Raheem Malik Abdullah opened his food truck Good Vegan/Bad Vegan in August 2022 as a way to bring healthy food options to the Black community.
Abdullah, who went vegan himself around four years ago, said he struggled with high blood pressure, diabetes and weight gain — issues prevalent in the Black community. When medication did not work, he went the holistic route and cut dairy and red meat from his diet.
Growing up, just about everyone in Abdullah’s family were cooks and/or entrepreneurs, so he decided to put his own culinary skills to the test to start his own business through Good Vegan/Bad Vegan.
The food truck, which features a variety of vegan options from burgers and fries to salads and raw tacos, is often parked at 2401 N. Harding St., near Riverside Park, but Abdullah also attends a handful of events, festivals and pop-ups throughout the year, such as Melanin in May and Daptoberfest.
For more information about the menu and updates on food truck pop-ups, visit facebook.com/TheGoodVeganBadVegan. To get in contact, call 317-969-2011 or email Goodveganbadvegan@hotmail.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!
Sustainable Flames is the eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles. With their reusable jars made from high-quality glass, candles can be refilled with their very own eco-friendly wax and wicks, giving customers the option to enjoy the same scent and ambiance without contributing to unnecessary waste and unneeded glass production.
With a variety of fragrances, sustainability is at the heart of their business with the goal to make sustainable living accessible and luxurious one candle at a time.
Sustainable Flames is guided by the belief that “Sustainability is no longer a choice, but it is a responsibility. If we keep saying that the planet is not our problem, or that someone else will take care of it, our resources are going to be depleted at a rate that we cannot keep up with. Each individual can play a part, and this candle project is us taking that first step toward making a difference.”
The business claims that glass greatly contributes to sustainability issues, as 50 billion tons of sand a year are used to make glass. However, the Earth cannot produce sand as fast as we are using it. Transportation also plays a role due to the weight of the sand causing transportation to cost more than usual.
Instead of shying away from the issue, Donum, the lifestyle brand that birthed Sustainable Flames, is promoting sustainable living in every area possible. With a goal in mind of influencing change and innovating products, they want to make sustainability our normal way of life.
This minority business highlight was composed by Multimedia Staff Reporter Braxton Babb at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317)762-7854 or via email at BraxtonB@IndyRecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
The holiday season is fast approaching. For many, that means time spent with family, friends, and those that hold a special place in our hearts. The holiday season allows us time to reflect, appreciate our blessings, and pay it forward. Whether it’s donating time, money or talent, philanthropy is in all of us. When we think of philanthropy, we often think of monetary donations. While that is an important aspect of philanthropy, there is much more to paying it forward.
Did you know most Americans spend their free time giving to others? True philanthropy is much deeper than our pockets. Philanthropy comes from within our hearts and pours into our communities. When it comes to paying it forward and you want to think of ways to do so, please remember to think outside of the box.
Some Ways to Pay It Forward:
Time is a priceless gift! Donate yours to a cause a loved one cares about or to your childhood church. During the holidays, help is usually needed to pack food baskets, purchase and wrap holiday gifts, stuff stockings or staff holiday gatherings for kids. Volunteer!
Teach them! Mentoring the next generation is a gift that keeps on giving. Consider donating time towards the productivity of others. Ask yourself, ‘What skills do I have that someone else might benefit from?’ It can be as simple as reading to children or helping an adult learn to read. Are you a financial whiz? Share your knowledge with an organization that could use your help. Or offer to teach others basic financial literacy. The possibilities are almost limitless.
Help Foster Children. Foster care services don’t just need foster parents, they also need in-house and remote volunteers. Not sure you can work directly with kids? You can still make a difference by organizing a supply drive to help a family in your community. Check with your local Foster Care Organization for suggestions then rally your friends to help meet their needs.
Visit with Senior Citizens. Not every elderly person has a family to spend time with. Check with an area Senior Citizens Center or Home to see if they can use your help. A simple conversation or act of kindness can mean the world to a lonely individual. Plus, the elderly have a whole lot of history and wisdom to share. Lend an ear!
Volunteer at your sanctuary of choice. Giving through service is the most powerful statement known to humankind. Paying it forward through service will feel rewarding for you, the religious institution, and community. Pay it forward by organizing a food drive, youth event, or by assisting with maintenance needs.
Walk a dog; feed a cat. Many animal rescue centers need supplies, funds – and volunteers. Check with your local rescue center to see how you can help. Some need volunteers to foster animals. Others could use blankets, food, toys, and other basic supplies. You can also provide the animals with kindness, someone to pet them, walk them and comfort them while they await a forever home.
As you can see, the possibilities for volunteering are boundless. Do what means the most to you and it will mean more to the recipients. They will know that you’ve given from the heart.
Give forward through action but don’t think of the holiday season as the only time to do so.
