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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

Mayor Ken Welch speaking at the State of the City address 2023 (Courtesy City of St. Petersburg Flickr page) St. Pete has a workforce challenge much bigger than beleaguered Fire Chief Jim Large, who was placed on paid leave last week by Mayor Ken Welch, after findings of a recent employee climate survey, and fall out from it, painted Large as guilty of sexism, racism, and homophobia. Following the St. Pete NAACP’s call for Large’s termination, I reviewed the 240-page climate survey report by Inclusivity, LLC, with a specific focus on the experiences of Black workers. The data tell a story of two cities where – as ever – the experiences of African Americans are vastly different from those of whites who make up the majority of the City’s workforce and a super majority of its highest-ranking and highest-paid staff. Before delving into the racial differences, though, we should all take notice that across all racial and ethnic groups, the survey revealed high percentages of workers experiencing what some would call toxic conditions. Over one quarter of respondents said they have experienced or witnessed inappropriate behavior by their supervisor (27%), and over a third saw these behaviors from coworkers (34%). But the situation among African Americans is worse. Here are the things that stood out to me as worthy of a closer look. More African Americans are witnessing inappropriate behavior by supervisors, and many see this behavior daily Close to one-third of Black survey takers (30%) said they have seen or witnessed inappropriate behavior by their supervisor, such as intimidation, abuse, ill-treatment, and inappropriate remarks. A smaller share of whites experience these behaviors by supervisors (23%). There is an even bigger racial gap in how often workers experience inappropriate behavior by supervisors. One-third of African Americans (33%) say they see or suffer these incidents daily or weekly, versus 24% of white workers who do. Black workers are demoted & disciplined at higher rates and their jobs are less stable The climate study found that negative personnel actions, namely demotions and disciplinary actions, affect a higher percentage of Black workers than the percentage of this group in the City workforce. The report also found that Black workers were re-hired at higher rates, which signals higher turnover for African Americans and/or that more Black workers are in cyclical or temp jobs. The report did not contain data on personnel actions by race, making it impossible to gauge how severely Blacks are overrepresented in negative actions. This should be looked at more closely. The Public Works team clearly has something to say Several data points indicate that there may be major racial and cultural issues in the Public Works department, which had the largest number of Black survey respondents. First, Public Works had the second highest survey response rate among departments reported (indicating that either the department did a strong survey outreach program and/or people are itching to talk). Three out of four Public Works employees (or 76% of the department) took the survey, compared to only 40% of workers in other departments. Survey answers by Public Works employees paint a department rife with bad behavior. Public Works had the highest percentage of workers who’ve seen or suffered inappropriate behavior by supervisors (35%). The Fire Department had the second highest (33%). Likewise, Public Works had the highest ratio of workers witnessing inappropriate behavior by coworkers (41%). The problem appears not only pervasive but daily. Public Works had the second highest percentage of workers experiencing inappropriate behavior by supervisors on a daily basis (21%, second only to Neighborhood Affairs, at 28%). Whites more than others feel the City’s employment practices are racially fair When asked to react to the statement “City practices enable the success and promotion of individuals from all racial/ethnic groups,” 69% of white respondents agreed, versus only 53% of Black workers and 47% of Hispanics. There is a clear racial divide in perceptions about and/or the reality of City practices. African Americans are less convinced of the City’s commitment to equity, despite the promises of St. Pete’s first Black mayor Mayor Welch was installed as St. Pete’s first Black chief executive in January 2022. He has been unequivocable that his administration is comprehensively committed to equity and inclusion. Yet fewer Black workers believe that the City is committed to and actively promoting values and that enhance equity, and fewer believe the City is working to remove barriers. Only half of Black workers surveyed agree that the City tries to reduce bias in the workplace, versus 61% of white workers who believe the City is trying. African Americans are less convinced that the City “promotes a core set of values to enhance equity.” More than two thirds (68%) of white workers agree that the City promotes equity-enhancing values, versus 59% of African Americans. On the flip side, nearly twice as many Black workers disagreed that the City promotes such values (12% of African Americans versus 7% of whites), while 26% of Black workers were neutral (neither agreed nor disagreed) and 3% said they don’t know. Black workers are also less convinced that City leaders are “committed to advancing equity principles.” Two thirds of whites (66%) agree that the City is committed, versus 57% of black workers. More African Americans believe City rules and policies are based on biased beliefs and assumptions Nearly a third of Black workers surveyed (32%) feel that City rules and policies may be biased, which is twice as high as the ratio of white workers who perceive bias (16%). As “perception is reality,” this tells us that too many City employees are showing up to work every day for an institution they believe harbors bias. Only half of Black workers agree that the City understands the communities it serves, and half believe the City is attempting to do better About 53% of Black workers versus 66% of whites believe that City staff understands the communities it serves, “including their culture, values, norms, history, customs,” and the discrimination and exclusion they face. Barely half of Black workers agree that the City attempts to reduce bias it or its employees may have about communities served (51% of Black workers versus 64% of whites). More Black workers say it’s hard to feel close to people of other cultures Several survey questions shed light on a possible need for dialogues on race and relationship with African Americans especially, who express more interest than other groups in getting to know others’ differences, as well as more discomfort with the process. Black workers had a higher percentage of people who find it really hard to feel close to a person from another culture (11% versus 3% of whites) More African Americans said that getting to know someone from another race is generally an uncomfortable experience (11% versus 2% of whites) More African Americans said their biases and prejudices affect how they interact with people from different racial/ethnic backgrounds (16% versus 9% of whites). The challenge for Mayor Welch Despite the Mayor’s oft-repeated and highly publicized commitment to equity and inclusion, much of his workforce is not seeing his principles play out in their everyday jobs (and a too-large share of City workers appears not to know of their boss’ commitment). The challenge isn’t new and it certainly isn’t his alone. The last climate survey done, under the Kriseman administration in 2020-21, also showed signs of a struggling culture that took shape decades ago. But in the post-George Floyd context, and given the vision Welch has cast far and wide, many will be watching closely for the Mayor’s next moves. It’s positive that the 2023 climate survey got four times more responses than the one done a few years ago. It could mean that more workers tuned in this go round, possibly inspired by the Mayor’s push around the survey. If so, that too raises the bar. Mayor Welch announced in a recorded video last week that he has requested corrective action plans from department leaders to address problems in their organizations. The question remains, though: What if the departmental leader is the problem? 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

