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A&P Complex 55 S. State StIndianapolis, Indiana 46201EverythinUnderground.com [email protected]
Marguerite Press)Marguerite Press) A&P Complex 55 S. State St Indianapolis, Indiana 46201
EverythinUnderground.com [email protected]
For your very generous contribution to our 4th annual Trailblazer Awards Ceremony, we at Everything Underground, Inc. want to send warm thanks and appreciation and hope you know how much you are valued.
Who We AreWhere People on the Move, Keep It Moving
WHAT WE DO
Everything Underground Inc. (EU) was incorporated in Indianapolis IN in 2013. It was originally founded in Nashville TN., uniting many contemporary, under the radar, movers and shakers. We are a network marketing firm and our team services the network. EU helps independent artists, entrepreneurs, freelancers and professional service companies.
The website’s platforms offer exclusive networking opportunities, business resources, and highlights issues and pivotal companies. It simultaneously provides a platform for businesses to enhance and improve their marketing campaigns, while also reaching larger audiences and markets. Our services include, Publication, Project Management, Training, Business Coaching, and Web Design.
The Internet’s possibilities are limitless, in terms of being either a positive or negative factor in humanity’s evolution. EU utilizes technology for the benefit of our subscribers and clients.
Everything Underground, Inc supports a network of motivated individuals who explore the benefits of working together for common goals. EU platforms highlight socially conscious people & encourages collaborations. We also seek involvement with economically progressive firms and businesses who will help us create opportunities for today’s youth and prospective entrepreneurs, by sponsoring events and nominating top people within your industries.
EU gives you more than just access to decision makers. We also provide you with professional feedback and the opportunity to launch or expand your product. Two of our signature events are “The Trailblazer Awards” and “The Boss up Conference.” These events are open for exclusive opportunities to network members. We highlight multiple areas of the Black experience. We also interact with an array of links, websites and online material from other Black Media Organizations, that keeps the networking community informed about both their immediate community and the world at large.
LASHELL DANIELS, PUBLISHER
Corey Daniels, Investor
Ron Wynn, Editor-in-Chief
Lashell Daniels has served as the Publisher of Everything Underground since its start, which began in Nashville, Tennessee in 2002. The company has evolved from principally working on such events as the “Southern Entertainment Awards” and marketing for independent Rap Artists into a multi-media and marketing firm, that is involved in creating events to link and enhance EU members. Our principle mission and focus is for Education, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.
We want to come into the area and create events that give its residents a lasting advantage. Many times, African American entrepreneurs are doing everything they can to keep the doors open. We are that quality fill-in-the-gaps company that helps us do so much more. Everything Underground (EU) was incorporated in 2013. Lashell leverages the EU network to offer an array of services. Lashell continues to emphasize business development, strategic partnerships and mutually beneficial exchanges of information. Her mission is “To consistently improve and enhance the EU platforms, that highlight and connect those historically overlooked and under-served.” Join this ever-evolving members club today!
“I got lost after finishing high school sports. Most people gave up on me. As a result of that experience, I want to help talented youth. In particular, I want to focus on those who either didn’t make the grades, or whose home life proved so unstable, they couldn’t continue in sports. I also want to offer a new direction for them, in addition to providing a sports platform. My uncle told me (my father was murdered when I was nine months old) to go get a trade. It sounds easy, but the thought never crossed my mind until those words were spoken. Now we (EU Network) want to do the same for today’s youth.”
Nashville Writer/Editor Ron Wynn relocated to Indianapolis to join the Everything Underground team as full-time editor-in-chief, Nov 2014. Ron’s background is in multiple areas of journalism and broadcasting. His past jobs include serving as editor of the Bay State Banner in Boston, a staff writer at the Bridgeport Post-Telegram (now the Connecticut Post), pop music critic at the Memphis Commercial Appeal and an arts writer/columnist for the Nashville City Paper. He has also been a contributor to the Boston Phoenix and currently to the Nashville Scene and Nasharts.com, as well as, serving as sports editor for the Tennessee Tribune. Wynn
has been co-host of the radio program “Freestyle” on WFSK-FM in Nashville for over 13 years. He previously hosted radio shows in Knoxville and Memphis, Tennessee, as well as, in Bridgeport, CT. He covers and/or has covered arts, sports, and politics, as well as features and columns on business and government. Wynn brings nearly 40 years writing and broadcasting experience to Everything Underground and will help EU expand its media services and community profile.
