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RISING STAR Ursula Burns President, Xerox SPREADING THEIR WINGS Wing Heaven Founders Strive to Build Brand and Communities MAKING BLACK HISTORY Barbara Hillary - First Black Woman to Reach North Pole Now Sets Sights on Reaching the South Pole DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFS PLUS..... CAREER OPPORTUNITY ADS

Black Perspective 2008

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An online magazine for African-Americans looking for new opportunities in today's job market. Follow in the footsteps of our success profiles, learn about the state of the job market, and browse through employers specifically looking for African-American applicants.

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Page 1: Black Perspective 2008

RISING STARUrsula BurnsPresident, Xerox

SPREADING THEIR WINGS Wing Heaven Founders Strive to Build Brand and Communities MAKING BLACK HISTORY Barbara Hillary - First Black Woman to Reach North Pole Now Sets Sights on Reaching the South Pole

DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFS PLUS.....CAREER OPPORTUNITY ADS

Page 2: Black Perspective 2008

Work Here. Fly Anywhere.www.skywest.com/careers

the journey begins here

Page 3: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE3

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WWW.B-F.COM/CAREERS

Page 4: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE4

PublisherEM Publishing Enterprises

PresidentJeff Palmatier

Director - Marketing Strategies

Mark Cohen

Publication Design RC DIGITAL DESIGN

Editor/Art DirectorRichard Chudy

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE™, is a publication of Equality

Magazine Publishing Enterprises, Inc.

This publication is dedicated to informing the African American community of job and career opportunities.The publishers

reserve the right to reject or edit any copy, advertising, or editorial, The publisher is not responsible

for any unsolicited materials.

Views and opinions expressed within the publication are not

necessarily those of the publisher.

Published in the USA.All rights reserved.ISSN 1524-279x

For advertising email:[email protected]

For editorial email:[email protected]

EM Publishing Enterprises, Inc.13351 Riverside Dr.#514

Sherman Oaks ,CA 91423Tel: 818-654-0870

ON THE COVER

RISING STARWhen Chairman and CEO Anne Mulcahy appointed Ursula Burns President of Xerox Corporation, the two of them, and the company itself, made history.No other Fortune 500 company had women in the top two positions. And, no other Fortune 500 company had an African American woman as president.

MEETING DAVID WILSONCoinciding with the 40th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., MSNBC will premiere “Meeting David Wilson,” the remarkable and inspiring story of a young man’s reconciliation with his ancestors’ history as slaves. ON A WING AND A PRAYERChildhood friends Tom Walker and Mike Stapert strive to change the business & employment landscape of underserved urban communities in their home state of Michigan and beyond with their unique new spin on an American favorite.... WINGS!! DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFS • Study cites failures in Diversity & Inclusion Programs. • Alicia Boler-Davis appointed plant manager GM Assembly plant. • BET Founder Robert Johnson to help families secure loans for school. • Increasing access to business education and business careers. • Barbara Ellis brings IT executive experience to foundation. MAKING BLACK HISTORYMost people look forward to a quiet retirement when their working days are done, but not 76 year-old Barbara Hillary. In 2007, the retired nurse, community activist and lung cancer survivor became the first black woman on record and one of the oldest people to reach the northernmost point of the North Pole—the literal top of the world. Not one to slow down, the New York native is training and raising funds for a trip to the South Pole in November 2008.

CLICK ON A PAGE NUMBER TO GO TO THAT ARTICLE OR SECTION

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Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the

assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr., MSNBC will premiere “Meeting David

Wilson,” the remarkable and inspiring story of a

young man’s reconciliation with his ancestors’ history

as slaves. The world premiere of “Meeting David

Wilson,” on April 11 at 9 p.m. ET will be hosted by

“Today” Correspondent Tiki Barber and followed by a

90-minute live discussion of racial issues in America.

The live event will be moderated by “NBC Nightly

News” Anchor and Managing Editor Brian Williams

and held at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“Meeting David Wilson” is produced by Official

Pictures, LLC. The entire broadcast event is

sponsored by the Ford Motor Company.

“Just days after the 40th anniversary of the death

of Dr. Martin Luther King, it is fitting that we air

this special presentation,” said Steve Capus,

President, NBC News. “With this documentary, and

NOTABLE MEDIA EVENT

MSNBC TO AIR WORLD PREMIERE OF “MEETING DAVID WILSON”

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 AT 9 P.M. ET

Page 6: Black Perspective 2008

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the conversation that will take place immediately

following, our hope is to open the dialogue,

encourage better understanding of the issues, and,

hopefully, shine new light on the current state of race

relations in our country today.”

“MEETING DAVID WILSON”Meet David Wilson: David Wilson is a 28-year-old

African-American man from Newark, New Jersey.

He grew up in a tough, urban neighborhood, but

managed to navigate his way out of poverty and into

the world of news production in New York City. Now,

meet David Wilson: David Wilson is a 62-year-old

white man from rural North Carolina. He grew up in

Caswell County, where his ancestors once farmed

tobacco. He now operates a small chain of BBQ

restaurants in nearby Reidsville, where he lives with

his wife and son.

Although they have never met, the two men share

more than just a name -- one David’s ancestors

were once enslaved by the other’s forebears in the

antebellum South. In “Meeting David Wilson,” the two

men come face-to-face to confront their storied past.

Although they have never met, the two men share more than

just a name -- one David’s ancestors were once enslaved by

the other’s forebears in the antebellum South. In “Meeting

David Wilson,” the two men come face-to-face to confront

their storied past.

Meet David Wilson…

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The 90-minute documentary records the unusual

“family reunion” as the New Jersey Wilson family

travels back to the North Carolina plantations to

meet the white Wilsons; meeting on the very same

plantation where lives were sacrificed and where

racial equality was once unthinkable.

Will their worlds collide? How will they deal with

the gravity of their family’s histories and issues like

reparations? Scenes of North Carolina and New

Jersey -- with past and present-day realities of black

Americans -- pepper the film and raise questions

about how the black community has fared since

its migration to the north. “Meeting David Wilson”

provides compelling perspective on the legacy of

slavery in America by chronicling the personal stories

of these two men and their momentous encounter.

“What you have in the two of us is the story of two

races and two generations honestly talking about the

dark cloud of slavery and its continuing impact on

our families and our lives even today,” said director

David Wilson. “We intend to ignite a candid and

unprecedented conversation about race.”

“What you have in the two of us is the story of two races and two

generations honestly talking about the dark cloud of slavery and

its continuing impact on our families and our lives even today,”

said director David Wilson. “We intend to ignite a candid and

unprecedented conversation about race.”

