Revitalized community garden opens on campus of Coppin State

Leaders from the American Heart Association, Coppin State University and the University of Maryland Medical System recently celebrated the opening of the revitalized community garden on Coppin State's campus.

The revitalization of the Coppin State garden is a significant milestone in the American Heart Association’s efforts to enhance nutrition security and support access to healthy food in under-resourced urban and rural communities in Maryland.

“As the American Heart Association embarks on its Second Century, our commitment to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere remains unwavering. One crucial way we achieve this is by addressing food and nutrition insecurity in our communities,” Tracy Brazelton, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Baltimore & Greater Maryland division, stated.

“A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a proven path to strong cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, we must ensure that more people have access to these nutritious foods to help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke,” she added.

The community garden at Coppin State University will provide access to fresh produce that may be hard to find or expensive in local stores, helping to overcome barriers to healthy eating.

Coppin administration plans to make fresh produce from the garden available at its on-campus food resource center, Coppin Corner. Launched in spring 2023, Coppin Corner provides essential food and supplies to all students.

“The Community Garden will do more than just supply fresh, campus-grown produce. It also offers students valuable opportunities to engage in nutrition education, participate in service-learning projects, and become actively involved in the gardening process. This collaboration enhances both their academic experience and promotes healthy lifestyle choices, fostering their holistic development,” said Dorothy Parrish-Harris, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Coppin State University.

This project marks the first of several AHA community gardens to be launched or revitalized with support from University of Maryland Medical System.

“At University of Maryland Medical System, we are committed to the health of our communities. That means not just addressing physical health, but addressing social determinants of health like nutrition security,” said Dr. Esa Davis, Associate Vice President for Community Health at UMMS.

“Nutrition security goes beyond simply having enough food; it encompasses access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods that support overall health and well-being,” she added.

In Baltimore, approximately 22.2% of residents are food insecure, equating to an annual meal gap of 24 million meals, according to Maryland Hunger Solutions, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that address nutrition security and promote equitable access to healthy foods.

Plans are underway to open gardens in southern Harford County by spring 2025 and the Eastern Shore in 2026.

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Daymond John Announces 5th Annual Black Entrepreneurs Day

Daymond John, entrepreneur and investor, proudly announces the 5th Annual Black Entrepreneurs Day (BED), taking place on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at the iconic Fox Theater in Atlanta — the historic birthplace of the civil rights movement and a thriving hub of Black culture and excellence. This year, BED will be free for all guests to attend and include branded activations as well as light bites and drinks for sale — promising an unforgettable experience that aims to entertain, inform, and inspire.

Founded in 2020 in response to the community's challenges following the tragic events surrounding George Floyd, Black Entrepreneurs Day was created to shift the narrative from destruction to empowerment. With a commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs, the event aims to educate and inspire through conversation with iconic Black leaders and celebrity friends, includes superstar musical performances, and will provide essential financial support through its NAACP Powershift Grant program.

Tickets for Black Entrepreneurs Day 2024 are free and available for registration at BlackEntrepreneursDay.com now. 

A Star-Studded Experience

The event will feature engaging conversations with an inspiring lineup of guests, including Grammy-winning artist and philanthropist Kelly Rowland; the iconic entertainer Flavor Flav, known for his unique blend of humor and cultural influence; influential media personality Charlamagne tha God, celebrated for his thought-provoking discussions on social issues; Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles (presented by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management), a role model of tenacity and excellence; and financial educators Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings from Earn Your Leisure, passionate advocates for financial literacy. Additionally, attendees will be treated to a live performance by Atlanta’s own multi-platinum rapper 2 Chainz, presented by Raising Cane’s. Known for his dynamic style and impactful lyrics, 2 Chainz will energize the audience and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship. Attendees will also enjoy the Entrepreneur Plaza pre-event, showcasing brand activations and pop-ups from sponsors. Past Black Entrepreneurs Day guests include Whoopi Goldberg, Spike Lee, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Hart, Tyra Banks, Michael Strahan, and many more.

NAACP Small Business Powershift Grant Program 

From Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, entrepreneurs can apply for the Powershift Grant HERE. By the conclusion of BED 2024, the initiative will have awarded over $1 million in grants to more than 40 Black-owned businesses, fostering economic growth and innovation in the community. This year, partners JPMorganChase, Hilton, T-Mobile for Business and Constant Contact will contribute a total of $100,000 in grants, with each grant amounting to $25,000.

