Black Self-Taught Chef Gets Taste of Success Landing Cleveland Cavaliers and Browns Players As Regular Customers
This Black chef in Akron, Ohio, is cooking up a long list of celebrity clients.
Dion Millender turned his passion for cooking into a successful business after word spread, prompting the former principal of Firestone High School, Ken Jones, to sample the crispy egg rolls he prepared for his working family class.
According to Akron Beacon Journal, Millender is a self-taught private chef who started his own culinary business, Shaboys, after graduating from high school in 2005. The crispy appetizer that he researched in a library and purchased ingredients from an Asian market, received rave reviews and led celebrities to the chef’s recipes.
After he won the LaunchTown LaunchChef Award in 2018, Millender was encouraged to chase his dream.
“I fell in love with pretty much the reaction I got from cooking,” Millender said. “That’s really what sparked my interest.”
“I don’t cook from technique. I cook from love. I cook from smell. I cook from how I feel, so you can tell the difference when you taste it. [I want customers to think], ‘This person really put a lot of thought and care into this process,’ as opposed to just going straight by the book and just cooking strictly by the book,” he added.
Millender has grown a clientele of professional athletes that include several Cleveland Cavaliers and Browns players.
“I recommend him to all the athletes or anybody really who needs a chef,” Cavaliers star forward Evan Mobley told the Beacon Journal. “That’s the guy to go to.”
“He has a wide range,” Browns safety John Johnson III said. “He can do breakfast. He can do meal preps ― healthy stuff. He can do non-healthy stuff.”
“I always try to figure out unique ways to make things, different ways to set me apart ’cause I know the food industry is saturated with a lot of people. I always try to do things that stand out and make sure that you can only go to Shaboys when you want this item,” Millender said.
The award-winning chef shared that social media played a huge part in his growth and success.
“Content is king, and content is pretty much how I make a living,” said Millender, who has two eight-year-old daughters, Kennedy and Kamari.
Each client recommended Millender to a new client and other celebrities connected online. To date, his clientele includes Browns linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., pro boxer Montana Love, Cavs legend Campy Russell, former Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins, Cavaliers team dietitian and nutritionist Kylene Bogden, and Shanique Drummond of the Bravo reality show Married to Medicine: Los Angeles.
Millender is reportedly set to cater Thanksgiving meals for the Cavs on their flight to Milwaukee, where they will play the Bucks on Nov. 25.
He hopes his passion leads him to appear on Food Network and open his own restaurant.
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the star-studded evening brought together a dynamic group of disruptors, innovators, and trailblazers that continue to pave a pathway to power and success before their 40th birthdays. The inaugural in-person event wouldn’t have been possible without title sponsor Now and Later, presenting sponsor Amazon Web Services, platinum sponsor Walmart, and Lobos 1707.
“We reserve our highest respect for those who refuse to be constrained or defined by how others see us,” said Justin Barton, SVP/Digital Strategy & Partnerships.
“In that same spirit, BLACK ENTERPRISE is proud to turn the spotlight on the 40 under 40 class of 2022.”
From the first hour of flowing cocktails and networking to a glamorous dinner and awards ceremony, City Winery was live and guests came red-carpet ready, dressed to the nines in the spirit of the late Mr. Earl G. Graves Sr, who started BLACK ENTERPRISE at the age of 35 in 1970 and led his organization with excellence including having employees dress business sharp every single day.
Selena Hill, Deputy Digital Editor at BLACK ENTERPRISE also gave a nod to BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s beloved founder, Graves Sr., who launched today’s No. 1 Black digital media brand with 10 million unique visitors per month.
(Photo credit Black Enterprise)
“We have to pay special tribute to the legendary, iconic business founder, Earl G. Graves Sr,” said Hill.
“At the time, the idea of a national mass market magazine dedicated to Black professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs was bold and unprecedented. Now, more than 50 years later, Mr. Graves’ vision has expanded to a multi-platform media empire that has empowered generations of Black Americans to start businesses, climb the corporate ladder, and build wealth.”
“40 under 40 recognizes leaders who embody the same grit and unstoppable passion that Earl Graves brought to the table, changing our world in the process.”
New York’s finest DJ Self of Power 105.1 had the turntable on lock with Black anthems that had guests fueled to the max.
