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Mayor Ken Welch gave his fourth State of the City address on Wednesday. All photos: City of St. Petersburg. Mayor Ken Welch’s fourth annual State of the City address highlighted St. Petersburg’s recent successes, provided a glimpse into the future, and concluded on a familiar topic – the Historic Gas Plant District’s redevelopment. ​The event, held on Wednesday at the Palladium Theater, began with invocations by faith leaders, a reading from Poet Laureate Denzel Johnson-Green, and a performance by the Arts Conservatory for Teens. City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz called the opening “a reminder of who we are.” ​Hanewicz said one project, plan, or moment will not determine St. Petersburg’s future. “It will be defined by how we treat each other … how we steward what we have been given, and whether the people who come after us inherit a city that works, a city that cares, and a city that’s worth protecting.” ​However, Welch’s legacy is intrinsically intertwined with the Gas Plant, currently home to Tropicana Field. He campaigned on fulfilling long-deferred promises to the displaced Black community, arduously negotiated a failed $6.7 billion redevelopment deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, and is currently evaluating new proposals – amid a reelection year. ​“The Historic Gas Plant District is not just a redevelopment project,” Welch said. “It is a test of whether we keep our promises, whether we are distracted by election year politics and political agendas, or … whether we have the political will to do the right thing.” ​Welch noted that 40 years have passed since the city “uprooted” Gas Plant residents. It now has another opportunity to transform a sea of surface parking lots into community assets, he said. ​Earlier this month, the city council approved a nonbinding resolution asking Welch to “pause any action” related to selecting a redevelopment proposal and commission an independent land-use study. While he agrees that officials should “plan first,” Welch said planning “is the only thing we’ve done” on the 86-acre site. ​Several studies, workshops, and public forums have taken place since 2016, and Welch said the community has consistently advocated for jobs, affordable housing, and economic opportunities. He is “comfortable that we understand” the public’s priorities. ​Welch pledged to forge ahead with redevelopment, starting with affordable housing and a new Woodson African American Museum of Florida. However, his administration will “make every reasonable effort to accommodate” the council’s request, provided it does not “return us to paralysis.” ​Successes Cited by Welch ​St. Petersburg gained 434 affordable or workforce housing units in 2025. Development partners also completed 24 affordable single-family homes, and 189 affordable townhomes were under construction on city-owned land. The city became Florida’s first to adopt new legislation, known as the “Yes in God’s Backyard” provision, that enables faith-based organizations to create affordable housing on underutilized land. “Projects like these are essential to ensuring that our growth is equitable,” Welch said. Building department staff processed over 54,000 permits, representing $1.44 billion in new construction last year. The city also waived $3 million in fees for 15,635 Post Disaster Emergency Permits. ​Welch’s administration reopened a reimagined President Barack Obama Main Library, connected over 1,000 families with free literacy tools, launched the Friday Night Teen Flex program at recreation centers, invested $260,000 in the Childhood Homelessness Project, and dedicated $1 million in federal funding to Youth Opportunity Grants. A $200,000 allocation supported 40 Individual Artist Grants. A similar initiative, Level Up Arts Grants, helped 10 small nonprofits provide community-based projects, youth programming, and cultural storytelling. ​The St. Pete Community Support Hub served 573 residents. A microfund initiative in the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area provided 196 small businesses with education, mentoring, and $1.14 million to foster growth. ​Officials completed 89 resilience and infrastructure projects totaling $47.3 million, $5.7 million under budget, in 2025. “As you can see, our St. Pete team is making impactful progress every day,” Welch said. ​What’s next? ​That progress will continue in 2026, said Welch, as 571 affordable and 238 workforce housing units are under construction. Many will open by the end of the year. ​Residents can also expect a vastly renovated Manhattan Casino to debut this summer. Welch called the project “more than just a restoration: It’s a revival of a cultural landmark and anchor of the 22nd Street (South) corridor.” ​The Manhattan Casino’s return “honors the Deuces legacy, while creating new space for arts, culture, and economic opportunity,” he added. ​Long-delayed plans to redevelop and storm-harden the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina will soon take shape. The administration will also ask voters to approve the issuance of $600 million in property-tax-supported bonds to finance resilient infrastructure projects. ​“We need the funding now, in the near term,” Welch said. ​Officials expect to issue the first round of federal disaster relief payments stemming from the $160 million Sunrise St. Pete program in mid-March. “The challenges we’ve long anticipated in this region are now undeniably here,” Welch said of environmental threats. ​St. Petersburg has proven it can meet “big, complex challenges successfully,” Welch concluded. “And that same energy carries us forward.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Denzel Johnson-Green, the city’s newly-appointed poet laureate, debuted his poem entitled “The Spider-Woman of St. Pete. A performance by the Arts Conservatory for Teens received raucous applause. Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz said “civic life is not perfect agreement.” Mayor Ken Welch said resilience is “not simply about restoring what was – it is about preparing for what lies ahead.”

Over 200 residents, approximately 83% from South St. Petersburg, applied to Daystar Life’s monthly rental assistance program in 25 hours. St. Petersburg residents have recently flooded Daystar Life with requests for rental assistance, forcing the community-based nonprofit to close its monthly application portal one day after it opened. ​Daystar typically accepts rental assistance applications between the 5th and 14th of each month. Executive director Heide Cornell said that in January, the organization received 800 requests in just five days. ​That influx prompted Daystar to only accept applications from 9 a.m. on Feb. 9 until 5 p.m. on Feb. 11. However, the nonprofit informed community partners that the portal had closed by 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 10 after over 200 people requested assistance. ​“We are a small organization, and the recent demand has stretched our capacity to properly review and approve that volume in a timely fashion,” Cornell said. “We would rather have a significant impact on our participants than a higher number of cases to manage.” ​Cornell said it is typically rare for Daystar to close the application portal early. She also noted that the nonprofit forgoes a “cookie-cutter approach” and strives to provide each household with “nuanced assistance” that meets specific needs. ​Daystar is one of six or seven local organizations that provide rental assistance, Cornell said, and covering up to 75% of the monthly payment has fueled the program’s popularity. She also stressed that it has “very specific criteria for qualification.” Heide Cornell, executive director of Daystar Life. ​Cornell said the local need for assistance has gradually increased since 2021, when the supply of attainable housing failed to keep pace with pandemic-era migration. She also blamed the continued rise in living costs, stagnant wages, and the 2024 hurricane season – some displaced residents are still paying rent and a mortgage – for the ongoing issue. ​“October’s government shutdown has some lasting effects for those who were already struggling,” Cornell added. “I am sure there are those who will claim politics and tariffs are part of the reason, and that may very well be true, but we do not have enough data at Daystar to point specifically to that.” ​The nonprofit does have the data to show that South St. Petersburg neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis. While Cornell said it “feels redundant,” the 33705, 33712, and 33711 zip codes continue to “remain the lowest income areas and experience chronic and generational poverty.” ​Those neighborhoods represent approximately 83% of program participants. In addition, 50% of clients identify as Black. ​However, the number of program participants who identify as white or non-Hispanic has increased to 47%. Cornell said 65% – a 10% jump since 2023 – are over the age of 60, “which is concerning.” ​“We are definitely keeping a close eye on this demographic, and looking at intentional partners to help us better serve that population,” she continued. ​According to the real estate platform Zillow, the average monthly rent in St. Petersburg is $2,149. Seniors typically rely on fixed incomes that are well below the median of $73,000 for a one-person household. ​Cornell said Daystar lost some federal funding from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in the spring of 2025. While the nonprofit manages its budget with a “healthy portfolio” of community support and fundraising campaigns, last year’s budget cuts have strained resources. ​Community partners who were more affected by federal funding losses have reduced or closed programs, Cornell said, and Daystar “took on that additional volume.” The organization has seen a roughly 15% increase in demand over the past 18 months. ​“Daystar cannot exist without the time, talent, and treasure found within our community,” Cornell said. “We always welcome new partnerships, donations of food and gently used clothing, and we have an extensive menu of volunteer opportunities, as well.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Brother John Muhammad (front, left), a founding member of the One Community Grocery Co-op, Board Chair Erica Hardison (front, second from left), and its 185 members anxiously await for the city council to vote on a funding resolution Thursday. Photo provided, edited by Mark Parker. ​A deliberate approach to establishing an enduring, community-owned grocery store in an area known for its limited healthy food options is on the verge of paying dividends. ​However, the One Community Grocery Co-op needs additional support to continue its quest for a physical location in South St. Petersburg. A city council committee recently helped advance the cause by passing a resolution that “urges” Mayor Ken Welch’s administration to provide the organization with $50,000 in seed funding. ​If awarded, One Community Grocery Co-op (OCGC) would use the money for professional training and pre-development work, including site evaluations. Board Chair Erica Hardison said the democratically controlled organization must also reach 300 members to achieve feasibility. ​“We’re learning from the best practices of other co-ops, and memberships and funding are both major parts of that,” Hardison explained. “Even if we had all the money right now, and we didn’t have the members, we would still wait until we got the members.” The organization participates in markets while working to open a brick-and-mortar store. Photo provided. ​OCGC was born out of a grassroots movement formed in 2017 to address persistent food insecurity issues. Hardison said the nonprofit now boasts 185 members. ​The unbinding resolution, introduced by Councilmember Brandi Gabbard and passed Jan. 29 by the Health, Energy, Resiliency, & Sustainability Committee, notes that “economic forces have driven grocery stores out of many neighborhoods in recent years, and people’s food choices are severely limited.” ​OCGC now needs the full city council’s approval on Thursday, and Welch to acquiesce. “We chose to go through the resolution process versus some other ways to get money from the city, because it’s really important that we’re not working against anyone,” Hardison said of the group’s collaborative nature. ​“We want to work with the city – we want to be an integral part of the city.” ​OCGC also needs the community to, both literally and figuratively, buy into its mission. Members purchase individual shares, payable in $25 monthly installments, for $225. ​Hardison noted that OCGC exists for the community’s benefit, and a “firm foundation” of 300 members fosters “staying power.” Cooperatives without broad stakeholder support typically fold within a few years. ​“A famous saying in the cooperative world is that you can’t give a community to a co-op,” Hardison added. “They have to want it, earn it, and build it themselves.” The nonprofit also hosts pop-up events, including a youth bowling social. Those that grow organically have achieved monumental success. OCGC is one of three active grocery co-ops in Florida, and Hardison said one in Tallahassee has surpassed its 30th anniversary. The third has served Pensacola residents for nearly 60 years. ​​According to the effort justification theory, individuals place higher value on outcomes that require significant effort, time, or sacrifice to achieve. Hardison noted that two big-box grocery stores moved into South St. Petersburg’s much-maligned Tangerine Plaza and unsuccessfully attempted to “do great things.” ​The neighborhood’s last grocer shuttered in 2017. “It wasn’t something that people found ownership in,” Hardison said. ​OCGC is not “beholden to corporate investors,” and is working to build a generational institution that “people can call their own.” Hardison believes the co-op will improve health outcomes, provide jobs, and stimulate the local economy. ​“It is about opening and maintaining a grocery store, but it’s also about addressing the needs of the whole person,” Hardison said. “You can give people great food, but if other parts of their lives are unfilled, it can prevent them from thriving.” ​Non-members can also contribute to OCGC’s mission. Hardison said someone’s “time, talent, treasure, and ties” within the community are equally important. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Produce sold by the One Community Grocery Co-op at a market. Photo provided. Former City Councilmember Brother John Muhammad (front), and Once Community Grocery Co-op members help beautify the 49th Street South corridor. Photo provided. The One Community Grocery Co-op hosted a drum circle at Pinellas Technical College. Photo provided. ​

Rev. Jesse Jackson’s lifetime of advocacy had a profound impact on local and national leaders. All photos: Wikimedia Commons. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a protege of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who propelled the civil rights movement for nearly six decades following the fellow Baptist minister’s death, died Tuesday. He was 84. ​Jackson, known for his stirring eloquence and galvanizing populism, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, according to his family. The Greenville, South Carolina, native and Chicago resident’s passing reverberated throughout the nation, including in St. Petersburg. ​A lifetime of advocating for marginalized groups – specifically, African Americans, the working class, and the impoverished – brought Jackson to the Tampa Bay area on multiple occasions. In April 1994, he led 400 people on a march against drugs and violence in South St. Petersburg. ​“Jesus was killed because he stirred up the people,” Jackson said at the time. “Is it not our mission to stir up people?” Rev. Jesse Jackson (second from left) on the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights March in August 2008. Here are some local reactions to Jackson’s death: ​St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch said Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition, a political movement that asserted influence by uniting disparate demographics, “reminded us that progress is strongest when it is inclusive- when people of every race, background, neighborhood around shared opportunity and shared responsibility.” ​“Today, we mourn the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson – a civil rights giant whose life’s work challenged America to live up to its highest ideals,” Welch wrote. “His call for justice, economic empowerment, and dignity for all continues to resonate.” Esther Sanni, president of the St.Petersburg branch of the NAACP, said Jackson, shown in a picture with King, “reminded us that our votes matter. Our voices matter. Our lives matter.” The organization added that, “We stand on shoulders that were willing to be burdened so we could stand taller.” Pinellas County Commissioner Rene Flowers shared that Jackson was not only “more than a pastor,” he was a “fighter for voting rights, fair wages, housing, medical services, Black farmers, education, and so much more.” She noted how the civil rights leader gained international prominence in the 1980s and 90s for negotiating the release of American hostages and prisoners, notably in Syria, Iraq, and Cuba. ​City Councilmember Corey Givens, Jr. wrote that a “giant has fallen asleep,” and “another chapter in the history books has closed.” He included a passage from the Bible to underscore the message. Rev. J.C. Pritchett II offered the following statement: “Rev Jackson has led a life that shows the way for future social justice leaders to move, act, and change. The current climate calls for us to follow and exceed the work of the ancestors.” Jackson’s “courage, compassion, and steadfast advocacy reshaped our nation,” wrote the Pinellas County Urban League. The organization added that “though his voice may now be silent, the spirit of his work continues to move us forward.” Rev. Jesse Jackson (center) participates in a rally for workforce equality in January 1971. Here are some national reactions to Jesse Jackson’s death: Martin Luther King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, called Jackson a “living bridge between generations,” who carried the “unfinished work and sacred promise of the civil rights movement.” “He walked with courage when the road was uncertain, spoke with conviction when the truth was inconvenient, and stood with the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten when it was not popular to do so,” they said in a prepared statement. Rev. Al Sharpton noted that Jackson “called me into purpose when I was just twelve years old.” He said the civil rights icon was a “movement unto himself.” Former President Barack Obama said his wife, Michelle, received her “first glimpse” of political organizing while sitting at the Jackson family’s kitchen table as a teenager. “And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land.” “From organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world, he was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect,” Obama said of Jackson. Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at the Milwaukee Solidarity Rally in August 1991. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube ​

Photo credit from Pye Young: Young stands in front of a Bay Area Legal Services booth. Managing Attorney for Bay Area Legal Services’ St. Petersburg location, Pye N. Young, advocates for individuals and families’ free clinical services support. Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit legal services firm based in Hillsborough County, with over 190 employees serving a five-county service area: Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota. The organization, founded in 1967, has launched free-to-the-public advocacy programs throughout its almost 60-year legacy. Young manages the St. Petersburg office. She supervises the office’s attorneys and paralegals staff, procures funding through grant writing, and builds relationships with community resources that both support the provision of legal services and the needs of their clients. Clientele are categorized as “asset-limited income-constrained” or moderate-to-low-income (fixed-income) individuals. “In addition to legal services, they [clients] have a need for services from other community organizations,” stated Young. “Our job is to build relationships with those organizations so they can refer clients to us if they have legal needs, or that we can refer our clients to them if they have supported or wraparound needs.” The St. Petersburg office holds the longest-running medical-legal partnership (MLP) in the area. An MLP is a collaboration between a legal service provider and a healthcare entity (e.g., a clinic or Veterans Affairs department) to provide legal services to clients. Since 2017, Young’s office has had a relationship with the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System; their partnership has expanded to the Manatee and Sarasota clinics, providing an on-site attorney. “We did receive a generous grant from The Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete to re-establish our medical-legal partnership in the community,” said Young. Recently, the organization received a half-million-dollar renewal grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs that allowed it to expand to the newest VA Clinic in Countryside, North Pinellas County. This legal walk-in clinic houses an attorney and a paralegal, ready to provide legal Q&A to clients; if they identify that more legal work is needed, they take on the individuals as official clients. “The client doesn’t have to start from scratch every time they need legal services. The whole purpose of a partnership is to [assure] access to justice for the client and work with the partners to make sure the client’s needs are met,” said Young. Alongside the MLP, services provided under this nonprofit law firm are free to the community. If clients are approved as income-eligible, they can receive legal assistance and, if necessary, legal representation at no cost. Young understands there’s apprehension about accessing or utilizing legal resources, but encourages individuals to take charge of their resources. “Don’t just assume ‘I’m over income’ or ‘they’re not going to help me’. Maybe we have a referral source or resource that can help. If we can’t help because of income constraints or they don’t meet our qualifications, we refer as well,” Young said. From initiatives such as veteran advocacy programs to self-help resources and disaster relief support, Bay Area Legal Services proudly serves its community with free civil legal services. “The work that we do has an immediate impact. It is relevant, necessary, and it is there for those who need it the most. So I encourage those who need it the most to access it, use it, and share,” Young advocated. Photo credit from Pye Young: Young showcases the Bay Area Legal Services booth. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Thousands of people descend upon St. Petersburg’s 22nd Street South corridor Saturday for a significantly expanded Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. Photos by Mark Parker. The 2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival provided a simmering pot of community fellowship for thousands of attendees Saturday along the 22nd Street South corridor, colloquially known as the Deuces. What began as a friendly cooking competition and church fundraiser attracted approximately 15,000 participants and 120 vendors in 2025, and the event continues to blossom in South St. Petersburg. Attendees, many of whom likened the festival to a family reunion in subsequent social media posts, shared stories over food, danced to live DJs, received free health screenings, heard a surprise message from Mayor Ken Welch, and participated in numerous activities. Co-founders Samantha Harris and Boyzell Hosey, who now oversee St. Petersburg’s MLK Day Parade, have steadily expanded the event since its humble beginnings in 2017. The two periodically paused to soak up the scene and exchange high-fives throughout the day. “This has, by far, exceeded any expectations that we thought we might have had,” Harris said Saturday. While event organizers could not provide an attendance estimate, many people believe the 2026 event set a new record. Welch noted the event is now an integral part of St. Petersburg’s Black History Month celebrations. City staff handed out copies of Echoes, a mini-magazine and a “collaborative love letter to St. Petersburg’s rich African American history and the people who continue to shape it today.” Artist Clancy Riehm also autographed city-sponsored Black History Matters posters at the festival, held in partnership with the adjacent Woodson African American Museum of Florida. “It’s a beautiful celebration, isn’t it?” said Welch, who frequently stopped to talk with families at the event. Harris noted that people “showed up” to the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCGF) when it was still just a “crazy idea.” She and Hosey “knew when that happened, we had to do it again.” Harris credited an outpouring of support from the community, sponsors, and donors for the event’s success. “God is good,” she said. “We have 175 vendors from all over,” Harris added. “Chicago, South Florida. We got South Carolina, we got Atlanta. They look forward to this event. And not only that, for a lot of these vendors, this is their biggest economic boost. It helps set the stage for the next couple of months for them.” The event revolved around community and food, and not just collard greens, In August 2025, the city council approved a new three-year, $690,000 contract with Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. to organize the nation’s longest-running Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Harris said the organization’s eponymous event helped her team secure the award. “We are honored, especially as St. Petersburg residents,” she continued. “On behalf of myself, Boyzell (Hosey), the organization, and our new, expanded team, we’re just super excited.” TBCGF coincided with two other major annual festivals – Localtopia and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Fan Fest – Saturday in St. Petersburg. Massive, diverse crowds still flocked to the Deuces, despite this significant citywide competition. The organization charges $75, $150, and $250 for non-profit, retail, and food vendors, respectively, to increase access. Hosey previously noted that typical festival fees “are much higher than what we are asking.” “Money was never our motivation,” he said. “It was to do a good thing for the community, to do something in the realm of excellence that encapsulates community pride.” TBCGF started with a friendly wager over which of its co-founders cooked the best collard greens, a cultural staple in the South, with several variations. Harris said Saturday that she won the ongoing competition for the second consecutive year. “He did not even show up to a contest – he tried to sabotage,” Harris said with a laugh. “But that’s ok. We have fun. We look forward to this time of year.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Mayor Ken Welch (left) with Samantha Harris, president and co-founder of the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. The Collard Green King. The event attracted a large, diverse audience despite competition from other festivals throughout the city. Mayor Ken Welch (right) stops to speak with a family. Carla Bristol (foreground), director of the St. Pete Youth Farm, and the organization’s ambassadors. Photo: Carla Bristol, Facebook.

