 Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief / Photos by Vonoi Media Technology is changing faster than many communities can prepare for it. What once took years to develop can now transform in months, weeks, days, and sometimes even minutes. As artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced energy systems, and other emerging technologies continue to reshape the economy, communities across America are facing an important question: How do we embrace the opportunities of the future without sacrificing the quality of life, natural resources, and people that make those communities worth living in? That question was at the center of a powerful conversation among civic leaders focused on the future of technology, climate, energy, and economic development. The discussion made one thing clear. Technology is not going away. The real opportunity is for communities to prepare themselves, understand what is coming, and make sure they have a seat at the table before major decisions are made. Data is moving at an incredible speed, creating opportunities that were difficult to imagine only a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is advancing research, creating efficiencies, filling gaps across industries, and opening doors to new economic possibilities. At the same time, the growth of technology requires enormous amounts of energy, water, land, and infrastructure. That creates a responsibility for leaders to think beyond the immediate economic opportunity and consider the long-term impact on their communities. One mayor described living in a community surrounded by three rivers, creating tremendous opportunities for economic development but also raising important questions about protecting natural resources. The conversation around a potential 55,000-acre reservoir demonstrates the tension communities can face. Development can create jobs and investment, but leaders must also ask how natural assets can be protected while supporting future growth.  Energy has become one of the most important pieces of that conversation. Communities are beginning to explore everything from solar and nuclear power to geothermal energy and different forms of hydrogen. The goal is not simply to produce more energy. It is to develop smarter energy management systems that protect existing resources and make communities more resilient. One example discussed was a partnership with South Korean energy experts to explore advanced energy management. South Korea has developed systems designed around redundancy and energy reliability, creating a model that communities elsewhere can study as they prepare for growing technological demands. The larger lesson is that communities do not have to figure everything out alone. International partnerships can bring knowledge, technology, and new ideas to local challenges. Climate protection is also becoming part of the economic development conversation. Leaders emphasized that environmental protection should not be viewed as separate from growth. It should be part of the planning process from the beginning. One community highlighted its commitment to LEED principles and its effort to bring a broad range of residents into the conversation, including business leaders, neighborhood residents, church leaders, hunters, fishermen, conservation advocates, and others who have a direct connection to the land and natural environment. That kind of community engagement matters because trust has become one of the most important issues surrounding large-scale development. Residents want transparency. They want to know what is being built, how it will affect their neighborhoods, how much water and energy it will use, and what they will receive in return. Most importantly, they want to feel that their voices matter before decisions are finalized.  The conversation around data centers brought those concerns into sharp focus. Data centers can bring investment, construction, technology, and jobs, but they can also create demands on local infrastructure. Electricity, water, land, transportation, noise, fire safety, and transmission infrastructure are all part of the equation. One mayor shared an example involving a data center that promised a community park as part of its development. Years later, the company sought to use the land originally associated with the promised park for additional transmission infrastructure. For residents who had already experienced significant construction and the presence of diesel generators and large battery systems, the change represented more than a land-use decision. It became a question of whether promises made to the community would actually be honored. The message was clear. Communities are not simply looking for companies that want to build in their cities. They are looking for partners. That distinction is important. Economic development has traditionally focused heavily on attracting companies, investment, and jobs. The next generation of economic development may require communities to look more closely at the quality of that investment, the infrastructure demands it creates, the jobs it produces, the environmental impact it has, and whether the company is willing to become part of the community. For cities like Phoenix, the conversation is also about preparing for an economy that may look dramatically different in the future. Financial services and other traditional industries could experience significant disruption from artificial intelligence. That means cities must think about what industries will exist five, ten, and twenty years from now and prepare their workforce accordingly.  Education is becoming a critical part of that strategy. Partnerships between universities, medical schools, engineering programs, technology companies, and other institutions can help prepare students for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and advanced technology. The objective is not simply to attract technology companies. It is to make sure local residents have opportunities to participate in the industries those companies create. Water remains another critical consideration, particularly in communities where resources are limited. Leaders emphasized that development should produce maximum benefits for residents while protecting resources that communities cannot afford to lose. That means examining not only how much economic activity a project creates, but also how much water and energy it consumes and whether the benefits justify those demands. The conversation also challenged the idea that cities should simply compete against one another to attract data centers. Instead, leaders discussed creating higher standards and sharing information so communities can learn from one another. That philosophy has helped lead to a global urban data center pact involving cities and partners from around the world. The initiative brings together cities, business partners, consultants, and other participants in the data center ecosystem around a shared goal of encouraging responsible development. The emphasis is on locating facilities where they can make productive use of existing infrastructure, considering brownfield sites and areas that may benefit from investment, pursuing cleaner energy, listening to local communities, and creating meaningful local economic benefits.  The international nature of the effort demonstrates how interconnected the technology economy has become. Cities from multiple continents are dealing with many of the same questions. How much energy should data centers consume? Who pays for infrastructure improvements? How should communities benefit? Where should these facilities be located? How can natural resources be protected? What happens when a project affects neighborhoods that already carry a disproportionate share of infrastructure? There is also growing evidence that communities care about how technology companies approach sustainability. Clean energy, community engagement, and local investment can influence how residents view major technology developments. That creates an opportunity for both cities and businesses to approach development as a partnership rather than a transaction. Partnership was one of the strongest themes throughout the discussion. Public-private partnerships can help communities address complicated challenges, but successful partnerships require benefits on both sides. Businesses need infrastructure, land, energy, and local cooperation. Communities need investment, jobs, responsible development, environmental protection, and long-term economic value. Local governments have a unique position in that relationship because mayors and local leaders live directly in the communities they represent. They shop at the same stores, attend local events, interact with residents, and experience the consequences of development firsthand. Unlike decisions made far away from a community, local decisions are visible every day. That proximity can become a major advantage. As technology continues to move forward, local leaders have an opportunity to establish expectations before development arrives. Communities can identify appropriate locations, infrastructure requirements, environmental standards, workforce opportunities, energy expectations, and community benefits before companies begin building. Planning upstream can help prevent conflicts downstream.  The same approach applies beyond data centers. Affordable housing, workforce housing, energy affordability, climate resilience, transportation, education, and economic development all require communities to think ahead rather than simply react to circumstances after they arrive.
