Cultured Urban Winery, a Black- and woman-owned winery in Anderson Indiana, got its start in May 2021.
Dr. Treva Bostic, owner and winemaker, started Cultured Urban Winery to “enrich and revitalize” her community through wine, food and friends.
The family-run business uses age-old winemaking traditions and techniques with updated technology as a way of blending tradition and innovation to ensure the highest quality wines. Their selection includes a variety of sweet, dry, semi-dry, rose, dessert and bubbly to choose from in addition to charcuterie, flat bread and lite fare menu.
Grapes are sourced from both local Indiana vineyards and renowned international regions, which go through a meticulous process to create “wines with exquisite flavors and perfect balance,” according to the website.
In addition to winemaking, Bostic wanted to make sure Cultured Urban Winery would bring life and vibrancy to the downtown area by hosting wine tastings, art exhibitions, live music and sponsoring live theater and cultural events. Each of these aims to help create “an immersive experience that celebrates the vibrancy of urban life.”
Cultured Urban Winery is located at 1013 Meridian St., Anderson, IN. For information about special events or the menu, visitculturedurbanwinery.com. To get in contact, call 765- 393-1011 or emailinfo@culturedurbanwinery.com.
This minority business highlight was composed by CHLOE McGOWAN at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7848 or via email at chloegm@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
In this one-on-one with the Indianapolis Recorder, Joy E. Mason, CEO of Optimist Business Solutions, shares the inspiration for creating the Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute, “an innovative leadership program designed to upskill Black Women and Black Latinas to be complex problem solvers.” Participants in the institute will work toward earning their green belt while being trained by instructors, coaches, mentors and Six Sigma Black Belts and Master Black Belts.
Recorder: What inspired you to create the Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute (SSREI)?
Mason: A number of factors divinely came together in 2021. My love of continuous improvement, my enthusiasm for supporting women, my commitment to the Black community, an obsession for equity and my anger over George Floyd’s murder culminated into an urgent desire to step up. I believe God wanted me in this current role to address equity in this way – an institute that empowers and teaches women how to leverage Six Sigma for our communities and our workplaces.
Recorder: What successes have you observed since the first cohort?
Mason: Of the previous participants surveyed, 67% stated that they received a pay raise since completing the Green Belt program, and 33% noted that they had received a promotion.
After completing the program, 33% of participants noted they received a salary increase of more than $10,000, while an additional 44% received a salary increase of $1,000-$9,999 since completing the Green Belt program.
In a post-program survey of SSREI’s most recent Green Belt cohort, 100% of participants responded they gained new or increased problem-solving skills. 92% of the cohort participants said the program met or exceeded their expectations regarding improved leadership confidence.
These findings (see below) are important to SSREI’s work and equity in central Indiana. Ensuring pay equity for Black women is a critical imperative in the pursuit of justice and equality. Closing the wage gap is not only a matter of fairness but a key step towards dismantling systemic discrimination.
Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute announces its fourth cohort. (Photo/Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute)
Recorder: Who are your community partners?
Mason: Our Institute would not be a success without the incredible partnership with Indiana University. IU Columbus provides instructional expertise and IU Indy, specifically the Herron School of Art, routinely provides us with the space that we need for meetings, workshops and events. The values of our institute and Indiana University are clearly aligned toward professional development, equity and community empowerment
Recorder: What have previous participants said about the program?
Mason: More than 87% of women surveyed believed they would have a greater impact, influence, and contribution within their organizations and community after completing the Green Belt Program.
Recorder: What do you hope participants gain from SSREI?
Mason: By creating the Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute, I hope people see that there are innovative and mutually beneficial ways to advance diversity and equity. Our approach is like a rising tide that lifts all ships creating a triple win. Our participants win by gaining additional leadership skills, employers win from the additional capacity that we provide to address equity gaps and communities win because we equip employers to work and serve more equitably.
Most of all, I want our Black women to experience professional and personal transformation. The bump in salary from applying their news skills is an added bonus!
Beginning in 2018, LaQuisha Jackson started catering her gourmet southern cuisine for customers in the South Bend area. Her passion since the age of seven, cooking came naturally to her, and her business blossomed from there.
Featuring menu items such as hot meatloaf sandwiches and fried catfish, Jackson seeks to end the stigma around Southern food being greasy or unhealthy, and instead turn it into a gourmet food that anyone can enjoy.
“We want people to believe in the cuisine,” said Jackson, who is a preferred caterer for places such as Notre Dame University, St. Mary’s College and the Madame C.J. Walker Legacy Center.
A ServSafe certified business, Soulful Kitchen prides itself in observing all health and safety procedures when handling their food. As a ServSafe instructor and registered proctor, Jackson provides Servsafe classes to anyone interested in the industry. The ServSafe courses and protocol are all examples of the Soulful Kitchen mission – to provide exceptional service.