Hillsborough County Judge Jessica Costello, as featured in Tampa Magazine’s Top 10 Under 40 (Photo: Tampa Magazine) This year, the Power Broker Magazine is celebrating Black History Month with a twist. We will continue to recognize titans and milestones from “back in the day.” But this time, we will also celebrate recent Black history and those charting historic firsts for the community. We begin with cameo coverage of 20+ historic firsts for and by local African Americans since 2010. Higher Education Dr. Tonjua Willaims (Photo: St. Petersburg College). In 2017, Dr. Tonjua Williams became the first to break a racial barrier to occupy a previously all-white chief executive role of one of the area’s largest mainstream institutions (St. Petersburg College). Economic Development Others who’ve broken the barrier include Dr. Cynthia Johnson, the first African American and first female to serve as director of economic development for Pinellas County (since 2021); and Bemetra Simmons, the first Black and first female head of the Tampa Bay Partnership (also since 2021); along with James Corbett, the first African American to head economic development for the City of St. Petersburg. Corbett’s title is City Development Administrator and he was named to the post in 2022. Philanthropy Dr. Tomalin unveiling her vision for the future of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg in Nov 2023 (Photo: Foundation). Dr. Kanika Tomalin holds several spots in the history books. She was the first African American to serve as a citywide Deputy Mayor, from 2014 to 2021, and later, from 2017 to 2021, simultaneously served as the first African American City Administrator for St. Petersburg, since the city’s transition to a strong mayor form of government. Prior to her, the late Don McRae served as the first and only Black City Manager for St. Pete, and Dr. Goliath Davis served as Deputy Mayor for the area known as Midtown. Dr. Tomalin broke another barrier in June of last year when she became the first African American to head a major philanthropic organization in Pinellas (the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg). Political & Judicial Firsts Kenneth T. Welch was elected the first Black mayor of St. Petersburg in 2021, becoming the city’s 54th chief executive. The photo above is of Mayor Welch being sworn into office. He is only the second African American elected to lead one of Florida’s top five most populous cities, if my research is accurate. Alvin Brown was the first in this category. Brown was elected as Jacksonville’s mayor in 2011. Darryl Rouson (Photo: Florida Politics). Darryl Rouson is the first African American based in St. Petersburg to serve in the Florida Senate. He was preceded by Hillsborough County’s Arthenia Joyner, who held the seat from 2006 to 2016. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, seen here at a Democratic Party event in July 2022(Photo: Tampa Bay Times). Fentrice Driskell was elected Florida House Democratic Leader in 2022 and is the first Black woman to serve in the role. The Hillsborough Democrat leads the caucus through 2024. St. Petersburg City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders, and Councilmembers Richie Floyd and John Muhammad (Photos: City of St. Pete). The St. Petersburg City Council gave us four recent historic firsts for African Americans. One, 2022 marked the first time in St. Pete history that three African Americans were seated at the same time – current Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders (left above), member Richie Floyd (center) and member John Muhammad (right). Two, in 2021, Figgs-Sanders became the first African American ever elected to represent District 5 (a majority-white district). She is running for re-election this year. Three, Muhammad is the first Muslim American to serve on the body. He was appointed to the District 7 seat in late 2022 and recently announced that he will not seek election to continue in the role. And four, Floyd is the first African American to represent District 8, which is adjacent to and north of District 7. Rene Flowers and supporters announcing the endorsement of Chris King in 2020 during her run for the Pinellas County Commission (Photo: Spectrum Bay News 9) Rene Flowers has made history several times, most recently as the only African American to be elected to three legislative bodies in Pinellas County. Flowers has served on the St. Petersburg City Council (where she was the first Black female Chair) and the Pinellas County School Board, and at present, is a Pinellas County Commissioner (the first Black female elected to the role). Judge Moore being interviewed by Spectrum Bay News 9 in 2022. (Photo: Spectrum Bay News 9) St. Petersburg native Judge Patrice Moore also claims a first Black female status. She was elected as Circuit Court Judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in 2010 and is the first African American female to serve in this capacity. Moore was re-elected in 2016. Judge Costello, as featured in Tampa Magazine’s Top 10 Under 40 lineup in 2022 (Photo: Tampa Magazine) Judge Jessica Costello was appointed in 2019 to serve as a Hillsborough County jurist, making her one of the youngest judges in Florida and the first Black woman appointed to the Hillsborough bench in 20 years. Costello was 34 at the time. The Non-Profit Sector Gaskin-Capehart speaking on the need for ownership opportunities at the Historic Gas Plant in Dec 2023 (Photo: Tampa Bay Rays) Last September, we saw the historic first female appointment of Nikki Gaskin Capehart as CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League. She has announced her intent to take the agency in bold new directions, while building on the legacy of her predecessor, the late Rev. Watson Haynes. As it happens, the League scored another first this January when Dr. Tonjua Williams became Chair of the board, which created the first-ever female CEO-Chair leadership duo for the agency. Rev J.C. Pritchett (third from right) at his Legacy Awards dinner in February 2024, with, from left to right, Mrs. Karen Pritchett, and this year’s honorees, Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Janice Starling, Bemetra Simmons and Leon Russell In 2021, Rev. J.C. Pritchett was appointed as the first African American president of the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club. Pritchett also serves as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. (Photo: Dr. Sandra Braham) Dr. Sandra Braham made history as the first African American CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (2016 to present). She charted another history milestone as the first Black female Chair of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber board of directors (2021 & 2022). Braham is also one of only two individuals in modern history to serve in the role for more than one year. The first African American to Chair the Chamber board was Dr. Ricardo Davis, in 1996. Business & Corporate Troy Taylor speaking on secrets of success in 2018 (Photo: Magzter) Businessman Troy Taylor claims two historic firsts. One, as the first African American CEO in the Tampa Bay region to surpass business revenues of $1 billion (his Coca-Cola Beverages Florida took in $1.5 billion in 2021). And two, in 2015, Taylor’s enterprise became the first franchise awarded to a new owner in the Coca-Coca network in 60 years. Starting in 2010 through 2015, St. Petersburg native Bridgette Heller (above left) served as Executive Vice President of Merck & Co. and President of Merck Consumer Care, making her the first local African American to hold a top executive role with a Fortune 100 corporation. Heller held top exec roles with two other Fortune 500 brands – as one-time President of Johnson & Johnson’s Global Baby Business Unit, and most recently, in a several roles with Danone, including Executive Vice President of its Early Life division (2016) and in the dual role of Executive VP of the Advanced Medical Nutrition division (2017) and president of Danone’s Nutricia division. Valerie Stafford-Powell is the first African American female to serve as CEO of a St. Pete-based corporate employer. She is president and chief executive officer of HCA Florida Northside Hospital, a role previously held by Dia Nichols, from 2013 to 2019. Nicholas is a Black male and was the first African American CEO of the hospital. 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’s Black population is shrinking at a rapid pace, according to U.S. Census data released on December 7th. The city’s African American population shrank for a fourth year in a row in 2022. From 2018 to 2022, St. Pete lost 10% of its Black population, while the rest of Pinellas County experienced double-digit Black population growth, and Florida had 7% growth in Black residents. A report released this week by Urban Market Analytics (UMA) shows that outmigration is the biggest contributor to the trend, which means that more African Americans are moving out of the city than the number moving in. St. Pete had negative net migration of African Americans for 10 of the past 12 years of census data available, but the Black exodus rate reached record highs over the past three years. The trend appears to be strongest among younger and college-educated African Americans. A local survey project is hoping to discover why Black residents are leaving St. Pete. Among 20 African Americans who previewed the report to lend perspective, over three-quarters speculate that housing costs are to blame, and nearly two-thirds say that lack of employment and business opportunities for African Americans is a factor. Rents and home prices in St. Petersburg have skyrocketed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many to seek out less expensive markets. Some are relocating to nearby cities such as Clearwater and Largo (which are among 15 cities in Pinellas that saw significant Black population growth over the past decade). But a large portion are leaving Pinellas County altogether. Anecdotes collected by the Power Broker suggest that Atlanta, New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C., are among the cities attracting young professionals and other