Vashti Crowell Graphic Designs

Tenessa Moore Vashti Crowell
PO Box 562364 5326 Waverly Lynn Lane
Charlotte, NC 28256 Charlotte, NC 28269
704.726.6007 704.728.6089

31

Clarence Boston

President & CEO

Boston Mortuary - Piedmont Cemetery Boston’s Mortuary Locations
American Standard Vault Co. & Boston Investment 4300 Statesville Road
Group Charlotte, North Carolina 28269
704.509.1550
Cremation Society of Charlotte
4300 Statesville Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28269
704.509.1550
329 GeesMill Business Parkway
Conyers, Georgia 30013
770.929.0339

Clarence Boston is a man with a mission to make a and Boston Investment Group. He recently opened
positive difference in the lives of families. another mortuary in the Atlanta area Cremation
He is the owner of Boston Mortuary and several other Services of Atlanta, Inc. Firehouse Bar & Lounge
business ventures. (Charlotte, NC)
Boston was very close to his grandfather. After losing “I’m very humbled by the goals I have accomplished,”
his grandfather at the young age of 12, he was positively says Boston. He thinks parents can help encourage
impacted by the care his family received from the funeral children to become entrepreneurs because children
home. The experience helped him discover his calling. don’t understand how easy it can be. ”Parents should
He grew up in Reidsville, North Carolina (where say, ‘You can do it … instead of being the lawyer – have
everybody knew everybody). His first job was working the lawyer work for you’,” said Boston. “My parents used
at the funeral home washing cars, mowing the lawn and to always encourage me – even though they used to
other chores. At age 16, he was allowed to start dressing laugh at my goal of becoming a mortician.”
bodies and learning the embalming process. He says Boston says his biggest obstacle was obtaining real
his friends laughed at him for wanting to become a estate. He started out by leasing property. “Finding areas
mortician. to buy was a challenge,” he said. He helped property
In 2004, Boston graduated from the Gupton-Jones owners understand that there was no risk for them. At
College of Funeral Services in Atlanta Georgia. He this point in his life, Boston can purchase property with
worked for the Philadelphia Medical School in Atlanta. more ease.
He opened his first crematory in Greensboro, North Family is very important. Boston and his wife Donnica
Carolina in 2007. (who is an attorney) have three children. He says they
Boston has multiple business ventures operating love to travel abroad.
simultaneously. He currently owns Boston’s Mortuary His advice to future professional entrepreneurs is,
and the Cremation Society of Charlotte, both located at “Reach for the stars - the sky is the limit - don’t be afraid
4300 Statesville Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. He to step out on faith.”
also owns the Piedmont Cemetery (Greensboro, NC) “Faith plays a big part in my life. I thank God for
American Standard Vault Company (Greensboro, NC), everything. I give God all the glory.”

32

Serving 4 Generations with Family Heritage and Legacy

2310 Statesville Avenue
Charlotte, North Carolina

Phone: 704-377-4243
www.Aegriersonsfcc.com

33

Health & Human Services

Assessments@Promises 12 Rev. Reginald V. Blackmon, M.A., MDIV

William Ingram Certified Life Coach & Psychotherapist
35 Means Ave.
Concord, NC 28025 Mind, Heart and Spirit
704.786.1500
525 N. Tryon Street Suite 1636
Charlotte, NC 28202
The Butterfly Concept
704-620-0555 Cell
C. Marini Emile
1101 Sunset Road www.fitnessforthemind.wix.com/heart
# 680821
Charlotte, NC 28216 Fitness For The Mind and Heart
704.231.0174
Reginald Blackmon
Loving Hands CPR LLC 525 North Tryon Street
Suite 1636
Kertrenia Alexander Charlotte NC 28202
3611 Mt Holly Huntersville Road 704.620.0555
Charlotte NC 28216
704.779.4263 Symmetry Direct

Fact Labs Augustus Brown
P.O. Box 265
Marvin Stallworth Newell, NC 28126
1905 JN Pease Place 704.724.5570
Suite 103
Charlotte, NC 28262
980.210.1093

34

Working together
for our community

We all want to leave the world a little better than we found it. At Novant Health, we’re
grateful for the opportunity to invest in the health and well-being of the communities we
serve. We move outside hospital walls to bring healthcare to neighborhoods, workplaces,
schools and houses of worship. Through classes, support groups, outreach and screenings,
we meet people where they’re at — and get them the care they need.
In 2016, Novant Health invested more than $267 million in community benefit in Charlotte
alone. We’re giving back because it’s part of our social responsibility — but more important,
because it’s simply the right thing to do.

