< PreviousBUSINESS NEWS 8 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020 1. Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is the first stop for many individuals seeking information about how to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into a new business. The experts at Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop provide customized assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses and offer access to a vast toolbox of services and resources, including those focused on small diverse businesses. 2. Entrepreneur’s Guide The Entrepreneur’s Guide is a free publication that guides a small business owner through the process of starting and growing a business in Pennsylva- nia that includes expert information about writing a business plan, registering a business, receiving funding, and more. View it online or download your copy on the PA Business One-Stop Shop website. 3. Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA) The Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority (PMBDA) is a low-interest loan program designed to stimulate the creation, retention and ex- pansion of minority-owned businesses and create jobs in Pennsylvania. Eligible applicants are for-profit business enterprises owned and controlled by one or more socially or economi- cally disadvantaged persons who are residents of the Commonwealth. 4. Small Diverse Business Capital Access Program (SDBCA) The Small Diverse Business Capital Access Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and provides low-interest loans and lines of credit to small diverse businesses that commit to creating and retaining full-time jobs within the commonwealth. Loan ap- plications are packaged and underwritten by a network of certified econom- ic development organiza- tions (CEDOs) that partner with PIDA to administer the program. For information on addi- tional funding programs, visit DCED’s Programs page. 5. Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) The Pennsylvania SBDC network is the only state- wide, nationally-accredited program that provides high-quality one-on-one consulting, training, and information resources to empower new and existing businesses — including resources specifically for minority-owned businesses. The SBDC partners with the U.S. Small Business Admin- istration (SBA), DCED, and 18 universities and colleges across the state to provide budding entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools they need to thrive. The SBA’s Minority-Owned Businesses page also offers resources for funding pro- grams, training, and federal contracting opportunities for current or budding minority entrepreneurs. Resources for Minority-owned Business in PA Pennsylvania offers many resources for minority-owned businesses to help them, along with all Pennsylvania businesses, build a bright future for themselves, their families, and their communities. As part of our recognition of Black History Month, we’ve compiled a list of the go-to resources available to minority business owners across the commonwealth. Whether it’s helping them become certified as a small diverse business, apply for funding, find business mentors, or contract with government agencies, Pennsylvania is committed to helping minority business owners succeed and play an ever-increasing role in our economy’s growth. continued on page 28BUSINESS NEWS WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 9 WAYS TO PROPEL YOUR CAREER FORWARD IN 5 2020 Feeling overworked and underpaid? Yep! Promotion? What’s that? I’ve been overlooked when I know I was more than qualified for the job. Sounds about right! I’m burned out and need something that aligns with my purpose and leaves me fulfilled. Now you’re on to something. by Laisha Fox Many professionals in the workforce wake up with the dreaded blues of going to work. However, life’s obligations leave us with no other choice than to “make the bacon.” The average working professional spends more than 90,000 hours working during a lifetime. According to a Deloitte Index Survey, 87% of Americans have no passion for their jobs. In other words, more than half of the working population are just going through the motions. Resources are certainly replaceable but the most valuable resource that can never be replaced is time. Time is precious and should be spent both wisely and strategically. Think back over the last 15 years, what opportunities has your career afforded you? Have you advanced your education? Were you able to put your degree to use? I mean after all, like most ex-students, you’re likely still paying for your collegiate education. Perhaps you had a salary adjustment and you were able to purchase a home for your family. Now if your answer is simply, “No, I’ve had little to no opportunities” it’s time for a change. Before you grit your teeth, change isn’t always bad. In fact, change is exactly what you need in 2020. It’s time to elevate your career. Yes, it’s do-able but will require some work on your behalf. First thing’s first, change your mindset. Affirm greatness and you will be great. Cancel thoughts of doubt and focus on all that will be. Even on your toughest days, remember positivity is key! 1. Get out of your way: Today marks the first day in which you take the personal pledge to remove yourself as a career barrier. Understand change starts with you. Acknowledge growth is intended to make you uncomfortable. Embrace your career journey, even the not so pretty days. I promise they’ll be WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 9 continued on page 28LATINO NEWS The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) will welcome the region’s business leaders to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary at its annual fundraiser, Alegra Ball