Approximately 50,000 people claimed free tickets to the Tampa Bay Rays’ Fan Fest Block, held Saturday along 16th Street South. Photos by Mark Parker. While the 2026 home opener is nearly three weeks away, an area outside of Tropicana Field featured a game-day environment Saturday that stoked excitement for the upcoming season. Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby said 50,000 people claimed free tickets to the Fan Fest Block Party. Held in the shadow of a freshly repaired Trop, which sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton in October 2024, the event shut down a stretch of 16th Street South in St. Petersburg. The Rays held last year’s Fan Fest at the St. Pete Pier before spending the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Babby reiterated the new ownership group’s commitment to creating a “world-class experience” throughout what is likely the team’s final three years at the Trop, and believes Saturday’s crowd signified that the “work has already begun.” “It’s hard to believe we’re not even playing a baseball game today,” Babby said after addressing attendees. “We have 50,000 people here with tickets. It’s incredible. We’re so proud of being back here at Tropicana Field.” Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby (right) addressed attendees. Play-by-play broadcaster Neil Solondz served as the moderator. Babby noted that the Trop has a new roof, sound system, turf, video board, and lighting, and “surprises” remain in store. The city, as contractually obligated, has completed nearly $59 million worth of storm repairs, and the team continues paying for additional upgrades. The ballpark will “look better than it’s ever looked,” Babby pledged. However, team officials continue sprinting toward opening a new stadium in Tampa by the start of the 2029 season. Babby said the team is “working really hard” for their return to St. Petersburg. He called celebrating that progress with fans a “huge priority.” “But at the same time, we’re working really hard to focus on the long-term health of this franchise,” Babby added. “And building that great work, live, learn, play development.” The overarching goal, he said, is to ensure Major League Baseball remains in Tampa Bay for “generations to come.” Babby believes a “tenacious” ownership group and front office can juggle both priorities by tapping into the “same grit and hard-working culture that fans have already seen from the Rays on the field for many years.” “We’re proud to do it,” he continued. “I’m proud to do it.” The players are equally proud of their return to St. Petersburg, as Babby said 40 players attended the event to sign autographs and interact with fans. “That’s a strong statement that this team is committed to its fans.” Bill Walsh, chief business officer, echoed that sentiment. He said the team has “really been feeling the excitement around the return to Tropicana Field for months.” Walsh noted a “healthy amount of skepticism” regarding the city and team’s ability to have the Trop ready for baseball by April 6. He believes that “the word has gotten out that it’s actually happening.” The Rays thought that bringing fans and the team together to see the progress would resonate throughout the community. “And clearly it has – a great, great turnout today,” Walsh said. “I know our fans are excited; I know our players are excited. All of us are.” Ray Kennedy (left), co-host of the Tampa-St. Pete Sports Connection radio show, and Neil “Fan Man” MacDonald. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos The line for a charity yard sale snakes around Tropicana Field. Fan Fest coincided with two other major events in St. Petersburg: Localtopia and the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival. Attendees participated in several interactive activities, including an athletic challenge hosted by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. One fan reminded attendees and the team that “St. Pete is home.”

Third Thursday takes place February 19, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, featuring Dr. Robert Patterson, Freddy Williams, and moderator Taylor Maguire. This month’s theme, “From Potential to Power: How Community Leaders Are Building the Next Generation of Talent,” centers on how leaders across Tampa Bay are creating pathways for youth and future professionals. The unique networking platform known as “Third Thursdays” is entering its fifth year as one of Tampa Bay’s most popular gatherings, with its next “social fireside chat” happening February 19, 2026. The bimonthly event has become a space for emerging African American leaders and entrepreneurs to connect directly with experienced executives and decision-makers. Founded by Michael Smith, Business Banking Market Executive for Tampa’s Fifth Third Bank, the series brings together professionals from finance, development, and community organizations to discuss what leadership looks like beyond titles and job descriptions. Next week’s gathering in Tampa is themed, “From Potential to Power,” and centers on helping young professionals move from talent to action. “One of the most significant gaps is meaningful access, access to decision-makers, lived experience, and spaces where leadership is demystified,” Smith said. “Many young leaders are equipped with knowledge, yet lack proximity to people who can translate that knowledge into real-world application.” That lack of proximity is what Third Thursdays aims to address. While traditional systems provide technical training, the event focuses on exposure and perspective. Panelists speak about the realities of leadership, including responsibility, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. The goal is to provide insight that cannot always be gained in a classroom or corporate setting. “The journey from potential to power is ultimately about activation,” Smith said. “Today’s young leaders possess extraordinary talent, but many are navigating a landscape without visibility into what leadership truly looks like in practice.” For African American entrepreneurs and professionals, visibility and access play a meaningful role in shaping confidence and direction. When leaders reflect similar lived experiences, leadership feels less distant and more within reach. “Community leaders provide wisdom, context, and nuance,” Smith said. “These conversations offer insight into resilience and responsibility, lessons that can only be learned through lived experience.” The panel will touch on adaptability, emotional intelligence, and what it means to lead with purpose. Organizers note that leadership is developed through relationships and service, not simply through position or power. If a young professional attends unsure of their next move, Smith hopes they leave with clarity. “I want them to leave believing that their voice has value, their perspective matters, and their future is not defined by circumstance,” he said. “Leadership is a journey they are already qualified to begin.” For more information about Third Thursdays or to attend, visit the registration link. Additional details are available by calling 813-203-6220. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Mayor Ken Welch at a recent event celebrating the opening of SkyWay Loft II, a city-supported affordable housing development with monthly rents starting at $305. Photo by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, seeking a fresh start in his bid to serve a second term, has launched a new political action committee (PAC). ​Welch’s campaign team submitted state documents establishing St. Petersburg Progress PAC on Jan. 30. The change came roughly a month after his previous political committee, The Pelican, reported that former treasurer Yolanda Brown allegedly robbed his warchest of over $200,000. Time will soon tell if ​St. Petersburg Progress enables Welch and his new team to turn the page on previous turmoil. A campaign kickoff event, critical to highlighting continued community support, will take place on Feb. 18 at St. Pete Athletic. ​“We are in the process of transitioning to a new PAC to ensure there are absolutely no distractions from the work ahead,” said Adrienne Bogen, chairperson for St. Petersburg Progress, in a prepared statement. ​“This move is about transparency, accountability, and maintaining the highest ethical standards.” ​Welch, surrounded by family and supporters representing dozens of various organizations, formally filed for reelection Feb. 2 at City Hall. He also noted that there is “more work to be done,” while expressing confidence in his steady leadership through a pandemic, multiple hurricanes, and an affordable housing crisis. ​St. Petersburg’s first Black mayor brushed off a massive campaign funding gap between him and former Gov. Charlie Crist, who has yet to file. “I’m not focused on that,” Welch said when addressing local media after filing. “You can’t buy credibility.” ​The incumbent has pledged to upgrade the city’s aging infrastructure amid increasing environmental threats. Welch also has staunch support from the local police and fire unions. ​Rick Pauley, president of the IAFF Local 747 firefighters’ union, said in a prepared statement that the city needs a mayor who stands with first responders and delivers “real results for public safety and neighborhoods across St. Petersburg.” ​However, Welch has faced an abundance of criticism – including over the recent controversy related to his now-defunct, independently-operated PAC. ​Kevin Batdorf, president of the Shore Acres Neighborhood Association and a frequent critic of Welch’s hurricane response, recently announced his candidacy without filing. Councilmember Brandi Gabbard, who similarly plans to run but hasn’t made it official, seemingly found a topic to separate herself from the mayor last week. Gabbard introduced a resolution asking Welch to “pause any action” related to selecting a Historic Gas Plant District redevelopment proposal on Feb. 5, two days after the submission deadline. Her colleagues on the council approved the nonbinding measure, which calls for an independent study of the site’s future, in a 6-2 vote. ​Maria Scruggs, former president of the NAACP’s St. Petersburg branch and a frequent candidate for local government, has filed to run. As of Jan. 1, Charlie Crist, also a former Florida governor and U.S. congressman with deep-pocketed and influential supporters, had $712,283 on hand – nearly 15 times the amount remaining in Welch’s reelection account. ​Welch, who often highlights his ability to overcome financial deficits, may begin replenishing campaign coffers with a successful launch event. His team is asking supporters to contribute between $25 and $1,000. ​A new PAC and campaign officers could also signify a fresh start for donors. Voters, meanwhile, have nearly nine months to decide on a preferred candidate. ​“The mayor remains fully focused on delivering results for the people of St. Petersburg, and this adjustment allows the campaign to continue moving forward with clarity and integrity,” Bogen said. Share Your News With Us To share news with the Power Broker, email us at reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Photo credit from Saturday Shoppes St. Pete’s Tropicana Field parking lot is packed every first Saturday with hundreds of local vendors and participants. The bustling monthly event, Saturday Shoppes, is carried out by Renee Edwards, owner and creator of the local pop-up shop. Her first market was held at Bethel Community Baptist Church with the goal to engage thirty vendors, but ended up with over sixty. The second event offered space to close to one hundred, and by the third event, Edwards had partnered with Tropicana Field to manage 150 vendors. Currently, Saturday Shoppes hosts over 4,700 vendors. Photo credit from Saturday Shoppes Facebook Saturday Shoppes didn’t initially begin as a local market concept; it started as a second job for Edwards. She shared, “In 2017, I was the first black product [being sold] in the St. Pete Chamber Store,” noting that markets started by white business owners seemed unwilling to open space for her vendors. So she started her own. “Saturday Shoppes is a pop-up shop for minority and women-owned businesses.” As Edwards’ pop-up shop gained notoriety, she noticed that many black-owned businesses needed help navigating how to properly run and maintain their establishments. Thus began the Saturday Shoppes Vendor Academy – an eight-week academy focused on basic business practices, equipping new owners with the knowledge and skills to run their businesses. Edward has set up three training programs to educate and provide live training. Interested learners can engage with the Vendor Academy and the E-commerce Academy, and will have access to the Food Truck Academy coming this May. “Whatever we teach in the classroom setting, you’re able to come out and practice it at the market – real time,” Edwards confirms. From learning product placement and selling techniques under their Ecommerce Academy, to understanding inventory and choosing the right payment options for your business, these immersive modules ensure business leaders are adequately trained to run their companies. Saturday Shoppes has continued to grow, expanding both within and outside Florida – from the Tampa Bay Rays’ parking lot to the city of Clearwater, then down to Miami, and eventually up to Atlanta – and is creating space for Black vendors anywhere they are welcomed. The entrepreneur also opened Everyday Shoppes, a retail-owned location in Brandon, FL. Edwards applied for a grant with the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and was awarded a quarter of a million dollars, allowing her to create and fund the permanent shop in 2024. Edwards doesn’t sit on her success; she focuses on her next move to help others. Saturday Shoppes takes it a step further by showcasing and highlighting minority- and women-owned businesses because they “always fall last.” Photo credit from Saturday Shoppes Facebook “Someone always needs help and needs your support…It’s always something that needs to be done,” states the market owner. Don’t miss out on the next pop-up shop on Saturday, March 7th, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Tropicana Field. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

St. Petersburg plans to complete $361.25 million worth projects downtown before sunsetting the Intown Community Redevelopment Area, established in 1982 to reduce blight. Photo by Mark Parker. St. Petersburg prolonged a community redevelopment area’s lifespan to support a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium and the Historic Gas Plant District’s rebirth. Officials are now reallocating those resources. Mayor Ken Welch’s administration presented plans to “rollback” the Intown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), by terminating it in 2032, at a city council committee meeting on Thursday. A 5-3 vote in June 2024 extended it a decade, through 2042, and increased its budget cap from an estimated $232.35 million to $574.85 million. Council member Richie Floyd, who previously called the Intown CRA a “large subsidy for downtown,” has led efforts to unravel the extension since March 2025, when former Rays owner Stuart Sternberg walked away from a Gas Plant redevelopment deal. While his colleagues and the administration support the idea, the amount of money now dedicated to rejuvenating the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina was a point of contention Thursday morning. The CRA shifts, if approved, would increase funding for downtown waterfront, transit, and parking improvements from $35 million to $145 million. Another $62 million would cover the first phase of a $165 million marina redevelopment project. “I just find this, quite frankly, to be fiscally irresponsible,” said Council member Brandi Gabbard of the project’s price tag. “I’m afraid it’s going to be a boondoggle.” Local governments establish CRAs to mitigate blight by diverting an area’s property tax increases to redevelopment and infrastructure projects. The money would otherwise go to general funds and help cover citywide expenses. Established in 1982, the Intown CRA runs east from Tropicana Field to the St. Pete Pier. In 2005, the city extended the tax-increment financing (TIF) district through 2032. A map of the Intown Community Redevelopment Area, established 33 years before the much larger South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area. Officials amended the Intown CRA again in 2024 to include new funding categories for a Rays stadium and the Historic Gas Plant District. They planned to allocate $212.5 million and $130 million, respectively, to those projects. Floyd believes the Intown CRA “locks tons of wealth” into a now-thriving area. “Just rolling it back to 2032 is already a compromise, because I have some real moral qualms with it existing anymore,” he said in October 2025. The October meeting came days after Ark Ellison Horus submitted a $6.8 billion unsolicited bid for the Gas Plant, currently home to the Trop. The development team expects $239 million in infrastructure costs and TIF funding to help offset the bill. Welch is currently considering other recently submitted proposals, and most incorporate Intown CRA funding. However, council members and administrators did not broach that topic on Thursday. “This is obviously an important subject,” said City Administrator Rob Gerdes. “There’s a lot of opportunity here for the future of St. Petersburg, so it’s a good discussion to have.” The administration wants to align funding with “current realities” and address “urgent infrastructure and resiliency needs,” said City Development Administrator James Corbett. An updated list highlights $361.25 million worth of downtown projects to complete by 2032. Changes include increasing St. Pete Pier funding from $10 million to $15 million and dedicating $1 million, over half the cost, to a permanent Tampa Bay Ferry dock. Pinellas County will contribute $108.1 million to approved CRA projects. The administration’s plan would also provide $6 million for park improvements and related infrastructure, $10 million for the Mahaffey Theater, $5 million for the Dali Museum, and $40 million for new seawalls around a long-proposed Center for the Arts. Officials would reduce funding for historic property preservation from $5 million to $2.9 million. The city would maintain $75 million for redevelopment infrastructure, including improvements to the Pinellas Trail, Booker Creek, and the Trop’s demolition. St. Petersburg and project partners could also apply for bed tax dollars, generated from a 6% surcharge on overnight stays, to offset costs for the marina, the ferry dock, the Mahaffey, and the Dail. Councilmember Copley Gerdes, who sits on the Tourist Development Council, said the city is “in a very good position” to receive those funds, “because of how conservative we’ve been” on capital project requests since the stadium deal fell through. “I’m very much looking forward to moving on some of these projects in the next five years,” Gerdes added. “You’re going to see this massive investment inside of the CRA – you’re going to see that fast.” Floyd noted that the municipally-owned marina is a revenue-generating asset, something that is “very important to me.” The facility has fallen into disrepair, and he and Gerdes believe the city lacks a better alternative than self-funding its revitalization after years of unsuccessfully attempting to secure a private partner. Councilmember Gina Driscoll shared Gabbard’s concerns. She wanted to delay moving plans for the Intown CRA forward until after hearing a detailed report on the marina project. While Floyd wants to sunset the TIF district “as quickly as possible,” he also recognized the need for “a little more hashing out.” Administrator Gerdes said he heard enough to discuss the plans with county commissioners. “We’ll come back, we’ll talk about the marina, and we’ll see how that goes.” The budget for the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina’s redevelopment was $148 million in November 2025. The cost has increased to $165 million. Photo by Mark Parker. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Host Owen LaFave (left), senior vice president for the Bank of Tampa, and Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College. Hillsborough College is on the precipice of a monumental partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays, and its long-time president believes community integration will continue fostering the school’s success. Dr. Ken Atwater has led Hillsborough College (HC) for over 15 years. The fourth-largest institution in the Florida College System now contributes over $1.3 billion to the county’s economy. ​Atwater reflected on his tenure and contemplated the college’s future during a recent interview for the Money Market podcast, released Monday. He told host Owen LaFave, senior vice president for the Bank of Tampa, that the overarching goal is ensuring HC remains “tied to the economic health of Hillsborough County.” ​“We train people to get jobs,” Atwater said. “And basically, by getting a job, that means you’re going to change the trajectory of not only that person, but their family and the community they live in.” Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College, discussed what is likely the largest project in the institution’s history on a recent episode of the Money Market podcast. Image: Screengrab. HC plans to help prepare students for 11,900 new on-site jobs at its Dale Mabry campus. The Rays are quickly moving forward with plans to redevelop the 130-acre site with new academic facilities, a stadium, and a sprawling mixed-use community. County Commission Chair Ken Hagan has pegged the project’s privately financed price tag at $8 billion to $10 billion. The redevelopment’s 30-year economic impact is $34 billion, according to a recent analysis by RCLCO. ​The real estate consultancy firm also expects the project to attract nearly 10 million annual visitors to the campus and surrounding district. Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state will convey the sprawling site to the college, which will then negotiate land-use agreements with the Rays. He also noted that the Florida Department of Transportation would likely complete area infrastructure improvements. Rays CEO Ken Babby said the project is “bigger than baseball” at the Feb. 2 press conference. ​“This is by building a stronger Tampa, a stronger region, by reinvesting back in the community and rejuvenating a college.” An aerial rendering of a reimagined Dale Mabry campus, anchored by a new stadium. Rendering: Tampa Bay Rays ​HC would retain ownership of the land and lease everything outside of the site’s southwest corner to the Rays for at least 99 years. The college could receive final binding agreements by mid-April, according to its legal counsel. Atwater, in a subsequent prepared statement, said the partnership “represents a transformational opportunity for the college and its student experience. “A project of this scale and vision creates new pathways for learning, workforce development , internships, and career-connected education.” He later told LaFave that HC would only agree to terms that are “advantageous to the college.” Atwater said the project would provide financial benefits, foster and solidify relationships, shine a spotlight on the campus, and create roles that the college would then help fill. “All of those things fit hand in hand,” he added. “And the opportunity to work with an organization like the Ray in a collaborative fashion is something we think would be advantageous to the college.” Atwater said over 25,000 students, a built-in “customer base,” attend the Dale Mabry campus daily. The site hosts HC’s hospitality program, and the Rays would “love for us to be there.” When asked how he envisions the college in a decade, Atwater, who doesn’t plan on reaching his 25th anniversary at HC, said, “It would be even more integrated with situations like the Rays are talking about.” A rendering of new Hillsborough College facilities. Image: Tampa Bay Rays. ​Atwater wants to work “side-by-side with business and industry.” He also hopes to incorporate learning centers into commercial complexes. ​Formerly known as Hillsborough Community College, HC is embarking on a rebrand that better reflects its baccalaureate offerings. Atwater said the institution owns nearly three million square feet of facility space, and leadership has budgeted “about $5 million over the next three to four years to do this.” The school is expanding its financial technology (fintech), cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) programs and increasing collaboration with the University of South Florida. Atwater said roughly 60% of HC students plan to transfer, primarily to USF. ​HC received $1.29 million from the U.S. Department of Education in January to bolster AI-focused programming. The college, which plans to build a new innovation center, also announced Monday that Congresswoman Kathy Castor secured an additional $250,000 to support those efforts. ​Atwater told LaFave that how he would measure success was one of the first questions posed to him after taking the helm at HC. The college offered around 3,000 degrees or certifications at the time; that number topped 8,000 last year. The president now oversees an over $290 million budget and more than 2,200 employees. “But the main thing is the number of graduates we’re producing,” Atwater said. “Think about it – there’s a high correlation between people who graduate from college and health,” he continued. “Every dollar that the state invests in us, they get a 17.1% return on their investment. Also, every dollar that a student invests in us, they get nearly $5 …” Dr. Ken Atwater will soon be spotlighted in the 20th Anniversary Platinum Edition of the Power Broker Magazine. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Community members involved with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, whose work centers on preserving, celebrating, and sharing African American history and culture in Sarasota. Image retrieved from https://thesaacc.org/ In Newtown, one of Sarasota’s oldest Black communities, a cultural anchor is taking shape with the goal of preserving history while creating space for it to live in the present. The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC) has transformed the historic Leonard Reid House into a center for Black art, culture, and history, offering a place for learning, storytelling, and community gathering in a city where that kind of dedicated space did not previously exist. The work of SAACC grew out of years of documentation and preservation tied to the Newtown Alive project, which began as a city-funded effort to record the history of Sarasota’s Black community. What started with research reports and oral history interviews expanded into historic markers, digital archives, and guided tours. Over time, the scope of the work revealed a deeper need. “At some point, it became clear that a physical structure was needed to hold this history,” said Vickie Oldham, president and CEO of SAACC. “That is where I am right now. We opened a Black art, culture, and history center in a historic house built by a Black man, and we are operating there while we raise the funds to build a new facility.” Today, the Leonard Reid House serves as an active community space. Through exhibits, public programs, and gatherings, it offers opportunities to engage directly with Black history. The 100-year-old Craftsman bungalow, built by Leonard Reid and once home to his family, now hosts author talks, performances, spoken word events, and cultural programming. “We did not have a freestanding facility where African American history was amplified and elevated,” Oldham said. “Now we do.” SAACC is also moving forward with plans to expand beyond the historic house. The organization holds a long-term lease on the current site and has secured adjacent property, positioning the coalition to build a new 10,000-square-foot arts, culture, and history center on the same campus. A feasibility study has been completed, and preparations are underway for a capital campaign to support the next phase of development. Alongside the expansion, SAACC continues to broaden its programming. In 2026, the Leonard Reid House marks its centennial, with a yearlong series of events planned, including author talks, a children’s book fair, and educational programs tied to the home’s history. The coalition’s preservation work remains connected to Newtown Alive, which continues to offer trolley and house tours highlighting Sarasota’s Black history. During peak tourist season, visitors, agencies, and local organizations book tours to better understand the community’s roots and contributions. As SAACC builds toward a larger cultural center, the work at the Reid House reflects a broader shift in Sarasota’s cultural landscape, one that moves Black history from the margins into visible, permanent space. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, reach out to reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos The Leonard Reid House, a 1926 Craftsman bungalow built by Leonard Reid, now serves as a cultural hub for Black art, history, and community programming in Sarasota’s Newtown neighborhood. Image retrieved via sarasotamagazine.com Vickie Oldham, president and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, which is working to expand Black arts, culture, and history programming in Sarasota.Image taken by SRQ Headshots, retrieved via sarasotamagazine.com. Interiors envisioned for the Reid House by Ringling College of Art and Design students. retrieved via sarasotamagazine.com