Learn more how we’re working to improve the health
of the communities we serve at NovantHealth.org

Making healthcare remarkable

© Novant Health, Inc. 2017
7/17 • GCM-218016

35

First Lady Modesty Ministries, Inc LT

First Lady Modesty P.O BOX 16322, 1302 BEATTIES FORD RD.
201 Tom Hall Street #703 CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28297
Fort Mill, SC 29715 EMAIL: [email protected]
704.493.8168
TEL: 704-331-0015 FAX: 704-331-0915
Karizma Infinities Family Care Home WEBSITE: WWW.LOVINGTOUCHADHCC.COM

Lisa Graham-Dixon
5601 Poplin Road
Indian Trail, NC 28079
704.882.4295

Loving Touch Adult Day Health Care

Joyce Freeman
1302 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
704.331.0015

Chasity K. Adams, PsyD

1905 JN Pease Place
Suite 202
Charlotte, NC 28262
704.430.8455

 

                                                                                       

Assessments@PROMISES12

DWI, Prevention and Substance Abuse Treatment

Regional Five Star Provider
Providing Individualized Personable Services since 2010

35 Means Ave., SE                                                                                                   Phone:  704.786.1500
Concord NC 28025                                                                                                               Fax:    704.786.1501   
[email protected]                                                                         www.promises12.com   

 

                                                     
William E. Ingram, MSW, CSAC, President and Owner

Fronie M. Ingram, Vice President and General Manager

*PERSONABLE   *PROFESSION3A6 L
* PRIVATE

 

HVAC Service

Leroy HVAC Service Company

Leroy Fields
7621 Rolling Hill Road
Charlotte, NC 28227
704.567.8894

Leroy HVAC Service Company

7621 Rolling Hill Road
Charlotte, NC 28227
704.567.8894 Office
704.502.6396 Mobile
704.563.8416 Fax

“35 years of committed experience”

WHERE MINIATURE 0$ Northpointe offers home loans
DINOSAURS ROAM DOWN
with no or low down payments
to help you build your home’s
equity faster.

“Stanley Wade is the hardest working and most efficient mortgage “Stanley and I met through my realtor after I found the perfect million dollar
officer there is! He helped me and my wife get a great house right home for my aging mother and soon to be wife. His can-do attitude, energy
out of dental school. He’s accessible and will do everything in his and professionalism has allowed us to maintain a supportive and friendly
power to get you into the home of your dreams!” relationship over the past 8 years. I recommend Stanley Wade to anyone in
need of home financing and a financier to be trusted.”
Dr. Jus�n Harlow
Harlow Dental at Steele Creek Clarence O. Ellis, MD
Charlo�e, NC Metrolina Internal Medicine
Charlo�e, NC

Stanley Wade Northpointe op�ons:

Loan Officer NMLS# 79289 Construction HomeReady *5% Down payment op�on requires an owner-occupied single
family residence and minimum credit score of 700. All loans are
626-234-3653 Financing for the construc�on q9m7uo%arltififigeangdaenbcioninrsrguorwwanietchrserefodruced subject to credit review and approval. Rates subject to change
of a new home with as li�le
as 5%* down.

Aamll mouonrttgaangdespraoreduscutbtjeenrcsmttoatsrontmlhcerapyeyo.dwciitnharatdeenve.gic@eeowwnmaiot/nhrsdtothuaaptpnonpleiornoy�tv-ceawe.l.c.aTCodhomeinstiascntoytoauOli�rlpolN�eaoaonnsrVs1cttah0oh%cpmaatodnamoilntlwoittlwneam.nfBoedranantsk. MloaaxnimlOei�pxul�epmoeansrCAslt3ootd%fhaonvandartfo-oanftwluroltonmal-wl.vgdiafneoelgurtaaesilrsa.�os, without no�ce. This is not a commitment to lend.
Contact your Northpointe Bank loan expert for full details.

loan 37MemFDbeICrMemFDbeICr

An Historical View of Charlotte’s

AFRICAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS

38

These photos are copyright of the Peeler family.
The James G. Peeler Collection is housed at the Inez Moore Parker Archives

at Johnson C. Smith University for research and educational purposes.

