Collette V. Smith on NFL Coaching, Children's Books, and Following Your Passion

Arthur Ashe Institute's Barber Shop Talk

• 🧠 The Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, established by the humanitarian activist Arthur Ashe, aims to educate the community and increase people of color in health professions.
• 💈 Barber shops and salons serve as vital community hubs for networking and discussion, making them ideal locations for health promotion outreach.
• 💬 Jerome Archer, owner of Platinum Cuts Unisex Salon, has been part of the Barber Shop Talk program for 23 years, noting a shift in conversations towards personal health, diet, and mental well-being.
• 🗣️ The program normalizes conversations about mental health, reducing stigma and encouraging men to seek help when needed.
• ⚠️ Conversations cover a wide range of topics, including health challenges, relationship issues, media influences, and misinformation, providing a trusted environment for guidance.

Black Farmers United New York State

• 📉 Black farmers in New York State represent under 200 individuals, a 47% decrease over the last century, facing ongoing discrimination and lack of market access.
• ⚖️ Challenges include discriminatory practices, heir's property laws that lead to land loss, and limited access to educational resources and financing.
• 💸 The American Rescue Plan Act's debt relief funding has largely not reached disadvantaged farmers due to pipeline issues and program cuts, particularly those considered DEI initiatives.
• 🤝 Black Farmers United New York State advocates for policy development, networking, and direct support to farmers, emphasizing the importance of local agriculture for community well-being and food security.

Collette V. Smith's Journey and "Colette's Courage"

• 🏈 Collette V. Smith, the first African-American female coach in the NFL, shares her lifelong passion for football, starting at age five.
• 👩‍🏫 Despite societal roadblocks as a black woman, Smith pursued her passion, playing professional football for the New York Sharks and later coaching in the NFL, including for the New York Jets.
• 📖 Her debut children's book, "Colette's Courage," aims to empower children to believe in themselves, follow their passions, and use their voices, inspired by her own experiences and parental support.
• 🚀 The book is the first in a series, with "Colette's Huddle Up" and a third book planned, alongside her ongoing work on her life story and with her nonprofit, Believe in You Incorporated.

She Did That Holiday Bazaar

• 🛍️ The "She Did That" Holiday Bazaar is a platform celebrating black women-owned businesses, expanding this year to include exceptional men's brands in collaboration with The Black Man Can, Inc.
• 🤝 The event aims to connect consumers directly with founders, fostering a deeper understanding of their stories and brands beyond online shopping.
• 📉 Despite a decrease in corporate partner support due to shifts away from DEI initiatives, organizers are doubling down on community collaboration to fill funding gaps.
• 📍 This year's bazaar, dedicated to fighting hunger and food insecurity, will take place at Industry City in Brooklyn, featuring unique brands and storytelling opportunities.