on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at The Union League of Philadelphia. The signature event is one of the most anticipated in the region’s Hispanic Community, attracting over 300 business leaders to support GPHCC’s mission of building wealth in the Hispanic community by developing, promoting and advocating for Hispanic businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region. This year will feature a duet performance by the Pennsylvania Ballet to kick off the festivities. A highlight of the event is the annual presentation of the Excelencia Hispanic Business Awards, which celebrate the growth and success of Latino-owned businesses and professionals. The 2020 recipients have distinguished themselves through their extraordinary achievements and contributions to the community in three categories. Corella’s talent, passion, and technique have brought him worldwide acclaim and established him as one of the most recognizable names in dance. A passionate teacher and mentor to young professional dancers, under Corella’s leadership, the PA Ballet has named two Cuban dances as principals of the company. He has also received numerous awards, including 1st prize in the National Ballet Competition in Spain and the Prix Benois de la Danse. He has danced for Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Sophia of Spain, and for Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Hispanic Professional of the Year: Angel Corella, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet Hispanic Professional of the Year: Angel Corella, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Ballet Pennsylvania Ballet Artistic Director Angel Corella Named of the Year By GPHCC Hispanic Professional 10 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020LATINO NEWS WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 11 continued on page 28 Latinos and the Democratic Presidential Primaries Latino Democrats may have a greater impact on their party’s presidential nomination process this year than in 2016 because of changes to the primary calendar. California, where about 26% of all Latino voters in the U.S. live, moved up its primary to Super Tuesday on March 3, three months earlier than in 2016. Three other states with smaller but potentially important Latino eligible voter populations moved up their primaries to Super Tuesday: North Carolina, Utah and Maine. (One state, Georgia, moved back its primary to after Super Tuesday.) Overall, an estimated 56% of Latino eligible voters live in states that have a Democratic primary or caucus on or before Super Tuesday this year, up from 29% in 2016, according to an analysis of 2018 and 2016 American Community Survey data. Latino Democratic voters place high importance on 2020 presidential election by Jens Manuel Krogstad, Ana Gonzalez-Barrera and Christine Tamir (PEW Research Center) As the first 2020 primaries and caucuses near, the vast majority of Latino registered voters who are Democrats or lean toward the party see the 2020 presidential election results as of particular importance, and over half have a good or excellent impression of their own party’s candidates, according to a national Pew Research Center survey of Latino adults conducted in December. Most Latino Democratic voters have a positive impression of their party’s presidential candidatesAmong Latino registered voters, almost nine-in-ten Democrats and Democratic leaners (87%) say it really matters who wins the White House. When asked about candidates seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, a majority of Latino Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters say they have a good (54%) or excellent (11%) impression of them. A third say they have an only fair (28%) or poor (5%) impression of the candidates. These views are on par with those among all Democratic and Democratic leaning registered voters in September 2019 on the American Trends Panel. How We Did This Democrats hold a nearly two-to-one advantage among Latino registered voters. About 62% identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, while 34% affiliate with or lean to the Repub- lican Party. Democrats also hold an advantage when it comes to party image. About half (53%) say the Democratic Party has more concern for Latinos than the Republican Party, while 31% say there is no difference between the two parties. Just 15% say the GOP has more concern for Latinos than the Democratic Party. For November’s general election, a record 32 million Latinos are projected to be eligible to vote, exceeding the number of black eligible voters for the first time. Overall, Latino registered voters hold negative views of Presi- dent Donald Trump and the nation’s direction, with views sharply divided along party lines. About two-thirds of Hispanic registered voters (68%) dis- approve of the job Trump is doing as president, including 51% who disapprove very strongly. The 30% of Hispanic voters who approve of Trump includes 23% who approve strongly. As with the U.S. public overall, views of Trump’s job perfor- mance among Latino registered voters are tied to partisanship – 93% of Democrats disapprove of Trump’s job performance, with 73% disapproving very strongly. Meanwhile, among Republicans, 75% approve of Trump’s job performance, with 58% approving very strongly. Similarly, satisfaction with the nation’s direction is tied to party identification. Overall, 67% of Latino registered voters say they are dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country today. But among Democrats, 80% say they are dissatisfied with the nation’s direction, compared with 54% of Republicans who say they are satisfied. LJS has Community and Political Lea JOIN THE TALK MAGAZINE AFRIC NO COST TO YOU • EMAIL YOUR NAME • TELEPHONE • AD 12 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020 