39

Insurance

Allstate Insurance Company

Roderick Williams
3816 Sardis Church Rd.
Suite 106
Indian Trail, NC 28079

AmeriLife & Health Services of Mecklenburg, LLC

Bobby L. Hawkins
704.846.2280

Evans Insurance Group

Tearance Evans
9016 #202 Cliff Cameron Drive
Charlotte, NC 28269
704.999.8270

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40

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41

“AND” RATHER THAN “OR” AN ESSAY ON SELF-SUFFICIENCY

BY FRANK E EMORY, JR.

© Frank E Emory, Jr. 2017

The story is told that while working to resist and remove Real estate is a wealth building asset. Much is made and
the system known as Jim Crow, African American discussed about gentrification of neighborhoods. The
leaders selected as their goal civil rights and liberties, to problem with gentrification is not that newcomers see
the exclusion of economic growth and empowerment. older areas as good places to deploy their wealth. The
The idea was that the economic growth could be issue is the people already in those neighborhoods do
addressed later. Those leaders, and the countless people not have wealth substantial enough to benefit from the
who risked body, limb and treasure, accomplished rising property values (and resulting real estate wealth)
historic gains. that the newcomers create.

With the benefit of living through the balance of the There are those who encourage conspicuous
20th century, and almost two decades into the 21st, consumption, particularly in some churches, the so-
of these two things we can be certain: (1) to keep civil called “Prosperity Gospel”. The notion is that having lots
rights and liberties one must be always vigilant; and, of expensive possessions reflects God’s favor. Spending
(2) without a vision for wealth creation, a people and to purchase items beyond one’s means does in fact
their community will undoubtedly perish. create prosperity — for the merchants. Meanwhile,
For African Americans, there is no way to achieve consumption uncoupled from wealth building often
self-sufficiency without a focus both on civil rights leads to financial insecurity and ruin. Unplanned
and economic advancement. The goal of economic short-term pleasure can lead to long-term pain. Of all
advancement is to create, control and wisely apply identified racial groups, African Americans generally
substantial wealth. As used here, “wealth” refers fall well below every other group, with the possible
to: accumulated assets that provide a cushion exception of Native Americans, on every measure of
against unexpected events; resources to invest; and wealth accumulation.
opportunities that generate more value independent of There was a time when a person who worked an entire
a person’s individual effort. career for an employer and retired on good terms could
rely on a substantial pension check each month for life.

42

Such pensions are no more. Employers have shifted Third, wealth in the community should inure
the responsibility and risk of retirement financing to to the benefit of its institutions. Its colleges and
employees. Health insurance coverage is a political universities, churches and charities, should not
football and its future is unclear. With expanding life have to beg for resources. Having produced leaders
expectancies, people live longer. All who can must now for generations, there should be a substantial
have a plan to provide for post-retirement. financial base for each to be self-sufficient and to
The wealth creation mindset requires discipline thrive independent of outside support.
and a forward-thinking attitude. A simple example Most importantly, children will grow up with
is saving a portion from income. To save money the wealth discipline model in front of them each
requires believing that foregoing today’s pleasures day. Bound together in a common enterprise, the
to achieve tomorrow’s goals is a worthwhile choice. family and members of the extended community
That simple financial plan requires also the ability to understand their respective duties to grow wealth
ignore what others are doing, or what they have, and and strengthen the group.
to focus instead on the goals set. Note that developing and executing on a wealth
Certainly, many African Americans have and control creation mindset is not just a good idea, it is a
substantial wealth. My thesis is that many more biblical imperative. In the parable of the talents Jesus
can and should do so. There is no magic number taught that the servant who used wisely and grew
or amount that people must amass. Rather, my substantially the resources allotted him was praised
point is a focus on the discipline of wealth creation and put in charge of many more resources. Sorry
and deployment is important. The advantages of is the fate of a person who squanders the resources
financial self-sufficiency for individuals, families, God has provided. Matthew 25:14-30.
communities and the country are substantial. There was a time when, for African Americans, the
First, increased financial security strengthens the ability to check into a nice hotel was a mere dream.
current generation and renders its members self- Due to the amazing courage and selfless sacrifice
sufficient. Financial security enhances political of many great human beings, both famous and
clout. That means public sector decisions about the anonymous, that dream has been realized. Indeed,
neighborhoods, schools, public services provided other groups have reaped the benefits of that work.
will no longer be made without careful consideration Now, the dream should be to check in, have the
of the interests of the people actually affected. wherewithal to check out, and one day, to own the
Second, wealth in a family allows it to participate entire hotel chain.
in the generational relay race. That is, to equip Civil Rights without Economic Self-Sufficiency is
subsequent generations to pursue opportunities no different than “Separate but Equal”. Economic
greater and broader than those available now and Self-Sufficiency without Civil Rights results in no
by so doing, to be self-sufficient. Each generation access to full citizenship. Full participation in the
should be stronger financially than the one before. “American Dream” requires both Civil Rights and
Today’s adults plant trees to provide shade for people Economic Empowerment.
they will never meet.

