Bustling, energetic, smiling, laughing, cheerful greetings of acquaintances, business partners, families, and friends gathered in the banquet room of the Oxford Suites in Rohnert Park Friday night. A few hundred celebrants glided into the party room listening to the smooth jazz musician Doug Martin, know for his musical track “Better Days Are Coming,” a title fitting for this wonderful awards ceremony.
Master of Ceremonies Dr. Raquell Holmes, a leader in equity and excellence in education, guided all through this special evening. Nancy Rogers, CEO and President of the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce, delivered welcoming remarks kicking off the affair. “This evening is a celebration of the vision, resilience, and innovation of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders who continue to build, create jobs, and strengthen our local and regional economy.”
Rogers stated directly the mission: “to advocate, educate, connect, and empower Black-owned-businesses and professionals to thrive.” She emphasized the power of partnerships, programs, and events like this celebration to create “pathways for growth, generational wealth, and community transformation.”
This 2nd Annual State of North Bay Black Business Summit, “dedicated to advancing economic empowerment, equity, and excellence for Black-owned businesses and professionals in Sonoma, Napa, and Solano Counties,” supported by the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce has a mission: “To cultivate economic growth and improve the quality of life for our members and community through advocacy, education, collaboration, and access to resources.”
So, the evening brought these powerful resources together and showed through its honoring of these people of business as models of action. And it offered the opportunity to connect community and resources to support, advocate, network, partner, and impact the community.
State Senator Mike McGuire prefaced the main speakers by noting the significance of the contributions made by Black-owned businesses to the community and state-wide economy as he stated that in California “nearly 200,000 minor businesses in total across the state make up 45 percent of the entire community employing 3.6 million Californians.” And he declared that “our diversity is our strength, we are the most diverse state in the United States.” He thanked small businesses for putting people first.
Elmy Bermejo, Director, Office of Small Business Advocate State of California, followed as one of two featured speakers. She pointed out that there are nearly 285,000 Black-owned businesses in California as she described many small businesses and their importance. “Everybody has an opportunity to grow their business.” She emphasized the importance of community and sharing of resources and ideas as she said, “We grow our communities in our small businesses.”
Head of Economic Development Partnerships Wesley Alexander, a second featured speaker, reiterated the theme of the importance of community as he chanted, “My business is your business and your business is my business,” He stressed building the infrastructure first and then connecting with others. “What we do matters,” meaning that each small business impacts the whole. Alexander believes in discipline and community building.
A brief pause for pie of your choice and conversation about what the speakers brought to the summit, while in the background to accompany all this networking, Doug Martin created the friendly ambiance of the evening with more soulful sounds. All this led into the awards ceremony.Letitia Hanke, founder and owner of ARS Roofing & Gutters, was first honored for her three decades in business, “creating stable employment for local professionals,” supporting “underserved youth, seniors, and other community members.” She was acknowledged for “the jobs created, young people empowered, and opportunities built throughout Sonoma County.”
Kaleb Asfaha of the Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant, distinguished for continuing two decades of a family business founded by Woderyelesh Merso, carries the legacy forward as the sole owner offering authentic Ethiopian cuisine and an atmosphere where people can experience and appreciate and celebrate African culture. “Abyssinia represents more than a restaurant—it represents family, perseverance, entrepreneurship, cultural pride, and a legacy that continues to enrich Sonoma County.”
Deep Sky Marketing and Jeffrey Schmidt with marketing skills of communication, sales, leadership, and financial performance, were honored because Schmidt “recognized that sustainable success requires more than simply increasing revenue—it requires clear vision, strong leadership, personal growth, and an understanding of the key numbers that drive a business.” Schmidt, for more than two decades, has helped entrepreneurs be successful.
A multicultural hair braiding and beauty supply store, JB’s Hair, led by Joyce A. Burt, has been serving Sonoma County. Burt announces proudly, “Our doors are open to everyone, and we are committed to making quality haircare accessible to our entire diverse community.”
Thirty-eight years in business, Louis Jenkins has applied his knowledge and professionalism to lead Jenkins Insurance. “He has established a trusted presence in the community and represents the strength and resilience of Black entrepreneurship in Sonoma County.”
Lonnie Mac’s Multicultural Barbershop, begun by Lonnie McCloud in 1993, has been the go-to place for a great haircut, good discussion about music, a place to socialize, has been continued by Marilyn and Chris Hutcheson since 2012. Lonnie Mac’s has been cited as “a true Black business legacy, demonstrating the importance of preserving community business and passing their traditions from one generation to the next.”
A Minor’s Touch Carpet & Upholstery Care, twenty-five years providing excellent care, the Minor family takes “pride in helping clients maintain cleaner, healthier homes and businesses while improving air quality, and they remain dedicated to providing service that brings comfort, satisfaction, and joy to every customer they serve.” Their hard work and dedication to great service brought them this honor.
Jasmin Montgomery, master hair stylist, educator, and entrepreneur was feted for her business in Rohnert Park, Multicultural Hair Studio. In operation for more than twenty years, Montgomery’s salon, employing expert braiders and dreadlock specialists, has served the community in many ways.
My Father’s Garden Adult Residential Care Facility, led by Canzadie Louis Reed Johnson, a care specialist for over a quarter of a century, uses her business “to bring joy, hope, and comfort to people who are sick, grieving, or in need” as well as supporting families. She has “provided a loving home for adults with developmental disabilities, empowering them with independence, dignity, travel, and unforgettable experiences.”
New World Ballet, started in1994, led by Artistic Director Victor Temple since 2005, and relocated in Santa Rosa in 2013, has offered ballet, contemporary, salsa, hip-hop, and other dance styles. It has strengthened community connections and increased access to the arts for youth as well as building confidence, discipline, creativity, and leadership skills through performances, multicultural programming, Juneteenth celebrations, outreach, and affordable arts education.
Red Rose Catering, set in Santa Rosa, led by experts Harold and Nancy Rogers who know how to cook traditional authentic soul food, has earned fame in the county for its signature dish, Fried Chicken, recipes of Harold Rogers, Sr. Nancy Rogers, highly active in the community, the CEO of North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce, chairperson of the MLK/Juneteenth Festival and Black United, is on the Board of the Sonoma County Black Forum.
Another traditional gathering place, Roseland Barber Shop, paid homage to founder Cleveland More who began the business in 1974 and to Hosea McQuilla whose leadership has carried forth the legacy. “Over the years, Roseland Barber Shop has been more than a place to get a haircut—it has been a gathering place where relationships are built, young people are encouraged, and opportunities are created.” The Roseland Barbershop models commitment to community, entrepreneurship, service, and legacy where the older generation passes on knowledge and opportunity to the younger generation.
Sarah Group Home and Sarah capped the night’s awards. Sarah, “a pioneering African American businesswoman, caregiver, and community leader whose legacy spans nearly five decades of compassionate service,” has owned and operated six residential care facilities. Today, she oversees eight licensed facilities and forty-four employees. “Her nearly five decades of service represent a powerful legacy of faith, compassion, perseverance, entrepreneurship, and leadership.”
Thirteen awards honoring many more than thirteen people reflect the major impact of the Black community in Sonoma County. The State of Black Business, thriving in Sonoma County with traditions, legacies, hard work, leadership, and care for humanity, models for our youth the hope for a better future for everyone.
