Listening to Black Voices

Longtime Human Resources Executive Mirian Graddick-Weir on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The daughter of a former nun and NASA's director of education, Graddick-Weir was most recently executive vice-president of human resources at Merck.

03/13/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Janjay Gehndyu on Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Education

Gehndyu is the principal of Visible Men Academy.

02/06/2023 By Heather Dunhill

The Nose Knows

Urthy Scents Opens in Lakewood Ranch's Shoppes at Market Square

Ali East and Jen Rotondo believe in the power of scent.

02/06/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Making a Splash

Sarasota Native and Olympic Silver Medalist Emma Weyant Has Launched a Swimwear Line

Weyant's collection with SwimOutlet and Sporti is based on her years of swimming experience.

01/26/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Tomeika Hunter-Koski on Serving in the Army, Education and Her Charitable Work in Africa

“For decades, Black people have been told to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps when too many of us don’t have boots—and the powers that be continue to systemically keep the boots out of reach."

01/11/2023 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Rev. Larry Green Sr. on the Church's Role in the Black Community and the Hope in Helping Others

"Allowing people to express their anger, frustration and/or sadness can help them find comfort and strength."

12/19/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Charlayne Hunter-Gault on Her New Book and 50 Years of Reporting on Black Life

"We must learn to talk to people who don’t agree with us, which is a challenge these days. Communication is the essence of our existence. In so many ways, this is how we will open doors.”

11/07/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Malushua Griffith on Growing Up in St. Croix, Entrepreneurship and Black Maternal Health

"When it comes to doctors, Black women need them not to see our color—we need them to listen and act."

10/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Jetson Grimes on Sarasota's Black History and the Importance of Community Activism

Grimes owns Jetson's Creative Trends in Newtown, a community cornerstone, and is the founder of the Greater Newtown Redevelopment Corp.

09/13/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Melanie Thomas on Succeeding in the Entertainment Industry and Empowering Young People

"Why can’t we accept each other for the purpose to unify, not to destroy? In unity, there is strength."

08/09/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Media Executive George Miles on Career Pivots, Doo-wop and the Need for Black People in the Newsroom

"This country needs a dialogue, not a monologue," says Miles, the former president and CEO of Pittsburgh's WQED, which produced Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

07/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Janet Taylor on Generational Trauma and How Racism Affects Mental Health

Taylor, a psychiatrist, is the proprietor of Cognitive Health & Wellness in Sarasota and sees patients at Centerstone of Florida in Bradenton.

06/13/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Entrepreneur Lillian Lambert on Being the First Black Woman to Graduate from Harvard Business School

"In my class of about 800 students, 18 were women and six were Black: five men and me."

05/10/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Lash Out

Eunice Chavez Opens Second Eye Candy Lash Extensions Location

Chavez shares her inspirations, her treatment offerings and her best advice for fellow female founders.

05/03/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Nature of Things

You Can Now Find Gogo Ferguson's Nature-Inspired Jewelry at Sarasota Art Museum

Ferguson creates homewares and jewelry from relics she finds on her home on Georgia's Cumberland Island.

04/19/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Former J&J Executive Marilyn Thompson on Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Culture

Marilyn Thompson also weighs in on the Will Smith/Chris Rock altercation and its broader implications for the Black Community.

04/12/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Primp and Polish

Local Salon Owner Launches a New Nail Polish Line

Veteran nail tech Thu Thach has created a line of 10-free, vegan and cruelty-free nail lacquers.

03/29/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Neirda Thompson-Pemberton on Diversity in Engineering and Inspiring Kids Through S.T.E.A.M.

"Diversity and inclusion aren’t about an afterthought. They're about intent, from the beginning."

03/16/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Attorney E. Keith DuBose on Why Sarasota Needs More Black Lawyers

DuBose works with Booker High School's Law Academy and the Sarasota Bar Association to attract Black lawyers to the area.

02/08/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Love Notes

Five Easy Yet Romantic Valentine's Day Date Ideas

Head to the park or a beach, pretend you're a tourist at a local attraction, and more.

02/07/2022 By Heather Dunhill