43

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44

Understanding Wealth in the Context of Personal
and Community Economic Empowerment

by Dr. Charles B. Hutchison

The Nature of Reality and the Economy families/properties.” In other words, something else, and it can take several
Reality is overrated, and those who it is a study of the rules that govern forms. In that sense, one can have
understand the existence of multiple communities (large and small) and emotional capital (that can translate
realities within the same space, time, how they manage their home affairs. into happiness), monetary capital that
and conditions can invoke the capacity If perception is reality, then the can directly translate into goods and
to see other possibilities (see Hutchison, perceptions that drive households or services, and social capital that can
forthcoming). Such possibilities communities to buy, sell, and make translate into respect, for example. All
that can help to accelerate their several life decisions are important these forms of capital have values for
personal, as well as their economic, to understand, and those who fail to social exchange or interactions.
progress. Life with the human senses do so are likely to make important Economists and sociologists would
is the experience of phenomena, and decisions while living in a world of argue that, in order to gain an
Edmund Husserl for example, argues illusions. For example, for those who advantage in a capitalist society, it not
that for most people, perception is spend enormous amounts of money necessarily vital to have capital itself;
more important that truth, because on material things so as to elevate their rather, it is more important to have
perception is more important in perceived self-esteem, it may help to access to that capital. In realistic terms,
certifying the human experience than address the issue of self-esteem itself this means that you need to create a
truth itself. This is why we can enjoy using less expensive alternatives, such network of people and institutions that
movies: the illusion of still pictures as education about oneself and about can help to give you access to capital
in motion. Perception is so powerful truer history, or seeing a therapist. (compare this idea to the concept of
that in his book, Gastrophysics: The In the long run, that is smarter than social capital, discussed later).
New Science of Taste, Charles Spence elevating one’s self-esteem by driving In a large economic system where no
argues that one can use the mood and an expensive car to work at multiple one knows you and has no reason to
sensibilities afforded by music and jobs, thus not really having the time to trust you, a system of credibility is
one’s environment to “season” food. enjoy that beautiful mansion. needed to ensure that anyone who
In other words, reality is elastic, and is granted access to capital would
the human experience involves much For the financially poor in America, be trusted to pay it back. This is the
illusion. it is vital to understand that there system of credit (or credibility) scores.
It can be rather unsettling to remember is no shame in not being wealthy Those who hope to become successful
that the stock market and stock in a system where, although your in a capitalist system must cultivate
valuations are fueled not by actual ancestors may have worked hard, they habits that ensure high credit scores.
science, but partly by speculations could not leave you an inheritance. In this system, higher credit scores
and human emotional swings. For Nobility and financial misfortune translate into higher trustworthiness,
this reason, one might reasonably are not mutually exclusive. What is and that in turn, translates into wider
argue that the American (or Western) shameful or disappointing is to allow access to cheap capital—that is, other
economy is a conception that is part self-misperception to rob you of your people’s money, and at lower interest
perception and part reality, and that capacity to value, enjoy, and optimize rates. In summary, capitalism ensures
those who can decipher the differences the resources that are available to you. that ordinary people can leverage
can make better informed decisions. (or multiply) their money (small
What does this all have to do with Understanding the System of down payments, for example) to do
economic empowerment? Everything! Capitalism extraordinary things. It is a system
The term “economics” literally means based on trust and connections, both
“the law/customs of households/ For better or for worse, capitalism of which are within the reach of those
rules America. Capital is anything that who are determined to succeed.
has value, and can be exchanged for

