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Magazine Publisher Sarah Harris to be Installed as the new President & CEO of the Black Business Association

Kim Anthony • March 2, 2022

Los Angeles, CA -  Befitting of a National Women’s History event, magazine publisher and creative design firm owner, Sarah R. Harris, will take the helm as president & CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA), the oldest active ethnic business support organization in the State of California.


On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the Black Business Association will host its 2022-2024 Board Installation Ceremony to present its new leadership since the recent retirement announcement of the organization’s illustrious longtime president & CEO,    Earl “Skip” Cooper II, who will transition to become Chairman of the Board.


“It is my intention to offer all support to the incoming President-elect, Sarah Harris, in a way that affords her the opportunity to lead without encumbrances. From over 20 years of working with and knowing Ms. Harris, I have personally witnessed her having demonstrated a strong commitment to the BBA which makes me confident in supporting this transition,” says Mr. Cooper.


The virtual presentation will take place at 3:00 p.m. PT via Zoom and streaming on the website at www.bbala.org as well as on Meta (Facebook) and YouTube pages. On program are special guests: Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Karen Bass and Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price, Jr. The ceremony will be officiated by Alvin D. Stafford Jr., Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of South Los Angeles and Partner/Chief True Office of Think TRUE.


As a valued and trusted friend of the BBA, the Board is pleased to have Sarah Harris, publisher of Suite Life SoCal magazine, step in as the new President-elect. To the degree that Ms. Harris has provided pivotal services for the BBA while working with Mr. Cooper for more than 20 years, the Board is confident she will help usher in the new era of the Black Business Association in a way that both honors what the previous leadership built and makes room for the next phase the organization’s evolution. Ms. Harris comes with many ideas and enjoys the full support of the Board, local business/community leaders and advocates.


Regarding her appointment, Ms. Harris had this to say, “Having worked with Mr. Cooper for more than two decades and embracing the same passion for seeing Black and minority-owned businesses flourish, it is my honor to be entrusted with helping to shape the next chapter of the BBA to realize its full potential and engage with a new generation of business owners. Having the support of the Board and a host of community leaders fills me with an immense amount of gratitude. I am definitely ready to get to work to deliver some amazingly innovative programs and to be a formidable advocate leader for more equitable opportunities for minority and women small business owners.”


Other officers and directors being installed are: Vice Chair - Kim Anthony-Morrow, CEO, Urban Excellence Institute; Treasurer - Rosalind Pennington, CEO, Red River Enterprises, LLC; Secretary - Denise Peoples, CEO, STEMulate Learning; Parliamentarian - Ezekiel “Zeke” Patten, President & CEO, Patten Energy Enterprises, Inc.; and Directors: Brett Byers, CEO, The Byers Group, Nathan Freeman, CEO, Figueroa Media Group, Inc., Debbie E. Lumpkin, CEO, Debbie Lumpkin Consulting, LLC, and Dr. Jan Vanderpool, CEO, DCS-Datatax.


It is in the spirit of continuing to be the change we seek for minority businesses that the BBA is lifting its gaze to a glorious future. A future wherein the Board of Directors welcomes the community’s support and anticipates creating meaningful partnerships and strategic engagement.


The public is invited to join in the celebration. To register or for more information, please visit the BBA’s website at www.bbala.org, email to mail@bbala.org or call the BBA’s office at (323) 291-9334.

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This Couple Launched A Delivery Service To Bring Black Farmers and Food Suppliers To Your Doorstep

By UBJ Staff • March 26, 2025
(ATLANTA) Move over Instacart! In the months following the country’s shutdown due to the pandemic, Rhandi and Jonathan Altidor noticed something was missing in the food delivery market — Black grocers. Their solution? The couple decided to bridge the gap with The Better Buggy , a grocery delivery service for Black-owned farms and food suppliers in their Atlanta community. “I told my husband that it was really frustrating that weren’t able to support Black-owned stores because a lot of the major outlets that offer [grocery delivery] don’t have smaller Black-owned businesses available,” Rhandi told Because of Them We Can. “We are always team ‘buy Black’ whenever we can, whereever we can — why don’t we fill this void that’s out there and help empower these local Black-owned stores and create this service because it wasn’t there.” The two educators, Rhandi a middle school teacher and Jonathan a school counselor in Fulton County Schools, used their downtime to create the business while juggling married life and parenthood. With help from their family and wider community they’ve been able to make inroads in a predominately white market. The Better Buggy offers same-day delivery for fresh produce and everyday essentials, including vegan, organic, and gluten-free options.