But it was Hill the “hostess with the mostest” and actor Terence J that got the crowd up out of their seats, swaying and swag-surfing while entertaining the crowd with style and contagious energy.
Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Travis Malloy also graced the stage and delivered a stunning performance of 90s hits, including Blackstreets’ Before I Let Go. He represented for his brand, Millions, Billions, Trillions.
At one point, Hill gave some of the 2021 honorees who were in the building, their moment to shine, since they didn’t get a chance to experience a live event back in 2021 because of the pandemic. The love for them erupted in the room.
Later, Hill and Terence J welcomed the honorees to the stage allowing them the freedom to groove to the music as they accepted their coveted awards.
For Natasha Miller Williams, VP Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Ferrera Candy Co., representing Now and Later, her presence onstage was a full circle moment. As a previous writer for BLACK ENTERPRISE, she contributed her expertise in talent management and inclusion in the workplace. Now, she is driving change for all of Ferrera’s candy brands.
“I’m proud to say that for Now and Later and all of Ferrera’s 28 brands, we’re holding ourselves accountable for all of our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals,” Williams said. “That includes a commitment to a 30 percent Black, indigenous, and people of color representation in leadership by 2024.”
During the event, sports industry leader and former NY Giants player David Tyree sat down with Terence J to share his New Jersey upbringing, overcoming addiction, his faith, and his transition from the field into entrepreneurship.
“All of my decisions up to this point was because I was the captain of my ship,” said Tyree, president and Founder at DT3 Enterprises.
“Success is relative. I think we live in an over-saturated idea of what success is and we pursue it based on what we see, not based on what’s internally valuable to us,” he added. “Your values determine your value.”
The celebration will culminate with the 40 Under 40 Summit, taking place virtually on Thursday, Dec. 8.
The 2022 BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40 Honorees:
TECH
TJ Adeshola – Head of Global Content Partnerships, Twitter
LaDavia Drane – Director & Global Leader, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Amazon Web Services
Jackson Georges, Jr. – Partner, Growth, CapitalG
Iddris Sandu – Founder, SLABS Inc.
Kimberly Wilson – Founder & CEO, HUED
BUSINESS
Johnny Bailey –Founder & CEO, ShineHard Family
Aisha “Pinky” Cole – Founder, Slutty Vegan
Kelvin “PJKev” Mensah –Co-Founder, Approved Jets
Regine Moore – Director of Constituent Relations, Walmart
Alabama’s Oldest Private Historically Black Liberal Arts College Quits Volleyball Tournament Due To Racist Abuse
The women’s volleyball team from Talladega College withdrew from the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament in Montgomery, AL. after one of the players received a racist picture at the awards banquet on Nov. 9.
A feature allowing nearby cell phones to transfer data to each other enabled someone at the banquet to send the racist picture to the player’s cell phone. The picture, which contained the n-word, was described as a “racially motivated picture” and “vile and vicious” by an official of the conference. The Southern States Athletic Conference is made up of several small schools from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi and does not include many HBCUs. Talladega College was formed in 1867 by formerly enslaved Black people after the Civil War.
A statement from the college was released acknowledging the racist abuse and the lack of action taken by the SSAC. The statement also commended the team for their bravery.
“The Talladega College women’s volleyball team walked out of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Banquet in protest due to what the institution believes to be a lack of action taken around racial abuse.”
“Our student-athletes were recipients of cyber racial abuse. The volleyball team’s decision to walk out of the banquet, and ultimately walk away from participating in the remaining tournament, is an extension of the history of which they are a part.”
“We commend the women’s volleyball team. We celebrate them for their bravery. We honor them for their commitment to the founding principles of Talladega College as well as the tenants [SIC] of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
The Southern States Athletic Conference also released a statement condemning the racist picture and apologizing for the incident.
“The SSAC will not condone this type of behavior. We are very supportive of all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff from our 11 institutions. We sincerely regret that this occurrence happened.”
Detroit Set To Host World’s Largest Kwanzaa Kinara
The City of Detroit is gearing up to host what is being referred to as the “world’s largest Kwanzaa Kinara” in honor of the seven-day Kwanzaa celebration.
According to CBS Detroit, theMotor City Kwanzaa Kinara will reach as high as 30 feet tall and be stationed in the SW Garden of Campus Martius.