Nicole Bennett, Graphic Designer
Tonda Mingus, Operations Manager
Nicole Bennett earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design at The Art Institute of Indianapolis in 2011. She earned her master’s degree in Marketing in 2013. After graduating in Marketing and Arts, Nicole set out on a journey to accomplish her goals to become a major creative force in the art world. In order to accomplish her dreams, she thought strategically. Her education allowed promotion to the next level at the job she held in the medical field since 2006. She also launched her freelance business, Heart Studio as a side venture and created a strategic alliance with Everything Underground (EU). She has now worked with EU as a Freelance Graphic Designer for 6 yrs as of Aug 2019. She is also Co/Owner of Fab Right Embroidery and Upholstery.
Tonda is the newest member of the EU team, she joined in early 2019 and is home based in Ohio. She has added valuable resources from the underground film world and has proven to be a valuable link from members to the team. When you send messages on the EU platform, she is the voice speaking and making sure that our clients and club members find what they need. She post weekly updates internally and highlights weekly on our social media platforms People on The Move.
“I’m the type of person that loves to support others. Family plays a big part in my life and they still push me to do better, which is why I continue to push on. I love working with different art forms because it pushes me to come up with some amazing art pieces. I make my ideas and the ideas of others come alive.”
David Steward LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT ICON AWARD
CULTURAL PIONEER ICON AWARD
David Steward is the chairman and founder of World Wide Technology, the nation’s largest African-American-owned
business. He is one of five black billionaires in America, ranked 745th on the 2019 Forbes Billionaires list. Steward
faced poverty and discrimination during his childhood in Clinton, Missouri. Though his family lacked many material
possessions, David believes he inherited considerable wealth from his parents because they taught him what was most
important: treating people right. Steward received his BS degree in business from Central Missouri State University
in 1973. He spent 10 years working in sales for 3 Fortune 500 companies before fulfilling his dream of business
ownership. Steward took a leap of faith, founding World Wide Technology (WWT) on a shoestring budget with only
seven 7 employees in 1990. WWT’s revenues have surpassed the billion-dollar revenue mark. Their workforce of over
450 employees helps companies develop systems that create databases of virtually any type their customers may
require for tracking orders. Steward donated $1.3 million to the University of Missouri-St. Louis to create the David
and Thelma Steward Institute for Jazz Studies in 2018. For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards
honor him.
Ollie Walter Gates was born in Kansas City, Missouri. His father opened Gates Ol’ Kentucky Bar-B-Q at 19th and Vine
in 1946. Mr. Gates worked at the restaurant as a high school student. Following his graduation with an engineering
degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, where he participated in ROTC, he spent two years in the Army. Mr.
Gates then returned to Kansas City and joined the family business. After his father died in 1960, he opened a jazz
club named OG’s on 31st Street, with a nearby Gates Bar-B-Q restaurant. Although OG’s was a popular jazz club
Mr. Gates sold it to focus on the barbecue business in 1970. That same year he opened a Gates & Sons restaurant at
47th and The Paseo. Mr. Gates continued to expand the business. He emphasized a quality product, serving the food
in a pleasant atmosphere, and closely supervising all the details of how Gates & Sons restaurants should operate. Mr.
Gates is also very involved in community activities, and has been recognized many times for business accomplishments,
volunteering for special jobs and services, and philanthropy. Upon the death of Bruce R. Watkins in September 1980,
Mr. Gates was appointed to the Board of KC Parks and Recreation. Mr. Watkins and Mr. Gates were very close friends,
and Mr. Gates served as campaign manager for Mr. Watkins during his 1979 run for Mayor of Kansas City. Mr. Gates
served on the Board for eighteen years (1980-1998) and was its President from 1991 until 1998. The Ensrhiners’
organization is particularly important to him. The group has supported several projects to benefit Kansas City – the
Spirit of Freedom Fountain, the Satchel Paige Stadium, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, the John “Buck”
O’Neil Research and Education Center at 18th and the Paseo, and the Black Veterans Memorial among others, with
Mr. Gates playing a leading role. For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor him.
