Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Philanthropy Thursday!
Happy Philanthropy Thursday, Black History Month and
President’s Day Weekend to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Community!
A very happy Black History Month, Philanthropy Thursday and President’s weekend to our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. family, friends and client network. We hope that everyone is “surviving and thriving” this week and being safe. 
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (Smithsonian) Celebrates Black History Month Through the Lens of Black Health and Wellness
"Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture, but that cannot be contained in one month alone. As the world's largest African American museum, we have a responsibility to humanize history and objects through the lives, tragedies, and triumphs of everyday people. This February, we
celebrate the theme of Black health and wellness by creating a space that highlights Black pioneers' trailblazing contributions to Western medicine, addresses health disparities facing our communities, and encourages healing through education."


In December 2016, Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousin, COO Kevin Cousins and our sons Kendall and Kyle trekked down to Washington, DC along with Kecia’s brother Leroy, Jr. and his girlfriend, Thalia, to be one of the first visitors inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Leroy, Jr. had won tickets from the Rachel Maddox show. It was truly a fun, informative, educational and historical trip! We were even able to go by the outside of the White House. We wanted to visit the museum while President Obama was in office.
Life Lessons From The Son of a Slave – Daniel Smith

As we reflect this month on Black History, we reflect on the history of slavery.  Many have tried to “enslave” black people over the years. However, many of our ancestors survived the slave ships. Our ancestor’s “resiliency” lives in many of us today, giving us the strength and courage to keep on keeping on! 
As America continues to observe Black History Month, it's hard to believe there are still people alive today who had a parent born into slavery. One of the few left is 89-year-old Daniel Smith, whose father was born the property of a White man. Our ancestors survive so that we all could be great! We are a strong people. We survived the “slave ships”.

Kecia has “Coffee With Cher”

Calling all entrepreneurs!
Join Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins and Events by Chereese, Inc.’s CEO Chereese Jervis-Hill for The Coffee with Cher Podcast on February 17, 2022.  
If you missed it, you can watch the rebroadcast. This was Kecia’s 1st podcast. She thanks her dear friend and fellow sistahrpreneur for this opportunity!




Dreams of the African Diaspora come to life on stage – Friday , February 18 and February 19, 2022

Join the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team this week as they root on their son, Kyle Cousins (Stage Crew Member), his teacher, creator and Director Jodi Hernandez, and fellow classmates guided by Afua Yeboah, first generation African-American student as they perform Dreams of the African Diaspora. Ridvan Foxhall’s New Era Creative Space is producing this event.  Kyle is participating in this production as part of his African Diaspora Class at Peekskill High School.  He will also receive College Credit for this course upon completion. See you there!

First time event is open to general public - Performances on 2/18 and 2/19 (Friday and Saturday) at 7pm at the Peekskill Middle School, 212 Ringgold Street.
Student cast members of “Melanin Magic” in 2020. The last in-person performance before COVID.

By Jeffrey Merchan, Student Journalist
February 16, 2022

One way or another everyone can trace their roots back to the continent of Africa. Through the centuries, our ancestors expanded across the globe, but not without struggles. In Diasporic Dreams, a production at the Peekskill Middle School this weekend, student actors pay homage to the descendants of the African Diaspora. The audience is guided by a first generation African-American student, Afua Yeboah, who offers a present day example of how diasporic dreams are realized.
Afua Yeboah
The show premiers Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and the public can experience “edutainment” (education through entertainment). The production will showcase the passion students of Peekskill High School share for the African Diaspora. This is a yearly performance created and directed by Jodi Fernandez (an English teacher at Peekskill High School). This year’s production is produced by New Era Creative Space (NECS) in partnership with the Peekskill City School District. Students from Fernandez’s two SUNY African Diaspora classes will perform along with student volunteers from various grades. “This unique experience showcases the resiliency, tenacity, and sheer brilliance of Africans across the Diaspora in spite of the persistent challenges they have faced” said Ridvan Foxhall founder of NECS.
For years, this performance was exclusively held at the Peekskill High School and only students, teachers and staff could attend. Since its inception, this performance brought the best out of Peekskill’s students who are dedicated to sharing and vocalizing the continuous injustices around the world. This year 43 students are part of the cast and crew.
Jodi Fernandez is the creator and director of the play.
Creative Minds Behind the Scenes
Jodi Fernandez, who began teaching at Peekskill High School in 2007, brought an African Diaspora course through SUNY Albany’s “University in the High School” program to Peekskill seven years later. The African Diaspora course teaches and reflects the cultural and social history of the descendants of the first modern humans and their struggles in history. After being accepted as an accredited college course, Fernandez wanted others besides her students to learn about the African Diaspora, “I created the
performance back in 2018 to explicitly teach the African Diaspora to the masses, to those who don’t, won’t or can’t take my course,” said Fernandez. She has directed and written Black Lives Matter (2018), Rise Up (2019), and Melanin Magic (2020 & 2021).