Photo credit from pexels.com The king of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has taken a drastic drop in the trading market. The digital dollar went down nearly 2% last week, coming in around the low $80,000. As of now, the token’s price tag has dropped to slightly above $70,000. Cryptocurrency made its official debut on January 3, 2009, when Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the blockchain. The blockchain system works as the backbone of the cryptocurrency market, and is used as a decentralized ledger of transactions replicated and distributed across a network of computer systems to ensure security and transparency. St. Petersburg Bitcoin enthusiast Jabaar Edmond has been following the crypto journey for almost 15 years. “We the people put value to money,” said Edmond. “The only reason Bitcoin is what it is today is because we as the people have decided that this is something we want to do business with.” Edmond has seen the rise and fall of the digital coin, from its inception, where its worth was less than a penny, to where it stands today. Edmond is part of the Facebook group Bitcoin Boy Club, a local forum organized to communicate, participate, and engage in discussions about Bitcoin and crypto. “I’m really into crypto, technology, [and] artificial intelligence, because this gives me the ability to decide where I want to be in the human [technological] race,” said Edmond. Opinions are split on whether Bitcoin will become a dependable transactional currency or remain an inflated idea whose sails have lost their financial winds. Economics professor of City University of New York, Paul Krugman, argues that Bitcoin is “not an idea of the future.” “In terms of the original idea, that this was actually the superior form of money, it’s a total bust,” said Krugman. “If it hasn’t made any inroads as a legitimate means of payment in 17 years, then clearly it wasn’t a great idea to start with.” Who’s to say where this cybernetic coin will be in the future? From trading seashells as early as 700 B.C. to the death of the penny in 2025, global currency continues to take new forms. Though cryptocurrency turned 17 this year, its adoption rate remains low. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Photo credit Entertainment & Creative Arts Magazine Ama Appiah is a woman who wears many hats, as an entertainment attorney and owner of the Law Office of Ama N. Appiah, founder of Entertainment & Creative Arts Magazine, and, in her minimal off time, working as a graphic designer and fine artist. As an entertainment attorney located in St. Petersburg with over 20 years of experience, Appiah’s role entails drafting and reviewing agreements across film production, book publishing, collaborations, music labels, and related areas. “Locally, the predominant need seems to be agreements in film/tv production and collaboration agreements. I also help my clients register their trademarks and copyrights with the federal government,” Appiah explains. Appiah’s law firm has sustained longevity by navigating the ever-changing economic market. Given the economy’s constant market fluctuations and understanding that her clientele’s financial situations change as well, Appiah meets them where they’re at, often offering payment plans for those who need it. For typical cases such as basic appellate cases, trademark and copyright registration cases, and one-time draft/review agreement services, she charges flat fees. If hired as an attorney to represent a project or a client requiring ongoing representation, charges are based on billable hours. Alongside her duties as an attorney, the right-brain-left-brain polymath sets aside time to pursue her creative endeavors. The attorney-turned-publisher’s Entertainment& Creative Arts Magazine was initially intended to be her law firm’s monthly newsletter. While working on the layout’s design and brainstorming information, she realized that this media forum could work better as a magazine with the sheer amount of information she could report. “I jumped in headfirst and have learned the particulars of digital magazine publishing and marketing along the way. Each issue has been an improvement from the issue before,” said Appiah. Her would-be newsletter evolved into today’s magazine, featuring exclusive interviews, legal insights, and career resources for creatives. “I enjoy being able to offer aspects in the magazine that you don’t typically see in other arts or entertainment magazines, like a section to help creatives with getting focused to create…I also enjoy being able to offer legal information in the magazine to creatives about court decisions or language to include in their contracts based on current issues,” Appiah shared. To help balance her full-time legal career and creative projects, Appiah relies on a team for editorial support. “I am lucky enough to have a dear friend from college who proofs for me, and several people who recommend people to interview,” she acknowledged. Looking to transition to magazine publishing and her art projects full-time, the multi-hyphenate believes she will eventually retire from practicing law. With the magazine’s second anniversary a month away, Appiah is focused on marketing the magazine both nationally and internationally – and is confident she can help bring more eyes to Tampa Bay’s ever-burgeoning art scene. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube Photo credit from Ama Appiah.

Dovév Weaver Sr., founder of Closer To Our Dreams, focuses on entrepreneurship, networking education, and youth mentorship across St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Weaver Dovév Weaver has built his career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and access. A longtime advocate for professional development and youth empowerment in St. Petersburg through his Closer to Our Dreams project, Weaver has spent years helping students and early career professionals learn how to navigate spaces that often feel closed off to them. His work spans business coaching, networking education, and community-based programming, and he discusses all these topics in his “Manifest Your Dreams” podcast. In one episode, he shares that his greatest goal and personal challenge to himself has been, “How many entrepreneurs did I inspire to get started? How many people can I impact [so they] can now pursue their goals and dreams?” Rooted in his belief in expanding opportunities for all, his work is now taking shape at SailFuture Academy, where, as a part-time Pathways Educator, he designs programs introducing students to entrepreneurship, creative industries, and professional networks. Weaver believes that by exposing the youth to experiences they may not otherwise encounter and giving them the necessary “…tools in their toolbelt, they will be set up to succeed in this new world we are living in.” Rather than teaching entrepreneurship as a concept, Weaver submerges students in environments where they are developing ideas, testing concepts, and presenting their thinking to peers. Curriculum includes team-based projects where students create business concepts, explore branding, and refine basic plans through group feedback. Weaver – aka “Coach D” – is now working on expanding those efforts into a citywide “Kidpreneur Shark Tank,” a youth entrepreneurship competition that would bring together students from multiple schools and connect promising ideas to local support. Weaver’s approach aligns with his broader belief that entrepreneurial thinking and professional literacy should not be delayed until college or early career stages. Instead, he is embedding these skills earlier, emphasizing communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking. He also teaches students how to move through professional spaces with intention, focusing on listening, contributing with purpose, and understanding context. These skills, he said, shape who builds relationships and who gains access to opportunity. This work signals a change in how educators are thinking about career readiness. Rather than pushing a single pathway, Coach D encourages young people to define what fulfillment and stability mean for them. His approach reflects a growing recognition that the next generation will navigate careers with more fluidity, blending entrepreneurship, creative work, and traditional employment in ways that require adaptability and confidence. Looking ahead, Weaver’s vision includes a long-term dream to build a school named after his grandfather, an entrepreneur whose legacy he only fully understood after starting his own business. For Weaver, the work at SailFuture is one step in a larger commitment to creating learning spaces that equip young people not only to dream, but to build lives shaped by intention, access, and opportunity. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Weaver Sr. recording Episode 6 of the Manifest Your Dreams podcast, a series focused on helping listeners gain clarity and take actionable steps toward moving forward. Photo courtesy of Weaver. Dovév Weaver Sr. speaks to Culture Creative in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Weaver. Weaver with Gabrielle Agnew and Hall of Fame speaker Dr. Shirley Davis at the Black Affairs Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Tampa. Photo courtesy of Weaver

Photo credit from the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival media page; crowd of attendees at the festival. Boyzell Hosey is the Senior Editor of Visual Storytelling for the award-winning news platform ProPublica. He also helped found and continues to run the annual Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCGF) in St. Pete. With the festival fast approaching on February 14, Hosey has his hands full “cooking up something good” for the St. Petersburg community. Hosey has seen TBCGF’s transformation firsthand since its launch in 2017, and agrees that the excitement it’s brought to the historic 22nd Street corridor – known as The Deuces – indicates the event has become “more than just a festival.” The TBCGF began as a nonprofit in the spring of 2017 and hosted its first festival in February 2018. Their first year saw a handful of vendors and a couple of hundred attendees; by 2025, that number grew to 15,000 participants and 120 vendors. The festival’s vendor fees range from non-profits at $75, to non-food vendors at $150, and food vendors at $250. With the promise of exposure, connection, and the opportunity to sell merchandise, vendors race to grab a seat at the table during TBCGF. Hosey said those prices are not only competitive, but that vendor fees for local festivals such as the Clearwater Jazz Festival or Localtopia, “are much higher than what we are asking.” In tandem with their festival, the TBCGF hosts the “I Collard Greens 5K & Fitness Extravaganza.” Participants will enjoy a lineup of interactive activities, access to free health screenings and testing, food demonstrations & nutrition workshops, and much more. This 5K walk/run event is scheduled for March 14, 2026, from 8 AM to 2 PM — registration is free. Photo credit from the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival media page; crowd poses with Brandon Beachem, known as the “Collard Green King”. This year, the TBCGF team also tackled organizing St. Petersburg’s 2026 MLK Day Parade in January. President and co-founder of TBCGF, Samantha Harris, brought the idea to Hosey after the city of St. Petersburg issued a request for proposals for a new organizer to run the parade. While Hosey was initially hesitant to take on the task, Harris assured him they could handle it. With less than six months to prepare, the team won the bid and a three-year contract to run the city’s annual MLK Jr. Day parade. TBCGF has gained national recognition and is beginning to grab international attention. Yet even with an international lens on their festival, Hosey cares more about the impact that they can make. “I’d rather have a small footprint and greater impact,” said Hosey. “Any growth opportunities [that we take] on would be in context of our mission of the Collard Green Festival, which is looking at health and health disparities.” With their 10th anniversary fast approaching, Hosey is working to assemble a solid cast featuring past celebrity chefs for the celebration. “Money was never our motivation. It was to do a good thing for the community, to do something in the realm of excellence that encapsulates community pride. To bring a sense of pride to an area of our community that is often slighted with pejoratives and stereotypes that simply aren’t true,” noted Hosey. Don’t miss out on this year’s TBCGF. Join the fun on February 14, 2026, from 9 AM to 4 PM this President’s Day. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Photo credit from the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival media page; participants working with greens. Photo credit from the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival media page; crowd of attendees at the festival.

Quira Darling, senior QA game tester for EA Sports at the Tampa Bay Urban Futures Comic Con. Photo courtesy of Darling Jaquira “Quira” Darling was working a regular job when an opportunity finally made her dreams become reality. For Darling, it was the result of years spent staying ready when nothing was guaranteed. Darling, a University of Central Florida graduate with a degree in video game development, now works as a game tester at EA Sports on Madden NFL and college football titles. Darling splits her weeks between Orlando and St. Petersburg for hybrid work, maintaining a positive mindset and outlook regarding her journey to success. “It’s been amazing,” she said. “I’m just happy to be here.” That happiness comes from knowing exactly what it took to get in the door. “Most people wouldn’t know from looking at me,” she said. “They didn’t see what built up to that moment for me.” Long before EA Sports, Darling was building her foundation through art. “As a kid growing up, I was always into arts in various expressions,” she said. “I’ve always done character art, especially in the style of anime.” The possibility of turning that creativity into a career showed up in middle school through a Career Discovery class, where game development first felt like a real option. When it came time to choose her college path, she discovered a new game development program at UCF and followed the opening. “That’s how the stars kind of aligned on my journey,” she said. Graduating in 2019, Darling watched the industry freeze during COVID-19. “The pandemic kind of put things at a standstill for the hiring process, especially for newcomers like me,” she said. Back in St. Pete she tutored The First Tee of St. Petersburg students and helped run their eBay store while staying active in gaming through game jams and local events. “I used that to help build up my portfolio, to help network and meet different people,” she said. “A big part of getting where I’m at now really had to do with resources and also just networking in general. Network, that was definitely the biggest thing.” Even after graduation, she felt the pressure of a gap. “I didn’t want to be that person with a big gap in my resume,” she said. Still, she kept showing up. “Even though a lot of times I didn’t feel like it, I still showed up to the networking events.” That consistency mattered – because relationships became a turning point. A close friend from UCF, also a Black woman in gaming, alerted her to opportunities and encouraged her to put herself in front of the right people. When the EA opening came, Darling was more than prepared. “On my computer, I had resumes for like five, six different roles,” she said. “Stay ready.” Now she is living inside the industry she once only imagined from the outside, testing some of the biggest titles in sports gaming. On her team, Darling is the only woman and the only Black tester, a reality she carries with pride and awareness. She says the environment has been supportive, not dismissive, and she credits leadership that recognizes people as more than output. Today, Darling is contributing to games that millions of people will play. Her story is a reminder that breaking in is rarely about one perfect moment but about showing up, building what you can, staying connected, and being ready when the right door finally opens. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Quira Darling (second right) was the guest judge at the Tampa Bay Urban Futures Comic Con hosted by Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project, pictured here with winning cosplayers. Photo courtesy of Darling. Quira, a lover of cosplay, gets to show up without shrinking. “It’s something about cosplay where I can just go all out and really be anything that I want,” she said, describing how transforming into a character helps her explore sides of herself she does not always show day to day. Photo courtesy of Darling

Photo Credit by Johnny Boykins (middle) with two scholarship recipients. Johnny Boykins is the National Director of Excellence & Quality at PalAmerican Security, one of North America’s largest independent security firms. He started with the company over a decade ago as an office admin, and held roles including managing operations and licensing compliance during his steady ascent. His courteous and open-hearted nature shows up in his interactions, as evidenced during a lunch meeting at the local diner he frequents, where his warmth, respect, and camaraderie with the staff were genuine. One might argue, however, that his positive energy is even more important in the passion he exhibits toward the future of local youth. It goes without saying that “it takes a village to raise a child,” and for the students he mentors through the Pinellas Education Foundation, his impact reveals what students need our villages to offer. At just nine years old, Boykins was a recipient of the Pinellas Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children Scholarship – a program for economically disadvantaged students, linking academic performance to mentorship, and awarding graduating students a four-year college scholarship. Although too young to fully grasp the weight of this momentous achievement, the award would pay for him to study and graduate from St. Petersburg’s Eckerd College. He went on to earn his master’s from Norwich University before returning to the foundation a decade later as a mentor, with a goal to open the door of opportunity for others, as it had been opened for him. Over 2,000 students have earned either a college degree or credentials thanks to Take Stock in Children. Mentors help their mentees navigate educational and social roadblocks in exchange for privileged communication. Boykins currently has two mentees entering their senior year of high school who, under his tutelage, have received 11 acceptance letters from colleges combined. “I always say a mentor’s job is to illuminate the runway. Some people don’t even know that the runway’s there,” said Boykins. “My job as a mentor is if they don’t know that the runway is there, is to get them to that runway. If they do know that it’s there, now I want to help them go down the runway and help them take off.” Now serving as chair of the organization’s scholarship committee, as one of the youngest members of the board, Boykins brings a fresh perspective, bold energy, and new insights to the foundation. He’s no stranger to challenging the norm and offering new ideas that help the foundation to stay current with the times. “What I bring to the board of directors is…a lived experience of what it means to navigate this program,” said Boykins. Boykins understands that connections are one of the keys to success — it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. He actively uses his role to expand students’ access to social, financial, and economic opportunities, hoping to help those who might see such opportunities as out of reach. “I’ve been really trying to champion something that I call ‘social capital’ at the foundation…How can we expose students to situations where they’re not surprised…when they’re in ‘the’ room,” says Boykins, who aims to connect students to broader experiences. “My job is to be a bridge-builder, to be a connector. To bring as many people to the runway…as possible.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos Johnny Boykins, National Director of Excellence & Quality at PalAmerican Security, one of North America’s largest independent security firms. Photo courtesy of Johnny Boykins Johnny Boykins is the chair of Pinellas Education Foundation’s scholarship committee. Photo courtesy of Johnny Boykins Johnny Boykins has been a mentor with the program for over a decade, using his role to expand students’ access to social, financial, and economic opportunities. Photo courtesy of Johnny Boykins

Dr. Gladys West, a mathematician whose work contributed to the development of Global Positioning System technology. Her calculations helped determine the Earth’s shape, improving satellite accuracy used worldwide. Photo courtesy of Andre West, grandson of Dr. West. Dr. Gladys West spent her life solving complex problems that would go on to shape the modern world. Most people don’t know her name, but have benefited from her work every day. Her recent passing has brought renewed attention to a legacy long overlooked. A pioneering mathematician whose work helped shape modern Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, West was born the daughter of a sharecropper in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. A high school valedictorian who earned a scholarship to Virginia State University and earned her degrees in Mathematics, she taught mathematics and science in the public school system after graduation. She went on to build a decades-long career at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, VA, where she was one of the few Black women in advanced technical roles. Her work included programming early computers and analyzing satellite data to help calculate the Earth’s shape with precision, which became essential to the development of GPS. Using large-scale computers to build precise mathematical models of the Earth throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, in 2018, her work eventually earned her induction into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame. West was also a mentor to the nonprofit STEM Xposure’s founder, Robyn Donaldson, an entrepreneur, educator, and architecture and structural design strategist. Donaldson wrote recently, “Dr. West, who recently passed peacefully from labor to reward, was a mathematician whose precision work in satellite geodesy laid the foundation for what we now know as the Global Positioning System (GPS). Today, GPS underpins nearly every major industry that drives wealth, security, and global mobility—from finance and logistics to aviation, construction, healthcare, defense, and telecommunications.” Donaldson noted that Dr. West’s legacy is both historical and structural. “Every real estate development relying on precise land surveys, every supply chain optimized through route intelligence, every financial system synchronized by exact GPS timing, every emergency response deployed in minutes instead of hours: all of it traces back to foundational work done decades ago by a Black woman whose name most people are only now learning.” Dr. West’s achievements during a time when Black women were rarely welcomed in advanced scientific environments have reshaped the world, and her career sets a standard resonating far beyond science and technology. “She did not seek recognition. She sought accuracy,” Donaldson wrote, adding that her impact continues to guide systems across the globe. Donaldson has long been sharing and honoring Dr. West’s work and most recently has been working on the release of the publications Guiding the World: Honoring Dr. Gladys West and the Legacy of GPS, along with the leadership and innovation series Heading West, built on West’s principles— ”precision, perseverance, humility, and long-term vision” —for today’s “leaders and emerging power brokers.” To learn more about Dr. Gladys West in her own words, read It Began with a Dream by Dr. Gladys West. The book offers a closer look at her life, the road that led her into advanced mathematics, and the legacy she left behind. For more information about Robyn Donaldson and her efforts to keep Dr. West’s story and impact visible, visit https://stemxposure.com. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Dr. Gladys West at her home in Virginia later in life. Born October 27, 1930, she passed away January 17, 2026. Photo courtesy of Andre West, grandson of Dr. West. Dr. Gladys West at work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia, in 1981. She spent decades there analyzing satellite data and developing mathematical models that contributed to the accuracy of Global Positioning System technology. Image sourced from The Guardian Dr. Gladys West is pictured with her husband, Ira West. The couple married in 1957 and spent decades together. Photo sourced from The Guardian Robyn Donaldson and Dr. Gladys West holding a copy of West’s book, It Began with a Dream. Photo, courtesy of Robyn Donaldson