“Displaying this 30-foot Kinara at Campus Martius is a perfect way to demonstrate our city’s pride in African-American culture and the seven principles of Kwanzaa,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement.
The unique Kwanzaa structure will be built in partnership between city councilman Scott Benson, Alkebu-Ian Village, and business development company Downtown Detroit Partnership. CBS Detroit reports that the Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara will be joined downtown with the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah as part of an overall festive holiday environment. The outlet adds that the kinara will also feature the traditional red, green, and black candles topped by solar-powered lights that will simulate flames.
According to the official Kwanzaa website, the black candle symbolizes “the people.” The red candle symbolizes their struggle, and the green represents the future and hope that comes from their struggle. During the holiday, the black, red, and green candles are lit on the kinara, a candle holder.
Sponsors reportedly raised $75,000 to create the kinara structure.
Mayor Duggan expressed in his statement, according to CBS Detroit, his excitement for the event and how the monument will act as a tool to allow Detroit citizens to learn and recognize African American holiday traditions and culture.
“Kwanzaa is about celebrating and reflecting on unity, community, collective work, and other principles,Duggan continued.
“These principles bind us together and help us build a better tomorrow. Kwanzaa is a celebration that benefits us all. That is why I want Detroit to recognize Kwanzaa, reminding us that none of us can stand alone. We need one another.”
The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara will be officially introduced to the public in a small ceremony at 5 p.m. on Dec. 26.
Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila Launches Initiative to Support Black and Latinx Small Businesses
Kevin Hartannounced that his tequila brand is launching a fund to assist Black and Latinx business owners throughout the United States.
Gran Coramino Tequila®, the brand founded by entrepreneurial actor Kevin Hart and 11th-generation tequila maker Juan Domingo Beckmann, announces the launch of The Coramino Fund. The initiative is part of the giveback program they began in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). The fund, which totals $500,000, will go toward supporting Black and Latinx small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the country.
“I am extremely proud to announce Gran Coramino’s partnership with LISC to support Black and Latinx entrepreneurs all over the U.S.,” Kevin Hart, co-founder of Gran Coramino Tequila, said in a written statement.
“At Gran Coramino, we know that pursuing the path of entrepreneurship is hard work.”
“We also know that some of our best and brightest have historically been excluded from opportunities or lacked the resources to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As an entrepreneur myself, I know how impactful bringing financial resources and learning opportunities to these communities can be.”
In addition, Gran Coramino Tequila will donate $1 for each bottle sold to its giveback program that supports Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Mexico. The two owners have a partnership with LISC to help build a sustainable giveback program that prides itself on providing financial resources and learning opportunities to small businesses in the U.S. The Beckmann Foundation, which leads the brand’s impact programming in Tequila, Mexico, will launch its entrepreneurship programming in spring 2023.
“Black and Latinx entrepreneurs historically have been blocked from access to affordable capital resources, which has restricted the ability of their businesses to grow, thrive, and create generational wealth,” said Lisa Glover, CEO ofLISC.
“We’re thrilled to team up with Gran Coramino Tequila to help close that opportunity gap by connecting these entrepreneurs to grants that enable them to nurture and mature their businesses.”
“Small businesses are the life-blood of a community and this funding to support Black and Latinx businesses not only benefits entrepreneurs but also brings vital jobs, goods, services, and energy to communities.”
‘I’m A Light Too’: Singer Kelly Rowland Shuts Down Radio Host Who Compared Her to Beyoncé
Kelly Rowland is tired of the Beyoncé comparisons and took the time to eloquently shut down a radio host who seemingly tried to dim her “light” to praise Queen Bey.
The Destiny’s Child singer appeared on Hot 97’s Ebro In The Morning on Wednesday to promote her new film, Fantasy Football, alongside her co-star Marsai Martin. During the deep dive, Ebro’s co-host Peter Rosenberg referenced Rowland’s recent interview with Angie Martinez, where she opened up about her former groupmate and lifelong best friend, Beyoncé.
Rosenberg probed Rowland on what it’s like to have worked alongside and remain so close to the Grammy-winning singer.
“Angie gave you flowers for your ability to play second to Beyoncé,” Rosenberg said.
“I can only speak for me, everyone gets into the entertainment business to be ‘the man,’ right? It does take an ego check.”