“Opening this performance up to the larger Peekskill community means everything to me. It not only gives parents an opportunity to watch their children perform at such a high level, it also feeds an adult education need.” She continues, “During several of my open houses where I would present my college course, SUNY African Diaspora, I would be asked by parents if there was a course like mine that adults could take.” This showed Fernandez there was a demand for the knowledge she was sharing with her students regardless of age. The demand from a wider audience played a role in opening up the show to the public.
Ridvan Foxhall’s New Era Creative Space is producing the event.
In the summer of 2020, Fernandez began her partnership with NECS when Foxhall learned about the Melanin Magic performance that happened earlier in the year and offered Fernandez an opportunity to join her creative team as an artistic director and instructor. This partnership culminated in a virtual performance of Melanin Magic in the winter of 2021 which was viewed by over 200 people and another production on Juneteenth 2021.

“The mission of NECS is to inspire stronger communities through creative programs,” NECS founder Foxhall said. “We are committed to the fundamental values of oneness, equality, justice, and service to humanity, and believe that education is the key to tapping into the moral and intellectual potential of each individual.
I believe Diasporic Dreams is in line with our organization goals. We love the fact that this production tells the story of the people of the African Diaspora. It is empowering when young people learn about their history and what better way to share that knowledge than through theater,” said Foxhall about her partnering with Fernandez and the school district. NECS is no stranger to putting on productions. They have put on a theatrical production every winter for the past 17 years.
Members of the Latin dance ensemble rehearsing in the school gym.
The Youth behind Diasporic Dreams

When students in the African Diaspora classes began working on the play, many young leaders took charge of different aspects of the show and created groups to showcase their varying talents.
One of these students is Afua Yeboah, a senior at Peekskill High School, who led the Afro-beat Dance Pod and helped with the choreography of the Latin Dance Pod. All PHS students were able to volunteer, but “this performance gives us the opportunity to not only share the culture but to teach the African Diaspora and illuminate how so many ethnic groups are a part of it,” she said, “Being a first generation African-American, whose parents are from Ghana, it meant a lot to me to not only be able to showcase the beauty of black history month but the beauty of the African culture itself.”

 Members of the Latin dance ensemble rehearsing in the school gym.
Due to Covid delays at the beginning of January, performers weren’t given a lot of time to prepare their dance routines. Yeboah said the groups she was working with are prepared for their performances and in practicing they are building confidence while executing the dances. “My classmates and I have been practicing at least 3 times a week to ensure we put on an amazing performance and don’t anticipate any nerves heading into performance week,” she added.

The event is free and open to the public but donations are appreciated. The performance is at the Peekskill Middle School auditorium, 212 Ringgold Street.
A Taste of History with the NYS Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins – Special Guests New York’s most famous rappers, Jadakiss and Styles P, owners of Juices for Life, and Chef Nikko of Evanders Fish & Chips, both in Yonkers.
Dear Friends,

In keeping with this year’s Black History Month theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” State Senator Shelly Mayer and I are holding a Zoom event on February 23 at 6 pm called “A Taste of History.” We’ll be joined by two of New York’s most famous rappers, Jadakiss and Styles P, owners of Juices for Life, and Chef Nikko of Evanders Fish & Chips, both in Yonkers.

We invite you to cook along with Chef Nikko as we discuss the traditions of soul food in America and how healthy food can recharge ourselves and maintain our well-being. The Chef will be preparing BBQ chicken, a vegetarian alternative, and various sides. Register here for the event and you’ll get a link to the list of the ingredients and some recipes to follow along.