45

Understanding Wealth and Social It is the engineered absence of social $116,800, in wealth
Capital Accumulation capital among the enslaved (through • Thirty years ago, that same
dehumanization) that partly explains family had $102,000 in today’s dollars.
Slavery took its toll on African later white- (and black middle-class) If this trend continues, Fortune
Americans more than meets the flight from neighborhoods. On the Magazine projects that by 2053, the
eye. By design, it was engineered to other hand, gentrification explains black median family will own zero
divide, conquer, and weaken enslaved how that, whenever whites move into wealth. This notwithstanding, blacks
Africans and their descendants a neighborhood, their very presence exhibit spending habits that deplete
not only psychologically, but also indicates the presence of “value,” and wealth. According to Nielson, buying
economically. It was also executed so property values start to go upwards. power of blacks was forecasted to reach
in a systemic manner as to ensure One must wonder, however, why it $1.3 trillion by 2017. More notably,
perpetual dependence on the masters. is that, in most parts of the world however, blacks
A part of the system of slavery was to where slavery did not take hold, this • shop more frequently (they
prevent enslaved from the creation is not the case. It is not so much that make more shopping trips—eight
and accumulation of social capital and America’s blacks do not carry value in more per year),
wealth. Social capital involves all that themselves as it is that the American • watch 37% more television
a society values—and many of these system of slavery cultivated an • purchase 9 times more ethnic
values are taught in schools, or were intentional, systemic, artificial system beauty and grooming products, and
available through literacy—which is of human devaluation, the results of • spend more than twice the
why it was illegal to teach the enslaved which still lingers in the economic time at personal hosted websites than
Africans to read. Social capital also market place and takes an economic any other group.
includes social and family connections. toll on all blacks, be it obvious or Even more interestingly, Nielson noted
It is often said that one’s qualification oblivious. In other words, the concept that
for a job includes one’s network of value is artificial, place-based, and • “While 81 percent of blacks
connections. By damaging the perceptive—and that perception partly believe that products advertised using
black family and social structure, determines the economic reality for black media are more relevant to them,
blacks ultimately lost a part of the blacks. Sadly, this valuation process is only 3 percent ($2.24 billion) of $75
mechanism for wealth accumulation so engrained in American sensibilities billion spent on television, magazine,
(think potential marriage and business that it even determines how blacks Internet and radio advertising was
partners). In a way, the creation and value each other, and how they decide with media focused specifically on
destruction of Black Wall Streets if they can value black people and black audiences.”
across America casts an image of the businesses (more on this issue in the The last statistic is rather sobering, and
concept of social capitalism, whereby next section). reflects a possible lack of practical trust
black communities had their own within the black community. It reflects
banks, grocery stores, medical clinics, Wealth in Black and White a scarcity of trust when dealing with
janitorial services, and forms of social As noted earlier, beyond its each other on financial matters. It is
credit system: someone who knows, psychological and perceptive toll, also a self-fulfilling prophecy and an
values (and therefore respects) you, slavery was a system that prevented irony: The very people who need to
and trusts you to offer you a service wealth accumulation, and, not support each other from the vagaries
and pay later. In other words, blacks surprisingly, its effects are even more of a historic, oppressive system are
had “local credibility” (meaning “good impactful today. According to Fortune their own oppressors. Lest one forgets,
credit”) within the Black Wall Street. Magazine (September 2017), however, this is exactly what the system
It is no coincidence that black wealth • A median black family has of slavery engineered to do—and it is
per capita was higher in the past than just $1,700 in wealth (i.e., total assets still working, long after Jim Crowe (see
it is now (more on this later). (A good minus total debt) Carter Woodson’s The Miseducation of
book on related issues is William Julius • Thirty years ago, that same the Negro, Africa World Press).
Wilson’s The Truly Disadvantaged: The family had $6,800 in today’s dollars. No different from Ghana or Nigeria,
Inner City, the Underclass, and Public On the other hand,
Policy, University of Chicago Press.) • A median white family has