Ollie Gates
Mr. Leon DixonEDUCATION AMBASSADOR ICON
SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Leon Dixon is one of the founders of the W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center. The Center is celebrating 40 Years of Service
Helping Our Children Reach Their Potential Through Education, and he’s an Advocacy and Educational Consultant.
Mr. Dixon worked as a tutor in Texas University’s Mathematics program while pursuing his Master’s degree in
Mathematics. Upon obtaining his degree, he received a summer internship at NASA in Houston, and began work
on a doctorate at the University of Iowa, where he also served as a teaching assistant. During his second semester
there he was hospitalized for 17 days and diagnosed an arthritic. After several unsuccessful attempts at finding work,
he accepted a position as an industrial mathematician/scientific programmer at the Bendix Corporation in 1965. Mr.
Dixon started providing tutoring sessions to his family and friends In the early 70’s, often sharing concepts that had
not yet been introduced at school. Mr. Dixon initially thought there wasn’t much he could do with his mathematics
background in the community. However, through his experience working with family and friends, he began to realize
there were several people that needed this assistance. One evening a child he had tutored was leaving his home when
he thought to himself, “If another kid comes here for me to tutor, I would have to spend another two hours going over
the exact same thing. Why spend two hours with one kid when I could be helping ten?” Additionally, he knew there
were other members in the community who could help provide these services. Mr. Dixon worked out the details and
presented his idea to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. They agreed to implement it under his leadership.
The mathematics program began in the spring of 1973, with classes held in the St. James Gregory United Methodist
Church. For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor him.
Bishop Lawrence Marcellus Wooten, Sr. is a COGIC Bishop from Saint Louis, Missouri and a recently elected member
of the General Board of the Church of God in Christ. He also currently serves as the Bishop of the Ecclesiastical
Jurisdiction of Eastern Missouri/ Western Illinois and the Pastor of the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ in St.
Louis, Missouri. Bishop Wooten is an alumnus of Saint Louis University and served as an educator and administrator
in the public-school system for 30 years. He was appointed as the presiding Bishop of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
of Eastern Missouri/ Western Illinois Church of God In Christ in 2000. After the death of Bishop Columbus Williams
in 1979, Bishop Wooten, who had been a faithful supporter and previously served as Bishop Williams’ First Assistant
Pastor, was appointed Pastor of the Williams Temple Church of God in Christ in St. Louis. Bishop Wooten has created a
locally renown Neighborhood Outreach Center, two Charter schools, and a local Church which contains and supports
over forty-five (45) outreach ministries. For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor him.
Bishop Lawrence M Wooten
A&P Complex 55 S. State StIndianapolis, Indiana 46201EverythinUnderground.com [email protected]
Sincerely, Lashell DanielsEverything Underground Founder/ CEO
Marguerite Press)
Dear Trailblazer,
First, our congratulations on all your accomplishments. You have persevered through so many challenges and now many people within your community and many people you do not know admire your success. Yet we know that for many your Trailblazing has just begun and It’s important that we pause yearly to celebrate the great work being done and to encourage others to join in. We honor your perseverance, fortitude and pioneering in spite of setbacks that everyone faces you are a role model and appreciate the strength within you and we salute you today!
Second, on behalf of Everything Underground (EU), a multi-media network based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with members located not only throughout the Midwest but across the nation, we respectfully invite you to join our network of members. The Trailblazer Awards ceremonies is our premier annual event and we also service our network members. We will be happy and excited to continue to support your future endeavors.
This year the event is being be held for the first time in the historic Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, October 6, and we are especially proud to continue our mission to highlight excellence across African Americans and minority communities.
This will be the fourth awards event, and the ceremonies continue to expand in scope, impact and attendance. EU began this event to recognize and honor individuals in various communities whose contributions and accomplishments weren’t getting the exposure they deserved. We get nominations from our network members of outstanding individuals in multiple fields ranging from business to media, education to philanthropy, and make our selections.