With food comes a beverage, and we will be visiting Juices for Life, an organic juice bar owned by Jadakiss and Styles P, along with their partner and barista, Hit. As we discuss the importance of making fruits and vegetables affordable and convenient, the Juices for Life crew will prepare a healthy smoothie made of my favorite fruits, and dubbed “The Senator.”
Please register and join us for this fun and informative event. It will also be streamed live on my Facebook page.

As always, please don’t hesitate to email me at scousins@nysenate.gov or call my office at 914-423-4031.
Andrea Stewart-Cousins
New York State Senator, 35th District
President Pro Tem, Majority Leader
Albany Office:
907 Legislative Office Bldg
Albany, NY 12247
518-455-2585   
District Office:
28 Wells Ave, Bldg 3, 5th Floor
Yonkers, NY 10701
914-423-4031

You are never too young to make black history! Some elementary school students (Kindergartners and 1st graders) in Peekskill became news anchors for the day, interviewing influential leaders in honor of Black History Month.

The event took place at Woodside Elementary School. Students got to interview black leader including County Legislator Colin Smith, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, the city's first African American woman mayor and Peekskill Youth Bureau Executive Director Tuesday McDonald.
PHILANTHROPY FRIDAY RESOURCES
Below are some networks and resources that Minority Women Owned Business Enterprises and small business owners can connect with to help them get through these challenging times. We’ve got your back!
Many minority and women business enterprise entrepreneurs use their local, County and State Agencies to stay current and tap into potential resources and procurement opportunities for their businesses and their communities. Getting MWBE Certified
and procuring government contracts can help MWBEs build their businesses! Grants , loans, networking, attending training classes, workshops and joining chambers of commerce and professional organizations are also parts of MWBEs portfolios to grow their businesses.
BLACK DIAMONDS ACADEMIC SUCCESS, INC.
College Tour Fundraiser
Show your support and help send the phenomenal teen males of The Black Diamonds Academic Success, Inc. on their upcoming College Tour. Kecia and Kevin’s son Kyle Cousins is The President of The Black Diamonds Success, Inc. program. College tours help to expose the youth in our community to college options.

Kecia and Kevin’s son Kendall, last year’s president of The Black Diamond Academic Success, Inc. Program, was able to visit Howard University and other colleges through the Black Diamonds College tour. Kendall is currently a Howard University freshman. Kendall was accepted into Mechanical and or Computer Engineering programs at Florida A&M University, Howard University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T, Syracuse University, Temple University and University of Buffalo. 

Both Kendall and Kyle were able to visit other college campuses such as Norfolk State University North Carolina AT&T and Winston Salem- State University. Kyle has recently been accepted to Dominican College, Dutchess Community College, Iona College, Norfolk State, Nova Southeastern University, University of North Florida, Winston-Salem State University and Wingate University.

Help keep the Black Diamonds sparkling and focused on “black excellence” by giving back and helping other Black Diamonds shine and live their dreams by helping them to vising the college campuses of their dreams. Please give today!
BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER – Join today!

The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s largest and most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-a-kind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester.
The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s only business membership organization focusing on economic development and advocacy. It is the county’s largest and most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-a-kind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester. Visit thebcw.org to connect today.
Marsha Gordon Appointed
Co-Chair of Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC). Gordon will join with Dr. Kristine Young, President of SUNY Orange, as the new Co-Chairs of the Council, effective immediately. Dr. Gordon and Dr. Young succeed Dr. Donald P. Christian, President of SUNY New Paltz who has served as Co-Chair since 2018 and will be retiring this year.
“The Mid-Hudson REDC has worked tirelessly to transform the region with increased tourism opportunities, new and expanded businesses, and good paying jobs for New Yorkers,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. “As chair of the Regional Councils, I congratulate both Dr. Marsha Gordon and Dr. Kristine Young on their new leadership roles and thank Dr. Christian for his stewardship of the council over the years.”

“I am extremely honored to serve as a Co-Chair for the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council,” said Gordon. “As a long-standing member of the business community, I have seen this model of a bottom-up, regional strategy to economic development transform our region and I look forward to serving with Kristine Young and the rest of the council to continue its many successes.”

“I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to serve and advance the many strengths of the Mid-Hudson region. It is humbling to follow Dr. Christian’s exemplary record of leadership and join Marsha Gordon in our roles as Co-Chairs. I look forward to partnering with Marsha, as well as other MVREDC team members, to transform the Mid-Hudson region well into the future,” said Young.