....and David Wilson

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MSNBC LIVE EVENTNBC News will air a live discussion immediately

following “Meeting David Wilson,” at 10:30 p.m.

ET on MSNBC. The live discussion, which will be

broadcast from Howard University’s Washington,

D.C. campus and stream live on msnbc.com, will

focus on racial themes in America. “NBC Nightly

News” Anchor and Managing Editor Brian Williams

will moderate the event. Williams will be joined by

“Today” Correspondent Tiki Barber.

MSNBC.COMBoth the premiere of “Meeting David Wilson” and

the NBC News live discussion event will stream

live on msnbc.com. Msnbc.com will also create a

special online section for the “Meeting David Wilson”

documentary and feature content that addresses

issues discussed in the film, such as race and

identity, as well as include other stories and video

from pivotal moments in Black History.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY“Partnering with NBC on “Meeting David Wilson”

is not only exciting but also has a great deal of

historical value,” said Crystal Greene, Sponsorships

& Diverse Markets Manager for Ford. “We have a

chance to play a role in a discussion that may be

remembered for years to come, while at the same

time giving us a chance to display Ford’s historic

legacy as one of the nation’s first equal opportunity

employers to the forefront of today’s society where

that legacy continues. David Wilson’s story is also a

Ford story, as members of his own family came north

to work for Ford in the hopes of a better life. David’s

goals for the documentary are similar to our own

goals as a company when you think about imparting

the important message of inclusiveness and seeing

people as valued individuals.”

In addition, NBC will produce a fact-based,

educational video for inclusion in the NBC News

Archive On-Demand African American Curriculum.

This documentary-style piece on the Great Migration

will include footage about Ford’s historic legacy as

one of the nation’s first equal opportunity employers.

It will be distributed to thousands of teachers

and students nationwide via NBC’s educational

distribution partner, Hotchalk (www.hotchalk.com),

and will have a permanent place in the NBC News

Archive. BP

David Wilson is a 28-year-old African-American man from Newark,

New Jersey. He grew up in a tough, urban neighborhood, but

managed to navigate his way out of poverty and into the world

of news production in New York City. Now, meet David Wilson:

David Wilson is a 62-year-old white man from rural North Carolina.

He grew up in Caswell County, where his ancestors once farmed

tobacco. He now operates a small chain of BBQ restaurants.

Page 9: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE9

The mission of the School of Social Work is to

advance knowledge and to apply that knowledge

for the fulfillment of human potential through the

prevention and amelioration of social problems.

The school is committed to promoting the values

of social and economic justice. Recognizing the

complexities of contemporary society, the school

dedicates itself through its educational, research,

and public service activities to advocating for a

society that respects the dignity and achievement

of all individuals, families, and communities.

FOR CURRENT CAREER OPENINGS:

http://www.socialwork.pitt.edu

Page 10: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE10

DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFSSTUDY CITES COMMON FLAWS IN DIVERSITY TRAININGDespite the steady growth of diversity and inclusion

training the benefit is often diminished by faulty

delivery, according to a study by Novations Group, a

global consulting firm based in Boston.

When asked about D&I programs provided to their

organization, nearly one-third of 2,500 senior human

resources executives cited shortcomings such no

reinforcement tools or metrics. Other typical flaws

were trite content and little thought leadership.

Organizations are sometimes disappointed with

diversity and inclusion training they are provided. In

your experience, which of the following flaws has

your organization encountered?

“The findings should serve as a warning to both

organizations and D&I program providers,” said

Novations Vice President Fred Smith. “It’s the

mistakes and shortcomings identified in the study

that create ‘diversity fatigue.’ The best diversity

training has moved far beyond the one-dimensional,

feel-good event and today needs to be held to the

same rigorous standards as other corporate training.

Anything less cheats participants, wastes resources

and undermines diversity efforts.”

According to Smith, some of the deficiencies

highlighted in the study apply to training programs

in general. “Metrics, reinforcement and objectives

are always essential and often lacking,” said Smith.

“But some issues are particular to diversity training:

line manager concerns, focus and the organization’s

development practices.”

STUDY FINDINGS

No tools were provided to reinforce the training 29%

No metrics were offered to evaluate effectiveness

24%Diversity addressed, but not development

and advancement issues22%

Clear objectives were not established15%

Material was too U.S.-focused15%

Concerns of line managers were not dealt with15%

Content was trite, humdrum14%

Little thought leadership was found 9%

Facilitation skills were poor 8%

Employer’s policies and practices were not addressed

7%

“The findings should

serve as a warning to both

organizations and D&I

program providers,” said

Novations Vice President

Fred Smith. “It’s the mistakes

and shortcomings identified

in the study that create

‘diversity fatigue.’

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DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFSMiddle managers have to become part of D&I

planning, even if they do not participate in the actual

training, emphasized Smith. “To minimize flaws the

Chief Diversity Officer should build relationships with

their middle management teams to gain buy-in and

long term involvement. Managers need to see a

connection with strategic initiatives.”

Overemphasis on American-style diversity is also

a frequent complaint, observed Smith. “What used

to be the convention...addressing past grievances

and so on...isn’t as relevant to the needs of today’s

workforce mix. Instead, D&I has been redirected

to expanding opportunity and leveraging talent as a

basic objective.”

A more fundamental problem, in Smith’s view, is

diversity programs that simply presume it is just

employees who must change. “Nothing significant

will be achieved if the organization itself doesn’t

look at its systems, biases and ways of doing

things. There’s no return in changing the attitudes

or awareness of participants if management also

doesn’t make some of the right changes.”

Equation Research conducted the Internet survey of

2,556 senior HR and T&D executives in December

2007.

GM ANNOUNCES NEW PLANT MANAGER FOR ARLINGTON ASSEMBLYGeneral Motors announced that Alicia Boler-Davis,

formerly an assistant plant manager at GM’s Pontiac

Assembly plant in Michigan, has been appointed

the plant manager of its Arlington Assembly plant.

Boler-Davis is the first African-American woman

Alicia Boler-Davis - Plant Manager of GM’s Arlington plant

to be appointed to plant manager at a GM vehicle

manufacturing plant.

Boler-Davis began her GM career in 1994 as a

manufacturing engineer at GM’s Midsize/Luxury Car

Division in Warren, Mich. In 1997, she was promoted

to senior manufacturing engineer in the division.

In 1998, Boler-Davis transferred to GM’s Detroit-

Hamtramck plant where she held several positions of

increasing responsibility. In 2002, she was promoted

to General Assembly area manager at the facility.