The leaders in this conversation also emphasized that progress is happening throughout the country at the local level. Even when national politics and federal policy create uncertainty, cities and states continue working on climate, economic development, infrastructure, technology, and quality-of-life initiatives. That local momentum matters. The future will require cities to work with universities, businesses, residents, nonprofit organizations, technology companies, neighboring communities, and international partners. No single organization has all the answers. The communities that create strong networks of collaboration will be better positioned to understand technological change and determine how it can serve their residents. The message from these civic leaders was not to fear technology. It was to prepare for it. Artificial intelligence and data centers represent a significant part of the next economy. They can create opportunities for research, jobs, education, infrastructure, and innovation. At the same time, those opportunities come with responsibilities. Communities must protect their natural assets, demand transparency, prepare their workforce, manage energy and water resources, and make sure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that will shape their neighborhoods. The future is already arriving. The question is not whether communities will experience technological change. The question is whether they will simply react to it or help shape what comes next. For these leaders, the answer is partnership, preparation, transparency, and community engagement. Technology may be moving faster than ever, but the people who live in these communities still have a voice in determining what that future looks like. Vonoi Magazine  There are certain conversations that feel bigger than the room where they take place. At a recent NYC Core gathering in New York City, a discussion about racial equity and reparations quickly became a deeper examination of history, music, citizenship, displacement, political responsibility and the future of Black people in New York City. At the center of that conversation were community leader Tyrik Washington and scholar, philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West, who together challenged the audience to think beyond political language and confront the historical realities that continue to shape the city. Washington opened the conversation by recognizing the extraordinary body of knowledge and lifelong commitment West has brought to the struggle for justice. The introduction was not simply an acknowledgment of West's academic career. It was a recognition of someone whose work has connected philosophy, history, spirituality, race, economics and the everyday experiences of Black people for decades. Before turning to the larger political questions of the evening, Washington asked West to reflect on the importance of Black music and the role of artists such as Kelly Price in this particular moment. For West, the question of music was inseparable from the history of Black America. He described Black music as something far greater than entertainment. It has been a language through which generations of Black people have expressed suffering, dignity, resistance, faith and hope. He spoke about the musical lineage connecting artists across generations, emphasizing that a great voice does not exist in isolation. The voices we hear today are shaped by the voices that came before them.  That history, West suggested, is part of what makes Black music so powerful. It carries memory. From the spirituals to jazz, soul, gospel and contemporary music, Black music has repeatedly transformed difficult experiences into something capable of moving an entire society. West connected that tradition to artists such as Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and other musical giants whose work emerged from a much longer cultural tradition. For him, the music is not decorative. It is part of the historical record. That became an important bridge into the larger conversation about reparations. If music can preserve the memory of a people, West argued, then history must also preserve the truth about what that people endured and contributed. Washington then brought the conversation into the political reality of New York City. With racial equity, affordability and reparations increasingly part of the city's public debate, he questioned what happens when race is removed from discussions that are framed primarily around class and economic inequality. The issue is complicated because class and race cannot simply be separated. Black New Yorkers experience poverty and economic inequality, but those conditions exist within a longer history of slavery, segregation, discrimination, housing inequality, land loss and exclusion from wealth building. West described the need for what he called a truth based analysis. Economic class is important, but it cannot become a substitute for understanding race. Race is important, but it does not explain every difference within the Black community. Gender, economics, geography, housing, land, history and other factors all matter. The challenge is to hold those realities together rather than allowing one to erase another. That conversation was particularly relevant as New York City continues to grapple with affordability, development and displacement. Washington raised concerns about the displacement of Black New Yorkers and the possibility that policies designed to improve neighborhoods can still produce outcomes that push long time residents out of those same communities.  The question, as he framed it, is simple but difficult. Who are these policies ultimately serving? A new park can be valuable. Better transportation can be valuable. Affordable housing can be valuable. Economic development can be valuable. But Washington argued that racial equity requires asking who has access to those benefits and whether Black communities remain part of the future being created. West agreed that the answer requires more than a class analysis. He also challenged the idea that fighting racism should be rooted primarily in hatred of white supremacy, for West, the foundation has to be love for Black people. That distinction is central to his philosophy. Resistance cannot exist only as a reaction to what is wrong. It must also be rooted in a commitment to building something better. The evening repeatedly returned to that concept of love as a form of discipline and responsibility. West connected the struggle for justice to the long tradition of Black Americans who continued to fight despite circumstances that offered little political or economic power. He spoke about enslaved Africans, the generations that lived through slavery, the Jim Crow era and the continuing struggles for full citizenship and equality. The historical timeline he presented was meant to place the reparations conversation in a larger context. Black Americans did not simply arrive at today's demands for reparations. Those demands emerged from centuries of accumulated experiences. That history also shaped the conversation about citizenship. West argued that Black Americans must be understood not simply through the lens of race, but as citizens entitled to rights, liberties and access to resources. The discussion then moved directly into the work of NYC Core and the city's reparations study.  One of the most significant moments of the evening came with the announcement that the research phase of the New York City reparations process had reached a major milestone. NYC Core announced a $1.2 million grant for the research effort, which will examine race based harms and New York City's financial growth, develop preliminary recommendations and ultimately produce final recommendations. The research team is expected to bring expertise across several disciplines, including African American history, slavery in New York City, community based participatory research, legal analysis and rights frameworks, genealogy and lineage documentation, economics, quantitative analysis, housing and land use. The structure of the project is also intended to keep community participation at the center. New Yorkers will have opportunities to review the research, respond to preliminary recommendations and provide feedback before final recommendations are presented. The intention is to make the process more than a study conducted from a distance. Community testimony and experience are expected to be part of the research itself. That approach reflects a larger principle that came through repeatedly during the evening, reparations cannot be designed without the people who are supposed to benefit from them. The research will extend beyond City Hall. Organizers described plans to work with neighborhoods, tenant associations and community organizations to hear directly from residents about what reparations should look like for themselves, their families and future generations.  For Washington, this community based approach is particularly important because the conversation about reparations must ultimately become tangible. It is not enough to discuss history. The question is what the city does with that history. West also placed the New York conversation within a national and global context. New York City has enormous cultural, political and economic influence, and the decisions made here can become models for other communities. But he also cautioned against presenting New York as an uncomplicated symbol of progress. A city can be progressive in one area while continuing to struggle with inequality in another. The history has to be confronted honestly. That includes acknowledging the role of Black labor in building American wealth, the displacement of Indigenous people and the complex history of immigration. West argued that recognizing the contributions of immigrants should never require erasing the contributions or suffering of Black Americans. For him, the complete story matters. That insistence on historical memory became one of the strongest themes of the gathering. West warned that every generation has a responsibility to understand the best of what came before it. Without that connection, younger generations can inherit the results of previous struggles without understanding how those gains were achieved. The problem is not simply that history may be forgotten. The problem is what happens when people forget that they come from a tradition of resistance, creativity, sacrifice and institution building. Washington described the need for a cultural awakening, arguing that every generation must find a way to reconnect with its history and create the conditions for another period of cultural transformation.  For West, that awakening must be spiritual as well as political. He argued that Black culture has historically done more than entertain. At its strongest, it has transformed people. Music, literature, faith and organizing have provided tools that allowed generations to survive conditions that were designed to strip them of dignity.
