Marckel “KELO” Bonds is a busy business owner. He is the founder and CEO of Coffee Black, a media and client services agency specializing in entertainment, arts and culture.
On Jan. 20 he was one of more than 25 presenters to volunteer for the 16th annual African American Male Summit at Frank W. Cox High School. Several hundred African American VBCPS middle and high school students and parents attended.
“I’m blessed to be able to share knowledge with youth,” said Bonds, who is also a partner in several apparel companies and serves as a development officer for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Young Entrepreneurs
Several dozen young men piled into a classroom for Bonds’ presentation on entrepreneurship.
Some important aspects of starting a business were discussed during the 30-minute timeslot, including identifying a passion or problem, doing research, making a business plan, building a team or network, and funding. Be creative, he told them. “Look at other brands. How did they become successful?”
Then came a challenge. Three teams had two minutes to come up with business ideas not focused on fashion, music or entertainment. The room was abuzz with chatter until time was up and ideas were pitched by a student spokesperson in an abbreviated “Shark Tank”-like style.
Damien Dancy spoke on behalf of “Living is Sharing.” “We feed the homeless and go around and buy food,” the Tallwood High senior said. Social media will be used to “put it in front of other eyes,” he added. Startup funds would come from an online crowdfunding source.
Other business ideas included “News for You,” a news website supported by advertising to allow people from diverse backgrounds to post their opinions, and a unique type of workout headset. The $140 technology product would be promoted by social media influencers.
Bonds applauded the young entrepreneurs before they headed to other sessions that focused on topics including computer science, mental health, web development, social awareness, the military and technology.
Bonds, a Christopher Newport University graduate, said he gave of his time because he would have benefited from an event like the summit when he was a youth growing up in the small Virginia town of Bedford. Plus, he enjoyed interacting with the students.
“I was excited they were receptive and really, really interactive,” he said.
Professions in Mental Health
Mental health therapist Rennel Marshall’s presentations were well-attended. He is the only African American male mental health outpatient therapist at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughter’s. His hope is for more young black men to consider the profession.
African American males who come in for first-time treatment rarely return, he noted. “If they see someone who looks like themselves, a lightbulb may go off.”
He was glad to provide information to attendees who approached him later asking how to get help for mental health concerns, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and the need for speech therapy.
Preparing for Financial Success
The last session of LaMont Henry’s wealth management seminar was packed.
The president & CEO of Henry Wealth Management explained that purchasing stocks in the S&P 500, which includes stocks such as Apple, is like “buying ownership in the business.”
Students learned the difference between simple and compound interest and were encouraged to “start saving as soon as you start to earn consistent income.” Learning money management concepts at an early age contributes to financial success later in life, he added.
One example really caught their attention: Saving $100 a week for 50 years would likely yield $2 million based on an average compound interest of 7.2%.
“Save from earnings income and invest from excess,” Henry advised. Students asked lots of questions about how to manage their money.
Henry is a 2006 Cox graduate who was glad to give back to his alma mater. Spreading knowledge to youth is important, he said. “There’s plenty I wish I knew when I was their age.”
Princess Anne High basketball player Styles Clemmons wants to pursue a career with the National Basketball Association. “I’m going to have to be good with money,” he said. Styles said the summit provided lots of valuable insight. Collaborating with others on problems helps determine “how we can be better,” he said.
His teammate Nicholas McIntyre also attended the wealth management session. “I want to save money,” he said. “I don’t feel I do that well.” Nicholas attended the summit to experience the “black excellence culture,” he said. “The value is only enhanced if the people are here taking in the voices.”
Rounding Out the Day
The day’s theme “The Power of Infinite Hope,” resonated throughout the finale of the day. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope,” said the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. before his 1968 assassination.
VBCPS Director of Community Engagement Dr. Admon Alexander, Virginia Sen. Aaron Rouse and Virginia House of Representatives Dels. Alex Askew and Michael Feggans led a panel discussion in the auditorium with all attendees.
Each offered some final words of advice. “Enjoy life,” Alexander said. “Be better today than the day before.”
“Celebrate your victories” advised Askew.
“Each day be true to yourself,” added Feggans.
“Conquer the day and make it your best,” Rouse said.
Tallwood senior David Osborne was glad he attended the summit. His takeaway included learning about colleges, how music is a great way to express feelings, and taking an idea and making it a reality through entrepreneurship.
“Anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” David said. “Follow your dreams.”
