2024 Black Out
GALA
A Juneteenth
Celebrations
Where business owners are honored, celebrated, and awarded!
BOBC’s
Message
BOBC Black Owned Business Community, is a support network for black and minority owned businesses in Berkeley County, West Virginia and surrounding areas. Our network provides the tools, support, and advocacy minority owned businesses need to thrive!
- Tiffany Wright -
CEO & Founder
While our focus is to provide support and growth tools for these businesses, our network welcomes everyone of every background with open arms.
Our network is committed to community over competition, we are a friendly network
that welcomes all that uphold our core values. Including support through education, networking, and advocacy.
Why
Become a Member
We advocate for you! We believe in helping minority
owned businesses gain access to equal economic
opportunity and business growth resources.
Our supportive network of entrepreneurs work together to support, share , and advocate for every business in our network. Join our network to get started with advertising your business and gaining access to support and growth resources.
Member Benefits
- Social Media promotion across BOBC platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. Businesses are expected to send in updates, promotions, etc to be promoted by our marketing team).
- Access to monthly networking meetings/events with other local minority owned businesses.
- Business promoted and listed on BOBC business directory and website.
- Event Promotion across social media platforms, Eventbrite, and to the networks email list.
- Access to free graphic design services for flyers and digital flyers.
- Promotion in BOBC Business e-blast and digital publication.
- 2 Free Events
- 2 Ticketed Events
- Access to Business Growth and Education Bootcamps hosted by local businesses and corporations.
Black Out Gala
Program
01
Welcome Message
02
Invocation
03
Black National Anthem
04
Juneteenth Celebration Story
05
Ambassador Caprice Smith
06
Sponsors Recognition
07
Dinner
Black Out Gala
Program
08
BOBC’s 2025 Vacation Annoucement
09
Business Award Ceremony
10
BOBC’s 2024-2025 Team
11
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Joan Henry-Fields
12
Upcoming BOBC News
13
Sponsors Recognition
14
Closing Remarks
15
Mixer & Reception
First United
Bank and Trust
Your business ambition is a part of who you are. It fuels your passion and your success. We’re here to help you take that ambition—along with your vision—and see how far you can go. It fuels our passion for what we do, like developing total relationships, solving problems, helping businesses succeed, and building a stronger community.
Vision &
Mission
Vision
We support the creation and growth of business. We are as passionate about serving our customers as you are about serving yours. We believe in making this community a better place through a banking partnership that backs your business and encourages growth. And we are maintaining the tradition of a community bank that has honored the best interests of this community since 1900. We are passionate about people, dedicated to your success and always here for you.
Mission
At First United Bank & Trust, we guide business, commercial, and individual consumers to reach greater heights with personalized advice and an extensive selection of financial services. Our suite of checking, saving, cash flow management, lending, and investments, equips you with the necessary tools to propel your business or personal financial goals towards success.
Partner with us today and thrive.
Our strong focus on local business will help you thrive, while making a positive impact on our communities. We’re more than just an account provider – we want to help you succeed. Our Financial Education Center offers articles, videos, and tools to better your financial situation.
Connect with:
Denise Phelps
Director of Diversity and Engagement
dphelps@mybank.com
304-263-3312
Juneteenth
Celebration
Teresa L. Holmes
The Storytelling Maven
Teresa L. Holmes, master storyteller, published author and founder of the Soul-Stirring Storytelling Society, uses a “Tell Me About Yourself” approach to help others compose personal and professional stories that grab the attention of readers and listeners alike. Whether it is career-propelling, portfolio building, inspirational, influential or personal branding narratives, Teresa can help you become the central character in your own story, make meaning connections, and gain trust through vulnerability and authenticity, and elevate your personally and professionally.
Teresa’s years of experience speaking and writing her own stories, and helping others to do the same, has landed her on storytelling platforms around the globe. When asked about her deep passion for storytelling, Teresa’s answer is direct and simple. “Your story is something that no other personal in the world possesses. It is the one thing that separates you from all others. No matter how similar or relatable, no story matches that of another. Your story is what makes you distinguishable.”
Lifetime
Achievement Award
Gloria Carter, NAACP President
Gloria Carter is an active member of the Martinsburg community, where she serves as the current president of the Berkeley County NAACP, president of the Green Hill Historic African American Cemetery and is an active participant in her neighborhood association, where she, along with others, works to help the elderly, clean the streets and make their neighborhood a better place.