Boler-Davis moved on to become area manager

of the Paint Shop at GM’s Fort Wayne assembly

plant in Indiana in 2004, then area manager of the

plant’s Body Shop in 2005. She was promoted to her

current position of assistant plant manager at GM’s

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DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFSPontiac assembly plant in 2006. Boler-Davis holds

a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from

Northwestern University and a master’s degree in

Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

URBAN ED EXPRESS, FOUNDED BYBET FOUNDER ROBERT JOHNSON TO HELP FAMILIES SECURE LOANS FOR SCHOOL

As more and more diverse students consider

private elementary, middle and high schools, and as

increasing numbers of college-age students enter

four year institutions or graduate programs, many

families, and especially families of color, continue

to have conversations about how to pay for their

child’s education. According to parents and families

from across the U.S., there is never enough financial

support available to cover all of the expenses, from

tuition and books to housing and transportation,

linked to getting a great education. And, now, Urban

Ed Express, a nationwide minority-owned student

loan company affiliated with Urban Trust Bank and

founded by Bob Johnson in partnership with a group

of investors, including Goldman Sachs, will be able

to work with students and parents to make their

education dreams a reality.

The cost of college today is higher than ever,

averaging more than $13,000 annually at public

four-year institutions and nearly $30,000 at private

four-year schools. Each year, the skyrocketing

costs prevent an estimated 400,000 high school

seniors from going to college because they lack the

resources to pay. The mission of Urban Ed Express,

is to provide financing to help students fulfill their

educational goals and work with schools and

families to provide quality customer service and

competitive student loan products. Student loans

may be used for college, but also can be used to

“We are dedicated to helping students

and families succeed in paying for

college,” says Robert Johnson. “Our

mission goes beyond providing loans

to providing information about college

financing options. More than anything

else, we want students and families to

borrow wisely.”

Page 14: Black Perspective 2008

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DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFSsecure loans for private, independent elementary,

middle and high schools. Launched in October 2006,

the company offers a wide range of student loan

products that feature competitive interest rates and

generous borrower benefits.

“We are dedicated to helping students and families

succeed in paying for college,” says Robert Johnson.

“Our mission goes beyond providing loans to

providing information about college financing options.

More than anything else, we want students and

families to borrow wisely.”

Dwight L. Bush, chairman of Urban Ed Express, said,

“Urban Ed Express has stepped in and stepped up

to help bridge the affordability gap. Our company

seeks to help students attend schools that match

their academic potential, regardless of the costs. We

see ourselves as not only a financial resource but

a source of motivation, too. One student we knew

wanted to go to Temple University and couldn’t pay

for it. We want to let people know that there are

products out there to help make their dreams of

getting a great education a reality. And, we know

that there are a lot of students and families who need

what we provide.”

In 2005, the gap in college enrollment between White

and Black students was 17.5 percent, according

to the National Center for Educational Statistics

(NCES). Some 73.2 percent of white recent high

school graduates enrolled in college that year

compared to 55.7 percent of Black recent high

school graduates. Likewise, the average gap in

graduation rates between White and Black students

is 18 percentage points, according to a longitudinal

study released by NCES in October 2006.

For information on how Urban Ed Express can help

students and families finance their future with a

comprehensive set of education loan options, please

call 866-262-0072 or visit Urban Ed Express online

at http://www.urbanedexpress.com.

INCREASING ACCESS TO BUSINESS EDUCATION AND BUSINESS CAREERS

Millennial students of color are increasingly focused

on business careers with 62% African Americans

indicating they are interested in careers in business

according to a new report, Serving those Poised for

Success: Increasing Access to Business Education

and Business Careers. The report surveyed

students of color born between 1978 and 2000, by

the Diversity Pipeline Alliance® (“Pipeline”), (www.

diversitypipeline.org) a network of strategic partners

working to increase the pool of talented students of

color prepared for leadership and management.

The Pipeline, created by the Graduate Management

Admission Council® (GMAC) to more effectively

reach out to students of color to nurture their talents

and inform and guide students toward business

education and careers in business, found 80% of

all respondents expect to be better off educationally

and financially than their parents. Of those students

indicating an interest in business careers, the

majority of students were most interested in stable

and challenging careers.

The new information shows that 75% of African

American’s polled are planning on earning advanced

degrees and 62% indicated an interest in pursuing

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DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFScareers in business with technology careers at

42% and social service careers at 40%. For those

students interested in business careers, 51% said

they would consider management education.

The primary source for this report was an online poll

conducted by Widmeyer Research & Polling among

Hispanic, Black, and Native American students.

The poll was fielded between August 14 and August

31, 2007. A total of 982 surveys were completed

by students in their junior and senior years of high

school, through college. The sample was provided

by National Research Center for College University

Admissions and SurveyUSM, which also hosted

the online surveys. The survey was sponsored by

Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP. Downloads of the

complete report in PDF format are available by

clicking here.

BARBARA ELLIS BRINGS IT EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE TO FOUNDATIONBDPA Education & Technology Foundation (BETF),

a tax-exempt non- profit organization that provides

financial support for education and technology

programs of Black Data Processing Associates

(BDPA),has announced the appointment of Barbara

Ellis as a member of the BETF Board of Directors.

Ms. Ellis is a seasoned IT executive with more than

30 years experience in strategic planning initiatives.

During her career with the IBM Corporation, she

held management and executive positions in IBM

Global Services, Sales and Distribution, Information

Systems, Finance, Manufacturing, Business

Transformation and e-Business initiatives. Barbara

led global strategic transformation initiatives for IBM

in the areas of Customer Relationship Management,

Supply Chain Management, ibm.com, IBM Technical

Support, and Sales.

“I accepted the BETF Board

appointment in order to provide

scholarships and other funding for

the education of disadvantaged

children in our community,” said Ms.

Ellis. “I look forward to seeing the

practical application of our funding

mission over the coming months.”

Barbara Ellis, member of BETF’s Board of Directors

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The Librarian of CongressJames H. Billington

andThe Honorable Congressman

John Conyers, Jr.cordially invite you to a receptioncelebrating the 8th edition of the

� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

“THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS TO THE RICHNESS OF OUR NATION”

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Northeast PavilionThomas Jefferson Building

The Library of Congress 10 First Street, S.E. Washington, D.C.

R.s.v.p. by March 30, 2008 Valet Parking (703) 734-1632 Business Attire [email protected]

Please present this invitation at the door. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities available upon request.