Named as one of the 2021 South Bend Tribune’s 40 under 40 class, Jackson also spends her spare time as the hospitality leader at her church. A mother of eight children, Jackson cares for those in her community in need through her nonprofit, Hope for the Hungry.
Hope for the Hungry, established in 2020, hosts several pop-up pantries around South Bend, as well as an in-person food shopping experience, a getting-ahead class for those in poverty and fresh meals for the homeless. According to the website, the mission of Hope for the Hungry is “to bring hope by serving with compassion, feeding the mind and body and being an impact through education.”
With dreams of expanding internationally, Jackson has begun taking steps to extend her business and nonprofit to central Indiana and hopes to one day be featured as a chef on The Food Network television station.
To learn more about Soulful Kitchen, Hope for the Hungry and Laquisha Jackson, visit www.soulfulkitchensb.com.
Racing season is gearing up here in the Racing Capital of the World. The tires are warming up, the track is clear and class is now in session for one organization: NXG Youth Motorsports.
What is NXG Youth Motorsports?
NXG Youth Motorsports is a nonprofit organization that seeks to expose young African Americans and other young people of color to an industry where minorities are severely underrepresented.
The program utilizes motorsports as a tool for life skill development; the application of science, technology, engineering and math education; and for exposing careers in the motorsports to underrepresents minorities.
“We’re big on implementing a classroom setting,” said Rod Reid, coach and founder of NXG Youth Motorsports. “We give kids the tools necessary to navigate the race track and life.”
Life lessons, on and off-the-track
NXG Youth Motorsports has a curriculum designed for boys and girls ages 11-15, adhering to middle school-level academics and S.T.E.M. programs. Each class of the curriculum is approximately eight hours and includes hands-on classroom and race track training in go-karts that can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
Their first class of the 2023 racing season took place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 2. Nearly a dozen kids decked out in full racing gear arrived on time at Gasoline Alley, excited to take their seats in Reid’s class. After reviewing safety measures, as well as math formulas for calculating speed, distance and velocity, the racers hit the racetrack in preparation for the start of their Grand Prix season.
Drivers of NXG Youth Motorsports preparing to take the ‘track’ at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 in May 2023. (Photo by Noral Parham III)
There are approximately six to eight rounds of racing throughout the season, using four different race course configurations. Points are awarded in each race based on the driver’s finishing position. The driver with the most points at the end of the season wins the Driver of the Year Award. The driver also is recognized as the NXG Champion during the final, non-points race of the season.
NXG and S.T.E.M.
The NXG program helps to keep minority kids interested in S.T.E.M. and perhaps a career in motorsports.
NXG Youth Motorsports refers to this as their ‘Path-to-Pro’ development program. With this program, young adults 16-21 can get first-hand opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. Some of these opportunities include jobs such as engineers, managers, mechanics, crew hands, and even drivers. NXG also connects the students with opportunities in higher education and specializations in motorsports, while partaking in the ‘Path-to-Pro’ program.
“NXG teaches us about control on and off the track,” one racer said. “The program helps us make better choices.”
Recently, NXG Youth Motorsports expanded its range to include go-kart tracks in Detroit and Chicago, though most time the races will be in IMS or a Purdue University in West Lafayette.
“Life is about duality. We want to show the kids how to manage that duality in their personal and professional lives,” said coach Reid.
For more information on NXG Youth Motorsports, click here.
Contact multi-media and sports reporter Noral Parham at (317)-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral. If you would like your minority-owned business to be featured in the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
Dwight Cliff, Sr. started Cliffs Construction, LLC, in 1995.
His goal was, and is, to help families get quality spaces they can be proud of. These quality spaces will inspire people, connect families, and dramatically improve the quality of their clients’ lives. He and his son, Dwight Cliff Jr. have done just that for over 100 families in and around Indianapolis, Indiana.
“We are actually about to build two affordable homes in Haughville this summer,” said Dwight Cliff Jr.
Aside from Indianapolis they serve the Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, and Lawrence community with premium kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, basement remodels, whole home remodels and home additions, and ADUs/ garages.
Address: Cliffs Construction, LLC. 640 N Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Thee Craft Castle is a event planning company that specializes in complete decoration set-ups for weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, event nights, reunions and More. They are a one stop shop with the slogan, “If you dream it, we’ll create it!”
Thee Craft Castle LLC. has been in operation since 2018. They take pride in their quality and professionalism to be able to serve the Indianapolis area.
Owner, Alicia Hall has proven capabilities to bring elegance and flare to all events.
