Business

Unity-1 on the Road to Rebuilding

NEW ORLEANS DATA NEWS WEEKLY — On March 20th NOPD officers were in pursuit of what they believed was a car that was stolen. As officers became disengaged the car sped away and tragedy arose as the car crashed into Unity One Beauty Salon, causing a three alarm fire that left the iconic Broadmoor business building engulfed in flames leaving it presently inoperable. Also three lives were lost, the two young men in the vehicle and one women inside the salon who later succumbed to burns sustained in the fire.

Published

6 years ago

April 18, 2019

Oakland Post

By Edwin Buggage

On March 20th NOPD officers were in pursuit of what they believed was a car that was stolen. As officers became disengaged the car sped away and tragedy arose as the car crashed into Unity One Beauty Salon, causing a three alarm fire that left the iconic Broadmoor business building engulfed in flames leaving it presently inoperable. Also three lives were lost, the two young men in the vehicle and one women inside the salon who later succumbed to burns sustained in the fire.

After the fire an outpouring of support came from all over the city, state and nation regarding the rebuilding of what has become an institution in the African-American community. Data News Weekly spoke with Beverly Smith DPC (Doctor of Professional Cosmetology) who owns the business with her husband John Smith, who founded the business in 1981.

Unity One Trailblazer in Black Haircare Industry in New Orleans

As we is known the Black Haircare industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and was traditionally where Black Entrepreneurs could find support from the black community and build wealth. Today while there are still businesses like Unity-One that is Black Owned many have gone out of business.

But Beverly Smith is determined to continue the legacy they have built as they are on the road to rebuild their business.

“We are a family business that began in 1981 by my husband John Smith. I met him in 1982 and began working with him building our business that at one point had five locations and was the number one distributor of black hair care products in the Southeast region,” states Ms. Beverly, a name many have come to know her by in the community.

Continuing talking about the business she says, “We provide professional products to serve professionals in hair care industry the general public. We also have a salon as well. Beauty industry from all over the city gone on and started their own salon. We have been an incubator in the community for beauty professionals.”

Community Comes Together to Support Rebuilding Effort

Speaking of their contribution and the beginning stages of their rebuilding she says, “We are reaching out for resources. We have spoken to Mayor Cantrell and our City Councilman Jay Banks for support. We are a historic business with ties in the community and we plan on rebuilding bigger and better,” Ms. Beverly says with confidence and optimism ringing in her voice.

Speaking of their impact in the community she says, “We have helped the homeless to help transition to permanent housing. We offer training them how to run a business and grow. We have a product as well. Umoja Visions we employ people to work with the product line. Learn how to become entrepreneurs.”

Recently, the Bronner Brother Hair International Beauty Show came to New Orleans. There was an outpouring of support for Unity One and its rebuilding. Speaking of when they were present a check for 10,000 dollars presented to them during an event Smith says, “Bronner Brother brought us on the main stage talked about our tragedy and asked everyone to support us and James and Jessica Bronner gave us a check to start restoration and renovations.”

Locally, fundraisers are also being held to help. Recently, at Bertha’s Place, a local bar held a fundraiser that was well attended with an outpouring of support. “We had DJ Captain Charles there, someone we have known for a long time. He lives in our neighborhood we have done many things for us. Bertha, is someone we have known her for a long time. We started our business around the same time. She is just like family.

Deborah planned and organized the party to assist with us getting some things for our immediate needs.”

They’re both opening their businesses is not the only thing they have in common; recently, Bertha’s Place was also damaged by fire. But today Bertha’s is in a new location and is going stronger than ever with the community continuing to support her. This is something that encourages Ms. Beverly, feeling their family business will travel down a similar path. “It touched her heart because she also had a fire to her business. It touched her heart, she said I understand your pain and if I can do anything to help. Love and prayers is phenomenal. It something to keep us motivated and moving toward rebuilding our business. People really care.”

Also closer to home in Broadmoor where their business is located neighboring business are pitching in to help, “Propeller, a business accelerator that works with small businesses is definitely reaching out. They have been very supportive and will be doing a fundraiser on April 15. I have also talked to Kathleen Rhodes of Rhodes Funeral home and they said they are willing to help in any way possible.”