Page 18: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE18

DIVERSITY NEWS BRIEFS

In addition to her functional responsibilities, Barbara

was also a leader in IBM’s highly acclaimed diversity

imperative for the advancement of women serving as

Co-Chair of the IBM U. S. Women’s Task Force, with

a particular emphasis on initiatives for Multicultural

“I am excited to work with Barbara in her new role as a Board member to

continue delivering value to BETF stakeholders, students and sponsors,” said

Wayne Hicks, BETF executive director. “She comes to us highly recommended

by her peers in the industry. Barbara’s executive experiences with IBM over the

past 30 years as well as her current entrepreneurial efforts make her uniquely

qualified to assist BETF. BETF is fortunate to have her in this leadership role.”

Women. In 2004, Barbara established her consulting

business, Barbara J. Ellis Consulting, LLC. She now

consults with clients to achieve bottom line results

through the implementation of strategic priorities and

objectives. BP

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RISINGSTAR

When Chairman and CEO Anne Mulcahy appointed Ursula Burns President

of Xerox Corporation, the two of them, and the company

itself, made history.No other Fortune 500

company had women in the top two positions.

And, no other Fortune 500 company had an

African American woman as president.

URSULA BURNS

PRESIDENT

XEROX CORPORATION

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THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE21

Xerox has long had

a reputation as a

company of “firsts”.

Most often, that reputation

was based on technological

innovations in the field of

document management and

printing. However, Xerox has

also earned the reputation

as a result of progressive

thinking, especially when

considering executive

leadership.

When Xerox was suffering

from financial burdens that

threatened the company’s

leadership in the industry, the

company appointed long-time

employee, Anne Mulcahy

to the position of CEO and

eventually, Chairman of the

Board. The appointment came

at a time when few women

were tapped to leap Fortune

100 companies and the result

was an immediate shift in

the future of the document

management giant. Soon,

talk of Xerox’s imminent demise changed to talk

of a “turnaround” of both financial prowess and

technological leadership. Since Mulcahy took

the reins, Xerox has returned to it’s previous

position as market leader with stock prices

climbing from lows of $6 per share to a current

trading price of over $14 per share. According

to Fortune, the $16 billion company’s credit was

upgraded to investment-grade from junk status.

Mulcahy began her Xerox career as a field sales

representative in 1976 and assumed increasingly

responsible sales and senior management

positions. From 1992-1995, Mulcahy was vice

president for human resources, responsible for

compensation, benefits, human resource strategy,

labor relations, management development and

employee training.

Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO, of Xerox Corporation

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THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE22

chief executives of Fortune 500 companies.

Xerox, is the only Fortune 500 company with

women in the top two posts – and the only one

with an African-American woman as President.

Burns “is to business what Condi Rice is to

government, in terms of someone who never

grew up expecting to be a president of a

major corporation,” said John Engler, a former

Republican governor of Michigan and president

of the National Association of Manufacturers,

where Burns is a director. “It’s hard, regardless

of color and gender, to reach the high level of

responsibility she’s reached.” (Bloomberg News)

Burns is responsible for the company’s global

research, development, engineering, marketing

and manufacturing of Xerox technology, supplies

and related services.

Mulcahy became chief staff officer in 1997 and

corporate senior vice president in 1998. Prior

to that, she served as vice president and staff

officer for Customer Operations, covering South

America and Central America, Europe, Asia and

Africa.

Mulcahy earned a bachelor of arts degree in

English/journalism from Marymount College in

Tarrytown, N.Y. In addition to the Xerox board,

she is a board director of Catalyst, Citigroup Inc.,

Fuji Xerox Company, Ltd., Target Corporation,

The Washington Post Company, and is the

chairman of the corporate governance task force

of the Business Roundtable.

Mulcahy’s vision for the company included the

appointment of Ursula Burns to the position of

President. Many analysts, including Bill Shope

at JPMorgan Securities, predict that Burns

will ultimately succeed Mulcahy as CEO and

Chairman when Mulcahy steps down.

Burns, an African-American woman who rose

through the ranks of the company, is one of few

women who hold such a high-ranking position

with Fortune 500 companies.

Among the top 500

U.S. companies

ranked by revenue

in the Fortune 500,

only 12 have women

as chief executives,

among them Indra

Nooyi of PepsiCo

and Andrea Jung of

Avon Products. None

of them is black.

There are seven

black men who are

Xerox’s line of small office color

printers are a major contributor to the

companies bottom line.

Page 23: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE23

She also oversees for the corporation Global

Accounts, Information Management, Corporate

Strategy, Human Resources and Ethics, and

Marketing Operations.

Burns joined Xerox in 1980 as a mechanical

engineering summer intern. She since held

several positions in engineering including

product development and planning. In June

1991, she became the executive assistant to

Paul A. Allaire, then Xerox chairman and chief

executive officer.

From 1992 through 2000, Burns led several

business teams including the office color and

fax business, office network copying business,

and the departmental business unit. In May

2000, she was named senior vice president,

Corporate Strategic Services, and two years

later assumed the role of president, Business

Group Operations.

Burns earned a bachelor of science degree from

Polytechnic Institute of New York and a master

of science degree in mechanical engineering

from Columbia University. She serves on

professional and community boards, including

American Express Corp., Boston Scientific

Corp., CASA - The National Center on Addiction

and Substance Abuse at Columbia University,

FIRST - (For Inspiration and Recognition

of Science and Technology), National

Academy Foundation, National Association of

Manufacturers, and the University of Rochester.

Burns began working in various engineering

positions in the departments of product

development and planning. In 1987 she

completed a transition to engineering

management, rising through the ranks as the

head of several different teams, at one point

working as executive assistant to the CEO. For a

period of time Burns worked for Xerox’s London

offices. She held several high-level positions

before becoming corporate vice president in

1999 and then senior vice president of Strategic

Services in 2000. Her climb up the corporate

ladder continued when she added president

of the Document Systems Solutions Group

to her already-lengthy history of job titles in

2001. Many felt her quick rise was a result of

affirmative action. Burns addressed the issue

when speaking with Cassaundra Hayes of

Black Enterprise: “The fact that I did it faster

than others has nothing to do with my race and

gender. It was my performance” (August 1997).

Due to her ascent and undeniable influence

at Xerox, Burns was ranked 28th on Fortune

magazine’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Black

Executives in America.

Many felt her quick rise was

a result of affirmative action.

Burns addressed the issue

when speaking with Cassaundra

Hayes of Black Enterprise:

“The fact that I did it faster

than others has nothing to do

with my race and gender.

It was my performance”

Page 24: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE24

In the early 2000s Xerox faced financial

difficulties. During this time Anne Mulcahy took

over as CEO, and Burns was promoted to first

president of Xerox’s Business Group Operations,

becoming the first woman to hold that position.

Burns was responsible for the engineering

center and five separate divisions; together her

group brought in 80 percent of Xerox’s profits.