African Americans from St. Pete. Closer to home, St. Pete has lost Black residents to Bradenton, Palmetto, Brandon, and Tampa. Ashon Nesbitt, CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, identifies himself as one of many in his age group who left the city. The 43-year old St. Pete native says housing costs and shortages are a key issue, but also points to cultural factors. His opinion: “I think retaining and growing the Black population will take a multi-pronged approach. The more our kids pursue education and training in jobs that are growing in the city, the more they see themselves in the local culture, the more they will stay.” Nesbitt, who now lives in Tallahassee, continued, “Projects like the redevelopment of the Deuces (22nd Street South) and cultural events that take place there are important not only for their economic value, but for their cultural impact – becoming the destination for younger people to build connections with others and in effect with the city.” Reasons for the trend may soon become clearer. The Power Broker Magazine is asking current and former African American residents of St. Pete to take an opinion survey to help identify top factors driving the city’s Black population losses. The survey is also open to African Americans who currently or previously worked in St. Petersburg. Watch for a report on survey results in January 2024. In the meantime: Click here to take the survey (and please share with others); Click here to for the new report on African Americans leaving St. Pete in record numbers; and Feel free to email me your thoughts and questions at gypsy@powerbrokermagazine.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

For much of its history, the Black population of Pinellas County was a fairly homogenous mix of mostly native-born and Southern US-born African Americans. Though a few Black diaspora groups have had a visible presence here for many years –namely Jamaicans, and more recently Haitians – the foreign-born and diaspora communities were only a fractional share of Pinellas’ Black population on the whole. In 1990, for example, only 3% of Pinellas’ Black population was foreign-born, compared to a 13% share across Florida. Today, the community is much changed. The latest Census data show that the Black foreign-born population of Pinellas doubled over the past decade, to 10,000, while the number of Black residents who claim ancestry from outside the US – including descendants of immigrants – stands at roughly15,800. Pinellas still ranks last among Florida’s 10 most populous counties for the size of itsBlack foreign-born and diaspora populations, but from 2010 to 2021, Pinellas had one of the highest growth rates for these groups. The Black foreign-born group grew by 81% (compared with 27% across Florida) and theBlack diaspora grew by 119%. Regions & Countries Represented Beyond numeric growth, Pinellas County’s Black diaspora is becoming more diverse in ethnicity and nationality. The Power Broker Media Group cross referenced three Census data tables to identifycountries of origin for Pinellas’ Black population (see data notes section below). Combined, the three tables show that the county’s Black population hails from at least54 countries outside US borders – a major increase over the 31 home countries thatwere identifiable in 2010 Census data. In terms of world regions, most Black residents of Pinellas who claim non-US ancestry are from countries in the Caribbean (70%) or Africa (17%). But a surprising number were born in Europe (380), Latin America (1,354) and Asia(106). By country of origin or ancestry, the top five largest Black ethnic groups in Pinellas are those who identify as Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian & Tobagonian, Nigerian and SouthAfrican (in that order). Top origin countries from the Caribbean – apart from the three above – were theBahamas, Barbados, St. Lucia, and Grenada, one of the islands devastated byHurricane Beryl last week. From the Motherland, Pinellas’ Black residents claim ancestry from 20 African countries in all. Besides Nigeria and South Africa in the top five, these include Ghana, DemocraticRepublic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia, Liberia and Cameroon. Closer to home, many of Pinellas’ Black residents are from primarily Spanish-speaking countries that include Cuba, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Ecuador. From Europe and Asia, Black Pinellas residents were born in Jordan, Germany,England, and other parts of the United Kingdom. Click here for a report with population counts for all 54 non-US origin countries. Table: Top 20 Ancestral Homelands of Pinellas’ Black Population Country No. of Residents % of Black Diaspora 1 Jamaica 5,975 55% 2 Haiti 3,517 32% 3 Trinidad and Tobago 736 6.7% 4 Nigeria 563 5.2% 5 South Africa 394 3.6% 6 Cuba 364 3.3% 7 United Kingdom 292 2.7% 8 Bahamas 251 2.3% 9 Guatemala 191 1.7% 10 Ghana 187 1.7% 11 Democratic Republic of Congo 180 1.6% 12 Dominican Republic 172 1.6% 13 Venezuela 164 1.5% 14 Barbados 144 1.3% 15 Kenya 138 1.3% 16 Ethiopia 132 1.2% 17 Ecuador 120 1.1% 18 Cameroon 108 1.0% 19 Liberia 108 1.0% 20 Brazil 89 0.8% New Connections Taking Shape Some local groups are working to build cultural, business and social connections within the increasingly diverse community. The Pinellas County Urban League is sponsoring a Trade Mission to the Motherland for a delegation of 16 entrepreneurs to tour business opportunities in Ghana. The trip is set for February 2025. St. Pete native Kristin Tellis Quaye now lives in Ghana and co-owns Certified Africawith her husband Nii. The company hosts tours for African Americans and others visiting Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and other countries. The Haitian American Foundation for Democracy has included Pinellas in its outreach plan to engage more of the Haitian diaspora in advocacy for new US-Haiti policies. We are likely to see more new diaspora connections emerge in the years ahead. Trends point to continued growth for the Black diaspora in Pinellas County. Discover More Read the new report – Pinellas County’s Black Foreign-Born & DiasporaPopulations Doubled in Past Decade. Watch for the Power Broker’s upcoming interview with local professionals and business owners from six Caribbean and African countries sharing their lived experience in theUS and Pinellas County. Data Notes The table above draws from three different US Census tables. It includes Census counts of both the foreign-born and US-born members of two groups – Jamaicans andHaitians. For all other groups, figures are the higher of a) counts of those who wrote-in their ethnicity (e.g., Nigerian) in a new field offered by the 2020 Census, or b) counts of foreign-born residents by their country of birth. Most ethnic groups are larger than the numbers above suggest. US Census tables used for this report include: American Community Survey Table B05001 Nativity and Citizenship Status in theUS (2021 5-Year Estimates) for Jamaicans and Haitians Decennial Census Detailed Demographic & Housing Characteristics File A TableT01001 Total Population (2020) American Community Survey Table B05006 Place of Birth for the Foreign-BornPopulation in the US (2021 5-Year Estimates) Census of Population Social and Economic Characteristics Florida Section 1 of 3Table 153 Geographic Mobility, Community, and Industry of Employed Persons byRace ad Hispanic Origin (1990) 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

Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president of the Pinellas County Urban League, said she has never seen such a demand for emergency services in her three years of leading the organization. All images: Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s office. Federal policies and the war in Iran have exacerbated affordability issues, which are now a top-of-mind concern for people from all walks of life. ​As of Wednesday morning, the average price for gas in Tampa Bay was $4.16 per gallon. Most tenants still pay over $2,000 in monthly rent, and homeownership remains an elusive dream for many residents. ​Exorbitant food and energy costs increased by nearly 3% year-over-year in March. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor wanted to hear the personal stories behind the statistics before returning to the nation’s capital to advocate on behalf of exasperated constituents. ​Castor hosted the People’s Hearing on High Prices on April 9 at St. Petersburg College’s Midtown Center. The event followed a marathon tour of Tampa Bay as the congresswoman announced $17.32 million in Community Project Funding awards for 13 initiatives. ​“I know it is so expensive and rough out there these days,” Castor said after the event. “That’s why I’ve been so focused during the spring work period here at home to deliver investments to help lower the cost of living.” ​Castor added that she is “doing everything in my power to help bring a little bit of relief around here.” She will also “fight to put guardrails around the Trump administration’s costly and reckless agenda.” ​The president’s “war of choice” is costing the nation billions of dollars weekly, Castor noted. She believes that money should instead be spent supporting communities. “You deserve so much better.” ​Here are some comments, slightly edited for clarity and brevity, from residents who spoke at the People’s Hearing on High Prices: ​Jabaar Edmond, co-founder of Community Development and Training Center, said affordability issues are no longer relegated to typically impoverished neighborhoods. The problem has spread to the suburbs and downtown condominiums, he added, and it is now common to see luxury vehicles waiting in line at food pantries. ​“Desperate people do desperate things,” Edmond warned. “And I’m seeing more people become desperate.” ​Dr. Nichole Pena-Miller, senior director of financial security for United Way Suncoast, said it is nearly impossible for people to thrive when they are “struggling just to survive.” She noted that 46% of all Tampa Bay residents “don’t make enough to make ends meet.” ​“In Pinellas County, a family of four with two children in child care needs to make over $108,000 a year to afford basic necessities,” Pena-Miller said. ​Maureen Cacioppo, owner of Florida Pure Sea Salt, said tariffs have increased the cost of key materials that small businesses rely on for packaging and shipping. “At the same time, gas prices have created a ripple effect across everything that we do.” ​“Small businesses like mine don’t have the margins to absorb constant increases,” Cacioppo continued. “But we do have the ability to create jobs, strengthen local economies, and contribute to something bigger.” ​Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president of the Pinellas County Urban League, said she has never seen such a demand for emergency services in her three years of leading the organization. She also noted the term “affordability crisis” is much more than a political buzzword. ​“This is a very heavy time in our community,” Gaskin-Capehart said. “We know that people are at their wits’ end.” ​St. Pete resident Aleyah Conway said she, like many younger adults, thought that graduating from college and doing “all the right things” would enable her to buy a home. Promises of financial security for her and her family remain unfulfilled. ​“It just isn’t happening,” said Conway, who now works two jobs. “I’m very concerned about what this means for the future of my children.” ​Castor told the speakers that their emotional stories reinvigorated her to “speak truth to power” in Washington, D.C. She also pledged that the ongoing dialogue would continue “until we change things.” ​“It does not have to be this hard in the United States of America,” Castor said. “It simply does not.” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (foreground) hugs St. Pete resident Michelle Mastrototaro, who emotionally described how she struggles to afford her child’s healthcare, at the People’s Hearing on High Prices. 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

Gary Hartfield hopes to become the first Black mayor in the City of Tampa’s 139-year history. Photo by Octavio Jones. Gary Hartfield is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, community leader, and author. What he is not – a career politician – may serve him best in what he hopes is his next role: Mayor of Tampa. ​Hartfield is among 10 candidates vying to replace Mayor Jane Castor in 2027. Bob Buckhorn, the most recent person to file and perhaps the top contender, already led the city from 2011 to 2019. ​“I’m not coming in with politics as usual,” Hartfield told Power Broker Magazine. “I’m coming in to listen, engage, and deliver results, which is what I think our city deserves from its next CEO and mayor. I’m focused on practical solutions, not platitudes and empty promises.” ​Hartfield noted that Tampa, like the nation, is at a pivotal moment. He plans to ensure that all residents from every corner of the city are heard and included in the city’s future. ​Ensuring that Tampa’s growth is “working for everyone, not just a few,” is a priority. Hartfield wants to create a generational impact that endures long after he leaves office. ​“I get to make a difference in this tough time in our country’s history,” he added. ​A successful campaign would make local history. Tampa has not had an African American mayor in its 139-year history. ​Hartfield believes Florida’s third-largest city is inclusive and would welcome its first Black mayor. He also realizes that the title would come with “a lot of responsibility, not only to do a great job in the role we’ve been charged with … but also to represent the African American community and all other communities in a way that allows for the continued success of all citizens.” ​“We want to ensure that we do a great job and that we continue to keep the door open for others to follow,” he concluded. ​Hartfield founded the All Hart Foundation and is the CEO and chairperson of Empower Florida, both nonprofit organizations. He also owns Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting. ​Hartfield has served on the governing boards for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, and multiple other organizations. He said small businesses are “near and dear to my heart.” ​Expanding access to resources and capital is a campaign priority. Hartfield noted that incentives can not only attract new companies but also help ensure existing small businesses thrive. ​He also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, both to bolster Tampa’s small business ecosystem and provide much-needed workforce housing. Hartfield would “love to see our healthcare systems come to the table” and help address his second campaign focus. ​The goal is to ensure that healthcare workers “don’t have to traverse an hour each way in and out of the city,” he said. “There’s a way to do that, because there is a direct return on investment for our employers to have a vested interest.” ​Additional campaign priorities include expanding homeownership and entrepreneurial opportunities to promote long-term stability and economic security. Hartfield also plans to earn the trust of constituents through accessibility, responsiveness, and results-driven governance. ​“I’m the founder of the organizations that I’ve been privileged to serve the community with, both as an employer and a philanthropist,” he said. “It takes a different skill set to build an organization from the ground up. It takes innovation, it takes resilience, and it takes know-how.” ​Hartfield said that experience will directly translate to serving as Tampa’s chief executive. He is also a devoted father who “thinks about stability and access to opportunities for the next generation.” ​A crowded and diverse field of candidates is ultimately a benefit for the city, Hartfield said. He believes each challenger brings innovative ideas to the race, and that his primary opponent is “simply the issues.” ​“It’s simply, how do I make Gary Hartfield the best resource for the city?” he explained. “My race is me against me, and how do I provide the best solutions for the City of Tampa?” ​While Hartfield stressed that his nonprofit and campaign remain unaffiliated, the All Hart Foundation is sponsoring a production at Stage Works Theater on Thursday evening. The play, THE MEETING, highlights the relationship between Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. ​Hartfield’s campaign will host an official launch party in the “near future,” he pledged. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote on March 2, 2027, the mayoral race will head to a runoff election on April 27. 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 Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition has received approval to build a small business village out of shipping containers in the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area. Image: CULC. A nonprofit dedicated to uplifting a long-neglected, predominantly African American community in Clearwater has received the green light to create a culturally rooted economic engine out of shipping containers. ​Tentatively dubbed The Village, the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition’s (CULC) forward-thinking project received unanimous and enthusiastic approval from the city’s Community Development Board on Tuesday. The overarching goal is to mitigate barriers that have historically sidelined local entrepreneurs. ​The CULC will now transform a vacant .34-acre property within the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) into a vibrant, mixed-use plaza. Executive director Gloria Campbell said the organization would have shipping containers on-site by the end of the year, with affordable storefronts opening at the underutilized intersection of N. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Tangerine Street in early 2027. ​“We actually have more people interested than we have spaces, which is a good thing,” Campbell said. “We’ll be building the infrastructure to bring some of those businesses along, so as tenants move to better, bigger facilities, we’ll be able to infill those with new tenants.” Members of the North Greenwood Leadership Coalition, including Executive Director Gloria Campbell (second from right), Board Chair Jai Henson (second from back left), and Board Member Marilyn Turman (second from front left), pose with community supporters Carl Lavendar (left), senior advisor for Power Broker, Annette Douglas (center), Sean Cashen (right), and Tawny Castle (back left). Photo: CULC. ​Campbell said the CULC is finalizing agreements with 10 tenants, the maximum. Anticipated operations include 2,240 square feet of restaurant and bar space, 960 square feet of retail sales and services, and an 8,800-square-foot outdoor gathering area, according to city documents. ​Six large tree planters and other landscaping along the site’s north and east boundaries will serve as a buffer. The project will feature a total of 14 shade or accent trees, several shrubs, and a 100-square-foot landscaped area on the property’s southwest corner. ​The outdoor gathering space will include benches, tables, and a stage for live music, presentations, readings, displays, and exhibits. “Collectively, these enhancements will significantly improve the overall appearance of the site and contribute positively to the surrounding area,” wrote city staff. ​According to the project website, utilizing shipping containers as storefronts will significantly reduce entry costs and development timelines. Sharing infrastructure, including utilities, seating, and technology, will decrease operational overhead for tenants. ​“This is a branded village that celebrates legacy and neighborhood pride, creating a destination that is both economically productive and culturally meaningful,” the website states. “It creates a dedicated home for retail and food-service innovation, activates community gathering spaces, and strengthens the commercial identity of North Greenwood as a premier destination for commerce, culture, and connection.” A current view of the property at 1317 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Clearwater. Image: Google. ​Development Board Member Michael Lucius and his colleagues expressed excitement to see the much-anticipated project come to fruition. “I’ve seen these in different parts of the country, from California to North Carolina,” he said. ​“It’s nice to see them, because it does attract and bring people in as a gathering spot,” Lucius continued. “So, we wish you all the best success.” ​City planner Ted Kozak noted that the unique project has been in development for several years. “It has been a lot of work - a lot of push, a lot of shove,” he said. ​Over 20 community organizations and individuals joined forces to create the CULC. The coalition’s mission is to promote business development, wellness, self-sufficiency, literacy, education, and resilience in the North and South Greenwood CRAs, according to its website. ​The CULC, which first proposed establishing the CRA, notes that historically, government funding “has not trickled down to the grass roots community where the difference can be recognized, impacted, and felt.” In February 2025, the city allocated $500,000 to the shipping container project, formerly known as The Grove @1105. The project’s site plan highlights the landscaping buffer. ​Campbell said on Monday that “The Village” will remain part of the project’s name. “What we use as a tag, we’re still deciding. We’re refining that now based on some recommendations from St. Petersburg College. They did a consulting project for us a few months ago.” ​Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) has also pledged to lend its “small business assistance expertise” to the project. Stakeholders expect it to create over 100 jobs, with an emphasis on youth and workforce development. ​“This is the first new business facility to be built in the North Greenwood area in 50 years,” Campbell told PCED. “It was once a thriving black business hub, and our goal is to stimulate business growth in the area to become a beacon of hope for generations to come.” ​The CULC has also launched a $100,000 capital fundraising campaign. “This is not charity; this is community ownership,” the website states. Campbell said on Tuesday that “you too can be part of the village” by supporting the cause. ​A free “Taste of the Village” event is on Monday, June 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the North Greenwood Recreation Center. Attendees will receive a first look at what is coming to The Village. For more information on the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition, visit the website here. Share Your News 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.

Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, expects business to increase by 30% when the Tampa Bay Rays return to St. Petersburg. Photo by Mark Parker. Baseball will soon return to St. Petersburg for the first time since September 2024, and tickets to see the Tampa Bay Rays on Opening Day have nearly sold out. ​A freshly repaired Tropicana Field will likely reach its 25,025-seat capacity, without the upper deck, throughout the season-opening homestand that begins on April 6. Thousands more will watch the Rays face the Chicago Cubs from local establishments, which is welcome news to the ears of many business owners who were impacted by the storm-displaced Rays spending the 2025 season in Tampa. ​Mayor Ken Welch called the return of Major League Baseball a “huge economic boost” for St. Petersburg. He also believes it will benefit the city’s psyche. ​“We can look at the Trop and realize we can take on big challenges – what some people might say are insurmountable challenges – and overcome them,” Welch told Power Broker Magazine. “A lot of folks didn’t have faith that we could get this done. That’s going to be a point of celebration and pride, I think, for the community.” ​Mark Ferguson, owner of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill, expects a 30% boost in revenues when the Rays return. ​A tunnel underneath 1st Avenue South connects his business with Tropicana Field. Ferguson said stakeholders “could not ask for a better team to open with” than the Cubs, known for their large fan base. He will transform a parking lot into “Wrigleyville South,” a nod to the district centered around Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field, throughout the three-game homestand that begins on April 6. ​Ferguson is installing replicas of the stadium’s outfield walls, complete with ivy, and has spent the past two months securing marketing partnerships with establishments in Chicago. The goal is to ensure “all the northern people know they’re invited,” and maximize business following last year’s downturn. ​“It means a lot to all my employees, to their families – they missed out last year on a baseball season,” Ferguson said. “Now it’s back, and we can get back to normal. It was a slow, hot summer without baseball.” ​The city is again offering free shuttles via the Looper from downtown to Tropicana Field during every home game. Eric Carlson, transportation director for the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, has served as the service’s administrator since 1995. ​Carlson said he has received several calls from “very loyal fans of the trolley” inquiring about the return of the service. He has also secured three coach buses “because our little trolleys can’t handle the Opening Day crowd.” A map of the free shuttle service. Image provided. Shuttle service begins at 2 p.m. on April 6, two hours prior to the game, and will continue for an hour after the final out. The two trolleys and three buses will pick up fans approximately every five minutes. ​“It doesn’t necessarily reduce the demand for parking, but it certainly does spread it out,” Carlson said. “There is a lot of parking at Tropicana Field … However, sometimes it’s not enough.” ​He said the Trop’s lots will reach capacity on Opening Day, and digital signage will direct attendees to downtown garages and the free shuttle service. Carlson expects a “mad rush” for the service, particularly “given we lost the last season to Hurricane Milton.” ​“With five vehicles on that route, certainly the frequency is very high,” he said. “So we can get back and forth and move people quickly and efficiently.” 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

If you live in zip code 33712, you could be eligible for up to $10,000 in home renovation support, the Pinellas County Urban League (PCUL) announced on Wednesday. The funding is part of the Home Resilient & Ready Collective (HRRC), an initiative led by the PCUL and funded by Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. The goal of the initiative is to make the city’s homes and neighborhoods safer and healthier. The HRRC will support home improvements such as repairing roofs and plumbing, sealing air leaks, fixing windows and doors, and improving heating and cooling systems. To help lead the program and rally additional support, the PCUL is recruiting a Healthy Homes Community Action Group. The group will serve a short-term task force to create a community-driven resilience action plan to advocate for long-term policy change around neighborhood revitalization. Residents of Wildwood Heights, Jordan Park, Deuces Live, and Highland Oaks neighborhoods are invited to join the Action Group. “This is your community, and this project is built around your needs, your priorities, and your future,” wrote Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president and CEO of the PCUL. “Together, we will identify challenges, co-create solutions, and equip residents with the tools to build lasting resilience.” . To see if you qualify for renovation funding, complete the Healthy Home survey; and to register to take part in the Healthy Homes Community Action Group, click here.