By Toni Milbourne
The Journal
Leading Through Example
After the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown vs Board of Education decision was announced in 1954, Gloria Jackson, a majorette in the marching band at the segregated Ramer School on West Martin Street, used the telephone in the upstairs of the house of her good friend, Nancy Phillips, to call the principal of Martinsburg High School.
She greeted him with these words:
“Hello, my name is Gloria Jackson. I’m black, and I want to come to your school.”
“I can’t stop you,” she recalled as his reply.
Green Hill Historic African American Cemetery
Gloria Carter is the president of the Green Hill Historic African American Cemetery, a non-profit organization which was formed in 2017. A small group of Martinsburg residents approached the local NAACP chapter looking for volunteers to continue the clean-up and restoration process after the cemetery was originally found in the 1970s.
Carter hopes this restoration allows for the Green Hill Historic African American Cemetery to connect with the descendants of people buried here.”
by: Katie Rhee
DC News Now
Preserving Our Legacy
Sumner-Ramer Memorial School documentary
The goal of the project is to preserve the oral history of local African American citizens and to provide an understanding of the history of segregation and integration in the Berkeley County Schools. Cedarmeade Studios, located in Winchester, Virginia, will produce the documentary video to tell the story of the Sumner-Ramer Memorial School. The narrative of the video will focus, primarily through the memories of former students, on the history of the school built in 1917 for African American students.
Apple B & B
Bed & Breakfast
Silver Sponsor www.apple-bnb.com
Silver Sponsor www.apple-bnb.com
Experience timeless luxury at the Apple B&B - a beautifully restored 1849 Greek Revival home located in the heart of historic, downtown Martinsburg. Since its establishment in 2020, the bed and breakfast has been welcoming guests to enjoy all of the attractions and adventures of the area while providing unparalleled hospitality.
At the Apple B&B, we pride ourselves on providing each guest with an exceptional stay, complete with an array of amenities to enhance the overall experience. From the moment of arrival, each guest is made to feel right at home.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Joan
Henry-Fields
Dr. Joan Henry-Fields is a woman of many hats, driven by a passion for success, empowerment, and positive change. As an entrepreneur, she has built a diverse portfolio of businesses, including the real estate consulting firm; Out in The Fields LLC, the non-profit organization RESA Incorporated, and the widely recognized WEE Global Network known for its annual event. Her influence extends beyond business, as she also enjoys a successful career as an international radio personality, internet TV host, and published author.
Dr. Henry-Fields academic background is equally impressive. With a bachelor’s degree in human services, a master’s in social work, and a doctorate in business administration focused on entrepreneurship, she brings a strong combination of knowledge and experience to her endeavors. Her doctoral research delved into the Business Success
Factors of Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Maryland, highlighting her commitment to understanding and supporting underrepresented groups.
Beyond the world of business and academia, Dr. Henry-Fields actively engages with her community. She holds affiliations with several organizations, including Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, the International Honors Society, and the National Association of
Professional Women. Notably, she currently serves as a Multicultural Commissioner in Prince Georges County, Maryland, demonstrating her dedication to serving the diverse needs of her community.
To learn more about Dr. Joan Henry-Fields diverse accomplishments, visit www.resawomen.org or www.outinthefieldsllc.com
Purpose One
Realty
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Purpose One Realty is dedicated to being more than just a real estate agency; they strive to be trusted advisors and servant leaders in our communities. Their focus is on providing clients with top-notch knowledge, professional service, and unwavering support throughout the home buying and selling journey.
What sets Purpose One Realty apart is our commitment to building lasting relationships and actively contributing to the causes important to you. Purpose One Realty believes in moving our communities forward, one home at a time.
Member
of The Year
Maria McCoy
Forever Lasting Rainbow &
Doris‘s Kloset
Forever Lasting Rainbow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans and their families with utmost care and attention. We understand and honor the individuality of each person, acknowledging that everyone has unique concerns and needs. Our philosophy emphasizes treating each individual with the respect and personalized care they deserve. By recognizing and understanding these needs, we can develop tailored action plans to provide the best possible support and services. Forever Lasting Rainbow will offer Intake Assessments, Psychosocial Assessments, Transitional Housing Plans, Individual Employment Plans, Benefits Assistance, and more.
Dori's Kloset, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Hagerstown, Maryland, is more than just a consignment boutique—it's a beacon of community support and compassion. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide our local veterans and neighbors with access to high-quality, affordable clothing, footwear, and more.