"Atlanta isn’t just a city; it’s the heartbeat of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and resilience. When we considered moving Black Entrepreneurs Day from The Apollo, there was no question in our minds — Atlanta is the 'Black Mecca.' It’s where innovation meets history, and it embodies the spirit of empowerment that we celebrate at this event. We are excited to honor that legacy and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs right here in the heart of the community,” said Daymond John. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support of Black businesses; they are truly walking the walk in a time when commitment to diversity and inclusion is more important than ever."

Key Partners

JPMorganChase, a proud supporter of Black Entrepreneurs Day since its inception five years ago, will return as a prominent sponsor of this year’s event. The firm offers financial tools and resources to help business owners start, run and grow their businesses while working towards their personal financial goals. This year, JPMorganChase and J.P. Morgan Wealth Management will take center stage, powering conversations led by Daymond John with Olympian Jordan Chiles and Lanän Clark, Regional Director at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. To learn more about JPMorganChase’s offerings, visit blackentrepreneursday.com/jpmorganchase.

A returning partner and continuous supporter of entrepreneurs, Hilton will introduce a new discussion focused on the ways in which the company is dedicated to meeting entrepreneurs where they are, providing them with valuable networking opportunities and travel tools, as well as new business opportunities. As the home away from home for millions of entrepreneurs every day, Hilton takes seriously its commitment to be a powerful engine of opportunity. To learn more about Hilton’s support and travel tools, visit Hilton for Business.

At Black Entrepreneurs Day, Constant Contact will showcase how it helps entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with the marketing tools and guidance they need to build communities, engage with their customers, and generate sales. Joining Daymond John on stage for a roundtable conversation will be Constant Contact brand ambassadors Tamika Catchings, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA Hall of Famer, and owner of Tea’s Me Cafe, and Scharrell Jackson, international keynote speaker, executive coach, author, and founder of Leadership in Heels. In addition, Constant Contact will offer professional headshots at the Fox Theater, helping entrepreneurs elevate their personal branding. To learn more about Constant Contact, visit ConstantContact.com.

As a proud returning partner of Black Entrepreneurs Day, T-Mobile for Business is excited to join Daymond John for the fifth year of inspiration, education, and celebration. This year’s partnership will spotlight the T-Mobile for Business community alongside Daymond, showcasing the journey of entrepreneurship while harnessing the intersection of mobile connectivity and emerging technology to grow and scale business. To learn more about how entrepreneurs can take their business further, visit https://www.t-mobile.com/business/small-midsize-business.

America’s Navy is a new, proud supporter of Black Entrepreneurs Day, showcasing the journeys of sailors who have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. The Navy is the most highly skilled, technologically advanced military force in the world, and attendees will learn about the training and resources available in the Navy that help prepare service members to start and grow their own businesses. Through inspiring stories and interactive exhibits, the Navy aims to highlight the breadth and depth of skills and discipline sailors bring to the entrepreneurial landscape.

As part of the festivities at Black Entrepreneurs Day, Raising Cane's — a brand deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurial efforts across communities — is proud to present a live performance by acclaimed rapper 2 Chainz. This partnership underscores Raising Cane's dedication to fostering small business growth and entrepreneurship, recognizing their vital role in driving economic development and strengthening local communities. Through initiatives like these, Raising Cane’s continues to champion opportunities that inspire and uplift future business leaders.

Lowe’s, a longtime supporter of entrepreneurship, workforce development, community partnerships, and Black Entrepreneurs Day, will host a conversation between Daymond John and Quonta “Que” Vance, Lowe’s Executive Vice President, Pro and Home Services.

Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM, is a proud sponsor of Black Entrepreneurs Day for the fourth year in a row, helping entrepreneurs and organizations of any size reimagine their business for the world of AI. This year, Daymond John will host AI for All, a conversation presented by Salesforce that will showcase how Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students are gaining AI skills and certifications through Salesforce’s free learning platform Trailhead. Check out its AI for All announcement to learn more.

Join Us — FREE Tickets 

Don’t miss this landmark event celebrating Black excellence and entrepreneurship. Register for in-person tickets and apply for the NAACP PowerShift Grant at blackentrepreneursday.com. 

Streaming and Access 

Black Entrepreneurs Day will be live-streamed for free on the Black Entrepreneurs Day website and all of Daymond John’s social media platforms. Budding businesspersons and existing entrepreneurs around the globe can stream the event on BlackEntrepreneursDay.com and connect on social channels. 

THANK YOU BLACK WOMEN, WE APPRECIATE YOU!

George Cook of African American Reports says thank you to Black women for all of the work you did in trying to get VP Kamala Harris elected! You have done the work and shown the way. You are appreciated!

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