Inspire, Honor, Celebrate
A few local favorites were asked what it was like to be an African American in the business community, here’s what they had to say:
Charles Weaver – Owner of 19th Green Indoor Golf Center
Vip: “Is there an African American in your life that inspired you?”
Charles: “I’m very blessed to have had the opportunity to have lived with the person who most inspired me, my great-grandmother. Born in 1886, the daughter of former slaves, she did everything she could to make sure that I would not be hampered by racism, poverty or other barriers that would hold me back from the being the best I possibly could be. Of the many memories I have of her, one of the most memorable was her refusing to allow me to drink from ‘For Colored Only’ water fountains. I didn’t, at the time, understand why, but as I grew older, she always reinforced in me to not allow those type of attitudes restrict me. Granny, as I called her, would always tell me to look in the mirror at my two arms, two legs, two eyes, and remind me that the greatest barrier I would have is that person in the mirror.”
Toyinda L. Smith – Entrepreneur, the creator of the Champion Influence® Coaching Certification Program, an inspirational speaker, business coach, author of ‘The Handbook to Unleash Your Potential’ and principal of Leadership Strategy & Consulting, LLC
Vip: “What African American role model inspired your career?”
Toyinda: “Madame CJ Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, is my inspiration. She was an entrepreneur, civil rights activist, and philanthropist. Beginning in 1906, with the help of trusted vision pushers, Madame CJ Walker, founded the Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company and birthed her own therapeutic shampoo and ointment.
Through her courageous and bold entrepreneurial efforts, she created a path of stability and sustainability that unleashed the potential of women who had worked for others as sharecroppers, cooks, and maids.
As a speaker and trainer, Madame CJ Walker convened her sales agents and beauty specialists for 3-day trainings, annual conventions, motivational sessions and promoted “Walker Clubs” across the nation which built momentum for herself and the women who believed for financial independence. Through her leadership, life, and legacy she continues to inspire me to, in her words, “not be afraid to wring success out of a number of business opportunities that lie at my very door.”
Patricia Sullivan – Communications Specialist/Project Coordinator at Darlington County First Steps
Vip: “How do you celebrate Black History Month?”
Patricia: “I celebrate Black History every day by acknowledging the freedoms I currently have because of others who fought on my behalf years ago and presently.”
Tre Gammage – Hartsville City Council Member and Education Consultant
Vip: “What does Black History Month mean to you?”
Tre: “I had a coach in college who said success is about you, and significance is making an impact greater than you. Black history month is the acknowledgment of so much that happened before we got to this place today. Growing up my mom always was involved in Civil Rights heritage, while my dad’s family has a bible that dates back to the 1850s and survived a fire! Black history is often lost or without documentation, so to celebrate is another reminder to continue blazing a trail for the next generation.”