Steeped in the legacy of founder Maria McCoy's beloved mother, Doris, our boutique honors her memory by embodying her legacy. From gently used treasures to brand-new finds, our eclectic variety of items offer something for everyone, ensuring that families can shop locally without breaking the bank.
Dori's Kloset isn't just a place to browse; it's a hub of connection and empowerment, where every purchase contributes to the well-being of our community and local veterans through Forever Lasting Rainbow programs.
Menysa
Events
Silver Sponsor www.menysaevents.com
Silver Sponsor www.menysaevents.com
Menysa Events specializes in creating unforgettable balloon decorations for any occasion. From weddings to birthdays, their team of experts will bring your vision to life with unique and high-quality balloon designs.
We take pride in providing exceptional customer service, using only the highest quality materials, and bringing your vision to life with unique and stunning balloon designs. Choose Menysa Events for an unforgettable balloon decoration experience.
Community
Advocate
Jodi Williams
Opequon Elementry School
Berkeley County
In 2008, Jodi Williams took on a full-time position at Martinsburg High School, where she helped students decide about their future. After three and a half years, Williams moved to Opequon Elementary and has been there ever since.
When Williams worked at the high school, she loved being able to see the students graduate and watch them succeed.
Now, as an elementary school counselor, Williams enjoys seeing her students
in the community and learning
about how she impacted
them and made them feel loved.
She is passionate about her
work and hopes to continue
to impact students.
Williams’ impact on her students and co-workers and her dedication to providing high-quality school counseling programs show her love for her job. Williams will be recognized at the 2024 West Virginia School Counselor Association Conference and will be given a cash prize and plaque by the WVSCA to honor her and her accomplishments.
Marketing Director of BOBC
The Branding Space is a digital marketing boutique dedicated to providing strategic and affordable solutions for small businesses. Specializing in data-driven approaches, we offer a comprehensive suite of digital marketing services tailored to maximize online presence and drive results.
Our services encompass a wide range of digital marketing services including social media marketing, web design and development, search engine optimization (SEO),advertising campaigns, content marketing, email marketing, and more. By leveraging the latest tools and techniques, we help our clients establish a strong digital footprint and connect with their target audience effectively.
Led by owner Makia Puller, who holds a Master's in Marketing Communications from West Virginia University, The Branding Space combines education with strategy and creativity to deliver exceptional results. Whether it's crafting engaging social media campaigns, optimizing websites, or designing compelling content, we're committed to helping small businesses thrive in the digital landscape.
Contact
www.thebrandingspacemarketing.com
Mistress of Ceremony
Latisha McDougal is a highly accomplished marketing guru, brand creator, and industry leader in the Travel sector. With over 20 years of experience spanning across various industries, she has built an impressive reputation as an entrepreneur, business strategist, and author. Her expertise lies in crafting effective marketing plans, creating captivating websites, and leveraging social media platforms to drive success for businesses in the travel industry.
Latisha's drive to support small businesses led her to launch MWHY Radio, a platform aimed at connecting businesses, communities, and individuals. Currently rebranded as Black Girls Playbook, featured on various platforms such as iHeartRadio, iTunes, Amazon, and Spreaker. Through her endeavors in marketing, brand creation, and media, Latisha continues to make a significant impact, especially in the travel industry, where her expertise in destination weddings and honeymoons stands out.
Colbert/Ball
Tax Services
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Darrick L. Bowens is a Franchise Owner with Colbert/Ball Tax Service, LLC. The Frederick, MD location is a tax preparation, tax advisory, accounting, and financial management provider located in Historic downtown Frederick. Darrick leads overall operational development initiatives to include:
- Tax preparation for both individuals and small businesses
- Tax planning/advisory for small businesses
- Debt management planning
- Bookkeeping needs for small businesses
The company has developed tax planning strategies that can save small business owners thousands of
dollars that they can funnel back into their businesses. Colbert/Ball Tax Service takes pride in servicing
the financial needs of the community and the greater Frederick County. We believe that financial
empowerment is the foundation of personal success while promoting financial stability and education.
Prior to business ownership Darrick worked in the insurance industry since 1998 and in a finance/tax
capacity since 2004.
M3T
Printing
Silver Sponsor www.m3tprinting.com
Silver Sponsor www.m3tprinting.com
M3T Inc. is your One Stop consulting firm that provides a brokered service for all of your graphic design, print, promotional items, web design and merchant needs. We are committed to answering any question and providing you a solution to almost any problem. Our entire team is dedicated to providing the highest possible service available and we know our commitment is the main reason our clients keep coming back.