LJ Tucker is the founder and owner of Tucker Enterprise, a certified arborist with more than two decades of experience serving residential, commercial, and county clients across Tampa Bay. Photo from https://tuckerenterprise.com/ When entrepreneurs discuss how entrepreneurship determines success, they often measure it in terms of revenue, expansion, and visibility. While Tampa Bay business owner LJ Tucker may keep tabs on those indicators, for him, the truer signs of success are revealed through his company’s consistency, service, and work ethic that touches people beyond the initial transaction. Tucker has operated Tucker Enterprise Services, a tree care and property maintenance business he built from the ground up (no pun intended), for more than two decades. Based in Oldsmar, FL, Tucker Enterprise provides tree removal, diagnostics, and maintenance services for residential, commercial, and county clients. It is demanding work that often involves emergency response, public safety, and long hours, especially during storm season. But as an entrepreneur living out his dream, LJ says his business has never been centered on chasing profit. Tucker, with family, receiving Oldsmar’s City Manager Award for Hurricane Irma cleanup. Photo courtesy of City of Oldsmar on Facebook. Longevity in a trade-based industry is not accidental. It comes from trust, reputation, and the ability to consistently deliver quality work. Tucker Enterprise has grown through word of mouth, repeat clients, and the relationships built over years of showing up when people need help. “The most important thing is not how much money we make. It’s that we do a good job and be the ultimate professional,” said Tucker. In 2017, he was awarded the City Manager Award from Oldsmar’s city council for aiding the city’s cleanup effort following Hurricane Irma. Striving for excellence has shaped Tucker’s views on professionalism and leadership and helped sustain the company over time. Beyond the business, Tucker has become known for the way he invests in people. His own personal experiences have led him to become a mentor for young people, with a heart for community and aiding individuals navigating personal setbacks. He is known to readily provide guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs who are serious about learning the discipline behind building something lasting. While building his company, he survived a near-fatal electrocution involving 7,000 volts of electricity – and an experience that he recounts in the book7000 Volts: Living an Electrified Life. The book weaves personal narrative alongside messages on building resilience , improving one’s mindset, and being guided by a sense of purpose rather than taking shortcuts or engaging in hustle culture. Today, the impact of his work reaches beyond tree service. It shows up in the young men he pours into, the families he quietly supports, and the way he chooses to move through the community without seeking recognition. His version of success is not rooted in attention or image. It is rooted in consistency and intention. “That’s what my podcast is about, giving positive messages, not selling pipe dreams,” Tucker said, adding that his goal is “to find ways to help people silently and quietly without drawing too much attention, because some people do it all for clicks.” To learn more about LJ Tucker and Tucker Enterprise visit https://ljtucker.com Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos LJ Tucker on site during a tree service job, representing the hands-on leadership and professionalism that have defined Tucker Enterprise for more than 20 years. Photo Courtesy of LJ Tucker LJ Tucker stands with his family while promoting his book, 7,000 Volts: Living an Electrified Life, which focuses on resilience, purpose, and personal growth. Photo courtesy of LJ Tucker LJ Tucker speaks with local students about entrepreneurship, career pathways, and the importance of giving back to the community. Photo courtesy of LJ Tucker

Last Friday, financial analysts lost it on live TV over the stock market meltdown in the wake of President Donald Trump’s April 2nd announcement of an aggressive new tariff regime. He gleefully called it “Liberation Day.” Reuters estimated that the S&P 500 lost $5 trillion in market value in the two days following Trump’s unveiling of the tariffs last Wednesday. By closing bell on Monday, the losses were estimated at $6.4 trillion. The nosedive was particularly bad news for Black Americans, since they’d only recently begun to regain momentum in the market following sharp losses from the Great Recession of 2007 and 2008. Roughly 40% of Black families had money in the stock market in 2022, the most recent data year available from the triannual Survey of Consumer Finances by the Federal Reserve Board. That ratio could be even higher today, given the trend of more African Americans investing in the wake of the pandemic. Data from the 2025 survey won’t be available until late 2026. But we know that from 2019 to 2022, Black Americans saw a larger increase than whites, Hispanics and others in the share of households in the stock market. If the trend continued, as many as 45% of Black households have stocks in their portfolios as of April 2025 (see Table 1 below). Using the 2022 ratio, however, we can conservatively estimate Black America’s losses: In the aggregate, black households saw their stock portfolios shrink by about $77 billion over the three trading days since Trump’s Liberation Day celebration. Where things go from here is uncertain. As I write, a growing number of Republican lawmakers are joining Democrats to propose legislation that would override Trump’s currently unchecked power to set tariffs. Corporate CEOs and investors are also beginning to speak out against the tariffs or Trump’s roughshod approach to tariffs, including some Trump allies. On Sunday, billionaire hedge fund manager and Trump ally Bill Ackman took to social media to ask Trump for a 90-day pause on the tariffs to think through a less catastrophic approach. Elon Musk has also posted prodding notes on X, asking Trump for zero tariffs on European countries. Yet the president appears unfazed. To lend your voice to the debate, find and contact your federal representatives at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials. Notes Table 1: Change in percentage of families with stock holdings Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

For over a century, St. Petersburg was home to one of Florida’s largest Black communities. No more. The city’s Black population shrank for a fifth year in a row, according to the latest Census data (released in December 2024). That drops St. Pete to the #11 spot among cities in Florida with the largest African American resident base, a notch down from #10 the year prior, and way down from the #4 spot St. Pete held in 2000. From a peak of more than 64,000 in 2018, the population was most recently measured at about 56,500 who identified as Black in 2023, a loss of 12%. Over the same time, St. Pete’s non-Black population grew by 5%. The Power Broker magazine has clocked the trend over the past few years as the city’s Black residents began to leave in relative droves. When we last reported on it in late 2023, many of those leaving St. Pete were relocating to other parts of Pinellas County. But the newest Census report show Black residents exiting St. Petersburg and Pinellas County altogether. Figure 1: Change in St. Petersburg’s Black Population, 2010 to 2023 (5-Yr Data) Top Reasons for the Exodus A Power Broker survey in early 2024 revealed top reasons for the exodus from St. Pete. Black current and former residents were asked to identify factors behind the shift. The survey offered seven possibilities plus a free-form comment field. Economic challenges dominated the list. An overwhelming 87% of survey takers selected “Housing costs and options are better in other places,” while 78% chose “Job and career prospects are better in other places,” and 46% selected “Business opportunities are better in other places.” In fourth place, nearly four in 10 respondents (39%) said “School and educational opportunities are better in other places.” The survey also presented social factors. Though they held relatively less weight, a significant share saw deficits in St. Pete’s social scene. An identical 29% of respondents chose “Social and leisure options are better in other places” and “Dating and marriage prospects are better in other places.” Of note, only 1% said “Faith and worship options are better” elsewhere. Underlying Dynamics Respondents also entered over 140 free-form comments that offered a fascinating glimpse of potentially underlying dynamics. Three themes were punctuated throughout the remarks. Gentrification Driving Up Housing Costs The notion that local residents are being priced out of the city and South St. Petersburg area rang through. “Rent is ridiculous and most every new apartment or condo or townhouse building says ‘luxury’,” wrote one respondent. “Make housing more affordable!,” demanded another. One person wrote, “Stop gentrifying and making everything too expensive.” Another commented, “Stop allowing corporations and investment companies buying up all the lots and affordable homes in South St. Pete. Basically stop the gentrification.” A former St. Pete resident who now lives in north Florida wrote, “Control the housing costs. Homes in areas we grew up in are severely overpriced.” The inability to purchase a home was touched on by a number of respondents. “I grew up in this city and I can’t understand why the city is not helping the individuals who work [in healthcare], servers, hotel employees access the funds set aside to purchase a home. I’ve tried over three times and have been denied.” A recently departed younger professional wrote, “Florida’s selling point used to be affordability and low taxes but that is not the case anymore. Skyrocketing homeowners insurance rates and rental costs have made it just as bad if not worse than larger metros.” A current resident and business owner said, “Blacks are being forced out by the city targeting certain black areas with code violations, and / or people not able to afford a house due to insurance and taxes so they look into buying in other areas.” Lack of Cultural Diversity, Particularly Downtown The number of remarks about the city’s lack of cultural diversity in social spaces was striking. Several commented in the context of St. Petersburg’s thriving downtown. A Gen X-er wrote, “Downtown area needs more diversity. More quality of things to do for mature black residents…I would like to see more black owned restaurants and business.” A downtown homeowner in his 30s suggested that “Culturally relevant experiences in the downtown area” would make St. Pete more attractive to Black residents. “The lack of young African American professionals in the area also plays a key part in my consideration to move,” he wrote. “If it wasn’t for the significant rise in my property’s value I would definitely consider relocating to a more culturally diverse metropolitan.” Other comments in this vein: “There are almost no places for under 30 year old persons to socialize.” “St. Pete could do more to grow the cultural attractions that make people from all walks of life feel fully welcomed and included in the city.” “I’m a downtown living transplant to this beautiful city. St Pete is great, if you got money!” “There is not one business downtown that will attract “us” on a regular. Annual events…[aren’t] enough. Mondays at Ruby’s isn’t enough. We don’t have one place to listen to R&B, old school, hip hop or jazz downtown.” “African-Americans will actually say they don’t go downtown because there’s nothing for them to do. People who visit are always looking for us, and I remind them all the time that they don’t entertain downtown and when they do, they truly look like the minority.” The same individual expressed feeling embarrassed about the downtown landscape. “African Americans want to relocate here but struggle when it comes to seeing people who look like them downtown in such a beautiful location,” she wrote. “It’s actually embarrassing to warn others about the different businesses downtown when you know what they want does not exist.” Racism; St. Petersburg Not Welcoming for African Americans The perception of racial bias and racism in St. Petersburg showed up in more than 20 comments. Some related to feeling unwelcomed as Black people. For example: “St. Petersburg feels as if black individuals are not welcome here.” “We do not feel welcome on the beach at their restaurants except for a couple. I would leave if I could.” “Make the city friendly towards the African American community.” “Black people are often left out of planning in St. Pete. Also, black people are stuck because of rising cost and seem to be drowning. They need help and options for growth and development.” Several relayed experiences of racial discrimination. One respondent detailed a personal brush with racism and said of the local vibe, “The environment in St. Pete is stifling and does not nurture growth and development and the chance to thrive.” Another wrote, “I’m semi-retired and bought a retirement home in St Pete in 2012 but unable to live there full-time because of blatant employment and housing discrimination.” Others spoke in more general terms, such as “Racism is big in this state,” and “Stop the racism here, it sucks.” When answering “What are the factors causing Black residents to leave St. Pete?,” separate individuals wrote, “Racism,” and “Racial undertones displayed by residents.” A large handful suggested racial bias in the workforce and business communities as factors in Blacks departing the city. When asked what can be done to make St. Pete attractive for current or future Black residents, one local non-profit leader said, “Equal opportunities. Generations after segregation it is still harder for African American men and women to have a higher ranking position in the corporate world.” Other notes on this topic: “Structural racism needs to be addressed. It is prevalent in city government positions. Hiring policies and practices for professional positions should be revised.” “Much more focus on true economic integration is needed in St. Pete.” “City has to do a better job of being more inclusive.” To Take the Survey or Learn More If you are a current or former Black resident of St. Petersburg or Pinellas County, Florida, click here to take the survey on why African Americans are leaving in large numbers over the past five years. To view our December 2023 report on the outmigration trend, click here. Data Notes The survey referenced above collected 118 responses in January 2024. The graphs in this report display population data for St. Petersburg from two American Community Survey (ACS) data sets – 1-year and 5-year estimates – using the ACS Demographics table (DP05). The 5-year set is less current but reliable as an indicator of overall trends. See figure 1 above. The 1-year set offers a more current view but has wider margins of error and missing data for 2020. See figure 2 below. Both show Black population losses over the most recent five years of data (2018 to 2023). Figure 2: Change in St. Petersburg’s Black Population, 2010 to 2023 (1-Yr Data) Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

He isn’t the only reason more Black Americans are choosing to live overseas, but there can be little doubt that the presidency of Donald Trump – and the culture war he catapulted to prominence – are major factors in the recent reignition of the trend known as “Blaxit.” This blended word – combining Black and exit – first gained traction in 2016, the year Trump was first elected as president. The hashtag Blaxit channeled a growing conversation about leaving the U.S. for destinations friendlier to Black visitors and expats. Several national media outlets picked up on it. USA TODAY spotlighted the trend and the factors fueling it in 2020, with a piece called Black Americans leave USA to escape racism, build lives abroad. By then a record number of African Americans had left the U.S. during Trump’s first term in office, with some openly naming the president as a factor in the movement. The New York Times posted about the phenomenon in 2024 with an article titled Blaxit: Tired of Racism, Black Americans Try Life in Africa. More recently, actress KJ Smith sparked the interest of Fox News with remarks to a reporter at the NAACP Image Awards in February. Fox quoted Smith saying, “With the political climate that’s going on in the United States of America, there are places we can go. There are countries that are receiving us back — citizenship back — with open arms.” Well-known columnist Jenice Armstrong put her spin on it with a trip to Ghana four days after Trump defeated VP Kamala Harris last November. In speaking with Black Americans who’d moved to Ghana, “Over and over they told me that racism was a key factor in their decision to leave America,” Armstrong wrote in the first of several articles on the Blaxit wave. How big is the trend? Few data sources exist to pinpoint how big the migration is or may become. But we do know that tens of thousands of Black Americans left the country during Trump’s first term. The Power Broker ballparked the trend using the U.S. Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program Overseas Citizen Population Analysis. This report is released every other year, with 2022 being the most recent version. Roughly 120,000 Black American adults were living abroad in 2020, an increase of nearly 50,000 or 70% over 2014 (the closest data year prior to Trump’s entry into the 2016 race in 2015). See graph below. The bulk of that increase happened between 2016 (when Trump was elected) and 2020 (the final year of Trump 1.0), when the Black adult overseas population grew by about 46,000. In addition, the surge was unique to Black citizens. From 2016 to 2020, the Black adult overseas population grew by 62% versus only 7% for non-Black Americans. How many will leave during Trump 2.0 We won’t have official data on the four-year span of Trump’s second term until 2029. Yet we do know that more and more Black Americans are exploring a major move. Google Trends shows that the number of searches related to moving to Africa or the Caribbean (among top destinations for Black expats) doubled in the five months following the 2024 election (compared to the five months prior). Blaxit influencers and overseas Black expat groups are growing too. The Yarbros travel lifestyle channel has grown its YouTube subscriber base to 164,000. Blaxit and Blaxit Global have more than 69,000 subscribers combined. Roshida Dowe is at 47,000 on the video platform as she teaches others to live their best life abroad. We may get more insight later than this year when the Defense Department drops its Overseas Citizen report for 2024. Figure 1: Change in Black U.S. Citizens Living Overseas 2014 to 2022 Notes Data in the graph above and table below are estimates based on data in the U.S. Department of Defense, Federal Voting Assistance Program, Overseas Citizen Population Analysis, Technical Report. The most recent version is for 2022 and was published in 2023. This report analyzes the size and level of participation in the 2022 General Election of non-military, voting-age U.S. citizens living abroad. Table 1 : Change in Black U.S. Citizens Living Overseas Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Adrienne Reddick, Host of The Pulse Pod by Power Broker Media Group St. Petersburg, Florida – The Power Broker Media Group is pleased to announce that St. Petersburg native and well-known community voice Adrienne Reddick has joined its growing team as Host of The Pulse Podcast – a new weekly feature on trending topics. “I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the host of this informative and engaging podcast. I look forward to connecting with our audience and bringing valuable insights to each episode,” said Reddick. The Pulse is the first new title to roll out as part of the Power Broker’s 20th anniversary celebration series, and CEO Gypsy Gallardo says, “Adrienne was absolutely perfect for this inaugural pod, not only as a Power Broker alumni but for her informed and trusted perspective.” Reddick is also extensively involved in the community, serving as a member and chair of the Fundraising Committee with the St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is an active member of Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves in the choir and adult dance ministry. Adrienne is a proud two-time graduate of Florida A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and a Master of Business Administration. The Pulse will be Adrienne’s first host role in the media context. Her prior experience includes conducting video interviews with leaders such as St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, Terri Lipsey-Scott, and Florida State Rep. Michele Rayner. Adrienne’s first episode centers on the new legal status for the “open carry” of firearms with insights from Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway. The next two installations of The Pulse second episode will delve into “Rumors vs Reality” in current community conversations and the dramatic impacts of the federal government shutdown. To join in the discussion, subscribe to the Power Broker’s YouTube page. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Nancy Dunham, known throughout the community as Fancy Nancy, is the owner of Fancy Nancy’s Professional Services and Fancy Nancy’s Bail Bonds. In Pinellas County and surrounding communities, she is known as a connector and resource for families and individuals. Photo retrieved from Fancy Nancy’s Facebook page. An arrest can throw a family into panic before they even know what questions to ask. There is paperwork to understand, money to gather, and a loved one waiting to come home. In those moments, Nancy Dunham, known throughout the community as “Fancy Nancy,” often becomes one of the first calls families make. In Florida, the premium for a state bail bond is 10 percent of the bail amount, while a federal bond is 15 percent, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. The premium is generally nonrefundable once the bondsman takes the defendant out of jail. That means a $10,000 bond can require $1,000 upfront. For families already trying to keep up with rent, utilities, childcare, or groceries, that cost can change everything. Dunham said she has watched people pull from savings, pawn personal belongings, or use money set aside for other responsibilities because they are trying to bring someone home. “Most of them are working off emotions right then and there,” Dunham said. “They’re frustrated, they’re confused, they don’t know how it goes at all.” Through Fancy Nancy’s Bail Bonds, Dunham serves Pinellas County and surrounding areas with bail assistance, warrant checks, and walkthroughs. The business is part of Fancy Nancy’s Professional Services, which also includes notary work, fingerprinting, background checks, and compliance-related support. Through Fancy Nancy’s Bail Bonds, Dunham serves Pinellas County and surrounding areas with bail assistance, warrant checks, and walkthroughs. The business is part of Fancy Nancy’s Professional Services, which also includes notary work, fingerprinting, background checks, and compliance-related support. Image courtesy of The Gabber. “Anything that deals with compliance, I can handle it all under one roof,” Dunham said. For Dunham, the bond is often only the beginning of the conversation. She wants families to understand what they are signing, what they are paying, and what options may be available before fear leads the decision. “I want the community to be educated, and I want them to have a safe spot where they can come,” Dunham said. That education is especially important in an industry where families can be exposed to misinformation, scams, and pressure-filled choices. Dunham said scammers may use public arrest information to contact relatives, claim they can help resolve the situation, and push them to send money quickly. She tells families to pause, verify what they are being told, and reach out to credible sources before making financial decisions. Her work has also shown her what a crisis can bring to the surface. Families call scared, financially stretched, and desperate for answers. Some agree to payment terms they may not be able to keep. Others make sacrifices before they fully understand the responsibility tied to a bond. That is where Dunham’s advocacy comes in. In the community, she is known as a connector, a steady voice, and someone people can call when they do not know where to turn. Through her relationships with local organizations and programs, she points people toward resources that reach past the immediate situation, from GED support and housing assistance to employment opportunities and community programs. “I’m going to figure out what hurdles, what resources, what things are you lacking that’s causing you to go down that wrong path?” she said. Before bail bonds became part of her work, Dunham was already the person people trusted with questions. She studied criminology, served in the military, and is involved with the NAACP criminology committee. But she said that role started even earlier, when adults in her community would bring her documents to read before signing. That early responsibility shaped the way she approaches Fancy Nancy’s Professional Services today. Her work is built around clarity, trust, and helping people understand what is in front of them. “I’ve always been a connection, so I’m not going to stop being a connection right now,” Dunham said. Dunham knows many calls begin in a difficult place. She just does not want people to remain there. Whether she is helping a family through the bail process or pointing someone toward resources after release, her work is centered on helping people see the next step. She believes in change and second chances. “When you know you’re going the wrong way, just turn around.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos Nancy pictured with U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Pinellas County Urban League President & CEO Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, and Councilwoman Deborah Figgs-Sanders as she receives a Congressional Recognition Award for her leadership during the hurricane recovery efforts. Photo courtesy of Dunham. Nancy photographed with St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, and fellow award recipients during the ceremony presentation. Photo courtesy of Dunham. Dunham used the moment to recognize the larger community response, including the Hometown Haulers who helped move 5,247 loads to collection sites and earned $1.574 million through the cleanup effort. Photo courtesy of Dunham. Fancy Nancy with St. Petersburg Chief of Police Anthony Holloway. In a post shared on Jan. 9 for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Fancy Nancy’s Bail Bonds expressed gratitude for the men and women in law enforcement who serve local communities each day. Photo retrieved from Fancy Nancy’s Facebook page.