Established in 2011 as a centerpiece of New York’s strategy to jumpstart the economy and create jobs, the Regional Councils replaced the state's old top-down approach with one that is community-based and performance-driven. Through 10 rounds of the REDC competition, the MHREDC has delivered over $815 million for 1,020 projects.

HUDSON VALLEY GATEWAY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – JOIN TODAY!
The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce is an organization of business and civic members working cooperatively toward the goal of OPENING OPPORTUNITIES for growth and well-being among its members. We accomplish this by exchanging ideas, educating and advocating on behalf of businesses, and provide welcoming resources and services that enhance the quality of life throughout our communities.

They can help get you business referrals and highlight the good that you do in the community as you build and grow your business like they have done for Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.
Deb Milone, President of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber, will outline all the ways nonprofits (or any business) can market their organizations through their Chamber membership.
JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC. MID-HUDSON VALLEY CHAPTER – GIVE TO SOUPER BOWL OF CARING TODAY
(February 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022)

Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, Father's Auxiliary Group, Souper Bowl of Caring 2022 for (CHHOP) Caring for the Hungry & Homeless of Peekskill
Others in our community need our help -
DONATE GOODS TODAY!

Fred's Pantry, administrated by Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), is a critically needed support system to alleviate hunger. Since opening in 2010, Fred’s Pantry has served more than 13,000 families, 37,200 individuals and 2,452 seniors and provided over 30,630 meals.   

* Still needed: dry beans (lentils, red, black), potatoes 3-5 lb bags, lemons/limes, cornbread    

Donating goods is easy! Click on SHOP NOW to purchase the goods you would like to donate:https://yougivegoods.com/mhvc-souperbowlofcaring2022
NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN- HUDSON VALLEY HOSPITAL - February is Heart Health Month at New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital
NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Opens New Maternal & Newborn Care Unit

Expert Health Care Close to Home

At NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, we are committed to providing compassionate care specifically tailored to meet your needs. We are a fully accredited non-profit 128-bed facility offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services and ambulatory care.

Our physicians provide care in more than 60 specialties, including women’s health, cancer, orthopedics and sports medicine, cardiology, digestive health, bariatric (weight loss) surgery, and more. We also offer a robust robotic surgery program, which uses the latest technology for minimally invasive procedures. Among our top surgeons and specialists are physicians from ColumbiaDoctors, the faculty practice of Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

We are affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked No. 4 in the nation and No. 1 in New York State for 20 consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report. Our patients benefit from the more than 35 primary care and multispecialty NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley offices located throughout Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. If you need more advanced care, the medical group and hospital offer seamless access to the vast resources provided by NewYork-Presbyterian and ColumbiaDoctors.
Healthy Heart Program

Join our Healthy Heart Program, a series of four classes designed to increase your knowledge of healthy eating habits, fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition. This program includes advice from cardiologists, nutritionists, and fitness experts. We'll provide information, healthy recipes, and support your wellness goals. The series will launch on February 23rd and conclude on April 6th. Participating in all 4 sessions is recommended for best results. (No Charge)
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Virtual Event.
About the Women's Chamber


Started in 2002, NYWCC was the first and ONLY women’s chamber in the City and State of New York dedicated to assisting women of all ethnicities and industries achieve success and economic independence through business ownership and self-employment.

As we Celebrate Black History Month, we want to Congratulate Leslie Allicks, owner of the “The Tea Experience’ and member of the WEDC , NYWCC and a graduate of the NYWCC’s ContractHER Cohort! The Tea Experience was selected as a Black History Month spotlight business by American Legacy Network in their video entitled, "The History of Black Tea Houses." 

The Chamber thanks Leslie for her courage and willingness to continue her business during the pandemic. Having “The Tea Experience” as a healthy option in people’s daily lives, served as a reminder of the simplicity of life and a sense of having normality in a routine which brought peace and comfort for her customers.
Here is the video if you haven't seen it!