Whether you want a small quantity of brochures or 10,000 full color catalogues, we are ready to meet your specific needs. Our partnership with an exclusive network of wholesale print, promotional and merchant service providers give us the capability and flexibility to allow us to provide you with the best value and quality for your specific project.
Special
Thanks
We want to thank our service providers who, as always, show dedication to BOBC’s events and functions. You make every event a success and we look forward to all our future events together.
OG Kitchen
Owner & Creator
Looking for the best meals in town then look no further than OG Kitchen located at The Garage 419 West King Street, 6, Martinsburg. OG Kitchen’s owner, Amber Johnson, can be heard affectionately calling her customers “cousin”, while bringing the best dishes to your taste buds.
Nothing says "comfort food" like a meal that brings back memories of your grandma's kitchen.
Mr. Top Flyght
Black Girls Playbook
Latisha M.
Podcast shows produced by Latisha M. The Black Girls Playbook hosted by SLM Bookings. Discover a world of Travel, learn about local and international businesses, and grab business and travel tips alike. Looking to air your podcast - join our network and have your show aired on Spreaker, iHeart Radio, iTunes, Amazon, plus more. Video shows can also be aired on YouTube!
Jerris Smith
Top Flyght Films provides the industries top videography services. Top Flyght Films has worked with some of the best artists in the industry. He also uses his skills to provide small businesses with videography for events, workshops, ads and more. His skills are helping bring new customers, businesses and attractions.
Hard work is a result of preparation: "There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure"
— General Colin Powell
Special
Thanks
We want to thank our service providers who, as always, show dedication to BOBC’s events and functions. You make every event a success and we look forward to all our future events together.
Phinishing Touches, LLC
Renee L. Ferguson
Renee L. Ferguson, prinicipal photographer at Phinishing Touches, LLC, has purposed to photograph interesting people, like you, capture your unique beauty, elegance or handsomeness and present it in a way that you have never seen before!
Your portrait session will leave a lasting impression on you and we guarantee you will LOVE your portraits! www.phinishingtouches.com
DJ Hondo
DJ & Radio Personality
Catch DJ Hondo on T.U.R.N Radio Wed - Sat 7pm-8pm and 3am-4am or hang out live at the Panorama Bar & Grill 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Fridays & 1st and 2nd Saturdays
Follow: @ DJ_Hondo
TikTok| Clapper | Instagram| Facebook
Brix 27
casual dining. cozy atmosphere.
Brix 27 offers a variety of complex flavors to satisfy every palate. Locally sourced ingredients and snobbishly selected wines are just a few of the ways we put our heart and soul into each dining experience.
The Brix Loft, located on the second floor of our building, provides an intimate backdrop for carefully crafted dining experiences. Contact dine@brix27.com for all the details.
I've always believed that success for anyone is all about drive, dedication, and desire, but for me, it's also been about confidence and faith.
-Stephen Curry
Queen Creations
Alicia Pacheco
21 year old and the owner of Queen Creations is Hardworking, a loyal friend, and owner who puts 110% into her business.
Alicia bakes her cakes from scratch and decorates her cakes with fondant and becomes as creative as she needs to be!
She puts 100% in all of the details that goes into her designs and the products itself.
Bronze Sponsors
Steve
Swayne
State Farm Insurance agent since 1985. Steve’s team has over 55 years of combined insurance experience. Their office focuses on relocations to Washington and Frederick counties. Servicing the towns of Hagerstown, Williamsport, Clear Spring, Frederick, Boonsboro and surrounding areas. They offer car insurance, home insurance, life and health insurance, and so much more!
Bo
Bowman
Yoga Studio 214 offers a variety of innovative yoga and wellness classes. Their diverse classes and workshops range from yoga, ariel fabric classes, aerobics, trapeze and more! Located right in Martinsburg WV, we encourage you to sign up and benefit from their diverse array of yoga classes and workshops.
Bronze Sponsors
Latisha
McDougal
Latisha McDougal, the driving force behind SLM Bookings, brings a wealth of passion and expertise to the travel industry. As a true trailblazer, she not only orchestrates incredible journeys but also takes on the role of mentor, nurturing and training other agents to excel as top-rated customer advocates. Her profound dedication to clients radiates through every interaction, transforming travel dreams into reality.