“You happen to be standing next to the brightest light on planet Earth,” he said. “You think Big Boi from Outkast has it tough being next to Andre, you’re with Beyoncé and not only did you not have to fight it, like, you really loved the position you were in and took it seriously.”
That’s when Rowland interjected to issue one of the classiest reads in interview history and set the record straight on how she feels being compared to Beyoncé.
“Here’s the thing. Light attracts light. I am light. I am a beautiful, brown, shining light,” Rowland said.
“So, I don’t think anybody’s light dims anyone else’s. I think that when other people start to compare you, I think that’s when it shows how dim they are of themselves.”
Rowland closed by sharing how proud she is of Beyoncé and doubled down on the “light” she shines on the world
“I don’t take someone else trying to dim my light anymore for anybody else,” she said.
“I love Bey, I know that she’s a light but I know that I’m a light too.”
University of Arkansas Names Dr. Charles Robinson As First Black Chancellor
After an abrupt resignation from the previous chancellor, the University of Arkansas took careful measures to fill the role.
UARK at Fayetteville recently announced Dr. Charles Robinson as the chancellor for the institution, making him the first Black person to lead the flagship campus.
Charles Robinson has been named #UARK provost and executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs after serving as interim provost since July. Congratulations, Dr. Robinson! pic.twitter.com/pw96eyc6Sy
According to the Associated Press, Robinson, who has served as the interim provost since August 2021, was appointed as a result of a unanimous vote by the university’s board of trustees.
“He now has the opportunity to cast a broader vision for advancing the university as a leading public research university in the region and raising its status on the national stage,” University System President Donald Bobbitt said in a statement.
“He has a unique ability to inspire others and to relate to the many different constituencies across the university, and I look forward to working with him to help make his tenure as Chancellor a success,” Bobbitt added.
Robinson reportedly served at the university for 23 years, including his most recent position as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.
“I’m looking forward to serving our campus in its entirety and greatly appreciate the support and confidence shown in me to be a good steward of the land-grant mission,” Dr. Robinson said.
According to the UARK news page, the previous chancellor for the university, Joe Steinmetz, resigned on June 18 of last year.
“I still strongly believe in the mission of higher education, yet given the many challenges found trying to manage a university in today’s polarized society, I need to do what’s best for my family and I feel ready to make way for others,” Steinmetz said in a statement announcing his decision.
Reportedly, Steinmetz’s resignation came amid his response to complaints about a statue of the late Sen. J. William Fulbright, who allegedly supported segregationist legislation. Republican lawmakers held a hearing with Steinmetz after he recommended to have the statue moved.
Breonna Taylor’s Boyfriend Kenneth Walker To Receive $2M Lawsuit Settlement
Kenneth Walker, the boyfriend of the late Breonna Taylor, has been awarded $2 million by the City of Louisville, KY as a result of a recent lawsuit settlement, The Courier Journal reports.
The multi-million dollar amount was settled during Monday’s federal court mediation, after Walker sued the city and several police officers involved in the fatal no-knock raid on Taylor’s apartment in March 2020.
On the day of the tragic incident, Louisville Metro officers burst into the wrong apartment, where Walker and Taylor, a 26-year-old unarmed Black woman and EMT worker, were sleeping. They attempted to serve a search warrant as part of a narcotics investigation, but Walker mistook them for intruders and fired a single shot that hit Police Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly in the leg.
When police returned gunfire, Taylor was shot to death.
After the shooting, Walker was charged with assault and attempted murder of a police officer. The charges were dismissed permanently in March 2021.
As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Walker shared details about the botched raid in an interview with the women of Red Table Talk. He said he was in police custody between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. when he discovered Taylor had been killed.
“They’re trying to ask me questions about me, and I’m like, ‘Listen, I’ll get to that. Where is Breonna? Is Breonna OK? Is she alive?’” he recalled.
“They didn’t say her name, but they said a woman was killed,” he added. “That’s how I found out.”
However, Walker filed civil lawsuits in both state and federal court in September 2020 in which he sought punitive and compensatory damages against the city and several officers involved with the raid.
The suits claim that Walker’s rights were violated when “officers obtained and approved the ‘materially false’ search warrant, failed to announce before they entered Taylor’s apartment and used excessive and unreasonable force,” as per The Journal. He also holds the police department’s policies, customs, and practices accountable for these violations.