46

there are certainly the comparatively Taking Action Leverage your personal efforts. Get
few rich, as well as, wealthy blacks per From a distance, capitalism can married and stay married, and if not
capita. On social media, these people appear threatening; thankfully, possible, find a trustworthy financial
create an illusion of black wealth however, it is a mere human system partner. If divorced, remarry sooner
and a false sense of reality. However, that is controllable by ordinary (blacks remarry at lower rates).
one only needs to remember how people. In the next section, I will Support any relatives and friends
many black athlete or movie star hurriedly touch on some basic who can afford it to buy their own
millionaires have gone bankrupt to ideas and practices that should help houses. Home ownership is one of
understand the nature of true wealth foster personal and community the best means of wealth creation
versus fleeting high income. Wealthy empowerment: and accumulation, inheritance,
people are independent of work; rich Do not compare yourself to others; and economic mobility. Wealthy
people need to keep working. appearances can be deceiving. It is connections become the social
very likely that if someone does the capital that can help elevate your
Social Justice and Wealth same job as you and you cannot afford community.
Accumulation a luxury car or home, they are living Work for yourself, if possible.
and driving an illusion. According According to Forbes Magazine,
According to the Bureau of Justice to the authors of the book, The the average mean income for
Statistics (as cited in The Sentencing Millionaires Next Door, many people entrepreneurs is almost 50% greater
Project), in 2015: who live in upscale neighborhoods than for employees. The only caution
• More than 60% of the U.S. and drive luxurious cars do not have is that you need to make sure that
prison population were people of great wealth; on the other hand, you have a safety net—which can
color many who have great wealth do be several months’ living expenses.
• Black men were nearly six not live in upscale neighborhoods This is why you need a marriage or
times as likely to be incarcerated as nor drive luxurious cars (think the business partner on whom you can
white men lifestyle of the billionaire, Warren depend.
• For black men in their Buffett). This reflects the psychology Keep learning. Many of the jobs
thirties, 1 in every 10 was in prison of compensation, whereby it is of the future have not yet been
or jail on any given day more important for people with low created, partly because technology
• For every 100,000 black men, income to deflect the impression of is changing the nature of society and
2,613 were in prison poverty (partly for elevating their its needs. The future belongs to those
• For every 100,000 black self-esteem), while the wealthy can who are willing to continue learning.
women, 103 were in prison do not have such a need. Take advantage of continued
Understand the system in which you education and great programs and
The implication of this statistic live. You live in a capitalist society. skills that take less time to learn but
is extremely sobering: It means Think systemically and build your afford you most income.
that, all things being equal, credit, so you can have access to Invest in your health and emotional
beyond the judicial injustice that capital. economy. Take care of your body: it
disproportionately imprisons black Leverage your resources and the is your most important instrument.
males, black females are prevented credit system: Buy a house, and if You pay a price for not spending
from having potential marriage you house is too big, move into a your emotional and health currency
partners. It also creates an economic smaller (still nice) house and invest wisely. Determine what you love the
imbalance, whereby female-headed the difference. Living in a house that most and do it; you can do more of it,
households are relegated to the life is too big is no different from one it takes less toll on your health, and it
of raising children with no male family using all its resources to pull makes you happier.
partners and second household a train, instead of pulling a minivan. Support local businesses that support
incomes. Since children’s educational If you have too little investment and your personal interest; salvation
and later economic success partly yet have too many toys, sell some
depend on parental income, this and use the funds for investment.
creates and perpetuates a vicious
cycle of disadvantaged children.