New leadership appointments were announced this week for Dr. René Flowers, Dr. Jeffery Johnson, and Roy James, Jr. by (respectively) the David Jolly gubernatorial campaign, the City of Tampa and the City of St. Petersburg. Commissioner René Flowers to Co-Lead Community Development for Jolly Campaign Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers at an October 2025 groundbreakingceremony for Skytown Apartments (Source: City of St. Petersburg) Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers has been tapped for a leadership role with David Jolly’s campaign to become Florida’s next governor. Flowers will co-lead the community development and economic empowerment initiatives for the Jolly team, alongside Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May. The joint role will focus on expanding opportunity, advancing equity, and addressing affordability challenges across Florida, according to a campaign release. “Flowers has seen communities from every angle,” said former U.S. Representative Jolly. “As a County Commissioner, School Board Member, and now the incoming President of the Florida Association of Counties, she understands that economic development means tourism, trade, and business development—but also empowering communities too often left behind. I’m looking forward to relying on her expertise as we build an economy that works for everyone in our state.” Jolly announced several other key appointments last week, including Attorney Sean Pittman and State Senator Tina Polsky as campaign co-chairs, Rev. R.B. Holmes as faith leadership chair, and Gayle Andrews as senior campaign advisor. In unveiling the new slate, Jolly emphasized the importance of collaboration and representation, saying “We’re building a coalition that looks like the state we all love.” Roy James Joins City’s Investment Oversight Committee Roy James in the St. Petersburg City Hall vestibule, November 4, 2025 (Source: Izabelle James) Roy James, Jr. was sworn in last week as the newest member of the City of St. Petersburg’s Investment Oversight Committee, a volunteer body that monitors the investment performance of the City’s financial portfolios and ensures prudent management of public funds. Members of the committee serve two- and three-year terms, providing expertise and guidance on strategies that safeguard taxpayer dollars while maximizing responsible returns. James was appointed to the post by St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and will serve a two-year term. “Roy James, Jr. represents the next generation of civic leadership—talented, accountable, and rooted in community—and his voice will help ensure our investments reflect the values of every neighborhood,” said Mayor Welch. “By appointing Roy to the Investment Oversight Committee, we’re strengthening our focus on equitable opportunity and sound fiscal management.” The 39-year-old father is co-owner of James Insurance Solutions, along with his wife Izabelle James. He brings nearly two decades of business and civic experience to the post as a second-generation entrepreneur and licensed Financial Advisor with Prudential Advisors. His prior leadership roles include service on the board of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and as a 2020 Plan/One Community Plan Committee member. Izabelle expressed her pride in a recent statement, “Congratulations to my husband on being officially sworn in as a newly appointed member of the City of St. Petersburg Investment Oversight Committee! I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make in this new role.” Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Re-Elected as East Tampa CRA CAC Chair Dr. Jeffery Johnson after the vote re-electing his Chair of the East Tampa CRA CAC (Source: Dr. Jeffery Johnson) On November 4, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson was re-elected – unopposed – for his second one-year term as Chair of the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Johnson and fellow members of the CAC advise to funding, planning and programmatic initiatives for the East Tampa CRA, which is one of Florida’s largest tax increment financing districts. Priorities for the East Tampa CRA are to drive neighborhood revitalization, housing affordability, commercial revitalization and small-business growth within the 7.5 square mile area. The CRA expended $4.77 million in fiscal year 2024, according to the City of Tampa’s most recent annual report. Dr. Johnson’s newest tenure encompasses an update to the East Tampa CRA Strategic Plan, which will set priorities for investments in the years ahead. His other leadership roles include serving as Chief Strategy Officer for Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa (CDC of Tampa) where he oversees communications, government relations, strategic planning, corporate training, and small business development programs. In addition, Dr. Johnson is Treasurer of the Hillsborough County Hospital Authority, and Chaplain for the Tampa Navy Reserve Center at MacDill Air Force Base. Reflecting on his re-election, Johnson shared: “Leadership is not about titles; it’s about trust. To be chosen again to serve this great community means that the work, the vision, and the impact are being seen and felt.” He continued, “East Tampa is rising, and I’m committed to continuing the fight for economic opportunity, affordable housing, business growth, and community pride.” Connect & Share News To share leadership news with us, reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign-up for our twice weekly e-newsletter visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Dr. Kanika Tomalin speaking at a Foundation-hosted forum titled How AI Can Strengthen Our Communities in September 2025 (Source: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg) St. Petersburg, Florida – Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg has deployed $100,000 in emergency funding to four local nonprofits as families across the region grapple with the financial fallout of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the freezing of food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Announced Tuesday, the grants will bolster front-line organizations that have seen a sharp increase in residents seeking food aid and emergency financial support. Each group will receive general operating funds to help meet immediate demand, according to a release by the Foundation. Three groups received $30,000 each to support food assistance and emergency financial aid – Mt. Zion Human Services, Daystar Life Center, and Metropolitan Ministries. St. Petersburg Free Clinic was granted $10,000 for food assistance. Foundation President and CEO Dr. Kanika Tomalin said the rapid-response grants reflect both the urgency of the moment and the strength of the city’s nonprofit sector. “Many of our funded partners are seeing increased demand from residents, including federal workers, who are struggling to feed their families and stay in their homes,” Tomalin said. “In times of crisis, we respond – and so does our local nonprofit community. We’re grateful to support our funded partners working to care for our fellow residents through this difficult period.” With federal supports stalled, local organizations have become a critical safety net for families trying to avoid hunger and displacement, and to mitigate the mental, physical and emotional stress that accompany financial jolts. Approximately 4,400 households in the Foundation’s priority zip codes – 33712, 33711 and 33705 – rely on the SNAP program. To donate to efforts by the organizations standing in the gap, use the links below: Mt. Zion Human Services Donate here. Daystar Life Center Donate here. Metropolitan Ministries Donate here. St. Petersburg Free Clinic Donate here. To Connect & Share News To share news with the Power Broker, reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign-up for our twice weekly e-newsletter visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube.

Pinellas County Urban League President and CEO, Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, speaks to Sip Savor Vibe attendees alongside Food Network featured Chef Manny FD and local firefighter Dominique Forte. The Pinellas County Urban League (PCUL) celebrated a day of cuisine and culture by hosting its Sip. Savor. Vibe: Southern Soul Food & Wine Experience on November 15th at Eckerd College. This Equal Opportunity fundraiser and celebration for PCUL featured a diverse array of esteemed chefs, food entrepreneurs, sommeliers, and catering partners, ready to share their carefully crafted dishes with attendees. From coffee and mocktails, to soul food and vegan sushi, the choice of dishes from Next Level Urban Alliance (NLUA) vendors offered options for every palate. Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, President and CEO of PCUL, shared her thoughts on the event. “Our inaugural Sip, Savor, Vibe: Southern Soul Food and Wine Experience was an elevated Black excellence day of culture and cuisine, curated in a way that my dreams could not have imagined. Our goal to exemplify the power of the collective was truly achieved,” said Gaskin-Capehart. Part of Gaskin-Capehart’s vision for this event was to celebrate, uplift, and increase exposure to Black businesses in Pinellas County. “I wanted our community to feel honored to come together and celebrate our culinary foodpreneurs in the business, so that they can continue to grow their businesses and go to the next level,” said Gaskin-Capehart. Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) This Southern Soul Country Chic celebration served as a steppingstone for the PCUL’s Next Level Urban Alliance (NLUA) Culinary industry members. According to the PCUL’s website, NLUA is “a network of entrepreneurs, professionals, and development leaders collaborating to expand the equity-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem (E3) of Pinellas County.” Strengthening entrepreneurship as a vital pathway to economic growth for African Americans is the goal of the alliance. Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) NLUA also plays a part in PCUL’s Vision 2030 plan, geared toward supporting St. Petersburg entrepreneurs. Vision 2030 was highlighted at the fundraiser, pinpointing four key themes: strategic community empowerment, sustainable social enterprise, enhanced program and service footprint, and fiscal and operational responsibility. If you were not able to attend this inaugural day party, PCUL will be hosting a similar event as a part of their upcoming Juneteenth 2026 Freedom Experience™, happening Thursday and Friday, June 18 and 19, 2026. Stay tuned for time and location. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League) Sip & Savor November 2025 (Source: Pinellas County Urban League)

Photo by Isis Climes: Cosplayers standing on stage. #cosplay #comics #blerd #fyp It’s a wrap! Pinellas Diaspora Arts Project (PDAP) officially wrapped up its annual month-long celebration of art, tech, and community for the Tampa Bay Urban Futures Festival on November 30th, 2025. PDAP bridges the gap between art and technology through community-focused events that bring resources to residents of the Tampa Bay area. The entire month of November, PDAP invited the Tampa Bay community into a world of art, technology, and imagination with a scheduled line-up of free events (https://tbuffest.com/). The series opened with “The Unseen Thread: Women’s Art as Movement” on November 1st, showcasing a group exhibition honoring the complexity of women across generations and cultures. The second week of the festival featured “We Are the Medicine: Culture, Health, and Civic Healing,” hosted by Afroflorida Media Collective, and showed documented shorts by AFMC filmmakers and students. PDAP held two events in week three: “From Code to Capital”, hosted by Black Innovation Leaders of Florida & “A Journey of Healing through Sound and Art,” sponsored by Warehouse Arts District (WADA). Week four wrapped up the festival’s annual celebration with two events, starting with the “3rd Annual Community Tech Day”, sponsored by Community Tech Experiences Project (CTEP), and ending with “Tampa Bay Urban Futures Comicon” with youth performances, zine workshops, and an author panel. PDAP’s last event went out with a bang, with the Tampa Bay Urban Futures Comicon on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025, at the Enoch Davis Center, following PDAP’s 3rd Annual Community Tech Day, presented earlier that day. Comicon offered free comic books, a cosplay runway, a black author expo/panel with writers from across the region, and tech-focused booths. From school-aged children to costumed adults, the event was filled with eager attendees milling around the community center, engaging with others who shared their interests. Upon entry, there were gift bags with free comics, candy, and flyers for those who filled out a free survey, a snack station, and three rooms where attendees could split their time. The first room was like an art gallery, featuring a 3D printing area, a DJ mix station, and a direct-to-film printing station. The second room was the event’s tech room, which housed VR headsets from Eckerd College, a mini drone and coding station from FEF Codemasters, and a flight simulator from Infinity Aero Club Tampa. The final room was an artist alley set-up that hosted author tables, anime booths, a zine workshop, and a stage for the afternoon’s youth performances. Greggo Buckshon from Rare Hues Collection hosted an entrepreneurial tech booth where individuals could make their own clothing by ironing on printed materials to their shirts. Buckshon’s most significant takeaway for those who attended Tampa Bay Urban Future Comicon was the need for more collaborative community events to promote financial growth. “The more we collaborate and bring resources together, the better and more impactful the events can be for the communities we are engaging with. Lend knowledge and resources that help individuals use their skills and creativity in a way that leads to economic development and financial growth,” said Buckshon. PDAP’s board member Jake-ann Jones hosted the close-out event. “We all want joyful, new, mind-expanding experiences that connect us in safe, easy-to-access community spaces. We especially want to see our youth smiling, laughing, excited, and at ease while learning and sharing what they can do,” said Jones. Jones wanted attendees to take away a new experience from the event. “Hopefully, this kind of experience offers people a reminder that there’s always something new to experience. We should be actively looking to expose our kids to new learning experiences and activities that expand our youths’– and our own — minds, curiosity, and sense of future possibilities,” said Jones. If you missed this year’s festivities, no worries! PDAP is eager to provide more opportunities for the community to engage with in the upcoming year! PDAP’s annual Tampa Bay Chalk Festival will be hosted on the Deuces (St. Petersburg’s historic neighborhood on 22nd Street South) in May 2026, along with several civic education panels, online workshops, and school-age programming through the Reaching Our Youth Artists League (ROYAL) Project. Additionally, Afroflorida Media Collective, a media arm of PDAP, will be exhibiting mini-documentaries by local filmmakers at DreamMakerz Productions’ Sunshine City Film Festival in January and Black Film Festival in February 2026. PDAP also plans to return with the second year of the 2026 Urban Futures Festival, followed by another Community Tech Day/Urban Futures Comicon. To stay up to date with PDAP’s events, follow the organization’s social media accounts or sign up via the website for info. Photo by April Cason: Red Power Ranger (left), Wolverine (middle), Black Power Ranger (right), and Blade (middle).#comics #WeAreStPete #blerd #fyp Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes

Photo by Isis Climes: SPAC chapter members pose with Mr. & Mrs. Claus The St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (SPAC) culminated its SNAP Benefits Support drive with its annual Breakfast with Santa holiday event on Saturday, December 6th, 2025. The St. Pete Deltas, a local non-profit devoted to community uplift through their Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: education, economics, health, international engagement, and social action, have served the community since 1961 and hosted Breakfast with Santa since 1982. Amid the recent government shutdown, the disbursement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments was paused for current cardholders. The disruption of SNAP benefits affected millions across the country, and over 97,000 families in Pinellas County who use SNAP, according to the Center for American Progress. To support local families and individuals affected by the pause, the St. Pete Deltas undertook a four-step initiative to deploy support just days after the SNAP program suspension was announced. Efforts included: November Food Drive: SPAC donated approximately $500 worth of non-perishable food items and snacks, which were delivered to the Jordan Park Head Start Program. Items were made available to any family who desired to take part. Adopt a Family: SPAC donated a total of $1,100 in the form of grocery gift cards to faith and community partners at Bethel Metropolitan Baptist Church (Pastor Robert Vinson) and Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor John Evans). The donations were provided to support the church’s efforts in caring for community families seeking support simply based on their expression of a need for food security assistance. Food Pantry Volunteering: To assist further, SPAC members volunteered over 3 weeks with faith and community partners at Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Louis Murphy Sr.) to support their annual Thanksgiving mobile food drive partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay. Breakfast with Santa Polar Pantry: SPAC packed and distributed 100 holiday meal kits, each containing non-perishable side items for a family meal and a grocery gift card. Kits were shared with families at the annual Breakfast with Santa event and provided to Mt. Zion Christian Academy to support students and their families. “Social action and serving our community are at the heart of everything we do and are a reflection of the spirit of our founders. The St. Pete community can expect to see us whenever there is an opportunity to help those in need. Additionally, we will have activities that support non-partisan voter registration, education, and mobilization. Keep an eye out for the ladies in red,” said Sparks. SPAC continues to leave a trailblazing mark on its community in service and fellowship. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Photo by Isis Climes: Attendees at the Polar Pantry Breakfast with Santa. Photo by Isis Climes: St. Pete members Meco Sparks (left) & Treva Davis (right) pose behind bagged donations. Photo by Meco Sparks: St. Pete member Meco Sparks (left), Director of Jordan Park Head Start Program Mary Williams (middle), and St. Pete member Lora Williams stand behind carts of donated food items. Photo by Meco Sparks: Car filled with donations. Photo by Meco Sparks: SPAC members organize donations. Photo by Meco Sparks: SPAC members at Mt. Zion Progressive Church. Photo by Meco Sparks: SPAC members Terri Lipsey-Scott, Jeannine Williams, Deborah Sheppard-Brooks, Jennifer Howard-Black, Meco Sparks, Rhonda Ridgell, Franchon McCree Dials, and Y’Desha Alsup. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Photo by Isis Climes: Attendees gathered to view decorative Christmas trees The Woodson African American Museum of Florida celebrated its 16th annual toy drive at its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The annual Holiday Open House also hosted the museum’s second Christmas tree display, where hundreds gathered to view donated decorative trees from the community, sororities, and fraternities. “The Woodson African American Museum of Florida was honored to engage our local community in sharing the joy of the holiday season. We are deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support demonstrated through our second annual exhibition of beautifully curated Christmas trees, each reflecting remarkable creativity, elegance, and care,” said executive director Terri Lipsey Scott. There were 13 donors for this year’s tree display: St. Petersburg Branch for the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH); Racewithoutism, Inc.; Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc.; Facetime Beauty Lounge; Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Sisters of Love Chapter No. 129, Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A.; Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Epsilon Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; St. Petersburg Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and St. Petersburg Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The venue was filled with excited participants, a live DJ, Santa Claus, and decorative trees; attendees were given ballots to vote for their top five trees. The winners for this year’s Christmas tree display included: BEST IN SHOW: St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. MOST CREATIVE: Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. MOST HISTORICAL: Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. MOST WHIMSICAL: Racewithoutism, Inc. MOST CLASSIC: Sisters of Love Chapter No. 129, Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A. “At the heart of the Museum’s mission is the desire to bring community together—inviting organizations to tell their unique stories through artistic expression and shared celebration,” said Scott. Though the Holiday Open House event is over, the Woodson African American Museum’s doors remain open to the public to stop by and view the curated art during regular hours or on selected weekends this month, as posted on the website and social media page. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Photo by Isis Climes: (left to right) Racewithoutism, INC.; Epsilon Beta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, INC.; St. Petersburg Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, INC.; and St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section of the NCNW Christmas trees on display. Photo by Isis Climes: The St. Petersburg Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. Christmas tree decoration. Photo by Isis Climes: Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Photo by Isis Climes: St. Petersburg Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Photo by Isis Climes: Toy donations Photo by Isis Climes: Sisters of Love Chapter No. 129, Order of the Eastern Star, P.H.A. Members holding donations

Photo by Isis Climes: The Morning Pour Owner Shawntavia Turner Warm yourself up with a fresh cup of coffee at The Morning Pour, a new coffee shop located on 18th Avenue South in St. Petersburg. The location has garnered the attention of coffee lovers on the southside since its grand opening on November 1, crafting specialty beverages, breakfast items, and providing a comfortable lounge area. Coffee shop owner Shawntavia Tuner acquired the building in September with plans to renovate the space; her aunt’s idea sparked the vision of establishing a coffee shop. Serving organic, express-based drip coffees like their Brazil organic coffee blend, the shop also offers a tasty hazelnut Congo-flavored coffee and a decaf Amaretto option. Turner invites the community to stop by and enjoy all their handcrafted lattes and organic coffees. “I wanted something that would bring community and revitalize the building. I wanted to do something where you could meet clients, have conversations, and have quality coffee and quality service,” Turner explained when asked about her vision behind the shop. This coffee shop offers more than hot beverages and sweet treats to customers. The Morning Pour also provides free wifi, print services (with purchase), and notary services. “We wanted to have a differentiating factor; that was allowing print services and notary services. We wanted to do that because there’s nothing like it here in our community,” said Turner. From shots of espresso to machiattos, and selections of refreshers and spritzers, the shop offers a wide variety of beverages and food menu items. Sporting visually appealing foliage and coffee-themed decorations, the lounge’s mini tables and booths are outfitted with outlet ports. A touchscreen menu provides an easy-to-order layout – plus a free loyalty card with bookmarked achievements every few purchases. Turner hopes to open a franchise in the future; until then, she strives to serve her community and is optimistic about the shop’s future. “I hope that we can keep up capacity-wise for what’s to come,” she noted. The Morning Pour’s regular operation hours are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Stay up to date with their events on their social media pages Facebook and Instagram. More Photos Photo by Isis: The Morning Pour Photo by Isis: The Morning Pour’s lobby area Photo by Isis: The Morning Pour’s seating area. Photo by Isis: A customer orders at the register. Photo by Isis: The Morning Pour’s seating area. Photo by The Morning Pour’s Instagram: The Morning Pour’s team Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Photo by Carla Bristol: St. Pete Youth Farm Director Carla Bristol Kwanzaa St. Pete celebrated their 12th Annual “First Night” event at St. Petersburg’s Youth Farm on Friday, December 26. Kwanzaa is an annual week-long celebration, observed from December 26 to January 1. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, it is based on seven core principles known as Ngouzo Saba. These principles – unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith – celebrate family, community, and culture, according to https://maulanakarenga.org/kwanzaa/. St. Pete Youth Farm Director Carla Bristol hosted the celebration’s kickoff event on Friday. “Long after somebody creates something and they’re not even here, we’re still calling their name, we’re still doing the work. I’m excited that Dr. Maulana Karenga created this series of days so that we can all celebrate together,” said Bristol. The afternoon event featured African dance, a drum circle performance, and a libation ceremony, during which attendees honored their past loved ones and ancestors. Following the service, guests were served dinner and drinks. A highlight of the meal was the rosemary garlic bread, baked with fresh rosemary from St. Pete’s Youth Farm. “It’s [Kwanzaa] about our community. It’s about us,” said Bristol. The free event is the first of a seven-day series dedicated to Kwanzaa principles. The calendar includes: Day 1 – UMOJA (Unity) @ Gallerie 909 & St. Pete Youth Farm | 5 PM – 8 PM Friday, December 26 Day 2 – KUJICHAGULIA (Self Determination) @ Cohort of Champions & Community EFX | 12 PM – 2 PM Saturday, December 27 Day 3 – UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility) @ Bethel Community Baptist Church | 4 PM – 6 PM Sunday, December 28 Day 4 – UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) @ One Community Grocery Co-op & Child’s Park NA | 6 PM – 8 PM Monday, December 29 Day 5 – NIA (Purpose) @ St. Petersburg Islamic Center | 6 PM – 8 PM Tuesday, December 30 Day 6 – KUUMBA (Creativity) @ Women of Black Wall Street | 6 PM – 8 PM Wednesday, December 31 Day 7 – IMANI (Faith) @ Banya Tree Project Ino | 6 PM – 8 PM Monday, January 1 Follow Kwanzaa St. Pete for updates on the upcoming events. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Photo by Isis Climes: St. Pete Youth Farm Director Carla Bristol and volunteers Photo by Carla Bristol: African drummer (left), St. Pete Youth Farm Director Carla Bristol (right) Photo by Isis Climes: African dancers’ drum performance Photo by Carla Bristol: Drum circle and guests Photo by Isis Climes: Pippa Mpunzwana sitting in front of her stall Photo by Isis Climes: Drum circle Photo by Isis Climes: African dancers Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