That is why, he suggested, the fight for reparations cannot be reduced to money alone. It is also about recognition. It is about acknowledging what happened, documenting its consequences and determining what repair should look like. The evening also placed a strong emphasis on relationships. Mr. Washington encouraged attendees to introduce themselves to people they did not know, exchange ideas and build connections. He reminded the audience that movements are not sustained simply through speeches or institutions. They are sustained by people who know one another and are willing to work together. That call to build community reflected the spirit of the gathering itself. The event brought together academics, organizers, public officials, community advocates and residents around a subject that has often been discussed nationally but is now entering a more concrete phase in New York City. The announcement of the research award gave the evening a practical dimension. The conversation was no longer only about what should happen. There is now a research process designed to gather evidence, hear testimony and develop recommendations. The research team, will work in collaboration with institutions and researchers whose work includes reparations, African American history and community engagement. Community participation will be a central component of the process. The evening concluded with recognition for Mr. West and acknowledgment of the people who have helped move the reparations conversation forward in New York City. A proclamation was presented to West, honoring his intellectual contribution and lifelong commitment to justice. But the most significant recognition may have been the connection between generations. West represents one generation of scholarship and activism. Washington represents another generation carrying the conversation forward. The organizers and community members in the room represent another layer of that ongoing story. Each generation inherits unfinished work. The NYC Core gathering made clear that New York City's reparations conversation has entered a new stage. The research is moving forward. Community engagement is being organized. Questions are being documented. History is being examined. What happens next will depend not only on the researchers or government officials, but on how deeply New Yorkers participate in the process. For a city with such a complicated relationship with race, wealth, land and power, the work will not be simple. But perhaps that is exactly why the conversation matters. Reparations begins with a willingness to tell the truth about what happened. It continues by examining who benefited, who was harmed and what those consequences look like today. And ultimately, it asks a much harder question: What does meaningful repair look like for the people who are still living with the consequences of history? At NYC Core, that question was no longer being discussed as an abstract idea. It was being turned into research. It was being taken into communities and it was being placed in the hands of the people whose voices will help determine what comes next. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief / Photos: Vonoi Global Media At The Nest Climate Panel in New York City, held at the Javits Center and presented by Adapt2Win.org, the conversation about climate change took an important turn. It was not simply a discussion about temperatures, rising seas, flooding or environmental policy. It was a conversation about leadership, community, sports, youth and the power of people who have platforms to use their voices for something bigger than themselves. Former NBA players Rick Fox and Pops Mensah-Bonsu shared personal experiences that demonstrated how climate change is becoming impossible to separate from the places where people live, work, play and grow. For Pops Mensah-Bonsu, the connection between sports and social responsibility became clear through his work in Ghana. As a former professional basketball player, he understood the influence athletes can have because people often trust athletes and listen to them beyond the basketball court. What began as a platform created through sports became something much larger when he saw how climate change was affecting young people and the environments where they played. Mensah-Bonsu spoke about his academy in Ghana, where basketball is used as a vehicle to empower young people across Ghana and Africa. The program is about much more than basketball. It incorporates soft skills and character development, giving young people tools they can carry with them away from the court. Then came a realization that changed his perspective. Ghana has limited indoor athletic facilities, meaning many young people depend on outdoor spaces to participate in sports. In a tropical country, playing outside might seem natural. However, changing climate conditions are making those outdoor environments increasingly difficult and, at times, dangerous.  Mensah-Bonsu described experiencing extreme heat firsthand, including an occasion when the heat was so intense that his shoes melted. That moment forced him to think about the young people who experience those conditions regularly. What might seem like an inconvenience to one person can become a barrier to opportunity for an entire generation. That experience pushed him deeper into climate advocacy. His story demonstrates how personal experience can transform awareness into action. Before experiencing the impact directly, he did not necessarily see himself as someone who occupied a space in the climate conversation. Once climate change began affecting the work he was doing with young people, he recognized that his platform as an athlete could be used to raise awareness and bring the conversation into rooms where it might not otherwise exist. That is one of the central messages of the Adapt2Win conversation. Everyone has a role to play. Rick Fox brought another perspective to the discussion. The former NBA player, actor, entrepreneur and now public servant spoke about his home country of The Bahamas, a nation living on the front lines of climate change. For Fox, the issue is no longer something theoretical or distant. It is something experienced directly by communities.  Fox recalled returning to The Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian in 2019, a devastating storm that severely affected the country. That experience changed the way he viewed his own responsibility. Earlier in his life, he had contributed to causes financially. This time, he wanted to get physically involved and become part of the solution. Fox described the first 50 years of his life as being heavily focused on his own goals and aspirations. Having achieved a level of success, he began looking at the next chapter differently. The power of his platform, his experiences as an athlete, his business career, his entertainment background and his relationships could all be used in service of something larger. For Fox, leadership began with lessons he learned through sports. Sports taught him that teams succeed together. They also taught him that leadership is not simply about being the most talented person in the room. It is about understanding that everyone has a role and that the outcome depends on collective commitment. That philosophy now extends beyond the basketball court. Fox explained how his career moved from athletics into entertainment, business and eventually public service. Each chapter gave him another set of tools to use. Story telling taught him the emotional power of narratives. Business taught him about investment and innovation. Sports taught him teamwork and leadership. Public service gave him an opportunity to participate in policy conversations.  Climate change brought all of those experiences together. One of the most powerful moments of the conversation centered on something as simple as playing basketball outdoors. For generations, young athletes have played sports outside because that is where the courts and fields were. In many communities around the world, outdoor sports are not simply recreation. They are gathering places. They are where young people build friendships, learn discipline, develop confidence and discover their talents. But what happens when the outdoor environment becomes too hot? Fox shared an experience from the United Arab Emirates, where he had been working with his company, on carbon negative building materials. During his time there, temperatures became so extreme that simply walking outside felt dangerous. He noticed basketball courts and tennis courts sitting empty during the hottest parts of the day. Then he noticed something else. People were playing basketball at 2 o'clock in the morning. The temperature was still around 102 degrees. That observation raised a larger question. If extreme temperatures push young people indoors or into the middle of the night simply to participate in sports, what happens to those who do not have safe facilities available? What happens when flooding destroys athletic fields? What happens when storms damage community facilities? What happens when children lose one of the places where they would normally spend their afternoons? The consequences can extend far beyond sports. For young people, organized sports can provide structure, mentorship, community and positive alternatives. When those opportunities disappear, communities have to consider what replaces them. Fox connected that reality to his experience in The Bahamas, where flooding and damaged facilities can leave young people without places to participate in sports. For him, the issue is not simply about whether someone can play basketball. It is about what opportunities exist for young people to make positive choices. The panel also emphasized that climate change does not look the same everywhere. A community in Ghana may face different challenges than a community in The Bahamas. Jamaica may face different challenges from the United Arab Emirates. One place may be dealing with extreme heat while another is dealing with flooding, hurricanes, drought or damaged infrastructure. The people living in those communities understand those challenges firsthand. That is why local knowledge matters. The panel highlighted the importance of listening to communities rather than assuming that one solution can work everywhere. Climate adaptation requires understanding the specific realities of each location and giving the people who live there a voice in developing solutions.  