Philanthropy is in all of us even if we don’t realize it. Celebrate yourself and those causes you care about every day of the year.
However, if you can only donate time and talent once a year, now is the time to do so. November is a special time for giving. National Philanthropy Day is November 15th and is used to celebrate volunteerism, and charitable giving of all kinds. Additionally, Giving Tuesday takes place on November 28th. Like National Philanthropy Day, Giving Tuesday allows us to put generosity first and pay it forward through action.
Yes, your monetary donations are always needed! In fact, year-end financial donations account for a considerable amount of many organizations’ budgets. According to Charity Navigator, charities receive an average of 41% of their contributions in the last part of the year. Plus, there are advantages to doing so beyond just enjoying the spirit of giving brought on by the holidays. For those who itemize their tax returns there may also be tax benefits to donating monetarily. Check with your accountant, because giving before the year’s end might just help you as well as others.
So, remember to pay it forward through time, talent, and treasure this holiday season and beyond. Philanthropy is the greatest gift of humankind, for philanthropy is in all of us.
About Collin Mays Collin Mays is a well-respected leader from the Midwest who has worked in state and local government. For years, Mr. Mays has also served his community, sharing his time and talent with the nonprofit sector. He is Co-Chair of The Soul of Philanthropy Michigan (TSOP), a project that pays tribute to black philanthropy. The project raised more than $400,000 between 2022-2023. Mr. Mays also served as the 2021 Committee Chair of Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Under Collin’s leadership the Detroit chapter placed first in the nation with the most registered new teams and 17th in the nation for fundraising, raising over $800,000. As a public servant, Collin Mays has served as the Director of Economic Inclusion with the City of Cincinnati, Community and Economic Development Director with Delta Township, and Economic Development Director with the City of Center Line.
The International Marketplace Coalition is proud to announce Mo Adewunmi as their new chief operating officer (COO).
With a background in economic development, a passion for embracing diversity and an impressive international footprint spanning 7 countries, Mo Adewunmi brings invaluable expertise to the team.
This significant addition to our leadership team comes as part of our commitment to furthering the mission of revitalizing the Lafayette Square area and transforming it into the International Marketplace.
Adewunmi boasts a track record of successful project management, most recently as a Project Manager at VS4 Consulting.
Her roles included the development of standard operating procedures for businesses, budget management, and the creation of innovative marketing strategies.
She has also managed grants and foundation contracts while working at Indiana University Center for Global Health and advised on non-profit grant policies during her tenure in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Adewunmi has an academic background that complements her professional achievements, having pursued a Master’s Degree in International Affairs at Columbia University.
International Marketplace Coalition
Married with two children, she resides in Carmel and has a deep passion for listening to podcasts during her downtime.
With her appointment as COO, we are confident that she will play a pivotal role in advancing the International Marketplace Coalition’s vision of creating a vibrant, economically strong, multi-use international community in Indianapolis.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mo Adewunmi to our team as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said Mary Clark, Executive Director of the International Marketplace Coalition. “Her expertise and dedication align perfectly with our mission to foster economic development and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community. We believe Mo will help us continue to grow and flourish as an organization.”
Mo Adewunmi in her new role as COO, will work closely with the Executive Director, community leaders, local businesses, and engaged citizens to drive sustainable economic development in the Lafayette Square area. She will also focus on expanding our community’s visibility as a place “Where the World comes to eat,” as recognized by the New York Times.
The International Marketplace Coalition is dedicated to providing opportunities for everyone to experience and learn about other cultures, making Indianapolis a more inclusive and vibrant place. Mo Adewunmi’s leadership will be instrumental in achieving these goals.
DYC, which stands for Disturb Your Comfort, Fitness was founded in 2017 as an online training company between two friends: Joshua Hibbitt and Jeremy Stephens.
When DYC Fitness began, the duo focused on health and nutrition by creating weight loss and fitness plans for clients. They would also sell athletic gear.
In 2021 they opened a brick-and-mortar location at 1703 E. Michigan St.
“We met freshman year [of] high school at Lawrence Central. We’re locals here in Indianapolis. We both played sports our whole lives. Josh did track at Tennessee State University, and I went on to play football at Butler University,” said Stephens.
After leaving Butler, Stephens gained 300 pounds. He eventually lost weight by working out and training.
“I was able to apply the fundamentals of getting fit because I knew it, but I didn’t always apply it. That’s what disturbing your fitness is all about: get out of your comfort zone and being disciplined in your fitness journey,” said Hibbitt.
DYC Fitness recently opened a second location, at 1480 W. 86th St., offering workout equipment for trainers and clients to utilize for their fitness journey.
They currently have approximately 70 clients and six trainers.
DYC Fitness hopes to eventually expand further across the state and beyond.
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!