While Mulcahy crisscrossed the country

reassuring employees and shareholders and

refining a plan to save the company, Burns

began implementing the plan and streamlining

the company, hiring an outside contractor,

Flextronics International, to make many of its

products. She successfully negotiated a contract

with union workers. Many at the company

placed Burns on the list of Mulcahy’s potential

successors.

With Burns’s streamlining and Mulcahy’s

finesse, Xerox went from a company in trouble

to one poised to become the leader in sales

in its industry. Though many believed Burns

could become the next CEO, others had their

doubts. Many believed she needed to learn to

strike a balance between micro-managing and

under-managing; she also needed to hone her

listening skills, become more visible to investors

and others in the industry, and wait until the

appropriate time to make decisions rather than

relying on initial reports and moving too quickly.

Mulcahy told the New York Times, “Every

weakness is one she can easily fix” (June 1, 2003).

Burns accomplished what she did by being

smart and fearless in setting goals and moving

up the corporate ladder. According to a

consultant quoted in the New York Times, “Even

in her 30s Burns was a smart, unconventional

thinker who’d embrace new ideas even while

older executives at the table were rejecting

them” (June 1, 2003).

This new logo design was part of the re-branding of Xerox

Technological innovations have made Xerox the leader in document management and printing systems. The new

ideas driving development of products seems to be a reflection of “new” thinking by executive management.

Page 25: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE25

Burns has been credited with increasing Xerox’s

sales of color-capable printers and copiers, as

the company brought to market 24 machines

amid competition from Hewlett-Packard and

Canon. Xerox, which gets about three-fourths of

its revenue from service and supplies like paper,

makes about five times more profit from a color

sheet than from one printed in black-and-white.

Burns has also been selected as a featured

speaker at the first ever Fortune® Brainstorm:

GREEN Conference. The invitation-only event will

be an unprecedented gathering of business and

environmental leaders, as executives, academics,

politicians and NGOs join to discuss the impact of

the green movement and explore the opportunities

and challenges facing FORTUNE 500 companies,

entrepreneurs, government, and the financial

world.

FORTUNE Brainstorm: GREEN will be comprised

of a mix of plenary sessions, including on-

stage interviews with FORTUNE editors,

panel discussions and concurrent roundtable

discussions. It will also include sessions featuring

NGOs on the same stage with CEOs of FORTUNE

500 companies, “great green ideas” from leading

entrepreneurs, and a reception to meet the rabble-

rousers.

Ursula Burns represents a sea change in

corporate leadership and the willingness of

Corporate America to turn a blind-eye to gender

and ethnicity when selecting executives to lead

their companies. By focusing on ability only, Xerox

is leading the way in matters of diversity and

inclusion while demonstrating exemplary financial

performance that brought a company on the verge

of bankruptcy to a newly re-branded powerhouse.

BP

Page 26: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE26

JACOBS is creating the world of tomorrow as one of the largest providers of architecture, engineering, construction, and other professional technical services. Jacobs Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jacobs Engineering, is a worldwide leader in providing advanced engineering and technical services for government and industry.

www.jacobstechnology.com

Page 27: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE27

on a

WINGPRAYER

and a

Childhood Friends Tom Walker and Mike Stapert Strive to Change the Business & Employment Landscape of Underserved Urban

Communities in their Home State of Michigan and Beyond

By Richard Chudy

Page 28: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE28

Picture Michigan in the new millennium.

A place where jobs are hard to

come by, where industry has pulled

up anchor and closed factories at

a staggering pace, where the ranks of the

unemployed have swelled to record numbers

and where the economic health of a community

is failing, and failing fast. Now, picture two young

men who, in 2004, chose to pursue the dream of

owning their own business, and while doing so,

hope to turn the tide of a depressed collection of

urban communities.

Tom Walker and Mike Stapert, childhood

friends from Grand Rapids, Michigan, set out to

revitalize urban areas of Michigan by opening

Wing Heaven Restaurants. In just four short

years the duo have created well over one

hundred new jobs in areas that desperately

need them and have no intention of stopping

now. At last count, Wing Heaven has opened ten

restaurants including three corporate and seven

franchised locations with several other deals in

the works. Included in those pending deals are

multi-unit expansions with ten restaurants in

Richmond, Virginia and twenty in Detroit. Walker

and Stapert are also working on developing their

own brands of barbecue sauce and Kool Aid. Young, dynamic and hard working, Walker

and Stapert are in touch with the popular

and often trend-setting Hip-Hop culture. The

ability of this culture to drive new concepts in

business is shared by many moguls of serial

entrepreneurship. Perhaps the most well known

is Russell Simmons. ”We know that the hip hop culture starts first

in the urban areas and steam rolls into the

suburban areas, therefore we believe that it is

vital to establish ourselves in urban areas where

other national chains aren’t focusing attention.

This gives us an edge because we don’t focus

on one segment, but embrace diversity as our

foundation”, says Stapert, “being adopted by a

White family and growing up in a urban area,

gives me a different perspective than most, I

know that at the end of the day we are all the

same – searching for peace, family values, an

honest wage, and hopefully, a relationship with

our creator”.

IN THE BEGINNING

Stapert and Walker initiated their dream with

a Colbert Ball Tax franchise in 2003. Shortly

after their first successful season, the young

entrepreneurs had squandered all of their

earnings by summers’ end. “We were fortunate

that our families supported the idea of owning

our own business, however we were not prudent

in saving our money,” says Walker, CEO. They

soon realized that they needed to augment

their tax income during the summer months.

The following year they started a little chicken

shack and called it Wing Heaven. “We invested

all of our money from the tax business and

fried chicken everyday for months, sometimes

10 – 12 hours a day while only able to pay our

employees and keep the lights on… debt was

accumulating quickly”, says Stapert, COO.

Football, it appears, had the horsepower

required to power the duo’s dream over the

steep and treacherous grade of the start-up

highway. Nearly giving up on all the hard work

in the kitchen frying wings day after day, they

encountered a peak in sales during football

season. “We knew that football and wings go

Page 29: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE29

Page 30: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE30

Butler made the

league minimum

two years ago

as a Detroit

Lion and knows

how important

it is to make

wise decisions with his money. “Wing Heaven

Restaurant has proven to be thoroughbred with

lots of promise”, says Butler. “I first saw their

website as I searched for a wing restaurant while

in Detroit. After ordering several of the different

flavors, I knew they were going to make it big

with the right team in place”, Butler continued.