For Mensah-Bonsu, that means using his platform to make sure people hear what is happening in Ghana and across Africa. For Fox, it means using his experience and position to bring greater attention to what is happening in The Bahamas and other vulnerable communities. Both men represent a larger evolution taking place among athletes. Athletes have always had influence. Their platforms traditionally revolved around competition, entertainment and performance. Today, many athletes are also using their visibility to discuss education, community development, environmental issues, business, social responsibility and the future of younger generations. The power of that platform comes from connection. People watched these athletes compete. They followed their careers. They celebrated their victories. They watched them travel the world. That relationship creates an opportunity to communicate ideas that extend beyond sports. The challenge is turning that influence into action. The panel made clear that awareness alone is not enough. Conversations have to lead to execution. Communities need solutions, investment, infrastructure, education and people willing to participate in the work. Climate change is also not a problem that can simply be handed to the next generation. That was another important message from the conversation. The idea that climate change is something future generations will have to solve ignores what is already happening today. Young people are already experiencing extreme heat, flooding, changing weather patterns and disruptions to the environments where they live and play. The responsibility therefore belongs to the current generation as well.  Rick Fox and Pops Mensah-Bonsu are demonstrating that an athlete's greatest contribution may not always happen on the court. Sometimes the most important game is the one being played in the community. -Vonoi Magazine
The Adapt2Win conversation at the Javits Center offered a different way of looking at climate leadership. It showed what can happen when athletes take the lessons they learned through competition and apply them to the challenges facing their communities. The willingness to keep playing even when the conditions change. Those are lessons athletes have understood for generations. Now, those same lessons are being brought into the climate conversation. Where the stakes involve young people's futures, safe places to live and play, and the ability of communities to adapt to a changing world. The message coming from this panel was clear, climate change is already affecting communities around the world, and the people with platforms have an opportunity to help move the conversation forward. Athletes have the ability to reach people, inspire action and connect global issues to personal experiences. The next generation is watching, and the question is not simply whether we can adapt. It is whether we are willing to use everything we have learned, every platform we have built and every voice we have been given to help create a future where the next generation still has a place to play, grow, lead and win. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall - Vonoi Magazine Harlem once again became the center of African American culture, community, history and celebration today as thousands gathered along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard for the 57th Annual African American Day Parade. Held on Sunday, September 20, the annual celebration brought together families, community organizations, businesses, cultural institutions, performers, marching bands and supporters from across New York City and beyond for one of Harlem’s longest-running traditions. The parade traveled along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard from 111th Street toward 136th Street, transforming the avenue into a moving celebration of Black culture and achievement. This year’s parade carried the theme, “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future,” placing Black owned businesses, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment at the center of the celebration. The theme recognized the important role businesses play in creating opportunity, building wealth and strengthening communities. It also reflected a message that has long been important to Harlem: economic development and community development are deeply connected. The African American Day Parade has deep roots in Harlem. The organization was founded in 1968 by Afro American Day and the United Federation of Black Community Organizations, with the first parade taking place on September 21, 1969. That inaugural celebration carried the theme “Africa’s Gift to America.” Since then, the parade has returned each year as a major September tradition, creating a public space where African American heritage, accomplishments, culture and community could be celebrated. One of the major highlights of this year’s celebration was the return of Grambling State University’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band to lead the parade. The appearance carried special significance because Grambling’s marching band also helped open the original parade in 1969. This year also marks the 125th anniversary of Grambling State University and the 100th anniversary of its Tiger Marching Band, making the band’s return to Harlem part of a much larger story of tradition being passed from one generation to the next.  The parade also featured an impressive collection of floats, marching units, performance groups and community organizations. The Apollo Theater, one of Harlem’s most recognizable cultural institutions, returned to the parade after nearly two decades. The Apollo was also recognized as the inaugural recipient of the African American Day Parade Community Institution Award for its longstanding contribution to Black culture, artistic excellence and the Harlem community. The grand marshals represented another important part of this year’s message. Among those honored were FUBU co-founder J. Alexander Martin, chef Charles Gabriel, civil engineer and businesswoman Dr. Cheryl McKissack Daniel, and entrepreneur and community leader Michael Preston. Their participation reflected the parade’s focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, business and community impact. Beyond the music, floats and performances, the African American Day Parade continues to serve as a gathering place for Harlem. Organizations, fraternities and sororities, churches, colleges, labor groups, businesses and families all have a place in the celebration. For many spectators, the parade is also an opportunity to reconnect with friends, neighbors and community members while introducing younger generations to an important part of Harlem’s history. The celebration actually began before parade day with the African American Day Parade’s fourth annual Get Involved Community Literacy, Health & Culture Celebration on Saturday. The event featured community resources, health services, educational activities, giveaways, vendors and live entertainment, reinforcing the idea that the parade is part of a broader commitment to community engagement rather than simply a one-day procession. Walking through Harlem today, the significance of the parade could be seen not only in the performers and marching bands, but in the people lining the streets. Parents brought their children, longtime Harlem residents gathered with friends, visitors came to experience the celebration, and community organizations used the occasion to put their work and accomplishments on display. The streets became a living connection between Harlem’s history and its present.  For more than five decades, the African American Day Parade has given Harlem an opportunity to celebrate itself in public. It is a celebration of where the community has come from, the people who helped build it and the generations responsible for carrying its legacy forward. In 2026, with “Good Businesses Sustain Our Future” as its theme, the parade also placed a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, businesses and institutions helping shape what comes next.
