Black In Business: HERstory Chapter 2 Event Recap
By: Raquel Reis
There are few things in life that are stronger than community camaraderie. Teamwork born from both geographic and ethnic similarities is the leading force propelling the positive progression of the modern world. Chaplain Carolyn Burke, Soraya DosSantos, Ayo Ngozi Drayton, and Candida Rose understand this concept of unity better than most. These four empowering Black women, small business owners emphasize that it is through independence that we get in touch with our personal goals, but it is through partnership that we are able to accomplish those goals and explore the infinite potential of the human mind.
In a dual effort from Buy Black New Bedford and the New Bedford Historical Society, a virtual event “Black in Business: HERstory CHAPTER 2” took place on March 25th. It was by no accident that hosts Justina Perry, founder of Buy Black New Bedford, and Rayana Grace of the New Bedford Historical society explored the lifestyle and business success stories of these four women on this day. As society continued to celebrate women empowerment within Women’s History Month this event proved that being transparent about your strong suits as well as your weak points is what will transform an individual into the best version of themself.
With grace and with power, the four Black business owners shed light on the reality of excelling in fields that require risks as well as rewards as they continue to give back to their “team”, the greater New Bedford community, in incredible ways.
Chaplain Carolyn Burke, a pastor, pastoral counselor, and marriage and family therapist discusses her experience as she leads Community Bridges where they work to provide mental health resources to under-served communities. Burke asserts that she was “raised to serve” and has never been the type of person to avoid a new challenge. Building Community Bridges from the ground up, alongside her family and full minority leadership team, she has provided many people in the region with the mental help they need without them feeling overwhelmed by the societal stigma surrounding mental health. In her segment, Burke delves with the idea of “balance” and as she loves not in judgment, but in faith. She explains that to get where she is, she needed to embrace the love and help of many different people along her life path. As a Black woman therapist who can share her experience, Burke is happy to become a member on your team, on your journey towards mental satisfaction and you can reach her through the Community Bridges website.
Postpartum care facilitator of Maternal Nurturing Collective Soraya DosSantos brought her expertise in the process “from maiden to mother” to the online forum. DosSantos explores her business efforts to help mothers of all ages escape industrialized motherhood and embrace the personal rebirth that accompanies birthing a child. The feminie divine and strength in femininity are focuses of DosSantos’ practice, as she empowers women to experience the learning curves and out of comfort zone journey of motherhood. Although moms are a manual, DosSantos does not fail to acknowledge that to be a successful mother, there is a village of additional people that must be swept up into that process. She too points out the art of asking for help and is eager to assist mothers on this uncertain journey. With future exciting events on the rise, including a six week postpartum preparation series, Now is the time to reach out to Soraya DosSantos through the Maternal Nurturing Collective Facebook page.
As a Cape Verdean woman born and raised in New Bedford, Candida Rose of Golden Rose Music blended her background and passion for music in her segment of the video forum. Rose prides herself on caring for those around her even through rough times and chaos. In her new single “Love Each Other Through” Rose expresses how important it is to lean on each other and seek pleasure through human interaction even when uncertain times are upon us. You can listen to Rose’s incredible voice, melody, and lyrics in “Love Each Other Through” when it is officially released on April 16th or get the head start by listening to it as she plays it on the video forum! Rose can also be reached through her multiple social media platforms and website.
In a blend of art and science, Ayo Ngozi Drayton established The Creative Root, where she works as a herbalist committed to the local area. Drayton shares her experiences with the audience, explaining that after years of alternative career and degree paths in Black studies and music, she has found a home among plants and natural remedies in her herbalist career. The Creative Root is centered around community service and devotion to those that it serves. Each client to Drayton is their own being, who deserves specialized individual treatment; however, the business as a whole is focused on uplifting the entire community. In courage and curiosity, try natural remedies with Drayton by reaching her through The Creative Root website.
To watch the full “Black in Business: HERstory CHAPTER 2” visit the Buy Black New Bedford page on youtube. It is in those moments of watching this event that all people, but especially Black people and women can find the motivation, tips, and foundational community to pursue their passions and make our community a better place.
To catch the next Live HERstory event on April 22nd, register in advance. As the series continues, the theme for April is women in business: https://herstory3-buyblacknb.eventbrite.com