“Most of my friends in the league are not thinking

about investing in franchises just yet, however I

together no matter

where you live or

what ethnicity you

are, so by begging

local editors to try or

wings, we received

great reviews in

the local press

just in time”, says

Walker. “Before we

knew it, we were

stacked with long

lines, catering and

delivery orders

that forced us to ask our family

members to help us keep up with

the demand – it was a blessing

but painful at the same time, I

never worked so hard in my life”,

says Stapert. The bump in business that

Football brought to Wing Heaven

also brought interest from NFL players. When

NFL player Kelly Brown contacted Stapert and

Walker, they were both impressed to hear that

their product had made its way into the hearts –

and stomachs – of the NFL. “When Kelly called

us, I was shocked to hear that Lions ordered our

wings from our Detroit locations. Kelly wanted

to be a part of our team and, for us, it was one

of the easiest decisions we had ever made”,

claims Walker. Stapert adds, “we have had many

people approach us wanting to buy us out or

become a partner, but when we met with Kelly,

and heard his passion for his community and

youth, we knew that he was a quality person,

partnering with Kelly was a perfect fit”. Butler

joined the team and is now a full partner.

“Wing Heaven Restaurant has proven to be thoroughbred with

lots of promise” says Butler.

Photos courtesy of the Cleveland Browns & the NFL

Page 31: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE31

see through franchising how to create residual

income immediately while building a nest egg for

retirement.”

Butler added, “After visiting several Wing

Heaven locations throughout Michigan, I was

convinced that I did not have to spend a million

dollars on a better known franchise to make

money, Wing Heaven is proven and tested – not

to mention I love wings, football and wings just

go together.”

“While a lot of negativity surrounds the league

with allegations toward other NFL players, there

are those of us who are doing the right thing

and not getting caught up with making poor

decisions” explains Butler. This past summer

Butler gave back to his hometown, Grand

Rapids, MI where he held a football camp for

rocket football players. He continues to visit the

Boys and Girls Club to teach young people how

their choices will affect their lives and how hard

work always pays off. While football is number one in is life, he

recognizes the importance of generating multiple

streams of income. “I plan to have a lustrous

career in football, but my mom has always

taught me to have a back up plan no matter

what, and I know that partnering with Mike and

Tom will pay off”, Butler says

Walker and Stapert continued on with the

business of marketing the company placing an

advertisement in Black Enterprise magazine.

A legendary member of the Kings of Comedy,

Steve Harvey, contacted the pair. Harvey, who

hosts a nationally syndicated radio program

Page 32: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE32

Page 33: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE33

and was the star of his own television sitcom

(1996-2002), invited the life-long friends to New

York for an on-air interview. Shortly after the

interview, Wing Heaven received a nomination

for Harvey’s Hoodie Award in the category of

Best Fried Chicken Place. Known for its ability to

bring national attention to small businesses that

cater to urban areas and cultures, the Hoodie

Award’s have driven little known businesses to

great success, such as now famous Roscoe’s

House of Chicken and Waffles. In fact, well-

known athlete and businessman, Magic Johnson,

has invested in businesses that have received

the award in the past making the award a highly

prized recognition. “After national media attention,

the phones began to ring and our website nearly

crashed due to the amount of traffic”, says David

Rhodes, VP Business Development.

FRANCHISE OR START-UP?

Ask David Rhodes why those thinking about

starting their own business should explore

investing in a Wing Heaven franchise and

you’ll hear lots of reasons. But many potential

franchise owners may wonder about the

wisdom of investing in a small, relatively new

business concept. “Franchisors are either

growing or dying, look for a company that

is experiencing growth and able to supply

training and support”, states Rhodes. “A small

chain experiencing high growth will focus on

the franchisee, like a parent rearing a child.

The franchisors number one interest should be

focused on the franchisee’s success.”

Rhodes continues, ”I know folks that live

life like a cow in the pasture, watching life

Steve Harvey, second from the left, invited the dynamic-duo from Wing Heaven to New York for an interview.

The meeting led to a nomination for Harvey’s Hoodie Award for Best Fried Chicken Place.

Page 34: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE34

go by. Others are like the Rhino and charge

forward! I have heard countless folks say, “If

I only would have…”. Remember when Fred

Delucca of Subway was selling franchises for

Five Thousand Dollars? How many people wish

they had signed up back then? I know at least

one; my Dad… he repeats this story with such

passion it’s as if he doesn’t remember telling

me before. In fact, I am now able to recite the

same story verbatim. It starts out like this...”Son,

I almost opened a Subway” and it ends up with

the same reply as I lower my chin, grit my lips

and shake my head….”Yep, almost Dad”.

FRANCHISING AND OUTREACH In an effort to help encourage economic

development within the black community Gerry

McCants, President of Thomas McCants Media,

Inc – host of the Virginia Black Expo – forged

a relationship with Wing Heaven Restaurant.

Black owned Franchisors, agreed to waive

the $25,000 franchise fee toward a potential

franchisee for expo participants.

George & Lisa Coles, first contacted Wing

Heaven after hearing the interview with Wing

Heaven on the Steve Harvey Morning Show, so

when the opportunity to have his own business

presented itself at the Virginia Black Expo,

they counted it a blessing. George says, “The

wings taste great, and they have proven to be

a successful business, my wife and I are proud

to be the franchisees in Richmond.” The Coles

are one of two recipients of the $25,000 waiver

and have also agreed to open other locations in

Richmond, Virginia.

“Eric Orr had shown such dedication in assisting

Wing Heaven prepare its Wings during the

200 + Men/Virginia Black Expo Golf Outing”,

says McCants, “I know he will make a great

franchisee, our mission is to create economic

opportunities for folks like Eric.” Eric Orr is

also a winner of the $25,000 franchise fee

waiver. Eric plans to open his first location in

Portsmouth, VA.

“When my vice President of Business

Development, David Rhodes contacted

McCants and told me about the opportunity to

work with Black Expo, it was a simple decision

- lets do it” says Thomas Walker, CEO. “We

are in phase one of our expansion plans, if

we can help someone realize their dreams of

owning their own business and fulfill our goals

simultaneously, it was a good day”

“We are so impressed with the movement of the

black folks in Virginia,” adds Mike Stapert, COO.

“We were privileged to meet so many folks in

Gerry McCants, President of Thomas McCants Media

Page 35: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE35

government and business with such influence

such as Bruce Watts and Jack Ezzell, Jr.”

POSING A FEW QUESTIONS

I recently had the distinct pleasure of posing a

few questions to the founders. I came away from

the process with a rather clear sense of who

these young men are – dedicated friends and

entrepreneurs who have strong family ties, a

deep commitment and caring for their

community and unshakable faith in God. Here’s

what they had to say.

BP: How did the two of you come to decide

on entering the restaurant business and why

choose wings as the product of choice?