On January 31, 2026, real estate professional Mo Franklin and his partner, Samantha Franklin, will be having their third annual “No Place Like Home” community event at St. Petersburg College at the Midtown Campus. In the last two years, their hosted event has attracted over 300 participants. “No Place Like Home” provides information on how to purchase a home and get a mortgage, and offers access to affordable builders (Suncoast Housing Connections, Neighborhood Home Solutions, and Habitat for Humanity). Additionally, several banks will be present that specialize in community lending and offer expertise in programs designed to help first-time homebuyers. In 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the median age of first-time homebuyers had skyrocketed to nearly forty years old, setting a new record in the US, largely due to affordability issues, student loan debt, and a tight housing market. In the fall of 2025, things remained the same, with millennials continuing to bemoan housing costs. Saving for a home can be challenging, especially for first-time homebuyers, who must budget for the down payment and other new home purchase costs. Photo by Isis Climes Inflation is also making it harder to save, with soaring prices for rent, groceries, and often gas. All together, these factors are making it harder for younger home-buyers to attain their dream of home-ownership…even in what seems to be a buyer’s market. However, there are indications that things will be changing – recent trends seem to be forecasting that we are moving out of a seller’s market and into a buyer’s market. In this real estate market, a healthy supply of housing for sale creates leverage for the buyer, as opposed to a seller’s market, when there’s less housing for buyers, and prices go up. With increased supply, the buyer’s ability to purchase a home at more favorable prices improves. Can first-time buyers hope to purchase homes in this environment? Mo and Sam are determined to help it be so for local residents. Offering his own perspective on the current market, Mo noted, “A real estate buyer market primarily is caused by an oversupply of homes, for sales relative to the number of buyers. That gives buyers more leverage. Most of the time, what you’ll see is that prices start to fall, higher inventory, lower demand, flat home prices, longer market time, in regard to how long the property’s on the market, more room to negotiate.” Franklin advocates that homebuyers use their resources when considering homeownership. When researching homes, interested buyers should look into homebuyer assistance and education programs. Their Facebook page spotlights organizations, such as St. Petersburg Neighborhood Home Solutions and Suncoast Housing Connections, that assist homebuyers in the Tampa Bay area. “There are home buying education classes that educate you on the homebuying process; things to look for in your mortgage, things to look for in how you work with a realtor, but also things regarding homeownership and the difference between being a homeowner and being a renter,” said Franklin. Mo and Sam have begun marketing an interest line to begin rolling out pricing, completion dates, and other details that factor into purchasing The Deuces townhomes from the City of St. Petersburg. Those twenty-four townhomes will be affordable homes, sold at between 80% and 120% of the area median income. For those seeking homeownership, you can reach out to Franklin on Mo & Sam at Franklin & Associates Realty’s Facebook page. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube Photo by Isis Climes Photo & edited by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes

While economists speculate about whether the U.S. will soon enter a recession, Black America may already be in the grips of one, based on the latest federal jobs reports, released in November and December. Analysts are using the term “vibecession” to describe the mismatch between the widespread “feeling” that the economy is weakening, versus the hard data showing that employment and income are holding fairly steady, at least in the aggregate. But drill below the national averages, and conditions are much different — and much worse — for African Americans. No other group has seen as much change in employment since Donald Trump was re-elected president last fall. Though the absolute number of employed Black workers is up by about 1% since October 2024, that masks negative changes that signal not only hard times ahead for African Americans, but a possible reversal of positive trends occurring over the past decade. 1. Black Americans are the only group to see unemployment spike Black workers are the only racial and ethnic group to see their unemployment rate spike since Trump won the November 2024 election. The latest monthly jobs report shows Black unemployment nearly 1.5 times higher than it was before the 2024 election. The rate rose from 5.7% in October 2024 to 8.3% in November 2025 – a level not seen since the pandemic. Meanwhile, unemployment has changed little for other groups. The rate rose by one-tenth of 1% for white Americans, and fell modestly for Asian workers (-0.3%) and Hispanics (-0.1%). Figure 1: Unemployment Rate by Month (Oct 2024 – Nov 2025) 2. Black workers alone lost management & professional jobs The past year saw dramatic changes in the types of jobs held by African Americans. The biggest change: from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, the Black management and professional workforce shrank by nearly half a million workers (a loss of 6.5% of this cohort). By sharp contrast, other racial and ethnic groups experienced growth in their management and professional workforce, ranging from 1% for white Americans to 13% for Hispanic Americans. Figure 2: Change in Management & Professional Workforce by Race (Oct 2024 – Nov 2025) Over the same time, the number of Black workers in service jobs grew by 3.5%; the number in sales and office jobs was up 7.9%; and the number of Black workers in construction and maintenance rose by 10.3%. 3. Black workers have seen double-digit losses in some occupations If trends continue, the Black workforce could see critical mass-level losses in occupation groups where African Americans were already underrepresented. A drill down into subcategories of management and professional jobs shows several groups that lost one-tenth or more of their Black workforce over the past year. The most drastic case is arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media, which lost over one-quarter of its Black workforce (26%). The next biggest hit was in life, physical, and social sciences, where the Black workforce shrank by 18%, followed by legal occupations and community and social service jobs, which lost 15% and 13% of Black workers, respectively. Figure 3: Change in Number of Black Workers in Management & Professional Subcategories (Oct 2024 – Nov 2025) 4. Black Americans were the only group whose full-time workforce shrank Other groups added full-time workers over the past year, while Black Americans had a loss in this cohort. From Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, the Black workforce lost about 91,000 of its full-time workers. Figure 4: Change in Full-Time Workers (Oct 2024 – Nov 2025) 5. Black workers had the biggest increase in permanent job losses* The data leave little doubt that Black job seekers are having a much harder time both finding and keeping jobs, relative to other groups. From Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, African Americans had the largest increase in permanent job losses* (by far). This was both in absolute number and in the percentage of the unemployed who cite permanent job losses as the reason they are jobless. Though Black Americans are only 13% of the nation’s labor force, the increase in their permanent job losses represents an incredible 64% of the national total (167,000 for African Americans and 261,000 for all Americans). Figure 5: Change in Permanent Job Losses*(Oct 2024 – Nov 2025) *Counting only unemployed workers who cite permanent job losses as the reason they are unemployed (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey Table E-17. Unemployed people by reason for unemployment, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity) Summary Infographic See our Infographic: 5 Big Changes in Black Employment Since Trump Was Re-Elected. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube Sources This analysis used data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, including The Employment Situation (Monthly for October 2024 through November 2025, Tables A-2 and A-3) and Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey (Quarterly for November 2025, Tables E-13 and E-17).

The new and expanded team of the Power Broker Media Group, l-to-r, Gypsy Gallardo, Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Robert Gallardo, Toni Gallardo, Carl Lavender, Jake-ann Jones, Trevor Pettiford, Alan Turnquist, Adrienne Reddick, Isis Climes, Will Johnson, Aleyah Conway, Jenina Quines, and Ashlyn Baker. The Power Broker magazine is celebrating 20 years as one of the few publications in Tampa Bay that elevates and amplifies the Black American experience. Its parent company, Power Broker Media Group, is marking the occasion with the launch of an ambitious new growth plan and a multimedia 20th Anniversary Platinum Edition of the magazine. The small family-run organization has staffed up for the occasion, tripling its team over the past five months, while building a business plan that will help reinvigorate the local Black media landscape. Deborah Figgs-Sanders returned to the organization last summer as Director of Strategic Partnerships. She previously served as the Power Broker’s Business Manager from 2006 to 2010, when she pioneered the firm’s digital calendar. Deborah has served as a Donor Advisor to the organization’s charitable fund since 2014. She also serves as a St. Petersburg City Councilmember. Another Power Broker alumni, Carl Lavender, Jr., will serve as Senior Advisor to the firm’s efforts on two fronts – raising awareness around community-led philanthropy, and building a media-philanthropy nexus that replicates national efforts funded by Ford Foundation, Knight Foundation, and others. New additions to the team are well-known media talents, including Jake-ann Jones as Editorial Consultant. Jake has long written for and continues to support the Weekly Challenger newspaper. Veteran broadcast journalist Trevor Pettiford will launch the Power Broker’s twice-weekly Grapevine News video series, airing on YouTube in January 2026. Trevor, formerly with Tampa’s Bay News 9, is also collaborating with Deborah to host a three-part training for on-camera personalities working with local independent media organizations. The series will be held in partnership with the Pinellas County Urban League Next Level Alliance. St. Pete native Isis Climes was hired this fall as the Power Broker’s first year-round reporter. She recently returned home after completing a master’s in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts from the University of Baltimore, and will initially focus on written news. Isis is joined by Ashlyn Baker, a recent University of South Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications and Multimedia Journalism. Ashlyn will serve as a multimedia reporter for the Power Broker, contributing digital and social media news products. Adrienne Reddick joined the team in October of this year as host of The Pulse Podcast, the Power Broker’s first video-based venture and first foray on YouTube. She produces weekly pods, tag-teaming with Will Johnson, who will serve as videographer and video editor across multiple new titles by the company. In keeping with the Power Broker’s generational legacy-building structure, family members rounding out the team include Robert Gallardo as investor and Creative Director – a hat he also wears for AWGE, working with ASAP Rocky and other creatives. Toni Gallardo will continue her role as Business Operations Manager, a position she’s held for the past five years. Alan Turnquist is contracting with the firm for SEO coordination and digital app development. Aleyah Conway was hired early this month as Research Coordinator and is also playing backup to overhauling the Power Broker’s media platforms. Jenina Quines is doing double duty, as Social Media Manager and administrative coordinator for creative assets. The company’s founder Gypsy Gallardo will remain at the helm for the next year, with the goal of hiring a chief operations officer to oversee the team. Gypsy describes the new growth plan as “a multi-generational collaboration to not only reinvigorate but to reimagine the role of legacy Black media as the nation grapples with what multiracialism looks like in practice.” Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Photo by Isis Climes: Ricardo Foster stands by one of his air carriers in his personal hanger. Fly high at Ricardo Foster’s Infinity Aero Club Tampa! Foster’s flight club is targeted towards youth, individuals, and service members. The club’s goal is to inspire individuals through aviation and STEM-AvIA (Art, Venture, Innovation, and Athletics) programs by expanding access to these opportunities. Since its conception, the aero club has attended over 270 outreach events, 30 drone camps and educational events, and 12 solo flights. It has impacted over 250,000 individuals since 2020 through its multiple outreach programs throughout the Tampa Bay community. “In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, we directly impacted more than 7,000 children through 19 venue outreach events,” Ricardo proudly stated. “I said I was going to help people…That’s what the flying club does, build camaraderie, help the community, help them understand what aviation is about,” said Foster. Initially starting as a flight club with his friends in 2018, Foster embarked on a solo mission and founded Infinity Aero Club Tampa in May of 2020. The aero club centered its focus on the youth after Foster volunteered at Pinecrest Academy, Wesley Chapel, later that year. “I impacted over 250 kids, K-8, and talked to them about airplanes,” said Foster. “I fell in love with the mindset of educating these kids about aviation. They were so excited!” Foster recalls his love for planes starting when he was young, and he would watch his mother fly out to travel abroad. Decades later, Foster joined the United States Navy and retired as a Lieutenant Commander after almost 30 years of service. He has grand plans for the club, including the “Red Tail Roost Aviation Tribute: Hidden Treasures Tour,” an educational workshop featuring an aero circuit where members fly around the nation. Additionally, Foster works to inspire regional and local communities through workforce development and training programs via their Mission Aviation Academy online hybrid program. Foster owns a private collection of aviation-themed history in his home, specifically relics and photos of the Tuskegee Airmen — African American pilots and support personnel who fought in World War II. Foster offers open-hour tours along with drone and flight simulation training. He noted that without “the Tuskegee Airmen and their contributions to the war, and then to America as a whole, the war would not have been won without them.” In honor of Lt. Col. George E. Hardy, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen who died in 2025, and a personal friend of Foster’s, Foster plans to repaint one of his aircraft carriers the same colors as Hardy’s in his memory. If you’re ready to take flight with the Infinity Aero Club, mark your calendars for February 5th from 10 AM to 2 PM. The Infinity Aero Club of Tampa will be hosting its fifth annual “Fly-In Charity Breakfast”. The event will honor the Tuskegee Airmen and feature on-site learning opportunities, including pilot interactions, flight simulators, and an aircraft tour. Visit their website for future events and news. Share Your Story with The Power Broker To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes Photo by Isis Climes

Robyn Donaldson’s Renew Construction Services provides expertise in architectural design, general contracting, roofing, electrical services, and more. Image courtesy of Robyn Donaldson Across Tampa Bay, more Black professionals and leaders are beginning to rethink what productivity looks like in the age of artificial intelligence. AI has moved into a space that is no longer about trends, but about practical ways to manage time, reduce burnout, and rethink how work gets done. One of those leaders is Robyn Donaldson, an architectural designer, trade instructor, and founder of STEM Xposure Inc., whose work spans construction, education, and community development. In addition to running Renew Construction and leading her nonprofit that has a record of serving more than 15,000 young women, Donaldson has spent years balancing business, service, and leadership with little room to slow down. Before she began using AI systems, Donaldson said she regularly worked close to one hundred hours a week.“I would put my phone down and miss a call,” she said. “I never felt like I could step away.” That pace eventually caught up with her. After experiencing a stroke, Donaldson was forced to take a hard look at how she was managing her life and her workload. She realized that continuing at the same speed was not sustainable, and that something had to change if she wanted to protect her health and be present for her family. Today, Donaldson relies on what she calls her AI team to manage customer calls, scheduling, emails, social media, and administrative support. She shared a video created entirely through AI, which introduces each virtual team member by name and explains how they keep her operations running day to day. She states these tools help her average twenty-four hours of work a week, all for about forty dollars a month. For Donaldson, the shift was never about convenience. It was about quality of life and survival.“It gave me my life back,” she said. “My health, my time, my identity. The most important thing for me was being able to show up for my family again.” What Donaldson describes is something many professionals in Tampa Bay are beginning to embrace. Entrepreneurs are using AI to fill staffing gaps. Nonprofits are leaning on automation to stretch limited budgets. Professionals in corporate spaces are navigating new expectations around efficiency and output. Donaldson is now using the same strategies that changed her own life to help other organizations do the same. As an affiliate and partner with Marblism.com, she works with nonprofits to show them how AI can support fundraising, communication, and daily operations without requiring massive budgets or large teams. Although she admits she was once conflicted about the role AI would play in the future, Donaldson believes changing the narrative is more powerful than resisting it. Instead of focusing on fear or loss, she is focused on teaching people how to use the tools responsibly and effectively so they are not left behind. “The kids who come from privilege are not just learning this,” she said. “They are mastering it. Our kids deserve that same chance.” As technology continues to reshape the workplace, stories like Donaldson’s point to a growing reality for professionals in Tampa Bay. The focus is shifting from working harder to working in ways that protect time, health, and long-term sustainability and success. To learn more about Robyn Donaldson’s journey and her efforts to reshape how communities engage with technology, visit https://www.stemxposure.com/. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Robyn Donaldson started the nonprofit STEM Xposure in 2019 to expose girls to real-world STEM, beauty science, and global opportunities. Image courtesy of Robyn Donaldson “AI Robyn” Image courtesy of Robyn Donaldson

A photo by the Black Art Gallery Foundation’s Instagram shows attendees from the third annual Black Art Gala event. The fourth annual Black Art Gala will take place at 6 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Straz Center. The Black Art Gala Foundation and Green Book of Tampa Bay, Inc., proudly present this event at the Ferguson Venue, in partnership with 101.5 The Vibe, Symphonic Distribution, The Tampa EDITION, the Barrymore Hotel, and Crown Royal. This year’s theme, Black Art Gala: A Celebration of Black Excellence in Art and Culture, honors artists and community leaders who’ve shaped Tampa Bay’s cultural landscape. Sunday’s formal event showcases art exhibits by local artists, promoting cultural heritage and empowerment within the community. The night’s events include: Fine Art Exhibits: Display of Tampa Bay’s finest African American artists Live Musical Performances: Musical performances from renowned local Black artists Community Connection: The chance to connect and celebrate community impact Cash Bar: Available refreshments From 6 PM to 8PM, the artist village will open for guests to explore the gallery, meet the artists, and visit the photo booth. From 8 PM to 10 PM, the stage show performances will begin, followed by an awards ceremony. Green Book of Tampa Bay’s Executive Director and the gala’s cohost, Dr. Hillary M. Van Dyke, shared her excitement for the night’s events. “Event goers should expect to be amazed by Tampa Bay showing out! Everyone is dressed to the nines…As we continue to build this event, we hope to continue to support Justin Gray (member of the Producers’ Group Board for the Straz Center for the Performing Arts) and the Black Art Gala Foundation in making this Tampa Bay’s Met Gala,” said Dr. Van Dyke. Jay Coachman, founder of Coachman Creations, is one of the featured artists showcased at Sunday’s event. “My work centers on Black portraits and figures presented in a vibrant, authentic way. Each piece invites the viewer to look inward, sparking reflection, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to their own identity,” said Coachman. Coachman wants attendees to take away from her pieces that they are “infinite, royal beings — Kings and Queens of the past, present, and future.” The Black Art Gala Foundation was founded in 2022 and has since dedicated itself to celebrating and preserving the artistic achievements and advancements of African American artists. Tickets are available on the Straz Center’s official website. Secure your spot and join a night of festivities fueled by culture, community, and artistry. Share Your Story with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos A photo from greenbooktb’s Instagram shows the event’s flyer. A photo from greenbooktb’s Instagram shows Green Book of Tampa Bay’s Vice President, Dr. Hillary M. Van Dyke. A photo from greenbooktb’s Instagram shows art from the third annual Black Art Gala event. A photo from greenbooktb’s Instagram shows art from the third annual Black Art Gala event.