The 57th Annual African American Day Parade was more than a parade. It was a moving display of culture, entrepreneurship, music, history and community pride, continuing a Harlem tradition that began more than half a century ago and remains an important part of New York City’s cultural landscape. Vonoi Magazine  Written By Bennie Randall - Editor In Chief LeBron James has officially stepped onto the golf course in a whole new way, and the response has been massive. The NBA superstar launched his new golf-focused YouTube channel with a debut episode featuring some of the most recognizable members of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers championship team. Within just one day, the channel reportedly attracted more than 532,000 subscribers, showing once again that when LeBron James puts his name and personality behind a project, people pay attention. The debut episode takes viewers far away from the basketball court and into the breathtaking landscape of Scotland, where LeBron reunites with former Cavaliers teammates Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Richard Jefferson, Tristan Thompson and Channing Frye. The trip marks the 10-year anniversary of the Cavaliers' historic 2016 NBA championship, a title that remains one of the greatest comeback stories in professional sports history. After falling behind 3-1 to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, Cleveland became the first team in NBA Finals history to overcome that deficit and win the championship, delivering the city its first major professional sports title in 52 years. Now, a decade later, the championship crew is getting together again, this time with golf clubs in their hands instead of basketballs. The group travels to Castle Stuart Golf Links at Cabot Highlands in Scotland for a competitive 3-on-3 scramble surrounded by spectacular views and an atmosphere that feels more like a reunion among old friends than a traditional sports program. The course provides the perfect backdrop for LeBron and his former teammates to reflect on their championship journey while creating new memories together. What makes the series interesting is that the golf is only part of the story. LeBron's new channel appears designed to capture the personalities behind the athletes. The conversations, jokes, friendly competition, food, wine and stories give viewers an opportunity to see these former teammates away from the intensity of the NBA. These are men who shared one of the most unforgettable moments in sports history, and the chemistry they developed during their championship run is still evident years later.  For LeBron, the channel also represents another chapter in his evolution as an entertainment entrepreneur and media personality. He has spent years building a business and entertainment empire that extends well beyond basketball. His ability to connect with audiences across sports, entertainment, business and popular culture has made his personal brand one of the most powerful in the world. YouTube gives him another direct connection to his audience without the traditional television or media gatekeepers. The golf concept is particularly smart because the sport has become increasingly connected to celebrity culture, professional athletes and digital entertainment. Golf provides an environment where people can compete while still having conversations, telling stories and enjoying the surroundings. For LeBron and his friends, it creates a natural setting for storytelling. Viewers are not simply watching athletes play golf. They are watching longtime friends reconnect, compete and remember where they came from. The Scotland setting adds another dimension to the production. Castle Stuart Golf Links offers dramatic coastal scenery and a championship level course that makes the debut episode feel bigger than a typical celebrity YouTube video. The combination of international travel, golf, friendship, food, wine and sports history gives the channel a lifestyle component that could appeal to audiences far beyond traditional basketball fans. The timing is also important. The 10-year anniversary of the 2016 Cavaliers championship gives the first episode an emotional foundation. For fans who watched that team make history, seeing LeBron, Love, Smith, Jefferson, Thompson and Frye together again is a trip down memory lane. For younger viewers who may not have experienced the 2016 Finals in real time, the series provides an opportunity to learn about the personalities who were part of one of the most important chapters in Cleveland sports history.  The early subscriber numbers suggest that audiences are interested in seeing this side of LeBron. More than 532,000 subscribers in the first day is a significant opening statement for a new YouTube channel. It demonstrates the power of LeBron's existing audience while also highlighting the opportunity available when a global sports icon creates content around something people genuinely enjoy.