The Value of Life

All lives matter and in this tragedy three lives were lost. With compassion and care in her voice she says, “I talked to one of the boy’s mother and the other one’s grandmother and I gave them my condolences. We were there to support them with their prayer vigil.” Speaking of the young lady who lost her life she says, “Ms. Shawan, was one of our customers. We all went to her funeral and supported them. I remember seeing her coming in the salon. She was a very quiet lady; she didn’t say much. Monica Scott would do her hair who is one of the salon managers. I remember her just loving being in the environment and my heart goes out to her family and her son Anthony who also use to come and get his haircuts and line ups.”

The Continuing Importance of Black Owned Businesses and Unity in the Community

In post Katrina New Orleans with its many changes; the importance of Black Institutions, business and cultural footprint is essential. Speak of the future of her business and other Black Businesses she says, “Being Black owned business is sometimes a challenge; oftentimes we do not get the funding and support we need. But I feel there has been an upside to it as well, being a role model for the community,” Smith says proudly.

“We have young people who are now adults say they watched us and because of our example wanted to become a business owner. We give a lot of hope and encouragement that you can become a business owner. The community is proud of what we’ve become and we’ve inspired them.”

For those who know of all they have given back, it is now time for them to be on the receiving end as an outpouring of love and support is there as Unity One is on the road to rebuild. “Unity means coming together as one. We need to unite and be on one accord. Whenever there is someone in need. The community can come together to help together we can stand but divided we will fall. Together we can accomplish more. The whole city, not just Broadmoor.”

This article originally appeared in the New Orleans Data News Weekly.

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Glydways Breaking Ground on 14-Acre Demonstration Facility at Hilltop Mall

Glydways has been testing its technology at CCTA’s GoMentum Station in Concord for several years. The company plans to install an ambitious 28-mile Autonomous Transit Network in East Contra Costa County. The new Richmond facility will be strategically positioned near that project, according to Glydways.

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Image of planned Richmond facility courtesy of Glydways.

The Richmond Standard

Glydways, developer of microtransit systems using autonomous, small-scale vehicles, is breaking ground on a 14-acre Development and Demonstration Facility at the former Hilltop Mall property in Richmond, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) reported on social media.

Glydways, which released a statement announcing the project Monday, is using the site while the mall property undergoes a larger redevelopment.

“In the interim, Glydways will use a portion of the property to showcase its technology and conduct safety and reliability testing,” the company said.

The new Richmond development hub will include “over a mile of dedicated test track, enabling Glydways to refine its solutions in a controlled environment while simulating real-world conditions,” the company said.

Visitors to the facility will be able to experience on-demand travel, explore the control center and visit a showroom featuring virtual reality demonstrations of Glydways projects worldwide.

The hub will also house a 13,000-square-foot maintenance and storage facility to service the growing fleet of Glydcars.

“With this new facility [at the former Hilltop Mall property], we’re giving the public a glimpse of the future, where people can experience ultra-quiet, on-demand transit—just like hailing a rideshare, but with the reliability and affordability of public transit,” said Tim Haile, executive director of CCTA.

Janet Galvez, vice president and investment officer at Prologis, owner of the Hilltop Mall property, said her company is “thrilled” to provide space for Glydways and is continuing to work with the city on future redevelopment plans for the broader mall property.

Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl added that Glydways’ presence “will not only help test new transit solutions but also activate the former Mall site while preparation and finalization of the Hilltop Horizon Specific Plan is underway.

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Activism

2024 in Review: 7 Questions for Outgoing Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln

Lincoln’s decision to run for mayor stemmed from his love of people and his desire to serve his city. He prioritized resolving issues, including homelessness and public safety, among others. Lincoln, a Republican, will transition out of his role as mayor on Dec. 31, after an unsuccessful campaign to represent the 9th Congressional District.

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Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln. Photo provided by California Black Media.

Kevin Lincoln, outgoing mayor of Stockton, CA, captured during his tenure as a leader dedicated to the city’s progress and community engagement.

By Edward Henderson
California Black Media

Born in Stockton, Mayor Kevin Lincoln says his Army upbringing inspired him to serve others.