The Sunshine City Film Festival’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of independent film in St. Petersburg. (Image courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival) The Sunshine City Film Festival is officially underway in St. Petersburg, celebrating its 10th anniversary with six days of film screenings, cultural events, and community programming across the city. Running January 14 through 19, 2026, the festival continues its mission of supporting independent filmmakers while creating opportunities for connection, learning, and artistic exchange throughout the Tampa Bay area. Over the past decade, Sunshine City Film Festival has grown into one of the region’s key platforms for both emerging and established creatives. The festival has built a reputation for highlighting diverse voices and original storytelling, while fostering conversations that extend beyond the screen and into the local creative community. “The Sunshine City Film Festival has been an engine for opportunity, talent development, and cultural equity. This anniversary is not just a milestone, it’s a statement,” said the festival’s director Cranstan Cumberbatch. The anniversary began January 14 with a kickoff party at Greenlight Cinema, where filmmakers, artists, and longtime supporters gathered to reflect on a decade of storytelling. On January 15, the festival continues with Surreal Films Night at The Dalí Museum, featuring a curated selection of short films followed by a director and cast Q&A offering audiences a closer look at the creative process behind their work. A festival signature on January 16, the Ladies In Film and Entertainment (L.I.F.E) Celebration at The Dalí Museum honors women making an impact across film, media, and the arts. The evening centers leadership, creativity, and representation, while giving attendees space to connect across disciplines. Debbie Yati Garrett, who is coordinating the Ladies In Film and Entertainment Celebration, shared her perspective on the festival’s impact. “The Sunshine City Film Festival feels like home. There is something special about sharing stories in St. Petersburg. This festival values creativity, community, and independent voices. Being part of the 10th anniversary reminds me of why I started making films in the first place,” noted Garrett. “As a filmmaker, having my work shown in The Dalí Museum and hosting the L.I.F.E. Celebration is greatly meaningful and an incredible opportunity.” She added that SCFF creates a space to bring people together, not only from Tampa Bay, but also tourists who visit the region from around the world. Film screenings continue January 17 and 18 at the historic Beach Theatre, with a lineup that includes independent narratives, documentaries, student films, and music videos. Each screening block concludes with filmmaker Q&As, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from creators about the challenges, inspirations, and perspectives shaping their films. The festival concludes January 19 with final screenings, awards presentations, and a closeout celebration at Greenlight Cinema. The evening recognizes outstanding films and creatives across multiple categories while reflecting on the festival’s growth and the community that has sustained it over the past ten years. To attend the festival or learn more to learn more about The Sunshine Film Festival, visit https://www.sunshinecityfilmfestival.com/ Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Debbie Yati Garrett, coordinator of the Ladies in Film & Entertainment (L.I.F.E.) Celebration (Photo courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival A look back – Terri Lipsey Scott, Deborah Figgs-Sanders at 2019 SCFF (Photo courtesy of Sunshine Film Festival) Cumberbatch, director of the Sunshine City Film Festival, greets attendees during a previous year’s festival event. (Photo courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival) Festival director Cranstan Cumberbatch, (holding sign) with festival participants during a previous year’s event. (Photo courtesy of Sunshine City Film Festival) A look back – Denyse Nessy P Phipps with filmmakers from previous festival (Photo courtesy of Sunshine Film Festival

Photo from City of St. Pete’s 2025 MLK Day Parade (edited by Isis Climes) Following a three-month push to organize what was once the largest MLK Day parade in the nation, Samantha Harris, President of the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival (TBCGF), has successfully met the goal of welcoming at least 100 groups to participate in this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Harris had the momentous task of recruiting at least 100 groups for the 39th Annual St. Pete MLK Parade – The Power of A Dream. As of now, 106 participants will be present on Monday, January 19th, by floats, bikes, vehicles, and other modes of transportation. “Reaching more than 100 participants was truly a community effort. We leaned into trusted relationships, including churches, civic organizations, small and large businesses, shared the opportunity with our TBCGF mailing list, etc.,” said Harris. The city of St. Petersburg issued a request for proposals for a new administrator/organizer to run the St. Pete MLK Parade last summer. Harris pitched to Boyzell Hosey, co-founder of the Collard Green Festival and coordinator of the MLK parade, to submit a proposal for the position. Hosey said he was initially hesitant to take on the challenge of organizing the parade. “It’s a lot of work, and I just thought about, ‘wow, can we actually pull this off’…With the idea of putting together a team, even though it would be hard work, if we were able to pull this off, then perhaps we can do it,” said Hosey on a recent episode of the Ray Tampa Podcast. Harris and Hosey’s proposal won the bid, and they were awarded a three-year contract to run the St. Pete MLK Day parade. “This event serves as a powerful reminder that unity and purpose are still very much alive,” said Harris. Some notable groups that will be present: -City of St. Pete council members and Mayor Ken Welch -Pinellas County Urban League -Talladega College -Woodson African American Museum of Florida -John Hopkins All Children Participants from churches, schools, bands, and St. Petersburg city workers will also be present during the mile-and-a-half walk. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and travels east to west on 1st Avenue South, starting at 3rd Street South. Information about the parade and the destination’s map can be found at https://www.stpetemlkparade.com/. Share Your Story with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokermagazine.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube. More Photos Photo from Samantha Harris showcasing Talladega College Photo from City of St. Pete’s 2025 MLK Day Parade (edited by Isis Climes) Photo from City of St. Pete’s 2025 MLK Day Parade

Brian Peret, director of CodeBoxx Academy, believes more people in our communities deserve a real stake in the future being built through technology. CodeBoxx is located in St. Petersburg’s Ark Innovation Center, a hub supporting entrepreneurship by connecting founders with resources, mentorship, and collaborative space within the city’s larger Innovation District. While centered in a location devised to drive growth in technology and emerging industries, Peret believes that vision only works when access to emerging industries is not limited to a select few. “The biggest thing we can do is show people in our community that the pathway exists right now,” Peret said. “There are companies actively asking for more developers, and I want those opportunities going to people who reflect the communities we live in.” Peret views CodeBoxx as a response to the widening gap in who gets access to technology careers. His work centers on building a pipeline where more people from overlooked communities can step into meaningful careers and long-term stability. “We make dreams happen by betting on you before you bet on you,” Peret said. “My favorite part of my job is creating momentum in people where it does not yet exist.” CodeBoxx operates on a 640-hour program designed to prepare students for real workforce environments. Students who attend full-time can complete the program in about four months, while others move at a pace that reflects their real-life responsibilities. In recent months, the program celebrated a major milestone, with seven graduates securing full-time AI developer roles starting at $60,000 a year with full benefits. The curriculum focuses on technical training in AI and software development, while also introducing students to professional expectations such as collaboration, communication, and project workflows. “Communication, business value, project management, version control,” Peret said. “Those are the skills people need when they step into real tech environments.” Students spoke with pride about how much their skills have grown since entering the program. Many began with no coding experience and are now building projects, working with real tools, and gaining a clearer understanding of how technology functions in professional environments. Describing the experience as challenging “in a productive way,” students talked about showing up consistently, staying committed, and recognizing progress in their work. “Work pays off,” one student said. “The passion and dedication, even when you don’t know how to do something, it’s about finding the solution and never quitting.” Peret said the foundation of the program is belief in effort, consistency, and potential. “I have a fundamental assumption that if you show up and put your heart into it, you can succeed,” he said. “That allows us to see people based on potential instead of privilege.” He also believes teams built with broader perspectives are stronger and better equipped to serve diverse clients and communities. As technology continues to reshape every industry, Peret hopes more people who have historically been excluded from these spaces begin to see themselves as part of the future being built. “I see the greatness in people,” he said. “And I’m going to do everything I can to help them get there.” For information on Code Boxx Academy and Brian Peret’s mission to expand access to technology careers in St. Petersburg, visit their website at https://codeboxx.com. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube More Photos Brian Peret, director of CodeBoxx Academy, focuses on expanding access to technology careers in St. Petersburg. Taken by Ashlyn Baker Brian showed the “VU Studio” which is used as a space for high-tech, AI-focused training, including the CodeBoxx AI Literacy and Applications Bootcamp. Photos by Ashlyn Baker Handwritten messages from current and former students line the entrance to CodeBoxx, offering a glimpse into the impact of the program and the community it has created. Photo by Ashlyn Baker. Brian Peret with Codeboxx Coach Will McGall & Recent graduate of the academy Pablo Seoane Brian Peret is passionate about opening doors to technology careers for more people from communities often left out of the field.Photo by Ashlyn Baker

Photo credit Wikimedia Commons: Claudette Colvin as a teenager. Months before Rosa Parks’ arrest, on March 2, 1955, a 15-year-old Claudette Colvin was handcuffed and jailed for her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger. Colvin rode home from school when the bus driver demanded that she and three fellow Black students give up their seats to a white lady. Colvin sat in the segregated section and refused to move. Later in life, she stated that, “It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down. I couldn’t get up.” (HISTORY.com Editors, 2016). Though Montgomery’s segregation laws demanded that Black passengers sit behind white passengers, it was an unspoken rule for bus drivers to force Black riders to give up their seats for white passengers. Colvin was handcuffed and arrested by two police officers who put her in a local adult jail. “It’s my constitutional right to sit here as much as that lady. I paid my fare, it’s my constitutional right,” said Colvin. (Biography.Com Editors and Tyler Piccotti, 2026) Colvin was charged with violating segregation law, disorderly conduct, and assaulting a police officer. In 1956, Montgomery lawyer and activist Fred D. Gray represented Colvin and three other Black women plaintiffs in the Browder v. Gayle case. Gray, joined by Charles D. Langford, challenged Montgomery’s bus system as unconstitutional and filed a lawsuit on behalf of the four women. The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the ruling that bus segregation violated the 14th Amendment. This historically momentous case was followed by the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparked by Parks’ arrest. Although both Colvin and Parks shared similar historical origins, Parks was ultimately chosen as the face of the revolution because of Colvin’s background. Colvin’s teen pregnancy, age, and color were all factors that the NAACP considered when they briefly thought of choosing her to challenge segregation laws. In the end, they believed those factors would negatively impact the public battle and decisively chose Parks to take the helm of the movement. Colvin moved to New York two years later due to the hardships she endured. She ultimately dropped out of college and struggled to keep a job due to the negative publicity she received from the court case. She later found work as a nurse’s aide at a Manhattan nursing home and retired in 2004. Colvin died of natural causes on January 13, 2026, at the age of 86. Yet, before she passed, Colvin was celebrated. She has received multiple recognitions and awards. A notable achievement was the expungement of her juvenile court record, for which she filed a petition in court in October 2021. Colvin’s legacy continues to be shared, and she lives on in memory as a U.S. civil rights icon. “I knew then, and I know now that, when it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can’t sugarcoat it. You have to take a stand and say, ‘This is not right.’” – Claudette Colvin Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube Citation Information: HISTORY.com Editors. “15-Year-Old Claudette Colvin Refuses to Give up Her Seat.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Jan. 2026, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-2/claudette-colvin-refuses-to-give-up-her-seat. Biography.Com Editors, and Tyler Piccotti. “How Claudette Colvin Played a Pivotal, yet Often Overlooked, Role in the Civil Rights Movement.” Https://Www.Biography.Com, www.biography.com/activists/claudette-colvin. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026. Updated: Jan 15, 2026 2:44 PM EST Photo credit Wikimedia Commons: Claudette Colvin speaking at a Women’s History Month event in 2014.

ST. PETERSBURG – Following a competitive round of business pitches last Wednesday, September 18, a panel of judges selected six local entrepreneurs to join the NLUA Trade Mission to the Motherland visiting Ghana. Awarding $21,000 in sponsorships ranging from $2,500 to $4,500, the pitch competition was a step towards heading to Ghana, one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. The mission is an initiative of Pinellas County Urban League’s Next Level Urban Alliance (NLUA), a network of entrepreneurs, professionals, and development leaders collaborating to expand the equity-focused entrepreneurial ecosystem (E3) of Pinellas County. The goal of the Alliance is to strengthen entrepreneurship as a vital pathway to economic growth for African Americans. The 8-day trade mission was conceived as a way to connect local entrepreneurs and business leaders with international opportunities in sectors including technology, agriculture, trade, and tourism. Entrepreneurs selected from the pitch night would be invited to join the trip via a scholarship award, allowing them to expand their relationships and knowledge while interfacing with Ghanaian entrepreneurs, business leaders and government officials. Eligibility requirements included being 18 years or older, living within the 33705, 33711 and 33712 area codes, and being a member of Next Level Urban Alliance. On Thursday, September 19, NLUA released the results of the PCUL Next Level Urban Alliance Pitch Competition. Invited judges included Nicole Phillip, Lisa Brody, Kenneth Jones, Gloria Campbell, and Corey Mccaster. “This has been a journey filled with remarkable talent, innovative ideas, and a deep commitment to business excellence from every participant,” shared Marshae M. Brown, MBA, PCUL’s Entrepreneurship Center Manager. Brown described the competition as “intense.” After a rigorous evaluation based on a scoring matrix, six businesses were selected to receive scholarships to join the trade mission to Ghana. The six selected businesses/entrepreneurs are: i Coach – Tanille Williams | Score: 485 | Scholarship: $4,500 St. Pete Youth Farm – Carla Bristol | Score: 456 | Scholarship: $4,500 Boss Lady Construction – Celeste Collins | Score: 424 | Scholarship: $4,500 Black on the Scene – Tamia Kennedy | Score: 410 | Scholarship: $2,500 Terra 3D Tech – Bo Countryman | Score: 408 | Scholarship: $2,500 Saturday Shoppes – Renee Edwards | Score: 406 | Scholarship: $2,500 Saturday Shoppes – Renee Edwards Brown noted that these businesses excelled based on key criteria including innovation, market potential, and overall impact. Tamia Kennedy, the founder of the media production company Black on the Scene, shared, “I mean it still feels unreal. Traveling to Africa was definitely on my bucket list but I figured it would be years down the line. But that just goes to show that God’s plans are much better than ours. I’m really looking forward to documenting this journey and sharing it with everyone, in true BOTS fashion. Thank you again PCUL, I’m beyond grateful!” The St. Pete Youth Farm’s director Carla Bristol noted, “It’s exciting to know that the impact of the work being done by teens here in South St. Pete can provide a pivotal solution to challenges in Ghana.” She added that she was excited for the selected teams, whose work would now have “global reach.” To all the participants, Marshae Brown shared, “While we can only select six businesses for this mission, every participant brought something truly special to the competition. Your dedication, passion, and bold ideas made this process inspiring, and we are confident that your businesses will continue to thrive. We encourage you to stay engaged, as this is just one opportunity of many!” Since NLUA’s inception, through the collective contributions of over 100 organizations, the partners have created over 30 new business development programs that have helped over 840 entrepreneurs to learn, launch or grow their enterprises. PCUL NLUA community partners include the Equity Institute, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, Deuces Live, and One Community. The initiative is funded by the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg | Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital. Learn more about the Next Level Urban Alliance at https://www.pcul.org/nextlevelurbanalliance. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

The Haitian diaspora staged rallies and protests worldwide in July 2023 to bring attention to the crisis unfolding in Haiti; the above photo from a Haitian American rally in New Jersey, is a recent example of the community’s organizing capacity (Photo by Gamax Photography) By now much of the nation has heard about the vicious and utterly unfounded lies being told by former president Donald Trump about the conduct of legal Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Those lies have had immediate consequences – not only impugning the character and culture of the US Haitian diaspora but putting Haitian and other Springfield residents at risk of verbal and physical attack. In the week following Trump’s smear of the Haitian community during his September 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, more than 30 bomb threats were leveled against Springfield schools, hospitals and government buildings. The Trump camp seems not to recognize or care about the risks to Black bodies. Following the debate, Haitian American journalist Yamiche Alcindor of NBC asked Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, if he was concerned about the collateral damage of Trump’s racist slurs. Vance replied by suggesting that the harm to Haitian migrants was of less import than the hopes and dreams of their Springfield neighbors (who happen to be 80% white). What Trump and Vance may not realize, however, is that it might be they who pay an ultimate price for their toxic falsehoods about Haitian and other immigrants. Why? Because while the spotlight is on a few thousand non-voting Haitian immigrants in a small Midwest town, the United States is home to hundreds of thousands of eligible citizen voters of Haitian descent. Haiti’s descendants are the second largest Black immigrant group in the U.S., with a population of at least 1.15 million – an estimate many believe underrepresents the community’s true total. Of that figure, some 856,000 are U.S. citizens, including 632,000 eligible voters, according to Census data for 2023 (which excludes the roughly 19,000 Haitian Americans who aged into the electorate over the past year). What’s more, the latest Census data show that Americans of Haitian descent have the voting strength to potentially tip the balance in battleground states that will decide this year’s contest. A lion’s share of the U.S. Haitian diaspora lives in states that are not expected to be competitive this year – Florida, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey – which together claim 74% of the nation’s Haitian descendants. But migration patterns over the past decade put tens of thousands of Haitian Americans in several of the states that were won by razor thin margins in 2020. By my estimate (see sources and notes below), Georgia presents the most extreme case-in-point. President Joe Biden won the state by a mere 12,700 votes in 2020, which is fewer than Georgia’s eligible Haitian American voter population of about 20,000 today. In the highly coveted Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the number of Haitian American eligible voters (about 18,500) equates to 23% of Biden’s margin of victory in 2020. The Haitian community is smaller in the other battlegrounds, but still sizable enough to do damage to Trump. In North Carolina, for example, which has only about 7,300 voting age Haitian Americans, the group nevertheless represents as much as 10% of Biden’s margin there four years ago. Arizona’s Haitian population is tiny – with only about 2,100 eligible voters – but this equates to a full one-fifth of Biden’s edge over Trump in 2020. True enough – Kamala Harris likely already had the bulk of the community’s vote. But data show at least two ways Trump may have shot himself in the foot by attacking a community he wrongly perceived as powerless to clap back. One, Haitian Americans vote differently than African Americans On the whole, Haitian Americans are less Democratic-leaning and more religiously conservative than Black Americans, which means that Trump is attacking part of his own base, and in doing so, could drive thousands of votes into the Kamala Harris column. In Florida, an analysis by University of Florida political scientist Dan Smith estimated that 20% of the state’s Haitian American voters sided with Trump in 2020 – which was double the percentage of African Americans who did. Nationally, about 84% of Black Americans are Democrats or Democratic-leaning, according to Pew. That’s 11 points higher than the 72% of Haitian Americans who identified as Democrats in a national survey in 2023 by the Ayiti Diaspora Collaborative and Florida International University. Two, Haitian Americans are gifted mobilizers If the analysts are correct that this is a “turnout” race, Trump’s insults may have the unintended effect of driving Haitian American turnout for Harris to even higher heights than expected. Haitian Americans have a long and proud history of mass mobilization and activation. Haitians are, after all, the original Black revolutionaries. Haiti is the world’s first Black-led republic and was the second country in the Americas to gain its independence (the first being the U.S.). Trump has witnessed the community’s organizing prowess up close. It was the mass protest of over 100,000 Haitian Americans in 1990 in New York (Trump’s hometown) that ultimately led the US government to end the practice of citing Haitian ancestry as a risk factor for HIV – a false connection Trump continues to stoke. The diaspora may be poised to unleash that same volume of energy against Trump come November. Only this time, instead of mass rallies in the streets, Haitian Americans may show up en masse at the ballot box. Sources & Notes US Census American Community Survey Table S0201 Selected Population Profile (2021, 2022, and 2023) US Census Decennial Census Detailed Demographic & Housing Characteristics File A Table T01001 Total Population (2020) Population estimates by state for 2024 were derived by adjusting 2020 figures by the Haitian population’s national average annual growth rate, which was calculated from changes between 2021 and 2023. Eligible voter estimates were derived by applying the national figure for percentage of Haitians in the US who are citizens and the national figure for percentage who are adults, figures which may vary from state to state.