The Trailblazer Awards are a significant part of EU’s overall mission, which is helping communities better utilize resources at their disposal, identify key individuals and see that their expertise aids others, and making the dream of economic opportunity and prosperity a reality for many whom otherwise might be ignored or overlooked. Our award recipients are people whose sacrifices and efforts frequently don’t get newspaper/magazine ink or radio/TV mentions but help numerous citizens daily.
Please feel free to contact us at any time for additional details regarding either the Trailblazer Awards or EU in general. Our number is (317) 956-3876. You can also get more details at our website http://www.everythingunderground.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you on October 6.
Commissioner Madia Coleman
EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA PIONEER
Commissioner Madia Coleman served as State Representative and Senator from St. Louis from 2001-2009, becoming
the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Senate Minority Leader. While in the Missouri Senate
Commissioner Coleman sponsored the Hot Weather Law, which prevents utilities from disconnecting cooling-related
service for residential customers during summer weather extremes. She also sponsored legislation that became law to
protect children from lead poisoning. The former senator was appointed to the Missouri Public Service Commission
(MPSC) in August 2015. Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Coleman was the Director of the Missouri Office of
Community Engagement. She previously served as Executive Director of the Missouri Workforce Investment Board at
the Department of Economic Development, and in a leadership role at the Missouri Department of Labor. She regularly
moderates and speaks at numerous community and energy regulatory events. She’s also facilitated a workshop for the
United States Agency for International Development Ethiopia Energy Regulatory Partnership, as well as facilitated
a Peer Review on Emergency Preparedness and Public Consultation in Sri Lanka. Commissioner Coleman is a guest
columnist for the St. Louis County Community News. She has a B.A. in Journalism from Lincoln University in Jefferson
City, and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis.”I come
from an experience that tells me there’s a disconnect between decision makers and what goes on in the real world
of people who live in poverty. I don’t accept the idea that poor people are lazy or take no initiative to make their lives
better. Those who have the means and the smarts should do their part every day to help others, starting in your own
home, in your own family. Throughout my tenure in the Missouri legislature as a State Representative and Senator, I
had one goal - and that was to make life better for Missouri’s citizens. I am a public servant, committed to do exactly
that, every day.” For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor her.
Carol A. Daniel is first and foremost a mother and wife. She and her husband are the proud and exhausted parents of two
sons. Patrick Daniel Jr. is the computer whiz, and Marcus Isiah Daniel the actor and comedian. Carol began her career
at the “Voice of St. Louis” in 1995 as an anchor, reporter and talk show host. She was hired when the program director
at the time was driving to Memphis, and heard her on the air at a radio station in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Two weeks later
she moved to St. Louis and was working at KMOX. While she began her radio career in college, Carol brought a wealth of
experience to KMOX. She was once a campaign organizer, a recruiter for the U.S. Census Bureau, and even worked as a
substitute teacher. Carol is a gifted motivational speaker who believes in the biblical verse, “To whom much is given, much
is required.” She helped launch the Emmy-winning television talk show, “Great Day St. Louis,” where she was a cohost
for four years. She is also an award-winning columnist -- she was honored twice with National Newspaper Association
awards for her column, “Carol’s Journal,” which ran for nearly 10 years in the St. Louis American Newspaper. In 2014,
Carol published her first book, “All I Ever Wanted: Relationships, Marriage, Family.” A children’s book is in the works. Carol
has been honored for her work by the Missouri Broadcasters Association, St. Louis Association of Black Journalists, Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Monsanto YWCA. She is a member of the YWCA Women’s Leader Class of 2005. Carol has
also received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission’s Distinguished Local Media award. For these
accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor her.