Stetson Law Pathways to Justice Academy for teens application is now open to students ages 15 to 17 in the Tampa Bay area. Photo courtesy of Stetson University College of Law Stetson University College of Law’s Pathways to Justice Academy youth summer application is now open to students ages 15 to 17 in the Tampa Bay area. Local high school students will have the chance to participate in this immersive, hybrid program that provides real-world experience in the legal system and public policy through a one-week course. Civics education takes on a new look with candid conversations, workshops led by legal professionals, and sessions designed to empower students to develop their leadership skills. Pathways to Justice Academy celebrates its fifth year of placing students face-to-face with judges, activists, and attorneys working within a range of specialties, and others passionate about creating positive social change. Through this interactive program, students learn about the critical role young people played during the Civil Rights Movement and other transformative moments throughout history, while simultaneously witnessing firsthand how legal professionals can help advance important social causes. Though the program is structured for one week, participants can extend their stay beyond the curated process. Stetson’s aligned partnership with Community Tampa Bay's ANYTOWN® Advocacy Academy Program allows interested participants to continue benefiting from mentorship and engagement throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. The program runs from Monday, July 13th, to Friday, July 17th, and can be attended via Zoom or in person at Stetson Law's main campus in Gulfport, Florida. In-person participation in pre-program orientation will be held on Saturday, July 11th. Participation is free for all selected applicants. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 15th. Selected applicants for the program and their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified directly via email and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to sign a Consent Form to confirm their participation. Please email youthcivicprogram@law.stetson.edu if you have any questions. Learn more and apply. Share Your News 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.

Video of a Hillsborough County teacher hanging a Black doll from a television on Monday has since gone viral. Images: Screengrabs, Facebook. An art teacher in Hillsborough County has been removed from her classroom following a disturbing incident where she appeared to wrap a charger cord around the neck of a Black doll and hang it from a television. ​The incident, which occurred on Monday, was captured on video by a student and subsequently shared by their mother on Facebook. The now-viral footage shows Karen Savage, a Caucasian art teacher at Barrington Middle School, tossing the babydoll near a cord over a TV set and leaving it to hang while students in the background react with nervous laughter and shock. ​Nina Williams, who shared the video, wrote that when students questioned the display, Savage "laughed it off.” According to Williams, the teacher’s excuse was that she wanted to “get their attention.” ​“This is NOT a classroom management tool,” Williams continued. “This is straight-up hate and trauma being weaponized in front of our children where they are supposed to be safe.” ​Williams noted that the incident deeply affected students of all races and cultures, who "stood united" to gather evidence and provide school administrators with official statements. The post has garnered nearly a million views in roughly a day. ​Hillsborough County Superintendent Van Ayres confirmed Savage’s removal in an official statement released Tuesday afternoon. He also called the incident "inappropriate and highly offensive.” ​“The content of this display is unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our school community, or me as your superintendent, and will not be tolerated,” Van Ayres said. “We are committed to fostering a caring, supportive learning environment where every student feels respected, valued, and safe. We recognize that incidents like this cause concern among students, families, and the broader community. ​“Please know that I take this matter extremely seriously and will continue to address it with transparency and urgency.” Karen Savage has been removed from her classroom, and an investigation is ongoing. ​Savage will not return to Barrington Middle, located in a suburban community approximately 20 miles southeast of Tampa, while the district’s Office of Professional Standards investigates the incident. Williams told WTSP that she appreciates the district’s swift action and hopes the teacher “never gets to return to another school in any county in any state.” ​“That is not something that I expected my children in 2026 to ever have to deal with seeing - a lynching, whether it was real or fake,” Williams said. “The whole image is just horrific. This is something they (students) will never forget. This will be with my son for the rest of his life.” ​Her son, Noah Williams, explained that Savage confiscated the doll from a classmate. Stunned students quickly told the teacher that her subsequent display was “wrong and racist.” ​The teacher claimed it was a joke before removing the hanging doll. Noah, 14, said he decided to record the teacher lowering the baby as evidence to hold Savage, 63, accountable. ​Noah later reported the incident to school administrators. He alleges that Savage followed him to the student affairs office and spoke over him as he attempted to explain the situation. ​“It was really disturbing,” Noah told WTSP. “I hope that she’s not allowed to teach again. Because she shouldn’t be allowed to teach if she does things like that.” Share Your News 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 shared by Maiya Papaya Start February on a high note with Afro Opera’s third annual Black History Month Concert, “A Message From the Roots” – a free event at St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church on February 1st, at 4 PM. St. Petersburg native and opera singer Maiya Stevenson will serenade music lovers at this year’s concert, which highlights African American composers, performers, and Black artistry in classical music. The all-African American cast will feature Ashley Thunder and Kevin D. Mitchell from the St. Petersburg Opera Company, with Yohance Wicks accompanying on piano. Stevenson founded Afro Opera in 2017 as a company dedicated to honoring diversity in classical music by “showcasing works from underrepresented composers,” while intertwining captivating storytelling performances to inspire audiences from different walks of life. Their mission statement also touches on how the company actively serves as a cultural ambassador for “inclusivity in classical music, providing transformative performances and educational opportunities that connect communities to the universal beauty of music.” “One of the most significant barriers Afro Opera has broken is the belief that artists must wait for institutional approval to succeed…Afro Opera challenges that narrative,” said Stevenson. “While Afro Opera may not yet be at the stage of completely dismantling industry-wide barriers, it has intentionally created space to showcase underrepresented Black talent. Afro Opera is open to working with artists of all backgrounds, but I am deliberate about ensuring that our Black History Month concerts feature an all–African American cast.” Stevenson also spoke on important lessons she’s learned founding the company – including actively supporting other artists. “Showing up matters. Your presence, your encouragement, and your representation make a difference, even when the artist may not realize it in the moment.” She also believes in giving back. “I’ve noticed that attaching ticket prices to performances can unintentionally place a cap on how people perceive the value of the work. Some of my most successful concerts have been donation-based.” Stevenson said she has learned to focus less on the quantity of supporters and more on the quality of support. “Early on, I worried about attendance numbers, but I quickly learned that some of my greatest opportunities came from people who attended my smallest shows.” As far as considering her artistry as a universal experience, she says it’s important not to “limit your audience,” noting that though her work centers Black artistry, her “biggest supporters” come from many different cultures. Nearly a decade after its founding, Afro Opera has retained a strong community following. As the company continues to push the boundaries in the music field, Stevenson welcomes new opportunities to educate, transform, and provide an inclusive space for artists to thrive in the classical musical genre. “I envision Afro Opera expanding to present five to six concerts annually, not only in St. Petersburg but across other cities and states. Our goal is to establish signature yearly performances,” said Stevenson. “Long-term, Afro Opera aims to package these concerts and offer them to venues, churches, corporations, and cultural organizations nationwide—and eventually internationally. Growth, for Afro Opera, means visibility, sustainability, and opportunity for Black classical artists.” Stevenson says that Afro Opera will continue to help artists create, perform, and thrive on their own terms. You don’t want to miss this free event. Join the fun and come out to Afro Opera’s concert on February 1st, 4 PM. 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.