We owned a few tax offices for some years but

found ourselves every year strapped for cash

from June to January being that tax preparation

is a seasonal business. In 2004 we decided

after that tax season we needed a year round

moneymaker that could sustain us until tax

season. Tom had lived in Texas for a while I was

in Arizona and wings were big in those places. It

was unique and a good gift for Grand Rapids so

they decided to give it a chance and it worked.

BP: What, if any, special training or

education did either or both of the founders

complete prior to starting the business?

Where did those studies take place?

Mike had worked in a few restaurants but other

than that it was all trial and error on the job

training.

BP: Once the business was started, did you

seek additional training or education that

helped you succeed?

We would always think about going back to

school for additional education but time wouldn’t

permit it so we just continued to learn as we

went… as well as pose a lot of questions to our

vendors, sales reps, and other restaurateurs’.

BP: Did either founder have a mentor at

some point in their lives? Are there

particular people other than mentors – family,

friends or others that served as inspiration or

role models?

(Reply by David Rhodes)

Tom’s mentor was his father always trying his

hand at business never giving up. Tom knew at

an early age he wanted to be his own boss.

Mike’s (adopted) father (now deceased a High

School Principal) and mother (a retired school

teacher) – both were his mentors. They taught

him to never give up on his goals and dreams.

BP: How long after the first restaurant

opened did the franchising begin? What

obstacles did you incur in offering

franchises, how difficult was it to create the

”I know folks that live life like a cow in the pasture, watching life go by. Others are like the Rhino and charge forward! I have heard countless

folks say, “If I only would have…”David Rhodes, VP Business Development

Page 36: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE36

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franchise offering?

We started franchising two years after our first

restaurant opened. It was and is still very

difficult offering franchises. It’s hard to have

someone believe in your dream. To set up a

franchise takes a lot of money. We had to pay

the bills of our current stores, families, and

commit to $200 an hour to get everything set up.

We could not find anyone that would take a

chance on distributing our products to potential

franchises. We did not have credit, money in the

bank, or co-signers. It took the grace of God to

open a door for us.

BP: What are the franchise fees and what

does a franchisee receive in terms of

support, training and personnel acquisition

assistance?

Franchise fees are $15,000.00 with a monthly

fee of $1,000.00 and $500.00 monthly for

advertisement fees. We do training at our facility

as well as at the franchised stores.

BP: Why should a potential business owner

consider a Wing Heaven franchisee?

Wing Heaven offers a low investment with a

unique concept in a market that’s growing

everyday. We cook our chicken like black folks

like it. We found out that all people like good

chicken. Wing Heaven is a proven concept

boasting gross average sales per unit over

$600,000 with an average 20 – 30% profit

margin. We have a turnkey operation, which

includes training, marketing, public relations and

on-going support. We know how to set up

stores and come in and help with site locations,

mopping floors, painting walls, to setting up our

hi-tech POS system.

Page 37: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE37

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Page 38: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE38

BP: What makes Wing Heaven different than

other restaurants, especially those that also

offer wings?

Our concept is different because of the variety of

our menu as well as the taste. We preseason

and marinate the chicken before we fry it. All

other Wing establishments rely on the sauces for

taste. We offer Kool-Aid with every meal. The

Kool-Aid reminds folks of fond childhood

memories. It continues to be a big hit in all of

our locations from urban to suburban areas –

everyone loves Kool-Aid. In addition, our pricing

is very competitive. The interior of all our stores

represents a heavenly theme… clouds and sun

rays on the walls, uniformed workers decked out

in logo hats.

BP: In today’s world, most would like to

believe that business is colorblind. However,

many blacks’ entrepreneurs report that color

still plays a big role in securing necessary

start up funds and business expansion

financing. Did you as the founders of Wing

Heaven run into any such situations? If so,

what were some of the issues that seemed to

be more difficult to handle as a result of

racism or exclusionary tactics?

Racism still exists and we encounter it everyday

to the date; we’ve still not received a bank loan.

Every store was done with personal finances or

private loans from family. As we continue to grow

and have proven that our concept is successful,

the franchise loan community still neglects to

take us seriously, while other franchisors are able

Stapert and Rhodes pictured with legendary civil rights leader, Dr. Willie Burrows at the Rainbow Push Coalition

Page 39: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE39

to secure proper funding for more rapid growth.

BP: We’ve seen photos and some coverage

about your involvement with Rev. Jackson’s

Rainbow Push Coalition. How has your

involvement helped the business grow?

We are very proud to be members of both

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Push

Coalition and his International Trade Bureau

headed by Ms. Marshette Turner. In fact, we are

humbled because of the opportunities and

blessings we received through the organization.

To date, Ms. Turner has coordinated interviews for

us with a major grocery store chain – Safeway. In

addition, Reverend Jackson allowed us to host a

tasting in Chicago at Rainbow Push Headquarters.

We thank God for our relationship with Rev.

Jackson and his organization. The staff has been

awesome in aligning us with potential franchisees

and other notables.

BP: What are your plans for the future? Are

other business ventures on the horizon or

under consideration?

We are working on initiatives with the City of

Detroit which we hope to duplicate across the

country. It involves community revitalization in

urban areas where other national chains will not

go. The program will bring 1,000’s of jobs to

Detroit where they are needed most. In addition,

we are outlining a program in which budding

entrepreneurs from urban areas will be able to

own their own franchise after completing a

comprehensive and intense training program. Now

that we are past the test pilot phase, we are

positioned for national growth. We hope to link up

with Magic Johnson, Russell Simmons, and other

business people or sports figures to partner with

us to achieve the growth goals.

In the immediate future, we are launching a drive-

thru concept called Mississippi Fried Chicken – It

Taste so Good. After getting on our feet, we

evaluated all the hard work it took to get to where

we are, so we decided to launch yet another

concept called, Selfmade Magazine for those who

have a strong desire to own their own business,

but with no funds.

BP: What advice would you give to other

young Blacks that are looking to start their

own business?

The main thing is to have a strong faith in God,

without Him opening doors that were shut in our

face, and paving and lighting the way, we would

have never made it. People would tell us all the

time that our concept will never work – Kool Aid is

ghetto! But we followed Russell Simmons’s Hip

Hop Model. We do what we do with passion with

belief in our core audience that we know well and

let it trickle out to the masses with marketing and

strategic media relations planning. It is crucial to

find something you love and eat, sleep, and drink

it. We fried chicken for 10-12 hours a day for the

first year and a half, often sleeping on the freezer

and counters – who does that? We believed in

ourselves and we continue to trust God.