The Heart of Inglewood: Yolanda Davidson Honored as a Woman of Excellence in Community Service

By LaTania • March 25, 2025
(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood, California, is a city steeped in culture, resilience, and history. At the heart of this vibrant community stands Yolanda Davidson, an Inglewood native whose life and work embody the spirit of advocacy, service, and unwavering dedication. Born at Centinela Hospital and a proud alumna of Parent Elementary, Morningside High School, and California National University, Yolanda’s roots in Inglewood run deep. Her education also includes completing the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Institute in 2022 and the California Black Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Program at Cal State Dominguez. These experiences shaped Yolanda into a dynamic community advocate, empowering her with the tools to lead and inspire change. For over 25 years, Yolanda has tirelessly championed causes that matter most to the people of Inglewood. Her advocacy spans across generations, supporting students, elderly residents, and families affected by tragedy. When the Inglewood Unified School District threatened to close Warren Lane Elementary, Yolanda stood shoulder-to-shoulder with parents and children, fighting to preserve the school’s legacy. When four young lives were tragically lost on Park Avenue, Yolanda humanized the victims, supported grieving families, and joined their fight for justice. Yolanda’s influence extends far beyond activism. She regularly attends city meetings, providing vital input on Inglewood’s major projects, while maintaining strong ties with the senior community. Through initiatives like breakfast gatherings at Osage Senior Villas and hosting a Winter Wonderland event , Yolanda ensures that Inglewood’s senior residents feel valued and connected. Her commitment to preserving Inglewood’s rich culture is unwavering. Whether she’s advocating for small businesses impacted by stadium construction, cheering on student athletes, or simply showing up as a volunteer when needed, Yolanda’s deep love for her hometown shines through. Yolanda Davidson exemplifies what it means to be a community leader. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and hope. As Inglewood evolves, Yolanda remains a steadfast reminder that its vibrant culture and strong sense of community will always endure.

The Sound of Success: Primah’s Mission to Empower Artists and Redefine Music in Media

By LaTania Smith • March 25, 2025
(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood native Primah is a creative force whose soulful voice, songwriting talents, and entrepreneurial spirit are leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Sounds You Need Collective (S.Y.N. Collective) , Primah is helping to redefine how music is used in media while empowering artists to embrace their creativity and business potential. Primah’s journey in music began with her signature sound—a soulful blend of melodic R&B and the gritty energy of today’s hip-hop. Her ability to craft witty, heartfelt lyrics paired with funky beats has made her a sought-after songwriter. Her songs have been featured in popular shows like All American and Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t , as well as in the globally renowned video game Fortnite . In 2021, Primah took her passion for music to new heights by co-founding the S.Y.N. Collective , an Inglewood-based music licensing agency and independent music publisher. Under her leadership, the S.Y.N. Collective has grown to represent over 90 artists and more than 3,000 songs , achieving 100 placements in television, podcasts, video games, and advertisements. Their work has been featured on platforms such as Facebook Meta Campaigns, the CW, NFL, HBO, CBS, and Netflix , bringing their music to millions of listeners worldwide. Primah’s commitment to empowering artists extends beyond licensing. In 2024, she opened the Duality Production House , an audio recording studio and content space in Inglewood designed to bring artists together, foster collaboration, and teach entrepreneurial skills. The studio has become a hub for creativity, providing artists with a space to grow their craft while learning how to navigate the business side of the industry. Primah is passionate about the power of music in media and its capacity to transform visual content emotionally and globally. Whether it’s penning a heartfelt song, championing the work of emerging artists, or creating spaces for collaboration and growth, Primah’s work is a testament to her dedication to the artistry and business of music.
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