The civil suits named former detective Kelly Goodlett, former detective Joshua Jaynes, and former Sgt. Kyle Meany for their roles in “falsifying and covering up the bad information used to obtain the warrant.” The trio were subsequently charged with federal civil rights violations in August, and were released from Monday’s settlement.
It is not clear if this settlement also complies with the lawsuit filed in state court.
Meghan Markle Secretly Shopped For Baby Formula For Family In Need During Infant Formula Shortage
According to filmmaker Tyler Perry, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, secretly shopped for baby formula during the recent infant formula shortage for an employee in need. Tyler revealed the news during the annual Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles on Nov. 12. The Baby2Baby Gala raises money for impoverished children.
The 53-year-old director told the crowd that his employee asked him for help finding some formula, but after calling numerous cities and states, he came up empty. According to an article published in Vanity Fair, the Sistas creator called Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan while they were in London, and the Duchess went shopping to help the family find the formula.
Perry became friendly with the couple after he offered to let them stay at his Beverly Hills, California, home after they stepped down from the royal family. Markle, 41, spoke about Perry’s kindness during an interview with Oprah Winfreyand said that she confided in Perry about the difficulties she and her husband were having, and he offered her his home with security.
“We didn’t have a plan,” said Meghan. “We needed a house and he offered his security as well, so it gave us breathing room to try to figure out what we were going to do.”
During an appearance on Today back in September, Perry noted how much the 38-year-old prince and former actress love each other.
“What I know about the two of them, that I wish the world knew, is how much they love—these two people love each other. They found each other—out of all these odds against them finding each other, they found each other. The love they have is really, really moving, and I just wanted to do anything I could to support them.”
Perry also praised Markle with a birthday message on social media back in August.
“I’ve had a front row seat in your life for the past few years. I’ve watched you endure things that would have broken a lot of people. I’m so incredibly proud to see how happy you, your husband, and your kids are now. It fills me with joy to say Happy Birthday Princess Meghan.”
I’ve had a front row seat in your life for the past few years. I’ve watched you endure things that would have broken a lot of people. I'm so incredibly proud to see how happy you, your husband, and your kids are now. It fills me with joy to say Happy Birthday Princess Meghan. pic.twitter.com/zCkuAzFSrD
New HBO Documentary ‘Santa Camp’ Features Black Santa In Diverse Group Of Santa Clauses
According to ABC News, a new HBO documentary, Santa Camp, features a diverse group of Santa Clauses.
The documentary focuses on the Santa Camp in Greenfield, New Hampshire, which trains people to become Santa Clauses during the holiday season. A North Little Rock, Arkansas, man, Chris Kennedy, is a Black Santa featured in the documentary who was inspired to become a Santa Claus after he put a Black Santa decoration in his yard and received pushback.
“I wanted other kids to be able to see themselves represented, my daughter, most notably, I did it all for her,” he said.
Kennedy received an angry, racist letter afterward that claimed Santa Claus was a white man.
“Please remove your negro Santa Claus yard decoration. You should try not to deceive children into believing that I am negro.”
“I am a Caucasian (white man, to you) and have been for the past 600 years. Your being jealous of my race is no excuse for your dishonesty. Besides that, you are making yourself the laughingstock of the neighborhood. Obviously, your values are not that of the Lakewood area and maybe you should move to a neighborhood out east with the rest of your racist kind.”
The racist note caused Kennedy’s neighbors to join him in solidarity by putting up Black Santa Claus decorations in their yards as well.
“I just started seeing them pop up in the neighborhood,” he said. “The bright side of everything was the neighbors’ response.”
Author of the book Diversity and Satire: Laughing at Processes of Marginalization,Charisse L’Pree Corsbie-Massay, noted that St. Nicholas was originally Turkish, and initial depictions were far from a bearded white man wearing a red suit.
“If the point of using our characters that represent our true selves, then why we can’t have them look like us?”
Kennedy added that the joy he’s witnessed from Black audiences has been fulfilling.
“We had a woman in her nineties come up from Mississippi to see me. Clearly, there’s a need and a want out there and I’m fulfilling it for people and making folks happy,” he said.
The Santa Camp also trained a transgender Santa and a disabled Santa. Santa Camp streams on HBO Max on Nov. 17.