The biggest question now is what comes next. If LeBron continues taking viewers to some of the world's most celebrated golf courses while bringing along athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs and longtime friends, the channel could become much more than a golf series. It could become a travel and lifestyle platform built around the conversations and relationships that happen between rounds. LeBron's golf channel is ultimately about more than golf. It is about friendship, competition, travel, storytelling and enjoying life after the championship lights fade. The debut episode proves that LeBron does not have to be on a basketball court to command an audience. Give him a golf club, a beautiful course, a group of friends and a camera, and millions of people are willing to come along for the ride. For fans, the message is simple: come for the golf, stay for the stories, the food, the wine, the laughs and the unforgettable personalities. LeBron James has opened another door into his world, and judging by the first-day response, plenty of people are already walking through it. Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall for Vonoi Magazine The biggest deals in business rarely happen without scrutiny. When those deals involve billion dollar media companies, political influence, and allegations of corporate misconduct, the stakes become even higher. A newly filed shareholder derivative lawsuit in Delaware has placed Paramount Skydance Corporation and several of its top executives at the center of one of the most closely watched corporate legal battles in America. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Paramount shareholders, alleges that executives and board members breached their fiduciary duties by pursuing a merger strategy that relied on providing improper benefits to President Donald Trump in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment. The defendants deny wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Even so, the case raises important questions about corporate governance, ethics, political influence, and the responsibilities of executives who oversee some of the world's largest media companies. According to the complaint, the lawsuit centers on two major transactions. The first is the acquisition of Paramount by Skydance, and the second is the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that would create one of the largest entertainment companies in history. The shareholder bringing the case argues that executives prioritized their own financial interests while exposing the company to significant legal and reputational risks. One of the lawsuit's most significant allegations is that executives allegedly offered favorable treatment, advertising commitments, and editorial changes in exchange for government approval of major mergers. The complaint argues that these actions could violate federal bribery laws and represent a breach of the fiduciary duty that corporate leaders owe to shareholders. The defendants have not been found liable, and these allegations remain subject to judicial review.  The complaint also focuses heavily on corporate governance. It alleges that the company's leadership structure gives extraordinary voting authority to David Ellison, allowing him to exercise influence far beyond that of a traditional chief executive officer. The lawsuit claims that this concentration of power created conflicts of interest during the approval of the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery transaction, particularly because executives stood to receive substantial financial awards if the merger closed. Beyond the legal claims, the lawsuit paints a broader picture of how business, media ownership, and politics have become increasingly interconnected. When media companies also become political players, questions naturally arise about editorial independence, regulatory fairness, and public trust. Those issues extend well beyond a single corporation and speak to the future of the American media landscape. For entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, this lawsuit serves as an important reminder that governance matters just as much as growth. Building a larger company means little if leadership decisions expose the business to legal uncertainty or damage long term credibility. Investors increasingly expect transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership from executives entrusted with billions of dollars in shareholder value. The Potential Benefits if the Merger Succeeds Supporters of the merger argue that combining Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery could create one of the strongest entertainment companies in the world. The combined business would own an enormous collection of film studios, television networks, streaming platforms, sports rights, and intellectual property. Greater scale could improve profitability, strengthen negotiating power, reduce operating costs, and create a stronger competitor against streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney, Amazon, and Apple. A larger organization could also create new opportunities for technology investments, global distribution, artificial intelligence driven content strategies, and expanded advertising revenue. Investors who favor consolidation believe that media companies must become larger in order to survive an increasingly competitive entertainment marketplace.  The Risks Highlighted by the Lawsuit
The lawsuit argues that these potential business benefits could be overshadowed if the allegations prove true. The company could face significant legal exposure, regulatory investigations, shareholder litigation, financial penalties, and lasting damage to its reputation. Trust is one of the most valuable assets any media company possesses. Allegations that political considerations influenced editorial decisions could weaken public confidence in news organizations and entertainment brands owned by the company. Even if the company ultimately prevails in court, prolonged litigation can consume executive attention, increase legal expenses, and create uncertainty for employees, investors, advertisers, and business partners. The lawsuit also highlights another important lesson for corporate America. Strong financial performance does not eliminate the need for strong governance. Boards of directors are expected to act independently, avoid conflicts of interest, and make decisions that serve all shareholders rather than a select group of insiders. The Bigger Business Lesson Whether this lawsuit succeeds or fails, it reflects a growing trend in modern business. Investors are paying closer attention to how companies are governed, not simply how much money they generate. Leadership decisions are increasingly evaluated through the lens of ethics, transparency, and long term shareholder value. Corporate leaders today operate in an environment where every major decision can be examined by regulators, shareholders, the media, and the public. Reputation has become as valuable as revenue, and trust has become as important as market share. The Delaware Court of Chancery will ultimately determine whether the allegations have legal merit. Until then, this case stands as a powerful example of how leadership decisions at the highest levels of business can shape not only the future of a company, but also public confidence in corporate America itself. Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor In Chief Arnell Thomas is bringing a fresh perspective to one of the fastest growing beverage categories by blending Caribbean heritage with wellness. As the founder of Irie Brew Kombucha, Thomas has created a probiotic drink that celebrates the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Caribbean while introducing consumers to a healthier way to enjoy functional beverages. Inspired by her family's roots in Jamaica and Guyana, her mission is to create a kombucha brand that reflects culture, community, and better living. For Thomas, Irie Brew Kombucha is more than another health drink on the shelf. It is an opportunity to bring representation to an industry where few Black entrepreneurs have established a presence. Rather than following trends, she chose to build a brand around authentic Caribbean ingredients that many consumers have yet to experience. By combining her passion for health and wellness with flavors rooted in her upbringing, she believes Irie Brew offers something truly unique in today's marketplace. One of the signature ingredients featured in the brand is sorrel, a Caribbean staple that is closely related to hibiscus. Known for its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, sorrel has long been enjoyed throughout the Caribbean and now serves as one of the ingredients helping Irie Brew stand apart from traditional kombucha brands. Thomas hopes these familiar flavors will resonate with Caribbean communities while introducing new audiences to the richness of the region's culinary traditions.  Although the company is currently in its early stages, Thomas has ambitious goals for the future. The official launch is scheduled for August, with customers already able to place preorders through the company's direct to consumer website. While she is currently building the business independently, her vision reaches far beyond online sales. Over the next five years, he hopes to see Irie Brew Kombucha on the shelves of major retailers such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, making Caribbean-inspired wellness beverages accessible to consumers across the country. Thomas also sees opportunities to expand the product line beyond its initial bottle size. She envisions convenient wellness shots that could be sold in cafés, grocery stores, and grab-and-go retail locations, giving customers another way to enjoy the health benefits of kombucha in a quick, portable format. As consumer demand continues to grow for functional beverages, Irie Brew is positioning itself to meet that demand with products that are both nutritious and culturally inspired.  For now, the focus remains on building awareness, connecting directly with customers, and establishing a loyal community around the brand. Consumers can follow Irie Brew Kombucha on Instagram and TikTok to stay updated on product releases, launch announcements, and future retail availability.