National History Day (NHD) has recently announced the first phase of its Inclusive History Initiative. The initiative is a series of programs and publications designed to promote diversity, equity, access and inclusion. Inclusive History will not only focus on diverse topics, events, people and ideas but also how to make participation more accessible to students and educators with various backgrounds, educational levels and socioeconomic statuses.
The initiative is funded by the Bezos Family Foundation.
“For nearly 50 years, National History Day has bolstered an interest in history and civics education,” said Marilyn López, program officer of the Bezos Family Foundation. “We are excited to support their geographic expansion and ensure a more inclusive history is made available for all young people.”
The first phase of programming will involve piloting outreach to urban and rural schools in four states: Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina and Oklahoma. NHD will also co-lead a series of professional development workshops to engage teachers and strengthen their programs in various counties, including Marion County through the Indiana Historical Society.
NHD will expand its “Moving Freedom Forward” series – a collection of teacher sourcebooks that include various teaching materials, such as essays by historians, lessons plans and graphic organizers – through the second phase of the Inclusive History Initiative.
“We are excited to collaborate with schools and teachers in these communities to engage more students in the process of historical research. Quality history education helps young people gain a deeper understanding of our shared history and encourages students to become involved and active citizens,” said NHD Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn.
To learn more about NHD’s Inclusive History Initiative, visit www.nhd.org.
INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 24, 2023) – Ascend Indiana today announced that President and CEO Jason Kloth, will step down on January 1, 2024. Kloth who helped to create the talent and workforce development organization nearly nine years ago, will serve in a consulting capacity after the first of the year to ensure a smooth transition. In addition to consulting for Ascend, CICP, and others, Kloth plans to focus on his family and spending more time with his two young children. Ascend Indiana is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).
“Jason and his talented team have created an organization built on values that have led to impactful work in helping thousands of Hoosiers find jobs, internships and apprenticeships,” said Mark Hill, managing partner of Collina Ventures, and founding chairman of the Ascend Indiana Board of Directors. “Jason had a vision that he brought to CICP to create economic opportunity for all and because of his leadership and his team, that vision is being realized in many ways today.”
Kloth helped launch Ascend in 2016 and to date, the organization has received more than $50 million in philanthropic funding from organizations including Lilly Endowment Inc., the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and Glick Philanthropies. The funding has allowed Ascend to advance its work as a labor market intermediary bringing together educational institutions and employers to connect job seekers to good and promising career opportunities.
“An initiative like Ascend would only be possible with the support of CICP and direct involvement of business, higher education and philanthropic leaders,” said Kloth. “It has been an honor to work with such wonderful colleagues and partners to advance our shared vision for Indiana to be a place of economic opportunity for all. I am confident that Ascend’s momentum will continue.”
“Jason’s leadership and contributions to Ascend and to CICP have been invaluable,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). “He and his team have built an organization with a strong foundation of understanding the talent supply and demand in the state, bringing together leaders across philanthropy, industry and higher education in a shared vision that is making a positive impact on thousands of Hoosiers and developing a workforce for the future.”
During Kloth’s tenure, Ascend has connected nearly 4,500 individuals to jobs, internships and training opportunities at more than 750 employers in Indiana with a focus on serving individuals from historically underserved backgrounds, including those from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students. The organization has partnerships with 40 colleges and universities across the state.
Ascend does this work in three strategic ways, through their online job matching platform the Ascend Network; Ascend Services, which comes alongside employers and education providers to create talent pipelines to equip youth and adults with the skills they need now and into the future and through Ascend Insights, which informs public policy to create systems-level change in the labor market.
Prior to forming Ascend, Kloth served as deputy mayor of education for the City of Indianapolis under Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration. He served in several roles for Teach for America, including founding executive director of Teach for America-Indianapolis and senior vice president of public affairs. Kloth also served as a 6th grade Language Arts teacher where he was named teacher of the year as a Teach for America Rio Grande Valley Corps Member.
Kloth holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign and a Product Management Certificate from the University of Maryland – A. James Clark School of Engineering.
Kloth is active in his community and has served on a number of boards including Indiana Education Savings Authority, Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, United Negro College Fund Indianapolis, Early Learning Indiana, EmployIndy, Downtown Indy and the Oaks Academy.
CICP will work with Kloth on a transition plan, including a plan for a successor, over the next few months.
Black Realty Company is where excellence and diversity beautifully converge in the world of real estate. Situated in the heart of Indianapolis, this women-owned brokerage is committed to delivering exceptional services to both its clients and the local community.
Their mission revolves around empowering individuals, providing them with unwavering support and trustworthy guidance and ensuring that the dreams of homeownership and investment opportunities become a reality for each client they serve.
Summer Black is the CEO and managing broker of the company. With a prior real estate background, she started this business in 2022. Since then, she has brought onboard Erica Nelson, who serves as a realtor, and Kylah Black, who serves as a realtor and project manager.