Carol Daniel
Betsy Helgager Hughes BUSINESS LEADERSHIP PIONEER
Betsy Helgager Hughes is the President/CEO of BLH Consulting, Inc. With 30 years of experience and four Silver Anvil
Awards, Betsy offers a wealth of experience in business-to-business, consumer brand marketing, and multicultural
communications through the independent PR and marketing communications consulting firm she founded in March
2002. The firm’s tagline, “Insights That Build Relationships Between People & Brands” is paramount to everything
she and the firm does. They offer clients key insights into the cultural nuances and consumer mindsets of African-
Americans, Hispanics and the general population, then they leverage those insights to shape messages that consumers
positively respond and react to. It’s the cornerstone of the firm’s public relations approach. Before starting BLH, she
founded and spearheaded the global public relations industry’s first dedicated, in-house team to focus on the African-
American consumer, Ketchum PR’s African American Markets Group. Some of her most rewarding work included
sending President Barack Obama a GSK smoking cessation kit after he became the Democratic nominee, encouraging
him to quit smoking with Nicorette, NicoDerm or Commit. During one of his first presidential press conferences
he was asked about kicking the habit, and mentioned he was trying with the help of Nicorette gum. Additionally,
her work with agency partner Allison+Partners on behalf of Toyota has been rewarding. It gives her the freedom to
develop innovative multicultural programs like Steeped in History, which launched in Los Angeles in 2017, and the
Entrepreneurial EnTOURage, which kicked off in Kansas City in April 2019. Betsy started her public relations career at
Hallmark Cards, Inc. as a company spokesperson, where she most notably launched the company’s first Kwanzaa Card.
She is a 1990 journalism graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. Betsy’s been an active member of
the Board of Visitors of FAMU’s School of Journalism, Media and Graphic Communications, and is the 1999 Florida
recipient of the Thelma Thurston Gorham Distinguished Alumnus Award for her contributions to the School’s PR
program and the public relations industry. She has served on the Boards of Roots, Inc., Big Brothers, Big Sisters of
Metro Atlanta, and also received a business recognition award from the Atlanta Business League. She is a member of
Public Relations Society of America and Georgia PRSA. For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards
honor her.
TrailblazerCongratulations to all the other Trailblazer awardees, past and present, including those with and without a physical award, who have come before, and will come after all of us.
Thank you to Toyota USA and Allison+Partners for your partnership and belief in and support of the Toyota Steeped in History Tour and the Toyota Entrepreneurial EnTOURage, the catalyst programs that have BLH being recognized as a 2019 Trailblazer.
Thank you to the Everything Underground and the Missouri Black Chamber of Commerce for the honor.
If the core of the work you do to promote a person, place or thing is grounded
in making a difference in the lives of your community and others, without the
desire of being recognized by others, but rather rewarded by your own
satisfaction, you will not only make yourself and your community proud, but
the rewards will be immeasurable and will come in the most unexpected ways.
“
Betsy Helgager HughesBLH Consulting, Inc.tel: 404.688.0415 | www.blhconsulting.netProviding insights that build relationships between people and brands.
Betsy Helgager Hughes | BLH Consulting, Inc.
Jahvelle Rhone was born and raised in the heart of Kansas City, Ks, where he found a love and gifting in music in
the church and at home. It all started in the basement of his childhood home. His father would play the guitar after
church, and he and his brothers danced to the music for hours. It was then he knew he would love nothing more than
to be a musician, because the joy he felt in that basement and listening to the sounds of the soulful music had to be
supernatural. Jahvelle began playing the trumpet at 11, where his teacher noticed he was gifted and different from the
other students in his beginning band class due to his ability to learn faster than most kids his age. His band director
quickly moved him from beginning to intermediate band, then to advanced band. Jahvelle moved on to high school
where he began playing many different instruments. They included the trumpet, baritone horn, trombone, tuba, piano
and finally the saxophone. All this eventually led to him teaching his Freshman Band class under the leadership of his
band director. JahVelle learned to read both the treble and bass clef. That led arranging band music for his 100-piece
high school band and jazz ensembles. He became a member of the 1998 All-City Orchestra and 2001-2003 Kansas
City Youth Jazz band, where he spent countless weekends in the 18th and Vine Historical Jazz district under the
direction of Kansas City Jazz Legend Dr. Leon Brady. He was also in F. L. Schlagle’s; jazz band from 1999-2003, and a
marching-band, drum major, section leader under the direction of Mr. Reginald L. May. He became one of Kansas’s top