Black Perspective wishes them the best of luck. I

believe in these young entrepreneurs vision. I also

believe that their success will be based on much

more than just a Wing and a Prayer… I believe

that their dedication in pursuing a dream, coupled

with hard work and integrity, will lift them up to soar

on wings that never give up.

Learn more at www.wingheavenrestaurant.com

and I think you’ll be a believer too! BP

Page 40: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE40

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Page 41: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE41

FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO REACH THE NORTH

POLE SETS SIGHTS ON SOUTH POLE AT AGE 77

Most people look forward to a quiet retirement

when their working days are done, but not 76 year-

old Barbara Hillary. In 2007, the retired nurse,

community activist and lung cancer survivor became

the first black woman on record and one of the oldest

people to reach the northernmost point of the North

Pole—the literal top of the world. Not one to slow

down, the New York native is training and raising

funds for a trip to the South Pole in November 2008.

It is believed that she will be the first black woman

and the oldest person to make that trip.

“When I returned from the North Pole, I received

all kinds of letters from older people who thought

their lives were over. That helped me to understand

what my personal achievement means in a broader

sense,” says Hillary. “I am an ordinary person. I was

raised in Harlem. I didn’t grow up in a privileged race

MAKING BLACK HISTORY

Barabara Hillary

Page 42: Black Perspective 2008

THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE42

or a privileged sex. I wasn’t given any extra.

If I can do this, then anybody can reach

their individual goals. My trips to the poles

are symbols for everyone’s personal goals.”

Hillary fell in love with the arctic environment

in 2005, after taking a trip to Manitoba,

Canada, to photograph polar bears. The

trip led to dog sledding and snow mobiling

lessons and voracious reading about arctic

exploring. As Hillary read about all the

men and women who braved challenges

to reach the North Pole, she noted that no

black woman was mentioned. And she set

out to change the history books. Without

a heavy bankroll, no training on skis and

average physical fitness, Hillary faced a

daunting challenge.

“The process of preparing to go to the

North Pole was a heaven and a hell,”

Hillary says. “I didn’t have any money—

not two nickels to rub together—and the

base cost of the trip was $23,000. I was

trying to raise money, trying to train and

learning to absorb rejections. People

told me I was too old, that I was going

to die there, get eaten by polar bears. But, you know, I

don’t allow negative people in my life.”

On April 23, 2007, barely six months after hatching

her plan, Hillary stood at the North Pole, having

raised most of the funding for the trip, learned to ski,

completed rigorous physical training and traveled

more than 3,000 miles around the globe. She

dedicated the moment to her mother.

Now, Hillary has another goal—to make it to the South

Pole.

Hillary is also working with a grassroots team to raise awareness and funds (more

than $60,000) to make her dream a reality. According to the 2000 National Geographic article “Women Begin Trek

Across Antarctica” by Donald Smith, “One handicap that women [who want to explore the polar regions] continue to suffer is their

difficulty in attracting funding for such ventures.” And, of course, there are still

those who say a 76-year-old woman has no business planning a trek to the South Pole.

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THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE43

Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton, Hillary...and Hillary

Since Roald Amundsen and Robert Falcon Scott

reached the South Pole in 1911, exploration of that

frozen tundra has been the stuff of legend. Ernest

Shackleton...Edmund Hillary...the names of the men

who battled the unforgiving Antarctic landscape

to reach the South Pole are imprinted on Western

consciousness.

Female explorers are less well known. The first

woman known to have set foot on Antarctica was the

wife of a Norwegian seaman in 1935. Two American

women lived there for a year in 1947. An American

Women’s Antarctic Expedition arrived at the South

Pole on skis in January 1993, covering 700 miles

(1,100 kilometers) in 67 days.

As she did for the North Pole trip, Barbara Hillary

is preparing her body for the rigorous physical

effort, working with a trainer, increasing vegetable

consumption, vitamin intake, and treadmill-and-

weight-lifting sessions, even lugging a tire up

and down the block of her Queens, New York,

neighborhood to build strength. She will need to be

in top shape to brave average lows of -39 to -20 on a

windswept icy plateau of ice 9,000-ft thick.

Hillary is also working with a grassroots team to

raise awareness and funds (more than $60,000)

to make her dream a reality. According to the 2000

National Geographic article “Women Begin Trek

Across Antarctica” by Donald Smith, “One handicap

that women [who want to explore the polar regions]

continue to suffer is their difficulty in attracting

funding for such ventures.” And, of course, there

are still those who say a 76-year-old woman has no

business planning a trek to the South Pole.

Despite the challenges, Hillary is determined to

reach the South Pole and is on the verge of selecting

a company that specializes in Antarctic travel to

guide her there.

“Why do I want to go to the South Pole? I want to do

it to challenge myself on a higher level. It’s the thrill

of personal accomplishment,” Hillary says. “But you

know what? I also want to reach the South Pole for

all those people who said I couldn’t make it to the

North Pole. Not only did I make it to the top of the

world, but I’m going to make it to the South Pole, too.

I can’t wait to stand there and know that I can say, ‘I

made it!’” For more information, visit Barbara’s web

site at www.barbarahillary.com. BP

“Why do I want to go to the South Pole? I want to do it to challenge

myself on a higher level. It’s the thrill of personal accomplishment,”

Hillary says. “But you know what? I also want to reach the South

Pole for all those people who said I couldn’t make it to the North

Pole. Not only did I make it to the top of the world, but I’m going to

make it to the South Pole, too.”

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THE BLACK PERSPECTIVE44

84 LUMBER Page 18

AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY Page 40

AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION Page 9

ARBITRON Page 40

AUBURN UNIVERSITY Page 9

BANK ATLANTIC Page 19

BENJAMIN MOORE Page 15

BROWN FORMAN Page 3

CAREERBUILDER Page 25

CITY OF HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA Page 9

COVANCE Page 29

CR BARD Page 32

E&J GALLO Page 26

GILES & RANSOME, INC (Ransome Cat) Page 37

GOLDEN CORRAL Page 36

HSB GLOBAL STANDARDS Page 36

JACOBS TECHNOLOGY Page 26

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY Page 26

LAKE CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL Page 36

LIBERTY MUTUAL Page 40

PACIFIC STEEL Page 40

QUALIS HEALTH Page 40

RAPID CITY REGIONAL HOSPITAL Page 45

REHRIG PACIFIC Page 11

RIO TINTO Page 26

SKYWEST Page 2

THE HON COMPANY Page 26

THERMOFISHER Page 37

TITLEiST/ACUSHNET Page 31

TOWER PROPERTIES Page 26

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURG – Page 9

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC Page 9

VIRGINIA ABC Page 18

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