Their event planning services for 50 guest include linens, chair covers, charger plates, linen napkins, menu or programs, and a centerpiece for 8 tables. It also includes a focal point for photos and desserts, assorted balloon decor, linen for gift table, two linens for food tables and a custom welcome sign.
Contact: Theecraftcastlellc@gmail.com
This minority business highlight was composed by JADE JACKSON at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7853 or via email at jadej@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
In an age defined by rapid change and uncertainty, the significance of strong institutions cannot be overstated. They serve as the bedrock upon which our societies are built, providing the necessary infrastructure for stability, progress, and justice. However, the true measure of an institution’s strength lies not only in its functionality but also in its commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusion. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of these values within institutions worldwide. From governments to corporations, from educational systems to healthcare organizations, there’s a palpable shift towards prioritizing equity and inclusion in decision-making processes and policy implementation.
“Consider the case of businesses embracing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams are more innovative, adaptable, and ultimately, more successful”
This shift is not merely a moral imperative but also a pragmatic acknowledgment of the undeniable link between inclusivity and institutional effectiveness. However, these efforts seem to be regressing with some organizations and institutions getting rid of DEI positions in their organization. Diversity has been around since the creation of man, the prompting of DEI initiatives should be centered around ensuring we get the best out of our workforce by recognizing and supporting their unique experiences and thoughts. Consider the case of businesses embracing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams are more innovative, adaptable, and ultimately, more successful. By fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued, these institutions not only promote fairness but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. Leaders can learn from different cultures, as in the article by Willow Blythe-Carroll who outlines key attributes of empowering leaders.
(Photo/Getty Images)
Similarly, in the realm of governance, the importance of equitable policies and inclusive decision-making processes cannot be overlooked. A government that represents and serves all its citizens, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, is inherently more stable and resilient. In contrast, societies plagued by systemic inequalities and exclusion are prone to unrest and division, undermining the very foundations of democracy and social cohesion.
Education, too, plays a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. By ensuring equal access to quality education for all, institutions can empower individuals to reach their full potential, irrespective of their background or circumstances. In doing so, they not only foster social mobility but also contribute to the creation of a more just and meritocratic society.
However, achieving equity, fairness, and inclusion within institutions is not without its challenges. It requires a concerted effort to dismantle systemic barriers, confront implicit biases, and actively promote diversity at all levels. It demands a willingness to listen to marginalized voices, engage in uncomfortable conversations, and implement meaningful reforms. As the first Native American woman president of the American Bar Association, Mary Smithshares the ripple effect of her being the first in this position.
As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the importance of strong institutions that prioritize equity, fairness, and inclusion is critical. They are not just the guardians of stability and order but also the catalysts for positive change and progress. When you look around you do you see an institution that’s built to last, and do you see diversity of person, thought, and perspective being embraced? It is incumbent upon us all, as individuals and as members of these institutions, to champion these values and work towards a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Robert is proud to lead one of the country’s oldest and most respected African-American newspapers as well as two minority business magazines.For more news from the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.
Natasha Bledsoe launched her food trailer Tastys by Tasha in 2023 as a way for her to make her dreams of owning her own business a reality and to give back to the community.
Bledsoe knew she always wanted to do something that would bring people together and give back where she could, and in college she decided that career path would be cooking. Although Bledsoe was unable to finish her culinary degree and currently works at an office, she said she never gave up on her dream of owning a food truck.
Tastys by Tasha serves ramen bowls, burritos and empanadas and always has unique specialty dishes on rotation. (photo provided/Natasha Bledsoe)
Eventually, she said she got tired of waiting and working different cooking jobs around the city and took out a loan in 2023 to get her own food trailer. Not long after, Tastys by Tasha was born.
The food trailer is open on the weekends and whenever Bledsoe can dedicate time to it, although she expressed a desire to go full time with the business as soon as possible.
Bledsoe’s food offerings and menu items include a variety of fusion foods, from Mexican to Asian and Jerk style dishes. Tastys by Tasha serves ramen bowls, burritos and empanadas and always has unique specialty dishes on rotation.
In addition to vending at festivals, Tastys by Tasha offers catering for private parties, weddings, birthdays and other events.
Tastys by Tasha food trailer can be found on weekends at different locations around the city — such as The Marilyn Rose Center and The Snug Bar — and at festivals and events such as Melanin in May. For more information about location, business hours and menu, visit facebook.com/tastysbytasha or contact Natasha Bledsoe at Tastysbytasha@gmail.com.
This minority business highlight was composed by CHLOE McGOWAN at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at 317-762-7848 or via email at chloegm@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
It is finally May, which means excitement for the Indianapolis 500 is at its peak. One of the top honors in the 500 festivities is to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Indianapolis 500 Parade. This year basketball legend, local entrepreneur and philanthropist Tamika Catchings will have those honors on May 25.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the 2024 AES 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal,” Catchings said in a statement. “To be able to showcase the achievements that I’ve worked so hard for is truly something special.”