ranked high school Euphonium (baritone) players. JahVelle attended Florida A&M University where he studied music
under the direction of Dr. Julian E.White and Prof. Charles Bing. After a short time at FAMU JahVelle transferred to
Kansas State University. It was there in his dorm room, after a troubling afternoon and a fervent prayer of desperation,
that he truly received Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit filled his room. He described the experience saying
“My life was changed forever.” Jahvelle received his Bachelor’s degree at Kansas State University in 2010. As a Chief
Musician, he assists with the musical and spiritual development of other peers. JahVelle has played alongside many
jazz greats while establishing his own signature sound. He has shared the stage with several of jazz icons. They include
legendary Jazz Hall of Fame trumpeter “Clark Terry”, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, saxophonist and arranger Donald
Hayes, bassist and Kansas City Native Julian Vaughn, and smooth jazz saxophonist Vandell Andrew. JahVelle has met
saxophonists Kenny G, Najee, Jazmin Ghent, Marcus Anderson and many more. He’s shared the platform in ministry
with numerous Gospel Recording Artists, among them Pastor Jason Nelson, Anita Wilson, Tommi and Tobbi, Vicki
Yohe, Clifford “HizWay” Watkins, Pastor Michael Lampkin, Spoken Word Artist Ed Rollins, who’s featured by Minister
Jason Sims on the song entitled “David’s Harp”, Justin Aaron And The Royal Priesthood, and many more. For these
accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor him.
PIONEERING MUSICAL EXCELLENCEPastor JahVelle Rhone
You are the missing piece to ourpuzzle. Continue blazingnew trails to leave apath for othersto find. We salute you!
!CongratulationsBetsy Helgager Hughes
®
BLH Consulting, Inc.
171 17th Street, NWSuite 1600Atlanta, GA 30363hjrussell.com
PIONEERING FASHION EXCELLENCE
PIONEERING AGRICULTURAL EXCELLENCE
William (Bill) Coe is the Director/CEO of Green Acres Urban Farm and Research. He is a curious learner, expert
listener, and global leader in Aquaponics and Urban Farming. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Coe has led, mentored, and
developed some very productive, as well as successful, professionals. He has worked from the ground up, emphasizing
building enterprises. Mr. Coe has added personal value, increased revenue, and contributed towards the positive
growth of local businesses in his community. He is now educating his global community about the future of sustainable
food production. Through Aquaponics and Urban Farming (STEAM) Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math
training, he is leading his team in impacting the lives of youth and adults through Green Initiatives all over the world. He
is committed to building one of the largest sustainable Energy Aquaponics Bio Parks in the County. Green Acres has
won a number of local and National Awards for its programs. The most recent award came from the State of Missouri.
Green Acres is the 2019 “Farm of the Year” for Jackson County, Missouri. William Coe is currently in beta testing,
experimenting with the monetary impact of social media. He plans to launch a “Recipes for Success” YouTube cooking
series, providing education on the importance of healthy eating. In his spare time, he plays an intricate role in social
civic involvement and teaching entrepreneurship to emerging leaders seeking to explore future opportunities. For
these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor him.
Esmeralda Lole, a Kansas City, Missouri Fashion Designer, began dreaming of becoming a Fashion Designer when she was
ten years old. Growing up in a culturally diverse and humble environment, she began pursuing her dreams by revamping
old clothing. She subsequently taught herself how to create garments from scratch. Esmeralda continued pursuing her
dreams. She attended The Art Institute International, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Marketing. This
gave Esmeralda the necessary skills to become an Entrepreneur. After college Esmeralda knew she wanted to continue
to design but wasn’t sure what her specialized market would be. After much prayer and research, she received her calling
to become a couture designer. This resulted in the birth of “Kyrie Eleison Couture”. Esmeralda designs every piece with
the concept of reflecting the beauty she believes we all have within; the beauty God has given us. Each piece is meant to
compliment the client and enhance what is already there. The “Kyrie Eleison Couture” brand specializes in couture gowns
and suits, and has been featured in many local shows. It has also been published in Lo’Cal Magazine, StartL and News,
Jasmine Diane, and more. The brand was established in 2012, and has been featured in local fashion shows. It recently
made its debut in “Omaha Fashion Week.” When Esmeralda is not designing for the Runway, Proms, Weddings, and other
special events, she is caring for her three beautiful children and her husband, and spending time with God, which inspires
her to pursue her dreams every day. For these accolades and many others, The Trailblazer Awards honor her.
