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Recipients Young, Gifted & Black 2006 Entrepreneur Awards |
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Amoy
Chambers
Amoy Chambers, Esq., is a corporate attorney associate at a New York City law firm. Her passion is helping underprivileged and at-risk youths in her home community and back home in Jamaica, through mentoring, volunteering, financial sponsorship and the initiation of Youth Entrepreneurs Succeed (YES). She volunteers with various youth and/or community organizations such as the Organization of International Development (OID), A Better Chance, the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Jamaica Ministry of Education (National Centre for Youth Development) and Partnership for Healthy Jamaica. Bi-annually she volunteers in Jamaica, W.I. with OID providing free healthcare services to the needy throughout Jamaica, W.I.
Website:
http://www.missioncriticalweb.com/oid/what_is_oid.htm |
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Camille S. McDonald
Camille S. McDonald
is a Model by appearance however to the untrained eye she is much more.
Having completed fashion extravaganzas as far east as Japan, as well as,
India, Milan, Greece Switzerland, Jamaica & New York, Camille makes time
to consciously involve herself in community service subscribing herself
to the fight against HIV & AIDS. Accomplishments include raising
$60,000 towards HIV/AIDS awareness donated to the St. James Health
Department in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Hand-selected by Tyra Bands to
appear on America’s Next Top Model 2, a former Miss Florida & Miss
Jamaica USA; an active mentor of the Sister Power, Big Brothers & Big
Sisters and Life Beat Organizations; a philanthropist with the launch of
her limited edition lingerie-wear collection.
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Chris Rucker - Rucker League & Athletics, CEO
Chris Rucker is the grandson of Holcombe Rucker, namesake of Harlem's famed Rucker Park and its basketball tournaments. After trade marking the 'RUCKER' name as an apparel line, through the help of his business partner Dexter Gordon, the Rucker clothing line is now standing strong being worn by high school teams and the likes of Vince Carter, Allen Iverson and 50 Cent to name a few making the line a big brand name for basketball & music entertainment. Chris accomplished the resurgence of the Rucker Tournament that Holcombe Rucker started in 1947 in addition to the Rucker Foundation to accept donations from corporate sponsors which are then allocated to community organizations and will launch College Express Scholarship Program to provide to young men and women financial assistance with college.
This year Chris Rucker will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Rucker Basketball Tournament.
Website:
http://www.stallanddean.com |
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David 'Squeeze' Annakie - Linkup Media, CEO
David “Squeeze” Annakie is the CEO of LinkUp Media Inc. is a multifaceted Company that consistently provides the very best in entertainment on radio and television, across the Tri-State area, South Florida, Bahamas, London, Jamaica and beyond. In 1996, Mr. Annakie
realized the need to provide “Quality Caribbean Entertainment” and
started LinkUp Radio, broadcasting on WRTN 93.5FM, blazing the latest
hits and remixes through the airwaves. He took his innovation several
steps ahead of the competition with the current radio phenomena “The
International Link”, linking four radio stations into one program.
Located in the heart of the Bronx, LinkUp Radio provides the community
with update and advice on Immigration, health and financial issues,
through the very popular Immigration Link and Community Forum. LinkUp
Media Inc. took another giant step forward with the launch of PLUSH
Television. This exciting program provides the perfect blend of music
videos, exclusive interviews, footage from local and international
events, and the informative “PLUSH Community Forum”, integrating
discussions on immigration, health and finances issues. Jamrock
Magazine for 2006 will be next major launch for David ‘Squeeze’ Annakie. |
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DJ. Red Alert - Power 105.1FM & Sirius Satellite Network
DJ Red Alert is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the founding fathers of Hip-Hop music and culture! He has received numerous awards and accolades including a special award at the first annual Rap Hall of Fame Awards show. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from IMPACT music trade publication for 1998 and the 1997 Mix Show DJ of the year award from GAVIN. In addition DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by ROLLING STONE magazine. Red Alert was recently inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL of FAME in Cleveland, Ohio with his own exhibit. The only DJ of this era so honored! Kool DJ Red Alert was named an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in recognition of his contributions in the field of music. In June 2003 Red Alert was inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame where past honoree's have included such luminaries as General Colin Powell. DJ Red Alert has appeared in over 50 music videos.