Catchings spent 16 seasons in the WNBA, became a 10-time All-Star, five-time Defensive Player of the Year, four-time Olympian, Rookie of The Year, WNBA MVP and brought the Indiana Fever a championship (along with being named Finals MVP) in 2012. Before her time in the league, Catchings won an NCAA National Championship in 1998 as a part of a powerful Tennessee squad led by hall of fame head coach Pat Summitt.
The standout small forward served as the president of the WNBA Players Association from 2012 until 2016. Catchings was also inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
President and CEO of the 500 Festival Bob Bryant said he is honored to have Catchings involved in the festivities.
“It is an honor to present Tamika Catchings as this year’s Grand Marshal. She is a living icon in the world of basketball but even more impressive is her story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness and her dedication to supporting her community,” Bryant said.
Grand Marshal of the 2024 Indy 500 Parade Tamika Catchings. (Photo/500 Festival)
Although Catchings has retired from basketball, she has not retired from scoring in the community. She is also a successful entrepreneur, owning the popular Tea’s Me Cafe in Indianapolis. A cozy cafe in the heart of the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood, Tarkington Park, Tea’s Me is known for its warm ambiance, pleasant beverages and overall welcoming aesthetic.
Catchings, not only a great WNBA player and businesswoman, is also a philanthropist and an advocate for children’s education and physical activity. In 2004, Catchings founded the Catch the Stars Foundation, which aims to empower and inspire young people through sports, literacy and leadership opportunities. The foundation offers diverse services such as fitness clinics, summer camps and book clubs to help children develop their skills and become leaders in their communities, like Tamika.
Bryant echoed similar sentiments when speaking about Catchings’ selection as Grand Marshal, highlighting the importance of the foundation.
“We are excited to share her story and shine a light on her work with the Catch the Stars Foundation,” Bryant said.
A role model and mentor to the participants of the program, Catchings often shares her experiences and inspires them always to chase their dreams.
“I’m proud to highlight my career and the Catch the Stars Foundation while encouraging children that they can achieve any goal they put their mind to,” Catching said.
The Indianapolis 500 Parade kicks off on May 25 at Noon. For ticket information, visit 500festival.com.
Contact multi-media & sports reporter Noral Parham at (317)-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral.For more news courtesy of the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, visit our homepage.
16 Tech Community Corporation (16TCC) has appointed Tracey Jackson as its new vice president of workforce development and community impact. The Indianapolis-based non-profit organization is responsible for the physical and programmatic development of the 16 Tech Innovation District.
In her new role, Jackson will focus on building upon 16 Tech’s community engagement efforts to connect and prepare diverse talent, especially residents of the Near West and Near Northwest neighborhoods of Indianapolis to opportunities in advanced industries.
“Lowering barriers to participation in the innovation economy has been core to the long-term vision for 16 Tech. We’re excited to build on our history of grassroots engagement and to play a larger role in regional and state workforce and talent initiatives to ensure the availability of opportunities in 16 Tech that support workforce, talent attraction and retention, experiential learning and K-12 STEM opportunities,” President of 16TCC Emily Krueger said in a statement.
Jackson is a Purdue University graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She has held leadership roles at Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University School of Medicine, Martin University and is the Founder and CEO of Real Chance Strategies, LLC.
Jackson brings nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, human resources and nonprofit sectors. She has utilized her experience in workforce development, restorative justice, community and social impact, recruitment, student success, talent development & innovation and philanthropic relationship building to lead and execute organizational goals.
Jackson will lead the design, implementation and evaluation of the 16 Tech’s talent and community initiatives, ensuring alignment and effectiveness of programs to cultivate inclusive, neighborhood-based talent pipelines that can successfully meet employers’ talent demands in the 16 Tech Innovation District and in STEM occupations in Central Indiana. She will be responsible for creating partnerships that link 16 Tech with state and industry resources to address workforce development and community needs.
By engaging both community and employer partner needs, Jackson has a record of success in creating career pathways and economic mobility for underserved and historically marginalized communities.
Tracey Jackson is known for her work supporting and elevating workforce boards, creating nationally recognized restorative justice programs, designing and launching equitable training programs for both global and local companies and leveraging her strong relationships in the community to scale equitable access to education and careers.
With her appointment, Jackson is expected to lead 16 Tech’s community and talent initiatives to create more opportunities for diverse talent and to ensure the availability of talent that supports workforce, talent attraction and retention, experiential learning and K-12 STEM opportunities in Central Indiana.