Kecia is a huge tea drinker. Leslie has been a dear friend of Kecia’s since 2009 when Kecia’s book club had a Go On Girl Bookclub! Meeting at her business, Lola’s Tea House. Kecia asked Leslie if she would be open to adding G&K Sweet Foods, LLC’s Grandma’s Momma’s Legacy “Licious sweet potato pies to her menu. She agreed and they have been long-life friends ever since! Kecia co-owns G&K Sweet Foods, LLC with her business partner Gay Wheeler-Smith. Read more about how Leslie has transformed her business below. Kecia orders many of her favorite teas from Leslie through Leslie’s SimpliciTEA Subscription Box service. You can too! Check out Leslie’s website at SimpliciTEA Wellness Box - The Tea Experience. Support this black owned business and treat yourself to tea from “The Tea Experience”! You’ll be glad that you did!
The Tea Experience is a full service tea party catering company that has been in business since 2007 (under the auspices of Lola’s Tea House). We offer over 30 varieties of teas, themed tea parties, and our popular afternoon teas.

So many people have asked me how I came up with the idea of opening a tea house. Well here it is…………..
My dream began about 15+ years ago. At that time, my dream was to open a boutique coffee house. But life, career, and the Starbucks craze put my dream on the back burner.

In 2005, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer in the terminal stages—which changed my entire outlook on life, family, and career. During the one year that my Mom and I took care of Dad at home, my Dad and I enjoyed a great many “good” conversations (as he called them) about our family history (we are of Caribbean decent) and the value of being happy in life. It was through those conversations that I was able to find out that not only do I come from a family of tea drinkers (via my Dutch ancestry) but my paternal great grandfather worked at the Haviland china company in NYC (hence the reason why we had so many varieties of tea cups, saucers, and plates at home!). A real link to the tea industry.

It was during these conversations that the light bulb went on for me—the realization that maybe my dream was not to open a coffee house; but a boutique tea house.
Well Dad passed away in June 2006, and that’s when I decided to quit my full time job (in the health care industry) and pursue entrepreneurship. I must honestly say that once I stayed steadfast on the idea of opening Lola’s Tea House (named in honor of my mother), I have received enormous support, guidance, and direction from a huge array of people (family, friends, church family, acquaintances, and the local business community).
With God’s grace and my Dad’s guidance, Lola’s Tea House was opened in 2007 and was a major success! But as with any business, it must change with the changing times and customer demands, so Lola’s Tea House was closed in 2012 and has now become The Tea Experience – a tea party catering business.
GREATER NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – BUILDING A BLOG
Building a Blog For You and Your Business
Friday, February 18th
11:00 am - 12:00 Noon

Webinar
  • Step-by-Step with Blogger
  • Learn Who, What and How to Build Blogs

presented by:
Must RSVP to receive ZOOM meeting link
For questions about this webinar or the Greater New York Chamber email info@chamber.nyc.
Have a safe and great Black History Month and President’s weekend! Stay connected with us so you stay connected! Follow us on our social media!

We thank each and everyone of you for your continued support and business!
Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc! We help MWBEs focus on the health and wellness of their business! Let’s get it done, in 2022! We are here for you! Just give us a call at 914-737-7237 or schedule a consultation with us at www.aerobasoul.com. You’ll be glad that you did! 

Special shout out to our parents, family and friends for your continued love and support to us!

Let’s all support and celebrate MWBEs today and every day!

Sincerely, Love,
Kecia and Kevin
Contact Kecia and Kevin at (914) 737-7237 with questions about starting
or growing your business!

You can also visit our website at www.aerobasoul.com or email Kecia at kecia@aerobasoul.com.

At Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. we build dreams to life with heart and a soul! Like a trusted friend and confidante, our personal project managers tap into their vivid imaginations, hearts and souls to analyze clients projects and engineer solutions through project completion. 

We are “imagineers”, igniting M/WBEs to refocus on themselves, their businesses and giving back to their communities. Our one-on-one technical assistance sessions and training programs are designed to help entrepreneurs and MWBE’s project manage their lives and get to the heart and soul of their personal and professional development. 

We “motivate” and “collaborate” with our clients through project completion! 

Our services include:
  • Business Management Consulting Services
  • Life Coaching
  • MWBE Consulting/Prepare NYC/NYS MWBE Certification Applications
  • Public Speaking
  • Project Management
  • Training
  • Career Preparation
  • Customer Service
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership
  • Networking
Kecia Palmer-Cousins, MBA

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.

Office: 914.737.7237
Cell: 914.512.4373

Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.