Happy Black History Month and Philanthropy Thursday “on Friday” Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Family,

The snowstorms just keep coming and coming. Winter is definitely here!

Black people all over the world have weathered many “storms”. We will continue to be resilient and persevere through all of the physical, mental and spiritual storms that we encounter on a daily basis. We are and will continue to teach our children that we are “black excellence”!

African roots flow through our veins.

We wish good health, wealth and happiness to everyone this year!  Let’s all continue to be safe and socially distanced in our travels. Be grateful that the sun still shines through the snow. In 2021, let’s work together to make effective change within ourselves and the communities that we serve.

Due to the ongoing global pandemic, many people of all ages, races, etc. are still unemployed, food insecurity is high, loved ones are dealing with health crisis, loved ones are dying, people are missing social interaction, hugs and touches from loved ones Let’s spread love and thank you’s all over the world as we “reset” and get things done in 2021!

Please remember our sick and shut-in. A call to say that you were thinking of them, and offering assistance to them in some capacity goes a long way. As you provide blessing to others, your blessings will also flow. Wake up every morning thankful for the air that you breathe and the ability to breathe on your own. To much is given, much is required!

This week’s Philanthropy Thursday focuses on a few Black History gems to keep you moving and grooving in the “Black History Month” spirit including Souper Bowl of Caring and the One Hundred Black Men’s upcoming Gala Celebration!

Food, fun, faith, family, music, art, etc. have kept black families together. Back in the day many Black families looked forward to the weekend! Especially Friday nights! At the end of the workweek, many black families would play their

favorite records or albums, sing, dance and thank God for getting through another work week.

Kecia and Kevin, co-founders of Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. both remember their families jamming to the songs of socially conscious black recording artists, activists and philanthropists like the legendary James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Eddie Levert (The O’Jays). Both Aretha and James produced some of the most memorable black protests songs whose words were relevant then and are even more profound today.

Kecia’s mother Obie Palmer, nee Bryant, moved from Unadilla, Georgia to Detroit, Michigan

where she spent her early teen age years, as a member of the church where Aretha Franklin’s

father was the pastor. She was also friends with Carolyn Franklin, one of Aretha’s sisters. Obie remembers that as a teen, Aretha loved to roller skate. The deacons at the church constantly

went to the roller rink to pick her up and bring her to the church to sing or practice. Aretha kept it moving!

Obie loved clothing and fashion. Like teen girls do, she and Carolyn loved admiring the fabulous

outfits that Aretha would wear as she toured the country singing and sharing her talent with the world.

Aretha not only revolutionized the sound of music during her career, she contributed to the changing of our society from a segregated one to one where all people, men and women were equal. Her chart-topping hit Respect became the anthem for a nation for a nation struggling to break free from the chains of racism, segregation and patriarchy. Not only did she lend her voice to the struggle, she consistently donated money to the Civil Rights Movement, supporting the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the NAACP and others. NAACP President and CEO stated that “Her unmitigated “Blackness” and contributions to art national progress places her on the Mt. Everest of American icons who changed this society for the better. We miss Aretha dearly.

Similar to Kecia’s father, James Brown was from South Carolina. On Friday nights, Kecia’s father would become the “house DJ “and play music by James Brown, BB King, Aretha, The O’Jays, etc. As an adult, Kecia got the opportunity to meet Eddie Levert, Lead Singer of The O’Jays at a Go On Girl Bookclub! Conference. So of course, it was a special treat when as Mr. Levert was signing a copy of his book “I Got Your Back” for Kecia, that he co-wrote with his son Gerald Levert, he surprised Kecia’s father and spoke to him on her cell phone. He wished him her dad Happy Father’s Day. Kecia’s dad Leroy enjoyed his brief conversation telling Mr. Levert how much he enjoyed listening to his music throughout the years. Kecia still remembers Mr. Levert saying, “Hey Leroy, How you doing man?” They had a hearty, laugh-filled conversation. Kecia is truly grateful for Mr. Levert making her father’s day. She will be an O’Jays fan forever!  Gestures of kindness go a long way. Mr. Levert has also contributed monetarily to the NAACP over the years!

Kecia’s parents and Kevin’s mom instilled in them to be black and proud like James’ song, “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud!”. The inspirational Civil Rights activist and philanthropist , Rev. Al Sharpton, James Brown’s godson, always pays homage to his mentor and godfather. “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”, was the quintessential black power song.

It stood for black empowerment and self-reliance. The political climate in which James Brown wrote the song couldn’t have been more timely. “If James Brown was the Godfather Of Soul, he was also the musical expression of the black power movement. Listen here.

In the spirit of his favorite sport, football and community service, Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. COO and Father’s Auxiliary Chair of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter (MHVC), Kevin Cousins, kicked off the “Souper Bowl

of Caring” with the over 30 Father members from the MHVC. During Super Bowl Weekend, the dedicated, hard-working, fabulous father members started asking friends, family and the community to join them in giving back to Fred’s Pantry (part of Caring for the Hungry and Homeless in Peekskill),

in their quest to eradicate food insecurity and make a donation to their “Souper Bowl of Caring” Food Drive. Thus far, this week, over 47 cases of soup (12 cans per case) have been donated and shipped to Fred’s Pantry. That’s a whole lot of soup!

However, the need is great and the goal is 500 cases of soup. In the spirit of “Souper Bowl of Caring”, please join in the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team and make your donation today! We donated a couple of cases. Arthur, the manager at Fred’s Pantry and the clients that are receiving the cans of soup are so, so grateful and appreciative for the cans of nourishment that have been shipped thus far. Let’s keep the Soup cans coming!  Cases start as little as $16. Each can counts toward feeding the need. You have the power to make a difference!