Lincoln joined the United States Marine Corps in 2001 and was later assigned to Marine One, serving during President George W. Bush’s administration.

Following his military service, Lincoln worked for one of the nation’s top private security companies for eight years in Silicon Valley. In 2013, he resigned from his corporate position to give back to his community in Stockton through full-time ministry at a local church.

Lincoln’s decision to run for mayor stemmed from his love of people and his desire to serve his city. He prioritized resolving issues, including homelessness and public safety, among others.

Lincoln, a Republican, will transition out of his role as mayor on Dec. 31, after an unsuccessful campaign to represent the 9^th Congressional District.

Recently, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Lincoln. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

What I prioritize for our city council is our youth. They are the future — not only our city, but this region as a whole.

We were able to invest over $6 million in youth programming and workforce development, and partner with 14 different community-based organizations. We were able to employ over 600 young people through the city of Stockton. We launched even our first ever summer jobs program for the city of Stockton.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

It’s about giving people a seat at the table, and not necessarily waiting for people to come to me, but me going to the community, making myself accessible, meeting our community at the point of their need, where they’re at.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

It’s politics. Because unfortunately, there’s politics in everything. And I say politics impedes progress. You can have a policy, a solution that may not necessarily be 100% perfect. But it’s a good solution for everybody. But because we allow politics to get in the way based off our personal ideologies, oftentimes we can miss opportunities to make an impact for the benefit of the whole.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

My biggest inspiration has been the community and our ability to work together. What’s unique about Stockton, one in 20 jobs are nonprofit jobs in the city of Stockton and even San Joaquin County.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

To stay focused. In politics, there’s a lot of opportunity for distractions. There are a lot of influences from the outside — good, bad and indifferent. It’s important to stay focused, have a clear vision, and be committed to that vision.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Economics. When the economy is not healthy, when we’re not thriving, we’re limited. Opportunities are limited.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I just want to continue to be a servant leader and serve our community in whatever capacity I am in.

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Activism

In addition to his work with the NAACP, Rick Callender is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Valley Water in San Jose. In that role, he oversees an integrated water resources system with functions that include managing the supply of clean, safe water; instituting flood protections; and handling environmental stewardship of waterways for Santa Clara County’s 1.9 million residents.

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Rick L. Callender, Esq., President of the NAACP CA-Hawaii, addressing attendees at the state convention, October 2024. Photo by Rich Woods.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Rick L. Callender holds multiple influential roles. He is the President of the California/Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP (Cal-HI NAACP) and serves on the National NAACP Board of Directors.

Under his leadership, Cal-HI NAACP operates 74 branches and youth units across the state to push initiatives focused on racial justice and equality.

In addition to his work with the NAACP, Callender is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of  Valley Water in San Jose. In that role, he oversees an integrated water resources system with functions that include managing the supply of clean, safe water; instituting flood protections; and handling environmental stewardship of waterways for Santa Clara County’s 1.9 million residents.

Recently, California Black Media (CBM) interviewed Callender. He reflected on the organization’s accomplishments, challenges they have faced, lessons learned this year, and goals moving forward.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

One of the things I’m most proud of is the support of policy changes related to the Ebony Alert, which went into place this year. That legislation ensured that Black girls and missing Black women would have their own alert. Often, when they go missing you don’t hear about it for weeks later.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

It’s not my leadership, it’s the NAACP’s leadership. We’ve helped with legal consultations. Often, when you have something that occurs to you, some people can’t afford a legal consultation. We’ve cleared that hurdle for folks, so they don’t have to worry about the fee.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

The pullback of a commitment to our community and the pullback from corporations on financing DEI initiatives, equity and civil rights. People have tried to make DEI sound like a salacious word. When you see these funds disappear, it’s because people erroneously think that they promote racism.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

The resilience and the determination of our youth. The youth have always led — not only the civil rights movement — but they have been the ones who will always be willing to step up.

It’s seeing a new Black leadership step up and being able to continue to fight.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

This is one thing: we can’t get distracted. We have to stay focused.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Equity. Put anything in front of the word equity, and that’s what we face, from educational equity, criminal justice equity. Equity as it deals with economics. And just being able to make sure that we have the access to do what we need to do.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Staying focused on organizing around elections – and winning.