47

is both personal and communal. References Available at
Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana noted h t t p : / / w w w. n i e l s e n . c o m / u s / e n /
that “the independence of Ghana Girouard, Dave (January 2013). Does insights/news/2013/african-
is meaningless, unless it is tied to it pay to become an entrepreneur? american-consumers-are-more-
the total liberation of Africa.” If Forbes Magazine. relevant-than-ever.html
your community in still in bondage Available at https://www.forbes.
and you live in a sterile, gated com/sites/groupthink/2013/01/03/ Spence, Charles (2017).
community, you may be living in the does-it-pay-to-become-an- Gastrophysics: The new science of
prison of illusory personal success entrepreneur/#765306ec2b59 taste. NY: Viking Press.
and freedom. Hoxie, Josh (September 19, 2017).
In conclusion, the economic Blacks and Latinos will be broke in a Stanley, Tom & Danko, William
empowerment of a community is few decades. (1996). The millionaires next
ultimately a systemic empowerment Fortune Magazine, September door: The surprising secrets of
process. It involves a complexity of 2017. Available at http://fortune. America’s wealthy. UK: Taylor Trade
issues that can only be overcome com/2017/09/19/racial-inequality- Publishing.
when people understand their wealth-gap-america/
history, social systems and processes, Husserl, Edmund G.A. (2010). The The Sentencing Project - Fact Sheet:
and how they as individuals fit into the idea of phenomenology (L. Hardy, Trends in U.S. Correction (June,
matrix. More important, economic Trans.). The Netherlands: Kluwer 2017). Trends in U.S.
systems are man-made systems: Academic Publishers. (Original
they are a system of entanglements, work published 1907) Correction. Available at http://
whereby ordinary and more capable Hutchison, Charles B. (forthcoming). sentencingproject.org/wp-content/
people stand beside and on top of The fear of being different: The uploads/2016/01/Trends-in-US-
others’ shoulders. In this matrix, if intangible price of prejudice and Corrections.pdf
one person falls out of the matrix, it misunderstanding. NY: Rowman
has consequences for the whole. In and Littlefiled.
this matrix, laughter is infectious, Nielsen Consumer [Research]
and so is human suffering; and so (2013). African American consumers
whenever you see your neighbor are more relevant than ever.
suffering, you are suffering. That is
why we turn away from things that
are unsightly, because they cause us
pain. That is also why, sometimes,
salvation is a community business.

Author’s Note

Bro. Charles B. Hutchison was born in Ghana, and is Professor of Education at UNC Charlotte. Trained in molecular
genetics, theology, and education, he is a recipient of Key to the City of Boston and the author of several books and articles
on different subjects (see Amazon or elsewhere). He and his wife, Sandra, are members of Friendship. He can be reached
at [email protected].

48

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49

Dr. Paula R. Newsome Advantage Vision Center

Optometrist 1016 S. Church Street
Charlotte, NC 28203
For more than thirty years Dr. Paula Newsome has served the Charlotte community Phone
as an optometrist, philanthropist and a servant leader helping others in a myriad of 704.375.3935 Office
ways. 704.333.7238 Fax
She grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina as the only child of educators who Email
allowed her to understand that she was a child of God and with God as her partner, appts@
all things were possible. advantageevisioncenter.com
Dr. Newsome graduated from the University of Chapel Hill and majored in biology. Website
She was recruited by the UAB Medical Center School of Optometry in Birmingham, advantagevisioncenter.com
Alabama and she did a residency at the Eye Institute in Primary Care in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Dr. Newsome taught students how to become optometrists at the 50
University of Missouri-St.Louis for a year before moving to Charlotte in 1984.
Advantage Vision Center is located at 1016 S. Church Street. A wide variety of
services are offered including comprehensive eye exams, treatment of eye diseases
especially glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration and specialty contact lens
fits. The center utilizes high tech environment/equipment with lots of loving care.
Dr. Newsome says she always knew that she wanted to become a doctor, “After having
my eyes examined prior to entering college, I was sold on that specialization.”
Being an entrepreneur is important and she believes, “We have to get back to basics
and teach our children the possibilities in entrepreneurship and generational wealth.”
“The message we send now is to grow up, go to school so that you can get a good job.
Who says grow up, get a good education so you can employ others to make your and
their dreams come true?”
Her daughter, Ayana, recently graduated from East Carolina University and majored
in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She has joined her
mother’s practice and manages accounts receivable, accounts payable, and manages
inventory and technology integration.
Dr. Newsome joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in 1986 after being
invited by one of her patients, First Lady of FMBC - C. Brenda Jones. After joining the
church, she served in several capacities including; Sunday School teacher, member
of the Walk Team, started the Global Health Ministry in 1998 (and still serves), and
also worked on the Capital Campaign for 3400 Beatties Ford Road.
She loves to travel and has visited all 50 states and most continents except Australia
and Antarctica. Dr. Newsome also loves to write, take long walks and loves the water.
“My morning time is my meditation time with the Lord,” she said.
“Faith is the cornerstone, the undergirding and the backbone of my life. I love the
Lord Jesus who gave his life so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.”
Dr. Newsome enjoys reading the bible and learning new information. One of her
favorite scriptures is Psalm 91.
She says, “What is so wonderful about the bible is that the same principles that
undergirded Christians then – can provide comfort and solace now.”