According to the company’s official website, clients Brandon H., Marilyn B. and Melissa C. said that while working with Black Realty Company they were impressed by the company’s exceptional service, dedication and friendliness.
Collectively, they have set out to create an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, real estate transactions are seamless, and clients are not just heard but genuinely valued. Their ultimate aspiration is to become the most trusted and sought-after brokerage in the region.
To learn more about Black Realty Company, visit www.blackrealtycompany.com.
This minority business highlight was composed by Multimedia Staff Reporter Braxton Babb at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at (317)762-7854 or via email at BraxtonB@IndyRecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here!
Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado University Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders is the featured speaker at the 2024 Steward Speakers Annual Gala and Award Ceremony, occurring April 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Downtown Indianapolis.
The Steward Speakers Series’ mission is to “inform, inspire, and invoke action by fostering meaningful dialogue and cultural exchanges, by providing exceptional lectures and events designed to engage youth, families, adult learners and others who rarely have access to nationally and internationally-renowned African American leaders.”
This is the eighth consecutive year that IUPUI is acting as the title sponsor of the Steward Speakers Series.
IUPUI Communications and Community Engagement Strategist Vernon Williams recently shared his excitement about “Coach Prime” Deion Sanders joining the Steward Speaker Series.
“Coach Sanders’ impact on HBCUs and all of college football is immeasurable,” Williams said. “Sanders’ presence in college football has single-handedly brought the history, pride, and challenges historically black colleges and universities face to the forefront, bringing national attention to the pressing issues that impact equitable access to education and resources.”
Sanders, known for his flashy personality, outspokenness and successful NFL career, is the former head coach of the Historically Black College Jackson State University football program and current head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.
Steward Speakers President and Founder Matthew Steward said the organization is excited to bring Sanders to Circle City.
“We are excited to be the vehicle that brings Coach Prime to Indianapolis, supporting our mission to bring attention to issues that impact our community,” Steward said.
The event is part of Steward Speakers’ 2023-2024 speaker season, which is appropriately themed “Sports & Education and the Impact on the African American community.”
Deion Sanders joins the 2024 Steward Speakers Annual Gala and Award Ceremony takes place April 11, 2024, 7 p.m., at Lucas Oil Stadium. For more information, click here or call 317-297-2905.
Contact multi-media staff writer Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Twitter @3Noral.For more news from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here. You can also check out the Indiana Minority Business Magazine by clicking here.
Webster’s dictionary defines a “maven” as an expert or connoisseur.
The term aptly fits Maven Space: an Indianapolis co-working space, event venue and social club created by mavens, for mavens.
Co-owner and CEO Leslie Bailey said the space serves to support entrepreneurs, remote workers, executives, creatives, dreamers and doers. It was created for those who crave opportunities to make connections. Maven Space is for people to find the resources they need to get their big ideas off the ground.
“First, there was Indy Maven, which is our website. I saw a gap in the market when it came to storytelling and news for women. It was really supposed to launch as a website with a newsletter, but women kept asking can they join something, so we added a membership to the website,” said Bailey.
Indy Maven launched in 2019.
Five months after its launch, the pandemic happened.
Indy Chamber’s Women in Economic Development event hosted in the conference room inside Maven Space on September 6, 2023. (Photo/Jade Jackson)
Bailey said connecting women was an initial part of Indy Maven. She remembers hosting numerous one-on-one phone calls with members.
“I didn’t know what it was going to be, but when I think back to the vague general vision I had, I feel like I spoke the space into fruition,” said Bailey.
All Bailey initially wanted was an old building with a new feel. She never thought Maven Space would turn into a tangible location in the heart of Downtown offering members much more.
“The launch of Maven Space has been a labor of love from day one. It happened with my husband’s and my personal savings, my co-founder, Kate Tauton-Rigsby, and a healthy dose of optimism or insanity, depending on how you look at it,” said Bailey in a statement made when launching the space’s IFundWomen crowdfunding campaign.
“Given that only 2% of venture capital dollars go to women, I knew better than to even try that route. And yes, there are small business loans available, but that only increases your overhead and makes it harder to break even.”
According to of 2019 Small Business Administration (SBA) report, only 28% of total SBA loan dollars went to women-owned businesses.
Those loans came with a nearly 10% interest rate.
With a lot of community support and partnerships, Maven Space opened on the first floor of the historic Gibson Building, at 433 N. Capitol Ave. Suite 100.
Along with several other amenities, the space also offers a mother’s room, a private place for women to pump their breast milk that includes a mini fridge for milk storage and complimentary pumping supplies provided by The Milk Bank.
Maven Space’s memberships are open to everyone, and you can find further details on the perks it offers HERE.