DJ Red Alert's World Famous Radio Mix Show can be heard daily Monday through Friday on New York City's Power 105.1 FM. In addition DJ Red Alert has a radio show heard nationwide on the all new Sirius Satellite Network.
Website: http://www.kooldjredalert.com/
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Eric Berry - Soul Fixin' Restaurant NYC, CEO
Soul Fixins’ was
created in 1992 by the Berry Brothers, Eric, Kevin, Keith & John. The
business started in an apartment located in Mid-Town Manhattan servicing
the Fashion & Flatiron District. Soul Fixin’s now resides at 371 W.
34th Street since 1993. Food reviews have been acknowledge and
recommended by New York Magazine, Zagat Surveys, NY Times and Amsterdam
News regarding their Soul food & Southern Cuisine. In 2002 Soul Fixins’
was featured on the Food Network program “The Best of Soul Food’.
Effective 2003, the Soul Fixin franchise was launch nationally and the
first franchise was done in 2005 in Largo, Maryland. |
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Gary Foster – Chairman Upliftment Jamaica & Vice President Rush Communications
Gary Foster is also the Vice President of Rush Communications.
Website:
http://www.upliftmentjamaica.org |
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Honorable Yvette
Clarke
She has emerged as a voice of calm reason and a true leader in the Council. Clarke has distinguished herself as a strong negotiator who always fights for the residents of her district. A champion of women's rights who favors involving youths in the decision-making process, Clarke has instituted an HIV/AIDS Task Force in her district that focuses on combating the negative impact of this disease among residents. She has also formed a Sanitation Task Force and a Youth Task Force. She has sought to involve the clergy in all her efforts at community empowerment by organizing them into the Ad Hoc Clergy Committee. Clarke emerged from her public school days as a popular honor student, earning a scholarship to Oberlin College in Ohio. She won a Congressional internship in 1983 while attending college. Before being elected to the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, Clarke was Director of Business Development for the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. As the first Director of the Bronx portion of the New York City Empowerment Zone, she was on the frontline of the rebuilding process.
Yvette D. Clarke now running as a candidate for the 2006 11th Congressional Race currently held by Congressman Major Owens.
Website: http://www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/member_details.cfm?con_id=21
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Hugh Johnson - Yardmanstyle Clothing, Owner
Hugh Johnson - Owner. Born in Jamaica, he attended Kingston College and Gaynestead High School before migrating to the United States in the late 701s. Hugh started his studies at Fordham University but completed them at Adelphi University. During his senior year at Adelphi, he was recruited to the prestigious Touche Ross Accounting firm. After a couple of years, he moved on to be an Assistant Financial Controller at Citibank. In 1988, he acted on his desire to be his own boss, and so he started his own tax practice in the Bronx - HAMJ/H.A.M.J, Inc. Through diligence, hard work, and a caring and generous spirit, he has led the company into the millennium with a wide range of tax and accounting services and a large clientele.
Following his dream to branch out into fashion, he has produced an exciting new line of fashionable clothing for the contemporary urban consumer. Hugh has vowed to put Yardmanstyle on the map, and with his drive, his work ethic, and his belief in his product, his dream will be a reality. Since introducing Yardmanstyle, Hugh has received nothing but favorable comments about the clothing. Since Yardmanstyle is targeting the Caribbean/Reggae market, it is regarded as a pioneer in the industry and therefore it is appealing to a wide age group. Hugh is grateful to everyone who has offered support and advice during the planning and implementation stages of his baby, YARDMANSTYLE.
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Kim M. Parker - The Parker Realty Group, Inc – Owner
Kim M. Parker, Esq. has been a lifelong resident of Harlem. She received her undergraduate degree from Hampton University in Virginia and her Juris Doctorate from Touro Law School. Ms. Parker clerked for a Judge in Bronx County Criminal Court and she worked in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, Appeals Bureau. She also worked at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, an investment bank on Wall Street in the commercial real estate department before branching out on her own. While having the lifelong desire of becoming a real estate investor herself, Ms. Parker, decided to turn her own personal desire into a business plan to help others. She became a real estate broker and created The Parker Realty Group, Inc. specializing in real estate law as well as real estate brokering. She opened her business in the community she loves, Harlem. The Parker Realty Group has sold millions of dollars in New York real estate since opening in January 2003. They concentrate on selling real estate in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Rockland County and will be expanding to New Jersey by the Summer of 2006.