Esmeralda Lole
Bill Coe
9
BRIDGE BUILDERS AWARDSURPRISE HONOREE- PEOPLE’S CHOICE
PIONEERING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Toyota envisions a world made better by a future of boundless physical and economic mobility for all. This is driven by
the power of engaged, diverse and inclusive environments. Through Continuous Improvement and respect for people,
which are twin- pillars of the “Toyota Way” their focus is striving to be Leaders in Diversity and Inclusion. Toyota is
committed to bringing their vision to life through Investing in greater opportunities for women and minority groups.
This initiative includes team members, customers, suppliers, dealers and communities, while understanding that the
success of those diverse groups of consumers is the key to Toyota’s success. The company is actively cultivating a
culture and team member experience that embraces, empowers and respects all people, while helping to drive
innovation and relevancy. In addition, openly believing in equality, respect and all-inclusive treatment for all people.
Toyota is committed to making the workplace, marketplace, society and the world a better place for everyone. For
these accolades and others, The Trailblazer Awards honor Toyota.
Carl Price is the Founder and Owner of Financial Aid Consulting Tutoring Service (FACTS). He is the Publisher of FACTS
Club and Student School News Magazine. He graduated from Lincoln University, an HBCU in Jefferson City, Missouri
with a B.S. in Education in 1970. He was dedicated to aiding students and adults in their quest of educational pursuits.
Carl taught GED, ACT, and SAT Prep, and assisted in the Historical Black College Tours for over 30 years. Now he is a
retired teacher of the Kansas City School District, Vice-president of Missouri Black Chamber of Commerce, President of
FACTS Chess Club, and a YMCA Chess Club Volunteer. Carl is also the former President of Mid-Town Kiawanis, member
of the Kansas City Pioneers Club, and Director of Showcase of Stars featuring local and national talent. Carl Price has
worked tirelessly encouraging young people and adults alike, guiding them to positive life opportunities and experiences.
For these accolades and others, The Trailblazer Awards honors him.
Carl Price
Toyota -Corporate Sponsor
Thank You Missouri Black Chamber of Commerce
TOYOTA
Proud to be your Partner Enriching the Lives of Others
PIONEERING LEADERSHIP IMPACT
Vera Price Willis, co-owner of the Peachtree with her husband Mr. Lavell Willis, is a trailblazer in her own right. They
opened their first Peachtree restaurant at 6800 Eastwood Trafficway in 1996. Terrence Ramsey, assistant general
manager with the Gates Plaza Peachtree Cafeteria, said the restaurant had previously been in the area at 18th and
Vine years ago. Ramsey said the establishment returned to the Northeast area because it’s a good location for the
business, and Ollie Gates was a strong influence in bringing them to the area.
“We call it Southern comfort food,” Ramsey said, adding his favorite food is the lemon baked catfish and the salmon
croquettes.
According to the Peachtree website, the restaurant was started because Vera Willis wanted to share with the people
of Kansas City the “great Soul food recipes that had been passed down to her from generations ago.” The Peachtree
mission is to please every guest, leaving them with a one of a kind dining experience. For these accolades and others,
The Trailblazer Awards honor her.
Vera Price Willis
Hosted BySimeon and Yolanda Taylor
Hosted ByLawana Jeffrey from Cherish the Cakes
Performances by Love Mae CHonoree “Jahvelle” (with horn)
Fashion Performance by Kyrie Eleison coutureGospel Performance by Willis Blount and Exhortation
LET ME BE YOUR VOICE
(615) [email protected]
THE TRAILBLAZER AWARDS VOICE SINCE 2015
CONGRATS 2019 TRAILBLAZER AWARDS
RECIPIENTS FROM YOURNASHVILLE TN FAMILY!