The Tallahassee resident and Parliament-Funkadelic superstar takes on a music industry giant George Clinton, the funk pioneer who has called Tallahassee home for more than three decades, filed a federal lawsuit on May 15, against UMG Recordings, alleging the record company unlawfully froze more than $1.1 million in royalties owed to Clinton. The 20-page complaint — available at via Music Business Worldwide — accuses UMG of breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Clinton alleges that UMG has withheld his royalties across at least 12 separate accounts for more than three years, using a third-party copyright dispute as a pretext. The underlying dispute involves the estate of the late Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell, which claimed co-ownership of certain recordings. In September 2025, a federal judge ruled in Clinton’s favor on summary judgment. Yet, UMG has continued its freeze on payments to the 84-year old artist, which Clinton’s complaint notes has caused him “severe financial harm.” As of December 2025, the frozen funds include more than $996,000 in a Parliament royalty account alone, $99,000 in a separate Clinton production account, and $29,500 from Clinton’s production work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The latter have no connection whatsoever to the original Worrell dispute. Since 1994, Clinton has made Tallahassee, Florida, his permanent home. His property, set on a dirt road a few miles north of the city, features live oaks, a carp pond, a pool house he uses as a painting studio, and a full recording studio. In February 2024, Mayor John Dailey presented Clinton with a key to the city, recognizing his three decades of contributions to the community. In 2025, he was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame by the Florida Department of State. Clinton is also an honorary member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. FAMU and FSU chapters of the fraternity shared the stage with him at his inaugural P-Funk Fest in Tallahassee in 2026. 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

From left to right: Christian Pyror Hurst, Mendee Ligon, Tamisha Darling-Roberson, Carolyn Brayboy, and Shawntavia Turner at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge for W.I.R.E. Photo by J.A. Jones. Last month, the Pinellas County Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) hosted the W.I.R.E. (Women Investing in Real Estate) event at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge in St. Pete. Pinellas County Association of Realtists (PCAR) President Tamisha Darling-Roberson moderated the panel, featuring Black Leaf owner Christian Pryor Hurst, real estate broker Shawntavia Turner, and real estate investors Carolyn Brayboy and Mendee Ligon. “Tonight you’re hearing from people who didn’t just talk about investing. They moved, they took risks, they figured it out along the way; because the difference between those who build wealth and those who keep watching is a decision,” said Darling-Roberson. The women shared their individual paths toward real estate investing, sharing topics from credit preparation to available down payment assistance programs, to ensure attendees left feeling more informed, prepared, and another step closer to making homeownership their reality. For Turner, the journey toward not only investing in real estate but also being able to help others learn the ropes of buying property and land is furthered through her real estate school, Turnkey School of Real Estate. Turner is a cornerstone in her community for educating people about homeownership. She has been the owner and broker of Turnkey Real Estate Brokerage since its inception in 2015. She later opened Turnkey School of Real Estate in 2018, where she serves as the main instructor, guiding individuals on the ins and outs of the real estate field. “I’m such an advocate for access and educating our community - that’s why I started the real estate school,” said Turner. Turner’s brokerage operates with a staff of over 25 realtors, all committed to fostering homeownership in the Tampa Bay area. The firm offers a multitude of in-house services, including individual and commercial financing, property management, and credit repair. “We can walk you through the entire process of getting you financially approved and also represent you on the sale side of your purchase,” Turner explained. Beyond her brokerage, Turner’s real estate school offers Florida-approved pre-licensing courses through its three main programs: Sales Associate, Broker Pre-Licensing, and Continuing Education. Through these classes, students benefit from direct exposure, real transactions, and mentorship opportunities within a full-service brokerage. The Sales Associate Pre-Licensing class is a 63-hour course covering real estate principles, practices, and Florida law. This required course is for those interested in becoming a licensed real estate sales associate in Florida. In-person classes are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 5149 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710. The Broker Pre-Licensing class is a 72-hour course geared towards experienced sales associates ready to take the next step. The course covers investment analysis and valuation, advanced real estate law, escrow management, and other topics for advanced brokers. To qualify for this class, you must be a real estate agent for a minimum of two years. Lastly, the Continuing Education is a 24-hour course intended for those who wish to stay current and maintain their Florida real estate license. At the end of each course is a 3-hour state exam where students must pass with at least a 70% to complete the course. Classes can be in person with Turner or online at your own pace. After graduating, students are offered hands-on experience and real-world practice with what they learn in the field. “If they’re in my licensing course, I offer them a job opportunity. If they’re not looking to stay with the broker, I still offer some type of resources that help them with leads or anything to get started,” explained Turner. While enrollment dates are still pending on her site, Turner – who is also an entrepreneur – welcomes the opportunity to connect with those interested in homeownership and in becoming pre-licensed through her real estate classes. “We are here to connect you to the possibilities,” said Turner. Share Your News 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.