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Kristen Poe - Rush Card, VP Marketing & Operations
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Kyle Donovan - NV Magazine, Editor
Mr. Donovan is the CEO and founder of Envy Publishing Group/NV magazine. A few years ago, New York businessman Kyle Donovan reflected on the many urban professionals in New York alone who were engaged in fields previously untapped by urbanites and concluded that this New Power movement, as some had dubbed it, needed a medium with a fresh voice. So he decided he'd provide that voice, helping to shape and nurture these rising capitalists.
He lived out his dream four years ago with the publication of NV.
Donovan, 30, has first-hand knowledge on his subjects. At the age of 19, he started his own photography business. By age 23, Donovan had a client list that included The New York Times, Barrons, Dow Jones and EMI-Capitol Records. By age 26, he'd taught himself about the stock market and had begun to trade over the Internet. From the capitol he'd accumulated as a broker, Donovan launched NV magazine: New Vision in Business and become the youngest publisher of a national publication. Mr. Donovan has been featured in The New York Daily News, Crain's Business Magazine, Advertising Age, Entrepreneur Magazine, ABC Channel 7 Eyewitness News," and Rev. Jesse Jackson and Con. Jesse Jackson JR's book, "It's About the Money."
Mr. Donovan has recently been selected to join the 2002 American Young Leader Delegation at the German-American Young Leaders Conference in Berlin Germany. Mr. Donovan has been a guest speaker at Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School, Howard Business School, The North Alabama African American Chamber of Commerce, NAMIC (National Associations of Minorities In Communication), National Urban League Young Professionals Conference, AAIA (Association of African American in Advertising), and has received various awards for his achievements.
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Maryann Reid - Author, Sex & Single Sister - Marry Your Baby Daddy
Reid obtained her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Miami in May 2004. She is a regular guest and relationship advisor on radio and television shows, most recently, for Life & Style, a syndicated daytime talk show seen on Oxygen and UPN. Her third book Marry Your Baby Daddy was published by St. Martins Press in Sept 2005. Maryann organized efforts for 10 couples in NYC to be married and had all expenses covered by sponsors.
Reid is a graduate of Fordham University and is working on a fourth novel for St. Martins. Born to Jamaican parents, Reid lives in Brooklyn, New York
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Marco Golding - Iluminatti Entertainment, Chairman & CEO
Marco Golding, Chairman and CEO of ILUMINATTI ENTERTAINMENT is an undaunted presence. His energy speaks for itself. He is the manifestation of greatness. The mental magic of the soul this earth knows as Marco Golding, is limitless. At the young age of thirty-four, he has realized the secret of the universe; the mind is the key-- think it and it shall be.
He is a shrewd businessman because he is fearless; there is nothing but drive that runs through his 6'2 frame. Marco has been an entrepreneur for eight years, before that he dominated the corporate world. Striking out on his own, his goal is to share the secrets of self-realization and power to the fledgling artist and athlete who can feel but has yet to realize their full power.
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Melissa Dunn - American Cancer Society, Director - Community Health Initiatives & Health Systems
Melissa Dunn is the Director of Community Health Initiatives and Health Systems for the American Cancer Society’s Manhattan Region. After loosing a friend to cancer, Melissa left her job in Corporate America and became deeply committed to working with the American Cancer Society - an international community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. She is particularly interested in working with the underserved populations in NYC and Caribbean Immigrants.
Melissa’s primary responsibility is to work with hospitals, government agencies and community-based organizations to increase cancer screening and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Melissa was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, where her extended family still resides. She did graduate work in Public Administration at the University of Miami, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Judson College in Marion, Alabama.
Prior to becoming the Director of Community Health Initiatives and Health Systems at ACS, Melissa was the Manager of the Manhattan Breast Health Partnership which provides free breast and cervical cancer screening to over 3,500 uninsured women annually.
