By Demetrius Dillard
Black History Month became a federally recognized and observed month in 1976 after former President Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
For the following 44 years, every February was [and will continue to be] designated as the time of the year when virtually every sector of mainstream society will highlight some of the historically significant accomplishments made by Black Americans.
Anyone who has matriculated through any school system has had to hear the lectures and do activities and perhaps projects on some aspect of slavery, Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, W.E.B DuBois, Nelson Mandela, Madame C.J. Walker, Sojourner Truth and so forth.
Black leaders, movements and accomplishments of yesterday are placed on the forefront every February out of tradition. Black history is and always will hold a meaningful place in the fabric of world history, and obviously should be recognized daily as opposed to being packaged into a 28-day stretch.
Black history is ongoing. Black history will expand with time. Black history has impacted the world in countless ways, far beyond what has been documented. Much of Black America sees February as an annual focal point.
Black history is all well and good — but what about the Black future? How does the future look for Black America? What influential figures are making a substantial difference to combat the narrative that continues to plague the Black community?
For instance, just recently a WTNH ABC 8 report has cited a study naming Hartford the most dangerous city in Connecticut. While that may not be news to some, it is also worthy to note that the Hartford area may have arguably the highest concentration of Black entrepreneurs in New England.
People like Curtis Robinson, Carlton Highsmith, A.J. Johnson, Demetrius Chamblee and Latoya Chamblee, Francine Austin, Anita Grodger, Giselle Jacobs, Aaron Lewis and so many others have profoundly impacted the Hartford region with their entrepreneurial pursuits and advocacy for Black empowerment. Some have made history, some are making history and some may even be the future leaders of the Black communities that make up New England.
Another individual making a strong case as one of tomorrow’s prospective Black leaders is Jamisa McIver-Bennett, founder and CEO of Rosebud’s investments.
The 26-year-old is quickly climbing the entrepreneurial ladder as a real estate investor and already owns 18 properties. According to a recent report by Lydia Blanco of Black Enterprise, McIvor-Bennett recognized that homeownership was a means to establish and build wealth as only a teenager.
Her introduction to ownership began with a discussion she had with her grandmother that then prompted her to become a real estate investor at 19 years old. A few months after the two conversed, McIvor-Bennett’s grandmother unexpectedly died. But fortunately for McIvor-Bennett, she was listed in the deed for her grandmother’s home.
“I took what she said to heart…to be responsible and to help my family because this [family home] is all we had. That kept replaying in my mind over and over again,” Mclvor-Bennett said in an interview.
She then went on to question why her family only owned one property and was faced with the quandary of staying a cashier or making a life-changing executive decision. The Philadelphia-based entrepreneur wound up selling the house for $152,000. After extensive research and discussions with financial advisers, Mclvor-Bennett’s real estate career took off.
Through time and dedication, McIvor-Bennett has expanded her real estate profile and built a platform that provides mentorship and guidance for upcoming real estate investors through her company, Rosebud’s Investments, LLC.
According to Black Enterprise, the company offers individualized services in investor processes for new and experienced investors looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in real estate investment. Beginning with an individualized investment call, new clients work with a member of the Rosebud’s Investments team to create a framework for buying property without using credit.
“Rosebud’s Investments was inspired by a Rose with a heart of gold. Her vision was to simply create a LEGACY for her loved ones to carry on,” says the company website.
“Our mission is to inspire people to attain what some would perceive to be impossible. We desire to inspire those in our care to reach economic and financial freedom to create their own LEGACY using real estate.”
There are so many other Black difference makers, like Byron Allen, Baltimore mayoral candidate Carlmicheal “Stokey” Cannady and Marsai Martin, but the mere mention of McIvor-Bennett and the plethora of Black entrepreneurs in Connecticut was to illustrate a simple point, not to take the focus away from Black history — but that underlining some of the impactful figures that may play roles in shaping what the future for Black America is, is equally important as spotlighting Black historical achievements.