As the conversation came to a close, Thomas summed up her message with a simple and memorable invitation that reflects both the brand and its Caribbean spirit: "Drink Irie Brew Kombucha." With authenticity, cultural pride, and wellness at the center of the business, Irie Brew Kombucha is proving that innovation often begins by embracing your roots and sharing them with the world. Vonoi Magazine  Written by Bennie Randall Jr -Editor In Chief Sometimes the best businesses begin with a simple disagreement. For the founders of Wani Cakes, the journey started while planning their wedding. What began as a debate over who should bake the wedding cake eventually became the foundation for a fast growing snack company that is proving healthier treats do not have to sacrifice great taste. Based in Detroit, Wani Cakes has spent the last three years building a brand that gives consumers permission to indulge while making smarter food choices. The company produces better for you snacks that are high in protein, contain 50 calories or less per serving, and feature reduced sugar, offering an alternative for consumers who want both nutrition and flavor. "We give customers an opportunity to eat better while still enjoying something indulgent," explained co-founder Anwelli during his conversation with Vonoi Magazine. The story behind Wani Cakes is one that many entrepreneurs can appreciate. While preparing for their wedding, Anwelli insisted on baking the wedding cake himself. His wife was not immediately convinced that was a good idea. After creating a beautiful display and delivering a cake that impressed both his bride and their guests, family and friends began encouraging the couple to turn that talent into a business. They did not rush into entrepreneurship. Instead, they took time to develop their vision before officially launching Wani Cakes in 2023. Today, the company continues to expand its reach while staying committed to creating products that balance health and enjoyment. Wani Cakes serves both business and consumer markets. The company works with wholesale partners while also selling directly to customers through its website, allowing shoppers across the United States to order products delivered to their homes. In addition, the brand has secured placement in grocery stores throughout Michigan and is now introducing its products to consumers in New York.  Like many food entrepreneurs, one of the greatest challenges was not creating the product itself but learning the business behind the business. "The biggest obstacle has been understanding the industry," Anwelli shared. "Knowing when to work with manufacturers, when to bring in distributors, understanding cost structures, and learning all of the nuances that come with scaling a food company." Rather than trying to figure everything out alone, the founders leaned heavily on mentorship, networking opportunities, and industry organizations. Those resources helped shorten the learning curve and provided guidance from people who had already navigated the competitive food marketplace. That willingness to seek advice reflects an important lesson for entrepreneurs in every industry. Success often comes from putting yourself in environments where experienced people can help you grow. Building relationships can be just as valuable as building products. When asked how customers have responded to Wani Cakes, Anwelli did not hesitate. "The response has been phenomenal." Consumers are paying closer attention to nutrition than ever before, but the founders understand that health benefits alone will not create loyal customers. During the interview, one point became abundantly clear. Taste still wins. Many protein snacks promise healthier ingredients but fail to deliver an enjoyable eating experience. Wani Cakes made flavor its highest priority from the very beginning. The company's philosophy is simple. If customers genuinely enjoy eating the product, they are far more likely to come back again.  That focus on repeat customers is what separates sustainable brands from short lived trends. A business cannot survive on one time purchases alone. Long term growth comes from creating products people crave enough to buy repeatedly.
As Wani Cakes continues expanding beyond Detroit and into new markets, the company remains focused on its mission of making healthier snacking more enjoyable without asking consumers to compromise on flavor. With a memorable origin story, a commitment to better nutrition, and an unwavering focus on taste, Wani Cakes is positioning itself as a brand that understands what today's consumers truly want. Healthy choices that still feel like a treat. As the interview came to a close, Anwelli expressed his excitement about bringing Wani Cakes to New York and continuing the company's growth across the country. It was a fitting ending for a business that began with a wedding cake and has grown into a brand built on partnership, perseverance, and the belief that great tasting food can also be good for you. I let my Vonoi Team taste test and the lemon blueberry cake was team favorite. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor in Chief At one of the largest food industry conferences in the country, thousands of brands competed for attention. Yet one booth stood out not only for its vibrant packaging, but also for the energy, laughter, and family spirit behind it. That booth belonged to Plantaizin, a fast growing plant based snack company founded by Milton and his family. "We're using plant-based snacks that taste amazing," Milton said with a smile. "We started with our line of plantain chips featuring sea salt and seasoned flavors. We're excited about this brand because we want people to know that better for you doesn't have to mean boring." For Milton, Plantaizin represents much more than a snack company. It is a celebration of Caribbean heritage, healthy living, family, and purpose. The company's mission is rooted in the flavors they grew up enjoying and the belief that nutritious snacks should be every bit as satisfying as traditional favorites. "We grew up eating green plantains and yellow plantains," Milton explained. "One day my brother in-law Kervens called me and said, 'Why don't we start our own brand?' That conversation became Plantaizin." Now, approximately two and a half years into its journey, Plantaizin has established itself in both the business to business and business to consumer markets. The company sells directly through its website while also supplying schools, hospitals, corporate pantries, and food service providers.  What separates Plantaizin from the growing number of snack brands on store shelves is its commitment to combining authentic Caribbean flavors with premium presentation and intentional snacking. "Plantain chips have been around for a long time, but many people have never even tried them," Milton said. "We saw an opportunity to introduce these snacks to people in places where they hadn't seen them before. We want people to know they can snack with both flavor and healthy intention." Each bag is thoughtfully designed with colorful branding and a QR code that connects customers to recipes, serving ideas, and additional ways to enjoy the products. Printed at the bottom of every package is a simple reminder that reflects the company's philosophy: "You're Amazing." "Everybody is amazing," Milton said. "We wanted our brand to remind people of that every time they picked up a bag."One of the biggest challenges facing any startup food company is balancing growth with limited resources. Milton explained that Plantaizin focused on building strong relationships from the very beginning. "Community is the biggest thing," he said.