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Robert Clarke –
President & CEO / Louis Grant – Vice President
Robert Clarke, founder and chief executive officer of Irie Jam radio (WRTN, 93.5FM in New York). Bobby as his friends and business associates affectionately call him has always considered himself a risk taker. Some would say he was born an entrepreneur. It was this desire to take chances and a passion to “make it big in America” which motivated him to leave sunny Jamaica for the US. His first attempt at being the connoisseur businessman was with Bronx Travel Express, which he started with a high school friend. The venture was fairly successful but after 3 years, he yearned for something more challenging. He obtained an Associates Degree in Computer Science at Monroe College and pursued his B.A. in Business Administration at Iona College.
Louis Grant has enjoyed over 8 years in media since he joined the team at Irie Jam Radio as Vice President and Executive Producer in 1996. Since then he has proven to be an integral and essential part of the organizations directorship, applying his incredible negotiation and strategy skills to significantly contribute to the development and exposure of Caribbean radio in the New York and Tri-State area market. Louis’ entrepreneurial spirit prevails in daily activities and his ability to seek and identify sound business opportunities led to his simultaneous ownership of a franchise of the East Coast famous, Golden Krust Bakery.
Together, Robert
Clarke & Louis Grant has created a powerhouse media company in Irie Jam
Media. Along with Black Emperor Ent, they have produce one of most
successful annual Caribbean Concerts titled Irie Jamboree.
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Rowan Clarke Hot Pot Caribbean Restaurant, Owner
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Sabrina Hosang - Caribbean Foods Delight, Director of Operations
May 2001, Sabrina joined her family owned business, Caribbean Food Delights, as the Director of Operations. As Director of Operations, Sabrina works with different departments such as Production, Human Resources, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, Research and Development, Corporate Sponsorship, Accounting, Sales, Marketing, Public Relations, Food Security and other entities of the Company.
Over the years, Sabrina has become more focused and self-assured.
She epitomizes the words of JOHN WOODEN who said, ABILITY MAY GET YOU TO THE TOP, BUT IT TAKES CHARACTER TO KEEP YOU THERE.
Sabrina Hosang now heads the operational efforts for new Jerk Qzine franchise.
Website: http://www.caribbeanfooddelights.com or http://www.jerkqzine.com
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Sean Cummings - Show Magazine & Cummings Media Inc, CEO
As the Editorial Director for SMOOTH and SMOOTH Girl magazines from 2002-2005, Sean Cummings saw the popularity of these titles grow tremendously over the four year period. In addition to creating and executing every aspect of the editorial content, Sean has played an integral role in the marketing, branding, promotions and advertising for the publications, eventually being named Associate Publisher for the parent company Star Media, Inc. In the ultra create and multi-media world of Hip Hop Ivy League, Sean Cummings is highly regarded and renowned as a publishing veteran, master marketer and a major model talent scout and developer.
Coming to newsstand near you this Spring, from the mind of Sean Cummings the highly anticipated launch of Show Magazine.
Website: http://www.show-mag.com
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Talent - Actor/Comedian, 98.7 Kiss FM Morning Talk Show
He goes by the unorthodox, but very appropriate name of Talent, a brilliant comedian whose fine tune, reality based, universal humor was developed in clubs and other major comedy outlets nationwide. His awesome timing, witty improve, skilled storytelling and sharp wit are down right amazingly FuNNy!
Talent’s acclaimed appearances on ‘ Def Comedy Jam All-Star Host, “ HBO Snaps,” FOX’s “Uptown Comedy Club”, “Showtime At the Apollo, and 3 seasons (2000, 01, 02) of BET commix View, have catapulted him to the top of successful, young black comedian ladder. He healines the famous ‘Carolines on Broadway Comedy Club’ and is know is one of New York City Kings Of Comedy. As an actor stared in the movie “Sunset Park’ and “A Brothers Kiss’
He coins the phrase “Don’t take it personal - It’s Just Comedy” and can be heard every morning on 98.7 Kiss FM Morning Talk Show.
Website: http://www.itsjustcomedy.com
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