Darlene Hill (fourth from left), founder and CEO of the Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, and the organization’s board at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March. Photos: WCBCC. The Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce has officially launched, serving as a critical conduit between underserved entrepreneurs and essential resources in one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing communities. ​Founder and CEO Darlene Hill said the chamber has already attracted over 30 members in less than a month of operation. The overarching goal is to create a lasting network that boosts support, visibility, and opportunities for local businesses owned by people of color. ​WCBCC’s opening at Signature Workspace Wiregrass in March fills a representation gap in Wesley Chapel, which has seen its population soar by 29% since 2020. The unincorporated area in east Pasco County, roughly 20 miles north of Tampa, now boasts nearly 80,000 residents. ​“The push for us is community togetherness and involvement,” Hill said. “It’s really about helping people, because we all need a little help every now and again.” ​The new nonprofit allows Hill to “do what I’m passionate about, which is helping people,” she added. After a career in corporate human resources (HR), Hill launched a consultancy business in 2018. ​She quickly realized that most entrepreneurs worked full-time for someone else while attempting to get their own venture off the ground. Hill, then a member of various professional organizations, also didn’t receive the “help, resources, and the tools to really help me build my business - anything from just how to network to marketing and budgeting.” ​“I’ve been here in Wesley Chapel for 16 years now, so I’ve seen the growth,” she continued. “There are a lot of new businesses popping up. But as a business owner, not having access to those resources kind of prompted me to start this chamber.” From left: Darlene Hill, CEO of WBCC, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean, and Priscilla Lauture, owner of Align Comms. ​Hill’s first priority is increasing awareness of available resources. However, she doesn’t blame busy entrepreneurs for not identifying potential opportunities. Time, in Hill’s opinion, is often the primary cause for a disconnect between business owners and resources. ​“We’re wearing so many different hats that we’re not even aware of different organizations that might be out there,” she said. In addition, many organizations that could offer assistance are “not coming into our area and our communities.” ​She emphasized the need to increase visibility for oft-marginalized business owners. The chamber will assist with marketing. ​Helping create pathways for sustainable success is another priority. Hill said this could encompass everything from learning how to apply for a business loan to building relationships with bankers. ​She also noted the need for underserved entrepreneurs to expand their horizons. WCBCC wants to help them “get their foot in the door” with large organizations, including area health systems and hospitality conglomerates. ​“How do we bridge the gap between large businesses and small businesses?” Hill rhetorically asked. That should be an achievable goal, at least to some extent, as Hill said established companies “absolutely want to partner with businesses here in the community.” ​“It’s visibility for them, too, and it’s also them giving back to the business community,” she said of large organizations. “It benefits both sides.” ​WBCC secured an early partnership with AdventHealth, which is now hosting quarterly workshops, before the official launch. Overworked entrepreneurs often neglect their physical health, Hill said, which in turn impacts their business. ​Internal goals include expanding the chamber’s membership, and Hill, currently the sole employee, admitted she is off to a “pretty good” start. More importantly, she wants underserved entrepreneurs to know “they can come to us for help.” ​WBCC’s workshops are open to non-members, and Hill noted the chamber welcomes “any business that supports our mission and vision.” She reiterated the importance of serving as a conduit, “here in the community we serve.” ​The surrounding community can support WBCC by partnering with the grassroots organization. Wesley Chapel might be the focus, but Hill is open to forging relationships with other chambers throughout Tampa Bay. “It’s a win-win,” she said. Hill encourages any business owners considering joining WBCC to call, send an email, or attend an event. “They can meet other members and get their take on what the experience has been for them so far,” she added. ​“I’m so passionate about this because I’ve been through it,” Hill said. “We are big on making sure our members get a return on their investment.” For more information about the Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce, visit the website here. In March, the chamber’s leadership and community members celebrated the new office opening at 28210 Paseo Drive, #190 in Wesley Chapel. 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

Mike Mikurak (right), interim CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board, has threatened to sue the agency. Photo: JWB. With a high-stakes leadership vote looming, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County now faces a $100,000 ultimatum. Interim CEO Mike Mikurak also wants the agency to scrap its search process and extend his contract by a year. ​The taxpayer-funded board, which distributed $133 million to youth-focused nonprofits in 2025, has spent the past several months embroiled in a controversial search for a permanent CEO. Glen Gilzean, a frequent gubernatorial appointee who was accused of but never found liable for misspending millions as the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, is the front-runner. ​In March, the board voted 6-5 to name Gilzean the permanent chief executive. Members, who must hold a final vote on Thursday, now have something else to consider. ​Mikurak became interim CEO in June 2025, following Beth Houghton’s retirement, and is also a finalist. However, he believes defamatory statements from a board member tainted the process and has threatened to sue the agency. ​On April 29, Mikurak’s lawyer sent a settlement proposal to the board, which was subsequently obtained by Power Broker Magazine. Attorney Shane Vogt wrote that Mikurak “feels compelled to offer a final opportunity to amicably resolve this situation without the need for litigation.” ​The settlement highlights multiple requests, starting with the “immediate retention of a reputable national search firm to identify qualified JWB candidates.” ​Board members must then drop the “interim” from Mikurak’s title and make him the CEO for at least a year, “or as needed until the new CEO selection process is fully completed … and such period of time necessary for Mr. Mikurak to help the new CEO become acclimated to their position.” ​The board must also refrain from conducting a second vote to appoint Gilzean. Mikurak would retire after his new term ends. ​He also pledged to work in “good faith” with the board to help improve the lives of area children and families. Vogt wrote that the settlement would not become effective until approved at Thursday’s meeting. ​“Within 30 days of the effective date of the settlement agreement, Mr. Mikurak shall be paid $50,000 to resolve his civil claims against Board Member Renee Chiea, and $50,000 as reimbursement for his attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with this matter,” the proposal states. ​“In exchange for the foregoing, Mr. Mikurak will fully release JWB, its board members (including Ms. Chiea), their employees, agents, attorneys, and insurance carriers, from any and all claims and causes of action,” it continues. ​Mikurak declined to comment on the settlement proposal. ​The local Juvenile Welfare Board was created nearly 80 years ago through a Special Act of the Florida Legislature. As a special taxing district, the agency funds nearly 100 programs that foster early childhood development, increase school readiness, and mitigate child abuse and neglect. ​Mikurak, 72, was an international consulting partner with Accenture before retiring in 2003. He was appointed to the JWB in 2013 and has since held multiple leadership positions with the agency. ​The board, which includes 11 county officials and gubernatorial appointees, released a formal job posting for a permanent CEO - with an anticipated annual salary between $200,00 and $245,000 - in December 2025. An ideal candidate should “be able to articulate and implement JWB's strategic mission while maintaining the highest level of transparency and accountability to the taxpayers of Pinellas County,” it states. Glen Gilzean has received eight gubernatorial appointments throughout his career. ​Board members selected three finalists in January, with Mikurak and Gilzean, 44, becoming the front-runners after an informal straw poll the following month. Vogt, in a letter sent to Chiea on March 23 - after the straw poll and initial vote - accused her of making false and defamatory statements about Mikurak. ​The 13-page letter notes that Chiea, a gubernatorial appointee, publicly questioned Mikurak’s transparency and ethics, and essentially accused him of participating in Medicare fraud in 2012. Mikurak denied the accusations and threatened to sue. ​In December 2024, the Orange County Comptroller’s Office found that Gilzean spent $9.9 million, over half of his annual budget as the supervisor of elections, in a two-month period. Gilzean denied any wrongdoing and sued the county. His case was dismissed the following month when he left office. ​​County Commissioner Renee Flowers, in a social media post on Monday, suggested that the board restart its search for a new CEO and eliminate the current applicants. “This is the best way for JWB to focus on the work and move forward,” she wrote. ​“This organization is too important for us to get it wrong.” ​In his latest letter, Vogt wrote that the settlement was proposed to resolve Mikurak’s claims, and “more importantly, try to mitigate the substantial harm JWB and its reputation are suffering because of the manner in which the CEO selection process has been conducted.” An agreement would constitute a “compromise,” and not an admission of liability or wrongdoing. 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