How Black men will vote in the razor-close presidential race is one of the hottest topics of the 2024 election cycle. Local leaders are bringing the dialogue to Tampa Bay with a multimedia power panel of Black men, next Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The in-person event starts at 6 pm with a meet & greet buffet at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, and Zoom participants can at 6:30 pm. To contribute to the discussion, the Power Broker magazine put together some quick facts on the unique voting patterns of Black men – the second largest male voting group in Pinellas County. 1. Black men registered to vote An estimated 27,300 Black men are registered and eligible to vote in Pinellas (as of 8,31/2024). Black men are the county’s second largest male voting group. 27,323 Black men registered & able to vote 2. Men’s Share of the Black Electorate Men were only 38% of African Americans who voted in the 2020 election, which is a lower ratio than men of other race & ethnic groups carry in their communities (hover over bars below for vote shares). This is because Black men have lower registration AND lower turnout rates, compared with Black women and other groups. Figure 1: Men's share of the Black electorate 3. Men unable to vote due to prior felonies An estimated 8,600 Black men in Pinellas County are disenfranchised and unable to vote due to a prior felony conviction. This includes an estimated 3,925 men who’ve completed their sentences but are still paying or still owe fees and fines to the criminal justice system. 8,610 Black men disenfranchised & unable to vote (est.) 4. Gender difference in turnout rate Though Black men narrowed the turnout gap in the 2020 election, their turnout rate continues to lag Black women and other groups. In the 2020 election, 64% of registered Black men voted vs 73% of Black women (a 9% gap). The Black male-female turnout gap is more than 4 times larger than the white gender gap (which was 2% in 2020, with 82% turnout by white women and 80% turnout by white men). Figure 2: Black voter turnout rates in 2020 election 5. Big difference in turnout and gender gap by age Across all race groups, young Americans tend to vote at lower rates than their elders. But the age difference is bigger for Black voters (e.g., in 2020, turnout for 18 to 24 year old Black men was close to half the turnout rate for Black men age 65+). In addition, the Black gender gap is bigger for younger voters (e.g., we see an 11% gap in turnout for Black women vs men in the 18 to 24 age group, vs a gap of only 4% for Black voters who are 75+) Figure 3: Black turnout rate in 2020, by age and gender 6. Gender difference in party learnings CNN and Washington Post exit polls for Florida show that more Black men than Black women voted for Republican and third-party candidates in 2016 and 2020. In 2020 for example, 17% of Black men voted for Donald Trump or a third party candidate for president vs 9% of Black women. Figure 4: Black support for 3rd-party & Republican candidates Join us for A Candid Conversation on Why Black Men Do & Don’t Vote Featuring a diverse panel of Black men from Florida’s Tampa Bay Region HOSTED BY THE POWER OF THE VOTE COLLECTIVE Sep 17, 2024 | A Hybrid Event RSVP to join in person, starting at 6:00 pm Register to join via Zoom, starting at 6:30 pm Click here to download the report: 6 Facts On How Black Men Vote Pinellas County, Florida. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Then US Senator Kamala Harris speaking at the 2019 Iowa Democratic Wing Ding at Surf Ballroom (by Gage Skidmore) The results of a snap poll of 100 diverse African American leaders in Florida indicates the 2024 general election may generate epic Black voter turnout with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket for Democrats. Compared to the Obama era, the results also show a possible shift in attitude on whether the nation is “ready” to elect a Black female president. Within 36 hours of President Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the Democrat’s presumptive nominee (issued on Sunday), Harris had secured the overwhelming backing of party leaders and donors to succeed him. Over that same 36 hours, the Power Broker magazine surveyed a curated list of Black Floridians (designed to approximate the party and gender mix of Black voters in the 2020 election). Here’s a summary of insights surfaced by the 5-question survey. Harris’ support could be higher than Obama’s at this point in the race In late July 2008, a national poll by The Economist and YouGov showed then candidate Barack Obama with a healthy 83% of Black voters in his corner (excluding those who did not plan to vote). The new Power Broker poll shows a combined 89% of African Americans who say they definitely would or are likely to vote for Harris if she secures the nomination. Graph 1: Likelihood of Voting for Harris if She Becomes Nominee (Hover over bars to see percentages) Several respondents commented on the Obama-esque energy already surrounding Harris’ campaign. Manatee County resident and retired developer Larry Newsome said, “I have not seen this much excitement in the Democratic Party since 2008.” Former State Representative Ed Narain wrote, “I’m 100% in!…We will have to work like it’s 2008 but this is a long overdue possibility. Let’s get to work!” LaShante Keys, owner of Keys Consulting Firm, said “Harris without a doubt should be the nominee and without a doubt to avoid this country taking a step back in time we must vote for Harris like we voted for Obama.” State Representative Michele Rayner was one of 40,000 Black women who took part in a national call Sunday evening to rally support for Harris (raising $1.5 million in pledges on the spot). Rayner wrote, “As a Democratic delegate, State House Representative, a Link and Sister Greek, and a Black Queer woman in America, I am energized and fully committed to supporting Vice President Kamala Devi Harris.” Only 4% of respondents said they definitely would not vote for Harris or are not likely to. Reflecting religious principles, one respondent wrote, “For me, many of her policies and philosophies don’t align with my beliefs as a Christian.” Most feel there should be a process for Harris to secure the nomination Some Democratic pundits have wondered out loud whether there would be backlash within the Democratic Party if Harris were automatically elevated to the top spot. Harris addressed the point in her first statement after Biden’s endorsement of her, saying she is prepared to “earn and win” the nomination. When asked whether her nomination should be automatic or involve a process, about one-third of respondents said it should be automatic (35%), while a plurality said the nomination should be secured by a majority vote of Democratic leaders (55%). Graph 2: How Harris Should Secure the Nomination (Hover over bars to see percentages) Gepsie Metellus, CEO of Sant La in Miami-Dade and a one-time candidate for county commission, favors a majority vote of Democratic leaders as an important step to uniting the party. Metellus’ advice: “Take nothing for granted; no one for granted; seek support from every corner of the Democratic base.” Pinellas County Commissioner and Harris campaign surrogate Rene Flowers also favored a vote by party leaders. Addressing those considering not voting, Flowers wrote, “There is not one candidate you will agree with on every topic. Look at the overall record, the candidate’s work ethic towards achieving the items on their platform, and finally ask yourself, what will your world look like if you choose NOT to vote at ALL!” Most are confident the nation is ready to elect a Black woman president Speculation on this topic is coursing through the beltway as Republicans roll out racist and misogynistic attacks, warning that Harris is a “DEI hire” who was picked because she is “colored.” On Monday, JD Vance, Trump’s vice presidential pick, let loose the racist dog whistles in one of his first stump speeches, in Middletown, Ohio. Black Floridians are already clapping back against the notion and narrative that America is not ready for this milestone. “I believe we, Black Americans, must not feed into the narrative that the nation is not ready for a Black female president,” wrote Danny White, President of RaceWithoutIsm, though he also acknowledged, “There will most certainly be detractors who surreptitiously, if not blatantly, try to discredit VP Harris based on her sex and skin color.” One of the youngest polled, Jamison Carnegie, a mid-20s staffer to Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor had similar advice: “I believe, instead of entertaining the narrative, young democrats, the LGBTQ+ community, Divine 9 and others need to rally together to hit the streets to push her [across] the finish line.” St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders sees it as a breakthrough moment in history. She wrote, “I think it’s time for our country to experience a radical change encompassing equity, unity and a holistic approach to leadership.” The Power Broker poll shows what appears to be a healthy increase in African Americans’ confidence in the nation’s racial tolerance. In 2006, only 54% of African Americans felt the country was ready for a Black president. The ratio rose during Obama’s candidacy, to 69% in March 2008, when still only 63% of Americans felt the nation was ready for a female president. Of the 100 Black Floridians we polled, a combined 80% said they were either very confident or somewhat confident the nation is ready to elect a qualified Black female president. A plurality said they are very confident (44%). Graph 3: Confidence that Nation is Ready to Elect a Black Female President (Hover over bars to see percentages) Still, some remain skeptical. As one respondent put it, “I trust Kamala Harris with this country. I don’t trust this country with her.” Another wrote, “I seriously doubt that with the assault on women’s rights, that this is a nation capable of electing Kamala Harris.” Roughly 20% of respondents said they were not very confident or not at all confident that the nation is ready for this milestone. In closing, I leave you with the words of Charles (Chuck) Ridley, long-time civil rights activist and political coordinator in Palm Beach County: “This moment is not just a historic milestone; it is a profound testament to the relentless spirit and unyielding perseverance of Black women throughout our nation’s history…We must rally behind Kamala Harris with the full force of our collective strength and unity…Her journey to the presidency is our journey.” This Power Broker poll was conducted July 21-23, 2024. To feed back or with questions Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. 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Black journalists, leaders and luminaries (clockwise) Ashley Allison, D.L. Hughley, Joy Reid, Charlamagne Tha God,Rev. Al Sharpton, Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Ernest Owens and Val Demmings Joy Reid, the well-known host of MSNBC’s The Reid Out, caused some pearl clutching on both sides of the aisle when she proclaimed on July 3rd that she would vote for Joe Biden over Donald Trump, even if Biden were “in a coma.” Reid took to TikTok to clarify her stance on the dust up within the Democratic Party overwhether Biden should step down following his disastrous debate performance on June 27th. “Just let me know when you guys are finished figuring it out, Democrats,” said Reid. “Then let me know who I got to vote for…If it’s Biden in a coma, I’m going to vote for Biden in a coma.” It wasn’t the most resounding endorsement of the president. But Reid was channeling the sentiment across much of Black America, which has stood resolutely behind Biden in the wake of the debate. While the rest of the Democratic Party dukes it out over whether Biden should step down as its presumptive nominee, African Americans are in a whole different head space. Among Black officials, celebrities and journalists who’ve gone on record, virtually all have said, in essence, “I’m ridin’ with Biden.” Not only that, when calls for Biden to exit reached a crescendo the week before the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, Black folks were among the fiercest spokespersons challenging the Democratic Party to “Get a grip,” “Man up,” and “Stop all the hand wringing.” To be clear, many African Americans share the concerns of some others over Biden’s age and mental fitness. But where we diverge is in our collective response to those opinions. The recent New York Times/Sienna poll showed that 53% of African Americans feel Biden istoo old to be president, and nearly half (47%) feel we should have a different Democraticnominee. Nevertheless, 73% of Black voters said they would vote for Biden if the election were held today. And in battleground states, Biden’s Black support has gone up in recent months. According to polls commissioned by BlackPAC and conducted by Brilliant Corners, the percentage of Black voters who would vote for Biden if the election were held today rose from 50% in February to 65% in late June. Why the Stark Racial Difference Among Democrats? The reasons for our relative steadfastness have nothing to do with the frequent claim byconservatives that African Americans have a sheep like loyalty to the Democratic Party. Nor are we monolithic in fervor for Biden. The “Black wall” of support may appear to signal a unified opinion on the man himself. It does not. If Black leaders and voters are unified around anything, it’s defeating Donald Trump. Democratic strategist Ashley Allison captured the sentiment in a July 11th interview when she said, “I’m not super excited about Joe Biden, but I am terrified of Donald Trump… If Joe Biden stays in the race, I’m going to do every single thing I can to defeat Donald Trump because as a Black woman living in this country that has less constitutional rights than I had from the day that I was born 42 years ago, I refuse to live under Donald Trump’s reign again.” Here are some of the factors driving African Americans’ decision calculus. 1. To Black Americans, Trump is a Triple Threat “If you are a white straight male, you have the luxury of being disappointed if Trump is elected; for African Americans, it would be a disaster.” This is a paraphrase of comments by comedian D.L. Hughley in response to actor George Clooney’s editorial urging Biden to relinquish the nomination. It’s clear that white Democrats see Trump as an existential threat to democracy. But AfricanAmericans see Trump as a triple threat. Not only has he had a corrosive effect on democratic systems, but his conservative movement has fueled an offensive to dismantle the architecture of equity and inclusion in all facets of life; and his culture war has caused a spike in physical harms and threats to African Americans. Racially motivated anti-Black hate crimes have more than doubled since the year before Trump took office in 2016. Our fears ring through in polling data. The BlackPAC survey this June asked African Americans to rank what they saw as the biggest threats to the Black community. No surprise: Trump getting elected again was number one, followed by Trump-related threats in second and third place – the rise in white supremacy and nationalism at number two, and the US Supreme Court rolling back rights and freedoms at number three. Pioneering journalist Ernest Owens highlighted the racial difference in risk profiles in a recent piece for the Daily Beast. Owens wrote, “Too often, the most privileged feel entitled to cherry-pick its leaders and are often spared the vast consequences of whichever candidate is elected…In 2017, the celebrity and wealthy donors of Biden didn’t face the same harsh realities that everyday Americans, especially those who are Black and brown, of a Trump administration. Sure, they might have been mortified by a Trump presidency, but they remained rich and connected in ways that others weren’t.” 2. Biden Has Made Real Progress for Black Americans For those who follow policy, the Biden presidency has resulted in tangible and significant gains for Black people. On the domestic policy front, for example, the Biden administration has increased funding to Historically Black Colleges & Universities; increased federal funding to affordable housing; revved up Black business growth efforts and supplier diversity spending with minority owned firms; spearheaded student loan forgiveness; and adopted new accountability measures to ensure that dollars intended for community development reach more Black-led financial and development organizations in local communities. Several leading Black advocates have vocally challenged Biden to move more aggressively in some policy genres, but there can be no question that the Biden-Harris White House has “put in the work” to advance racial equity. Rev. Al Sharpton said on July 13th, after rattling off Biden policies that benefited AfricanAmericans, “Black voters have a vested interest in protecting their interest. This is not about who’s winning a beauty contest or an age contest…Every group in America, including and especially Blacks, have to protect their interest, and Donald Trump has shown outright hostility to indifference around Black issues.” 3. What Other Choice Do We Have? A significant slice of the Black electorate disagrees with Biden policies or is in the “double hater” category, but is prepared to vote for him anyway, on the premise that they have no other choice. Several media outlets have covered related trends such as anti-Biden sentiment among African Americans who disagree with the president’s actions on the Israel-Hamas war, and disaffection among the many Black voters who do not see the impact of Biden policies in their lives and communities. Some of the beefs have been prominently aired by Charlamagne Tha God, born Lenard McKelvey, the popular co-host of The Breakfast Club on iHeart. McKelvy is one of Biden’s biggest critics and was among the first to say Biden should not be the 2024 nominee (months ago). In a July 9th broadcast, he called for other Democrats to challenge Biden for the nomination (which conservatives seized on as further proof of the fracturing Democratic coalition). Yet in the same broadcast, McKelvy mercilessly ripped Trump policies and declared the Trump-packed Supreme Court no longer legitimate. “I may talk about Biden’s shortcomings,” McKelvy told Joy Reid earlier this year, “but Trump is the end of democracy as we know it.” Reid herself has said, referring to Biden, “I don’t even really, in particular, like the guy. A lot of his policies? Don’t like them, [but] he’s not Donald Trump, right?” The theme shows up in coverage by a half dozen media outlets. One example is featured in a June 24th article by NBC News, quoting Navy veteran Darren Reaves (a Black man) who considered voting for Trump, but has since changed his mind. “I have no other choice but to vote for Biden. He’s not a felon,” Reaves said. Of Trump’s messaging Reaves noted, “He’s promoting racism. He’s promoting dissension. He’s promoting dislike. He’s promoting ‘my way or the highway.’” 4. We Are Fine with VP Kamala Harris, Less So for Other Americans For African Americans, Vice President Kamala Harris is the natural next step, if anything were to happen to Biden. Not so for many white Democrats who are calling for Biden to leave the ticket. Most who’ve spoken to reporters have either side-stepped the question of whether Harris should succeed Biden or spoken in favor of an open nomination process. This is problematic for African Americans. In the words of Boston Globe columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr during a July 3rd interview, “We have a Vice President, Kamala Harris, who stands ready should anything, God forbid, happen to Joe Biden. And all of this talk about him stepping aside because he can’t perform four more years is tremendously disrespectful to her.” Atkins Stohr continued, “What I want is for Democrats to get a grip and to fight. That is what this moment needs. Not hand wringing and public bickering.” Florida Congresswoman Val Demmings sounded a similar note on July 12th when she expressed disappointment that the Democrats calling for Biden to step down have not elevated Harris as a natural successor. While reiterating her support for Biden to stay in the race, Demings said “I think it’s interesting that the 18 elected officials who have come out against President Biden have not given any options of who the Plan B would be, and I believe the only option is Vice President Harris.” Glynda Carr was more direct in her message (Carr is president of Higher Heights for America PAC, a group that supports Black women voters, candidates and electeds). Per reporting by The 19th, Carr said, “If the president and vice president were two White males, there wouldn’t be this strong discussion about who could or should be selected in the political process…[Harris] continues to show up every day, doing the job of the vice president.” Carr warned that Black America is watching the issue closely, “We’re going to be very aware of how people continue to talk about [Vice President Harris] in this moment, about her readiness to lead, her qualifications, her experience.” Whichever Way It Goes… Whatever happens with Biden’s candidacy, the intraparty debate has amplified a few keymessages from Black America that Democrats should heed if they want to win this November: – One, Black voters are “in it to win it.” – Two, Most African Americans are not okay with the public beefing. – And three, regardless of what happens next, we need fundamental change in the Democratic Party’s approach to the Black electorate. As Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford told NBC, “That change needs to be focused on change in structure, change in strategy, [and] change in spending,” which he and his colleagues have been urging for months. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube

Later this week, community leaders will gather for a summit on the economic future of African Americans in St. Petersburg. Organizers expect a full house for what they hope will be part one in a serious dialogue to explore “innovative strategies” to shape the future. The event is called the South St. Petersburg Economic Conference and it happens this Thursday, April 25th at 6 pm at the Enoch Davis Center. This Quick Brief was created to support the dialogue with some of the latest data on the economic standing of African Americans in Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. It draws from analysis done in 2023 that examined changes in 50+ measures of economic well-being for African Americans, from 2010 to 2021 (with a few data points from the most recent census release, for 2022). First, the Good News African Americans in Pinellas have made record-setting economic progress in recent years. For most of the past decade, they paced ahead of their race peers across Florida and the U.S. in education and employment gains, and in some metrics, also outpaced their White neighbors. Gains were most impressive in career-track education. Thanks in part to local institutions such as St. Petersburg College, 57% of Black adults in Pinellas have at least some college education and 20,500 have a college degree (Associate’s or higher). Since 2010, African Americans’ labor force participation rate is up and their employment rate rose to a record 94% in 2018, creating the smallest White-Black unemployment gap of the 21st century. *Percent of people in the labor force who are employed Partly as a result, Black poverty has reached an all-time low in St. Pete and Pinellas. The rate in 2022 was the lowest ever recorded for the county (19.4%). One of the most emphatic indicators of progress is the rise in African Americans in management, business & professional occupations. This group has become a plurality (i.e., the largest share) of the Black workforce. Over 15,600 Black Pinellas residents worked in management, business and professional jobs in 2022. We also see encouraging news in the criminal legal system. Arrests and incarceration rates are down for African Americans in the county, which means more Black workers are available to participate in the economy. The aggregate income of Black residents of Pinellas surpassed $2.5 billion in2022, with 43,500 resident Black workers contributing to the local economy. Yet Most Racial Gaps Have Widened African Americans have significantly narrowed some gaps such as the high school graduation and college enrollment gaps, but most gaps have widened. The White-Black earnings gap grew substantially. The homeownership gap grew. And based on limited data, the wealth gap also grew. The graph below charts the earnings gap over time for White versus Black workers in Pinellas, and the difference between the two. Despite a significant narrowing of education and employment gaps, the racialearnings gap is wider today than it was in the year 2000. In 2000, White workers earned 65% more than Black workers; by 2022, the White workers’ earnings edge was 68%. African Americans Are the Only Group That Slid Backwards African Americans are the only race group that lost ground in earnings and homeownership over the years analyzed. From 2010 to 2021, White, Asian, and Hispanic workers experienced real earnings growth (“real” meaning their earnings grew faster than inflation). African Americans did not, despite having stronger education and employment gains than most. In addition, African Americans were the only group with a net loss in both owned homes and homeownership rate. Though the Black homeownership rate is higher in St. Pete (compared to the rest of Pinellas), the number of Black-owned homes in the city shrank by 14% between 2010 and 2022 and the Black homeownership rate is lower today (47%) than it was in 2000 (50%). The Crushing Effect of Housing Costs While all racial and ethnic groups are grappling with the affordable housing shortage, African Americans remain the most heavily cost burdened group in St. Pete and Pinellas, especially for renters. More than seven out of every 10 Black renter households in Pinellas is paying more than 30% of their income to cover housing costs (72%). This continues to dim the ability of African Americans to save and invest toward homeownership and wealth. And the challenge is worse for African Americans in Pinellas, relative to the cost burden rate for Blacks across Florida (66%). Economy Became Less Inclusive The local economy is less inclusive of African Americans today than it was in 2010 and is only fractionally more inclusive than it was in 2000. Black workers are active in the economy in record numbers but are not reaping a representative share of the county’s economic growth. From 2010 to 2021, African Americans became a larger share of the county’s workforce, but their share of income and earnings declined. In Pinellas in 2021, African Americans were 10% of the workforce but produced only 6.2% of aggregate income, i.e., African Americans generated only 55% of their representative share of income in 2021, which is down from 69% in 2010. The Standing of Black Men Is a Major & Unaddressed Challenge Black men participate in the labor market at a higher rate than White men but bring home far less in earnings, which serves as an anchor weight to the community’s economic outcomes. African Americans are the only race group in Pinellas whose women bring home more earnings than men, e.g., Black women bring home 59% of the Black community’s full-time earnings in Pinellas, whereas Asian, Hispanic and White women are responsible for only 37 to 40% of their community’s earnings. This extreme gender gap is unique to St. Pete and Pinellas. Among counties with the largest Black populations, Pinellas ranks #1 for Black women’s earning share; and of the top 25 Florida cities by population, St. Pete ranks #1 for largest earnings gap of Black women over men. Though Black women across the U.S. and Florida carry more financial weight than women of other races, the problem is worse in Pinellas (see graph below). Other Reasons for the Regress Underlying reasons for the racial differences in growth remain largely unexamined. Some of the factors at work include the following. Black employment is up overall but the county’s Black workforce has experienced a troubling erosion in job stability in recent years, that other race groups have not experienced. This means that more African Americans are working “gigs,” part-time hustles, and temporary jobs. Middle and higher paying jobs in the private sector are much less racially integrated than in the public sector. The racial earnings gap is twice as large in the private sector, where 90% of county’s Black workers are employed. Local corporations and businesses have a prime opportunity to support inclusive growth by integrating their C-suites and upper management. The available data strongly suggest that racial discrimination and sub-conscious bias continue to influence hiring, promotions, compensation and business contracting decisions in Pinellas. As one indicator, the City of St. Petersburg structural racism study – released in late 2021 – illustrated that Black workers in St. Pete are paid less than peers of other races, even when they have the same educational credentials. The Black brain drain trend happening in St. Pete (the largest concentration of African Americans in Pinellas) is skewing the numbers. The racial earnings gap is mathematically driven, in part, by an influx of higher-income non-Black residents coupled with outmigration of better educated, higher-earning African Americans, which drives Black earnings lower than they otherwise would be. Time to Shift the Paradigm Since the civil rights era, local leaders have posited education and employment gaps as the leading proximate causes of persistent racial earnings gaps. Yet the recent widening of White-Black economic gaps defies yesterday’s paradigm. Education and employment gaps have narrowed, and African Americans are “putting in the work,” yet the earnings gap has grown. The net result is that African Americans, on the whole, are no better able to invest and build generational wealth today than they were in the year 2000. It’s time for a paradigm shift in the way we work toward truly inclusive growth. Here’s hoping that this week’s Economic Summit will inspire new directions. Share Your News with Us To share news with the Power Broker, connect with reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com. To sign up for our twice-weekly e-newsletter, visit www.powerbrokernews.com; and to join our online conversation, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Power Broker Media Group – YouTube