Calvina Harris Duquesne Luz Bristol Colón Philadelphia Evelyn W. Morrison Reading Joyce D. Ellis Washington Kevin Easterling Allentown Mayor Tim Scott Carlisle Richard Utley Harrisburg Deputy Major Richard Ford Clairton William Thompkins Pittsburgh E. Richard Phipps Penn Hills Mayor Betty Copeland Bridgeville Mayor Keith A. Jackson Rochester Kathy Huggins Philadelphia Isamac Torres-Figueroa Reading Gary Horton Erie Lucille Prater-Holliday Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Catherine Sapp Penn Hills Rosetta Carter Chester Hon. André Horton Erie Mayor Rohan K. Hepkins Yeadonders in 31 of 67 Counties in Pennsylvania =INDICATE AFRICAN AMERICAN MAYORS AN AMERICAN/LATINX NETWORK DRESS AND EMAIL TO INFO@TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 13 Clifton Pitts Mon Valley Frmr. Mayor Olive M. McKeithan Farrell Norman Bristol Colón Lancaster Tiffany L. LaVette Erie Dr. Ruben Brock Canonsburg Lisa Rhodes Philadelphia Elane Harris-Fulton Wilkinsburg Mayor Mark Barbee Bridgeport James McDonald Washington Mayor Dwan B. Walker Aliquippa Madeline Dunn Philadelphia Mayor Helen Thomas Darby Brenda Tate Pittsburgh Ruth Tolbert Greensburg Terri Gilmore Braddock Macajah Brown Lancaster Vanessa Belén Erie Hon. Rikell S. Ford Clairton Sandra Thompson York Jesse Atiba Johnson PhiladelphiaHEALTH NEWS 14 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020 Every ten years, the US government conducts a census, or a “head count” of every person living in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.) The next census will take place next year, in 2020. The census is a short questionnaire, and you can respond by phone, by mail and for the first time ever in 2020 – online. It officially begins on January 21, 2020 (in remote Alaska locations) but most households can start participating in mid-March. If you are living in the United States, regardless of your citizenship or immigration status, you are required by law to complete the 2020 Census. You are counted at the address that you live or sleep – that includes places of incarceration, college students, people displaced by natural disasters, etc. What is the Census information used for? The Census count determines the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for each state for the next ten years, as well as the number of Electoral College votes each state gets in presidential elections. It also helps determine how billions of federal government dollars are Providing Culturally Competent Care for Af- rican Americans and reducing health disparities is an important initiative to improve outcomes for patients from diverse backgrounds. According to the United States Census Bureau, the projected estimate of total African Americans in 2015 was 46.3 million, a 1.3 percent increase from 2014.1 A report released from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted a reduction in mortality rates among African Americans aged 65 and older. Younger African Americans are living with or dying of chronic diseases that are typically diagnosed in older Caucasians. It is important for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to continue providing culturally competent care to reduce the persistent health disparities that affect diverse populations. Many African Americans experience health- care disparities that result in limited access to healthcare, the underutilization of healthcare services, quality of care received, and having inadequate health insurance coverage. When individuals have these limitations, it is import- ant to be culturally sensitive and competent to ensure the patient receives the best quality of care. When a patient has a positive experience, he or she is more likely to engage in their own healthcare in the future. Religious and cultural beliefs in African American culture are import- ant to understand. Some considerations include: • Lack of trust in the healthcare providers and the system. • Fear that surgery may cause cancer to spread. • Apprehension in using opioids for pain man- agement for fear of addiction. • Religious restrictions may prevent becoming an organ donor. • Older adults may seek treatment from home remedies, prayer, spiritual healers, and advice from family and friends. • A lack of spiritual imbalance may be seen as any physical, mental, acute, or chronic disease. Another area of opportunity to reduce healthcare disparities is to encourage African Americans to participate in clinical trials for cancer. The African American participation rate in clinical cancer research is statistically low. This presents a challenge for researchers, who are unable to assess new approaches to safety and effectiveness of cancer care, investigate waste re- sources, and develop follow-up studies. Low par- ticipation reduces the ability for clinical research to translate into evidence-based practice. When patients actively engage in their own care, this advantage reduces anxiety, increases knowledge, and motivates them to ask specific perioperative questions. Awareness, knowledge, communica- tion, and training may reduce negative behavior or bias and encourage patient participation. Patient-provider communication is essential to the development of a trusting relationship for best possible outcomes. As compassionate and dedicated healthcare providers, cultural awareness and cultural competency is one of many pathways that CRNAs and other health- care providers can protect and advocate for one patient at a time. Providing Culturally Competent Care for African Americans Reduces Health Disparities Rhonda M. Johnson, M.D., M.P.H Senior Medical Director, Medical Management and Quality Highmark Inc. MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE COUNTED! The 2020 CENSUS 14 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020HEALTH