The Panhandle
News Network
Marsha & Luke Weekdays 9:05AM
Join Marsha Chwalik and Luke Wiggs every weekday morning at 9:05 a.m. for Panhandle Live! The show features conversations with newsmakers, local politicians, business owners and regular people who make the Panhandle a great place to live! The Panhandle is changing every day and we want to share its story! Join the conversation on our Facebook page and listen live on the website.
Bronze Sponsors
Rahsaan
Powell
Strength CAMP
Owner & Trainer strengthcampmd.com
Strength Camp offers a wide variety of programs and services to help you achieve your health, fitness, and athletic goals. Our program is purposely segmented to allow each individual the opportunity to focus on strength, endurance, and weightlifting. Simply put, Strength Camp’s mission is to help you, “Change Your Life With Us.” After spending time in our facility and with our team we want our members to walk out of our doors after a workout and feel like they are a better version of themselves.
The NAACP
West Virginia -
Branch 3242
Chartered in 1944
The NAACP is proud to be the largest national civil rights organization and one with a storied history. We would welcome your interest. Regular adult membership dues is $30 per year and youth membership for those younger than 17, usually $10, is now available at no cost.
For more information please don’t hesitate to contact Richard Mier by email or phone.
ricardo-y-rita@hotmail.com 304-267-3120
Follow BOBC Socially
Instagram
Facebook Page
Members Only
Facebook Group
LinkedIn
Coming Soon
Podcast
YouTube
We take you everywhere we are - so remember to support and follow us everywhere we are. Our network is success due to our shared community system so remember to join in and always share the good news.
Community
Events
We are only as strong as our community. Here are a few upcoming, noteworthy events. Visit their websites and join your community to keep positive services alive.
Last Wednesday Every Month
www.bobcwv.org
BOBC (Black Owned in Berkeley County), is a support network for black and minority owned businesses in Berkeley County, West Virginia and surrounding areas. Our network provides the tools, support, and advocacy minority owned businesses need to thrive!
Join BOBC August 28th For the Network and Chill Event!
Black Business Month Celebration & Networking Event
The Virtual Exchange
Hosted By: Out In The Fields, LLC &
SLM Bookings
Friday June 28th
7-10PM
Showcase | Learn | Connect | Grow
Showcase | Learn | Connect | Grow
All Guest will receive a digital copy of The Virtual Exchange Business Directory to
Connect with their favoriate Speaker!
Become a VIP Speaker for this event and have your business added to the Business Directory
For more information:
slmbookings.com/vipspeaker
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Join BOBC for their First Ribbon Ceremony
June 22nd from 2-6pm at
7 Public Square, Hagerstown MD
240-849-8350
Let’s help Tameeka Mitchell celebrate the grand opening of her new Balloon Boutique
Food | Music | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Visit our community partners. Their events make an everyday difference.
Business Sip
Sponsor
If you are a BOBC Family Member you will know this brand by heart. Darren Sheffield is the true definition of a successful serial entrepreneur. His line of Making Individual Dreams A Reality (MIDAR) businesses include fashion, beauty, automobile sales, entertainment, beer and wine, and even cigars.
Midar Cigars
Frederick & Hagerstown Coming Soon
MIDAR Cigars aims to be a boutique retail shop for premium cigars. We cater to cigar aficionados and provide them with the best selection of cigars for their personal enjoyment. MIDAR Cigars is the newest expansion in the cigar industry that delivers on white glove service.
15 South Carroll St., Frederick, MD - www.midarcigars.com
Darren has an extensive and successful business background that reaches from Atlanta, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, and more! He is a well respected business professional with a network that extends to politicians, community leaders, and successful entrepreneurs.
Midar Beer & Wine
15 S. Carroll St "1st Floor", Frederick, MD,
As part of the MIDAR family of entities, MIDAR Beer and Wine continues to uphold the brand’s reputation for providing premium products in the fashion, beauty, and beverage industries. The selection of hand-selected brands suggests a commitment to providing customers with a truly unique and authentic experience.
Midar Fashion
318 North Market Street, Frederick, Maryland
Urban Fashion | Your Life - Your Look
Midar Beauty Bar
(301) 640-8482
Cosmetologist, Barber, Natural Hair Specialist, Eyebrow and Eyelash Tech.
Tune in to the podcast on:
The BOBC Business Sip - Hosted By Tiffany Wright Founder and President of BOBC and Latisha M. CEO of SLM Bookings & Team Level Up Trainings.
Join Tiffany & Latisha has they host business owners and professionals, live, so they can tell their business story. Learn from the best each week, with wine in hand (or their favorite drink), a few laughs and take aways to help your business grow.