Instead of waiting until they could afford massive production runs, the team partnered with manufacturers willing to help them start small. "Our first production run was about a thousand bags," Milton recalled. "The people who partnered with us believed in our passion and our vision. That gave us the opportunity to introduce the product to businesses and continue growing from there." As the company expanded, Plantaizin explored grants, alternative financing opportunities, and strategic partnerships to continue scaling responsibly without losing sight of its mission. Perhaps the most memorable moment of the interview came when Milton was asked what it is like working alongside family. "It's terrible. I don't really like these guys," he joked, drawing laughter from everyone around him before quickly making it clear that he was kidding. "It has truly been a blessing," he said. "We pray before every meeting. The opportunity isn't simply about building the biggest snack company in the world. It's about asking ourselves where this brand can go, how we can continue serving others, how we can encourage people, and how we can continue sharing God's love." That sense of purpose is what gives Plantaizin its identity. The company is not simply selling snacks. It is sharing a culture, strengthening relationships, and creating moments that bring people together.  When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Milton's answer had nothing to do with sales or market share. "I want to be remembered as someone who never stopped sharing a little love." In an industry driven by trends and competition, Plantaizin is proving that authenticity, community, and family remain some of the strongest ingredients any brand can possess.
Every bag represents more than a delicious plantain chip. It represents heritage, kindness, and a belief that food has the power to connect people across cultures. For those looking to experience Caribbean-inspired flavors with a modern, better-for-you approach, Plantaizin is building a brand that is every bit as meaningful as it is flavorful. To learn more about Plantaizin and explore its growing line of products, visit Plantaizin.com. Vonoi Magazine  Story by Bennie Randall Jr - Editor In Chief / Photos By Vonoi Global Media For years, the conversation around vegetarian and vegan food has centered on what people are giving up. Less meat. Less dairy. Less of the traditional foods many of us grew up eating. Tom Trainor, Chief Executive Officer of Future Foods and the driving force behind the PAOW Foods brand, believes that conversation is overdue for a change. Rather than positioning his products as meat substitutes or alternatives, Tom sees them as something entirely different. He sees them as protein. It is a subtle but powerful shift in thinking that could reshape how consumers approach food over the next decade. "Our brand stands for People And Our World," Tom explained. "We've created products that are clean, versatile, chef inspired, and designed for today's consumer." Unlike many products that rely on lengthy ingredient lists, PAOW Foods focuses on simplicity. Built primarily from soy and water, the products are developed by professional chefs to provide flexibility in the kitchen. One product can become dozens of different meals depending on the creativity of the chef preparing it. That versatility was born out of frustration with what Tom saw in the marketplace.  "There wasn't enough innovation," he said. "Everything was being labeled plant based, but consumers weren't getting exciting options. We wanted to create something that could fit into multiple recipes without sacrificing taste or texture." For restaurants, hospitals, schools, senior living communities, and food service operators, versatility means more than convenience. It also means reducing waste. Traditional meat products naturally lose weight during cooking. A five ounce chicken breast may shrink to three and a half ounces after preparation. With PAOW Foods, what goes into the pan is exactly what comes out. "There is no waste," Tom explained. "If you prepare four ounces, you're serving four ounces." That efficiency has become an attractive advantage for commercial kitchens managing food costs while still trying to provide high quality meals. As eating habits continue to evolve, Tom believes America is moving beyond simply identifying as vegan or vegetarian. A rapidly growing segment of consumers now identify as flexitarians, people who regularly eat plant based meals while still occasionally consuming meat or seafood.  "They're flexible," he said. "They're looking for more choices." That flexibility is exactly where PAOW Foods believes the future of food is heading. Instead of focusing on what consumers are eliminating from their diets, Tom believes companies should focus on what they are adding, specifically more protein, more fiber, and more flavorful experiences. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding plant based foods, he says, is the assumption that they lack protein. "It's really an education issue," Tom explained. "People hear plant based and immediately think lettuce and broccoli. They're not thinking about ingredients like soy that provide significant amounts of protein." PAOW Foods delivers approximately 17 grams of protein per serving while maintaining a clean ingredient profile. For Tom, changing public perception begins with changing the language. "As soon as you tell someone something is plant based, they've already formed an opinion," he said. "Instead of saying it's plant based, ask someone if they'd like to try Korean barbecue or curry over rice. Suddenly they're interested." His philosophy is simple. People eat with their eyes first. Then they eat with flavor.  Taste and texture remain the deciding factors, regardless of dietary preference. "We're focused on taste and texture because that's what people remember," Tom said. "Soy absorbs flavor incredibly well. Whatever seasoning or sauce you use becomes part of the experience." That philosophy has already found success across multiple markets. Hospitals, colleges, universities, and senior living communities have embraced the products as demand grows for healthier protein options. Retail expansion is also accelerating. Consumers will soon find PAOW Foods products in Food Bazaar stores, while Sprouts Farmers Market already carries several of the company's offerings, including its popular Korean Barbecue and Philly style products. One of the company's most interesting partnerships has been with Plantega, a New York distributor serving neighborhood bodegas. Their meatball sandwich has become the number one selling sandwich in participating locations. After that success, Plantega asked PAOW Foods to develop a plant based chorizo. The new product reached testing in just 45 days and has quickly become another customer favorite. For longtime vegetarians and vegans, the expansion of flavorful options represents something many have waited decades to see. Only twenty five years ago, finding vegetarian meals in New York City often meant settling for limited choices. Today, entire restaurant concepts, neighborhood bodegas, and major grocery retailers are embracing chef driven protein options that appeal not only to vegetarians, but to everyone. That may ultimately be Tom's biggest message. PAOW Foods is not trying to create food exclusively for vegans. It is creating food everyone can enjoy.  "We tell operators to stop calling it Meatless Monday," he said. "Call it World Cuisine
Wednesday or Chef Inspired Tuesday. Everybody can eat these products." As consumer awareness around health, sustainability, and protein continues to grow, companies that focus on flavor rather than labels may be best positioned for the future. Tom leaves potential customers with one simple piece of advice. "Try it," he said. "You have to taste it because we're changing the perception." Sometimes the future of food isn't about replacing what's on your plate. It's about reimagining what protein can become. Vonoi Magazine |
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