Last month, Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.’s CEO Kecia Palmer-Cousins joined the Feeding Westchester Board. Kecia has always been passionate about giving back and making sure that people, especially black people have the human dignity of access to nutritional food. In Westchester County, one of the wealthiest counties in the US, no one should go to bed hungry at night. Children, women, the elderly, black folks and all folks of should not go to school hungry. A hungry belly is an obstacle to so many opportunities. Let’s all do our part to provide minimize “food insecurities” in all communities. Kecia is honored to be given the opportunity to serve on the Board alongside the

phenomenal and dedicated Board embers. Karen Erren, Feeding Westchester CEO, Sue Norton, Feeding Westchester Board Chair and the other Board Members have welcomed her with open arms. She is ready to roll up her sleeves and do all that she can to be help Feeding Westchester in their mission to end hunger. If you missed last week’s press release in the River Journal, you can check it out here! More news to come this year on how Feeding Westchester and you can make a difference in ending hunger in Westchester.

2601 Frederick Douglass Boulevard New York, NY 10030

A few months ago, Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. was awarded a $1,500 Grant from Hennessy and One Hundred Black Men. This grant was part of a $10M grant that Hennessy gave to the One Hundred Black Men to distribute to Black Businesses in the community affected by the global pandemic. The Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. team truly appreciated this grant as they continued on their mission to help other black businesses stay afloat during 2020. Thank you One Hundred Black Men! Thousands of black owned businesses across the country applied for these grant funds! You can see a listing of some of them here. Even though we weren’t listed, we did receive a congratulations letter (see an excerpt of it below) and the $1,500 in our checking account. We love Electronic Fund Transfers!

Dear Kecia Palmer-Cousins,

Thank you for submitting your application for the Unfinished Business initiative. We received requests far in excess of the available funds and the reviewing committee allocated resources on a first-come, first-served basis.

While the initial investment is exhausted, our partners at Hennessy agreed to provide additional funding for the Unfinished Business program. One Hundred Black Men of New York is pleased to offer you $1,500 USD to support your business. It's our mission to continue to help Black, Asian, and Latinx businesses impacted by the pandemic. Rebuilding small businesses like yours is essential to an equitable recovery from COVID-19, supporting a more just economic and social future.

There will always be Unfinished Business - long after COVID-19 is over – and we remain committed to assisting small businesses just like Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc.

Let us know if you have any questions—and congratulations again!

In solidarity,

Courtney A. Bennett

Executive Director

Please join One Hundred Black Men of New York (OHBM) as they celebrate giving back by to Black Businesses, black youth and the black community by hosting a day of service called The Day of the One Hundred on February 18, 2021. OHBM members will affirm their commitment to improving the Black community by conducting community service projects and hosting our 41st Annual Benefit Gala event, which will be virtual this year. Since its inception

the gala has paid tribute to local and national leaders who share our organization's goals and engage in transformative initiatives to strengthen Black communities, the nation, and the world. This year's roster of confirmed honorees and guest speakers are below.

No one knows the impact of our work better than you do. Please post the attached flyer in your social media to invite your friends and colleagues. You can attend the gala for FREE but may wish to purchase a patron ticket, make a contribution, or promote your business with an ad or sponsorship.  

Gala honorees include:

Our Guest Performer is DJ Envy: Co-host of The Breakfast Club. We also have a host of moderators and panelists who will discuss pertinent issues impacting Black America and Black business including Bakari Sellers, Michael Pugh, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Latosha Brown, Wes Moore, Sharon Epperson, Jon Rogers, Kiko Davis, some surprise guests and more.

For more information about the gala please give us a call at 929-509-0364 or visit our website.

Unfinished Business is a program by Hennessy that provides immediate relief and long-term support to Black, Asian, and Latinx small-business owners.We received an overwhelming response to Unfinished Business. We are humbled to be able to offer support to over a thousand small businesses nationwide. Here we highlight a few of their stories of strength, courage, and resilience.

The first New Yorkers to receive the vaccine as part of Phase 1 will be high-risk hospital workers (emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff), nursing home residents, nursing home staff, followed by all long-term and congregate care residents and staff, EMS workers, other health care workers, coroners and medical examiners.

Governor Cuomo provided additional details about the vaccine program in his briefing; if you missed it, you can view it here.

Let’s continue to love and support each other through this challenging 2021! Live each day with purpose! Keep the Faith!

As Adam Clayton Powell used to say, “Keep the Faith, Baby!” (Insert the photo of Adam Clayton Powell.)

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (November 29, 1908 – April 4, 1972)[1] was a Baptist pastor and an American politician, who represented the Harlem neighborhood of New York City in the United States House of Representatives from 1945 until 1971. He was the first African-American to be elected from New York to Congress.[2][3]

Re-elected for nearly three decades, Powell became a powerful national politician of the Democratic Party, and served as a national spokesman on civil rights and social issues. He also urged United States presidents to support emerging nations in Africa and Asia as they gained independence after colonialism.

In 1961, after 16 years in the House, Powell became chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, the most powerful position held by an African American in Congress. As chairman, he supported the passage of important social and civil rights legislation under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Following allegations of corruption, in 1967 Powell was excluded from his seat by Democratic Representatives-elect of the 90th United States Congress, but he was re-elected and regained the seat in the 1969 ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in Powell v. McCormack. He lost his seat in 1970 to Charles Rangel and retired from electoral politics.

Kecia, Kevin and the Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. family thank everyone for their continued support! We truly appreciate it as we continue to motivate and collaborate with MWBEs to project completion! Stay safe, stay well, stay connected with us, your Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. Family!

Happy Black History Month to everyone!  Thanks for everyone’s feedback regarding our newsletters. We enjoy sharing news with our Aero-Ba-Soul, Inc. family ……you!

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