NEWS WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 15 allocated – estimates say as much as $800 billion a year. These dollars are distributed to roads, schools, hospitals, health clinics, job training, fire and emergency response and countless other public programs, including social services for children, seniors. For example, funding for programs such as Medicaid, Head Start, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Energy Assis- tance for Seniors are all influenced by the Census count. Simply put, neighborhoods and communities where more people are counted will be eligible for more government dollars, services, programs and political representation. What Questions Are Asked? Here is a sample of some of the questions that will be asked on the 2020 census: • The number of people living or staying in a home on April 1, 2020. • Whether the home is owned with or without a mortgage, rented or occupied without rent. • A phone number for a person in the home. • The name, age, sex, date of birth and race of each person in the home. • Whether each person is of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin. • The relationship of each person to a central person in the home. For the first time, people will be able to identify their ethnicity or nation- al origin as part of the race question. For Black people, a person can write in their national origin – African American, Jamaica, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Somali, Brazilian, etc. For persons of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin, a person can self-iden- tify as Mexican, Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban or other countries of origin such as Salvadoran, Dominican, Colombian, Ecuadorian, etc. Black People Are Historically Undercounted In the 2010 Census, it was estimated that African Americans were under- counted by more than an estimated 800,000 persons. Historically, during slavery, African Americans were counted as three- fifths of a person. But that was history, and slavery is long abolished. Additionally, black people have distrusted the Census for fears of dis- crimination and concerns about privacy of their names and addresses. It is important to get the misconceptions behind us and be counted in 2020. What You Can do to Help - Take Action Now! You can apply for a temporary job to be a census taker or other numerous jobs available to ensure an accurate count. Go to www.2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-800-262-4236. Talk to your family, friends and associates about participating in the 2020 Census. Help spread the word that our personal information is completely confidential. Most importantly, complete your census form – online, by phone, or by mail when it arrives in March! For More Information Visit the US Census 2020 website: https://2020census.gov WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 152020 Black H 16 | TALK MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020 PHYLLIS I. BENNETT Phyllis Bennett's passion is working to support initiatives that improve the quality of life for all. She is the CEO/President of PIB Associates Consulting, focusing on public relations, coaching, diversity training, total quality management and sound fiscal practices of businesses and non-profit organizations. Additionally, Ms. Bennett is the Harrisburg manager for the Speakers Access International Speaker’s Bureau and an author of “So- cial Services Delivery System to the Elderly.” Ms. Bennett’s professional journey includes the position of Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary, PA Department of Public Welfare Office of Income Maintenance, as well as, Chief Administrative Law Judge, and, Director Office of Hearing and Appeals. She has addressed the United Nations on the role of the Non-Government Organization and the Eradication of Poverty in third world coun- tries as well as the Women’s Federation for World Peace. She has been a national panelist for the Hudson Insti- tute, the Housing and Urban Development Conference, and The United States Health and Human Services. She is distinguished by many awards and acknowledgements; Woman of the Year, Alleghenians; Distinguished Woman of Color in the Judiciary, American Bar Association to name a few. Ms. Bennett is currently a member of the 21st Century Speakers Bureau, The National Gospel Announcers Guild, Harrisburg Kiwanis Club, Fair Housing Board, Rejoice Adoption and Foster Care Agency, the Harrisburg Symphony Society, National Associ- ation of Professional Women, Pennsylvania Federation of Women, Association of Black Charities, NAACP, African American Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as the Committee Woman for the 7th Ward, Swatara Township. Ms. Bennett a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has been a resident of Harris- burg for over twenty years. She holds a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Ms Bennett is an active member of the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Harrisburg. In her leisure time she plays the piano and is an avid reader. She has a son, Charles, and three grandchildren. IKE & LORRAINE BROWN Long before Ma & Pa Kettle’s (Brown’s Kitchen) was formed Isaac (Ike) & Lorraine had a passion for cooking. Ike was a cook in the United States Army and Lorraine was a cook at Riverside Nursing Home in McKeesport, PA. Ma & Pa Kettle’s kitchen was formed in 2004 when they started cooking at the original Bubba’s Bar & Grille, Inc. in McKeesport, PA. They continued at Bubba’s II when Bubba’s moved to a new location in McKeesport in 2006. Their catering business began in 2008 which flourished into a thriving catering business in the Mon Valley. Ike and Lorraine retired from Ma & Pa Kettle’s (Brown’s Kitchen) at Bubba’s II Bar & Grille in 2015 to the sadness of their many faithful customers. However they continued their catering business with the Political Action Committee, picnics, weddings, family reunions, graduations, birthday parties, funerals and more serving the Mon Valley and beyond. Although they are semi-retired, they still cook for the Political Action Committee and the McKeesport Elks #218. They still enjoy cooking for family functions and various events and are still receiving calls for catering. LORRAINE CROSS Lorraine is the proud wife of Thomas M. Cross, mother of two lovely daughters Rhodesia and LaRae, as well grandmother to Duane and Dia Moore. Lorraine was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA graduating from Perry High and attended Community College of Allegheny County. Her activism began when she was in high school fighting and petitioning against the injustices towards African American students. Lorraine continued her involvement in civil rights by joining the diversity and EEO programs at her job with the USPS. She has been employed with the USPS for 35 years and is the Step 2 Designee for Management. She was the chairperson for the Federal Executive Board African American Heritage Committee for 12 years, currently the Chair for the National Alliance of Postal and Federal Employees Management Division District Five which encompasses Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and coordinated diversity programs for Pittsburgh Network Distribu- tion Center. Lorraine’s fight for equal opportunities lead her to become the civic engagement coordinator for The Black Political Empowerment Project (BPEP). Her goal is to help African Americans become empowered through Voting. Lorraine has become involved in many other organizations: SSIC St. James Impact Center, The Alleghenies, Eastern Stars and Langston Hughes Poetry Society. istory Makers WWW.TALKMAGAZINEONLINE.COM | 17 ANDREW GOUDY Dr. Andrew Goudy graduated from Trinity Area High School and then went on to obtain bachelor and master's degrees in chemistry from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He worked as a chemistry teacher in the Canon-McMillan School District for two years before leaving to obtain a PhD degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Upon obtaining his doctorate degree, Goudy went on to work as a chemistry professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania for 24 years. After leaving West Chester University, he was awarded the distinction of professor emeritus for his contributions to the University. Goudy then moved to Delaware and obtained a position as professor and Chair of the Chemistry Department at Delaware State University. While at Delaware State University he did research in the area of hydrogen storage materials. He and his students pub- lished numerous articles in professional journals and they obtained a US patent for the discovery of a unique hydrogen storage material. He presented the results of his research findings at international research conferences in countries such as Canada, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Japan, China, Russia, Iceland and England. While at Delaware State University, Goudy also served as Acting Dean of the College of Mathematics Natural Sciences and Technology for a year. He recently retired from Delaware State University and moved back to the Washing- ton, PA area where he grew up. Since retirement, Dr. Andrew Goudy has served as president of the NAACP’s Washington Branch for a year. Goudy has said his top priority as NAACP president this year is to help get people registered and out to the polls for the presidential election. Another priority is to help disadvantaged minority students in Washington County to receive a good education. Goudy is also serving as president of the Washington PA Rotary club. KOFI ATIBA KWESI (aka) JESSE O. JOHNSON, JR. Born Jesse O. Johnson, Jr. in Philadelphia, PA on February 5th, 1960, he proclaimed his name to be KofiAtiba Kwesi in 1989. Atiba is a father and grandfather who spent much of his life incarcerated where he educated himself and committed to advocating for those in need. After obtaining his certification as a paralegal, he fought to free himself and others while incarcerated in the New Jersey State Prison System. Atiba, along with Elaine Selan and Abdullah Douglas, created an organization named “And Justice For All.” The Organization led a successful five- year legal battle against the New Jersey State Parole Board culminating in Atiba receiving $50,000 and his release! Subsequently, a Federal Class Action lawsuit was filed using the same legal complaint, helping 6,000 other men and women receive parole hearings, resulting in 1,500 being released. In addition, Atiba fought to help incarcerated women keep their parental rights upon release and as- sisted those threatened by deportation. Since his release, Atiba has continued revolutionary activism developing his skill-set. He works with a number of grassroots organizations in Philadelphia to reduce violence and drug infestation. He was one of the first four Outreach Workers of Temple University's Ceasefire Program. Once again on the front lines to serve our community. He has co-founded, participated in the development of, and/or assisted in the promotion of initiatives for organizations across the city. Atiba is presently Co-Chair of the West Philly Voting Bloc, working with community stakeholders and local politicians to uplift and create a safe, healthy and prosperous community! Notably, Ati- ba traveled to Ghana, Africa and was acknowledged by the Asante Chieftaincy Counsel as a member of the Abusua (Family) known as the Bretuo. Today, he embraces his Sankofa (Historical Journey of Discovery) and understands that the struggle continues!! ASHAY!Next >