Business and Finance

No twerking. Drinking is prohibited. But I lost a party at a Christian nightclub

Published

7 months ago

March 7, 2024

IAM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A young crowd at a Nashville nightclub was ready to bop under strobe lights to a pulsing mixture of hip-hop, rap and Latin beats. But first they gathered to wish and praise God.

The rules were announced on the dance floor by an MC with a microphone to the club’s 200-plus patrons shrouded in thick, smoke-producing fog: “Rule No. 1: No twerking. Rule two: no drinking. And the third rule: no smoking. The last unspoken rule seemed obvious even then: no secular music – your complete playlist needed to be Christian.

Welcome to Bay.

Jeremiah Manley (left) and other attendees of The Cove, an 18-and-over Christian nightclub, raise their arms in worship on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

This pop-up Christian nightclub for people over 18 was founded last 12 months by seven black Christians of their 20s – amongst them an Ivy League-educated financial analyst, musician and social media expert – who wanted to construct a thriving community and a welcoming space for young Christians in front of homes of prayer. The launch comes amid a post-pandemic decline in church attendance, especially amongst Black Protestants, that research shows is unmatched amongst another major religious group.

“We experienced pain ourselves because we couldn’t find community outside of our church, we didn’t know what to do to have fun without feeling bad, doing things that went against our values,” said Eric Diggs, a 24-year-old specialist at The Cove old CEO.

“There was no room to cultivate it. So we created it ourselves, taking into consideration this pain point – loneliness, anxiety, depression, Covid and long quarantine.

Prove that Christians will be cool, not trivial

Before their first monthly event in November, they set themselves an ambitious goal: to achieve 1,000 followers on social media. “We ended up getting over 10,000 followers before our first event, which was crazy,” said Eric’s brother, Jordan Diggs, 22, who manages the club’s social media presence.

“Christians are considered trivial. And we want to show that Christians can be normal, they can be cool. And they can have fun.”

The second equally popular event took place on the occasion of the New Year. The third one took place in February.

The Cove co-founders, from left: Jonathan Diggs, Jordan Diggs, Darin Starks, Shem Rivera and Eric Diggs, welcome guests to The Cove, an 18-and-over Christian nightclub they founded late last 12 months. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

He’s been on his own for weeks Instagram account — under hashtags like #jesuschrist #nightclubs — club organizers asked people to be ready to bop your complete evening of worship and look their best: “When you pull up, we expect to see you at the Most Holy Drop.”

At the mid-February event, many members of the racially and ethnically diverse audience wore a rainbow of vibrant colours – fluorescent turquoise, vivid orange, neon pink – in Nike, Adidas and New Balance sneakers. Or sweatshirts with images of Jesus and college jackets with passages from the Holy Bible.

“Honestly, what surprised me the most was the diversity,” said Aaron Dews, one in every of the club’s founders. “Since we are seven Black people, just seeing the increase in the number of people we can bring in and uniting around one idea has been extremely encouraging.”

Food trucks were waiting for hungry club members. Inside, Benji Shuler was selling vintage clothes hanging on racks with religious messages. A white T-shirt with the long-lasting Pepsi logo with the inscription: “Jesus: the choice of a new generation”, referring to the slogan of the soda company from several a long time ago.

Instead of alcohol, vendors sold sports drinks, bottled water and soda. Organizers were blissful to organize early. They hung Christmas lights on the ceilings, sang a cappella and practiced their best choreographies.

The club becomes a destination for Christians near and much

Before impressing everyone along with his dance moves, 20-year-old Garrett Bland listened to gospel singer Donald Lawrence’s song “Deliver Me” on his phone. “It’s about letting the Lord into your life,” he said, wearing a gold medallion with the words “The Lord’s Prayer” around his neck and a beige hoodie with the words, “God First.”

He applauded the efforts of The Cove’s founders, saying “they want to create a space for believers who want to come to faith and have fun.”

Wearing a blue hoodie with white embroidery depicting “young sons of God,” Eric Diggs asked organizers and volunteers to hitch him in prayer. “Dear God, thank you for this night,” he said. “Amen!” – the group shouted in unison to the gang, like a basketball team before a game – and shouted: “Bay!”

Nia Gant, 18, was at the club for the primary time. She moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan, 4 months ago and said she prayed to make like-minded friends. “I think joy and religion can go together,” said Gant, who was wearing a nose piercing, Air Jordans and ripped jeans. “God,” she said, “is joy.”

Jade Russell of Louisville, Kentucky, dances at The Cove, an 18-and-over pop-up Christian nightclub, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

Soon there was a line of individuals outside who had purchased tickets prematurely to enter the nightclub. At the door, security guards in bulletproof vests searched club patrons. Inside they were talking, laughing and high-fiving one another.

Word spread quickly that the couple had traveled greater than 9,000 miles from their home in Brisbane, Australia, to a Christian club in Tennessee’s capital often called Music City. It was true: Haynza Posala, 23, and his wife Kim Posala, 24, heard about The Cove through podcast about faith and culture co-hosted by Darin Starks, one in every of the club’s founders.

“We thought it was cool, it glorified God,” Haynza Posala said.

“It’s surreal,” Kim Posala said, looking around as people wearing trucker hats, berets and baseball caps streamed into the club and were handed bracelets of various colours. “It’s community and that’s what church is all about.”

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Microphone in hand, Carlton Batts Jr., a founding musician who was the designated DJ and emcee, asked people on the dance floor questions, dividing them into groups: “If you like listening to music, come here,” he said, pointing to at least one side . “If you prefer podcasts, here.”

“People can be really cliquey in church,” Batts said. “So here we give them cues, so when we start the DJ set, people are really dancing freely.”

The crowd went wild when the DJ played “Alacazam” by rapper Caleb Gordon, who has gained popularity for faith-inspired songs, especially Christian hip-hop. They held their breath and cheered as 21-year-old Dillan Runions, a former competitive dancer, performed a backflip on the dance floor.

The dance party is combined with an emotional worship service

Eventually it changed into a revival of sorts: some cried or knelt with their eyes closed in prayer. Someone within the small group whispered and asked God to “take away the negative suicidal thoughts.”

Many sang a gospel song that everybody appeared to know by heart: “A God like you,” performed by the choir director, rapper and songwriter Kirk Franklin.

The feedback was mostly positive. Club founders have also faced criticism on TikTok from some who say dancing and worship don’t go together — and even see it as a sin. Jordan Diggs says it attracts attention, whether it’s good or bad – “just the words ‘Christian’ and ‘nightclub’ will start a lot of conversations.”

Jonathan Diggs (center) and Carlyle Coppins (right) join a line of dancers at The Cove, an 18-and-over pop-up Christian nightclub, on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Jessie Wardarski)

Other generations notice this. At one point, Shem Rivera, 26, worship leader and founder, approached 18-year-old Noah Moon on the dance floor and asked him how he heard about The Cove.

“My mom told me about it — she sent me a video on Instagram,” said Moon, who had moved from Kansas to Nashville the day before. “It’s fire!” Rivera replied smiling.

At the top, everyone prayed in silence. “It sounds oxymoronic – a Christian dance club,” said Nicholas Oldham, who manages the club. At first he was skeptical and even wondered whether it was not a sacrilege.

“Fun is the bait; it’s bait,” he said, adding that what happens on the dance floor is rather more.

“For old fools like me, it means that the young are hungry for the word of God,” said Oldham, in his 40s. “The church is not a building and these young people are catching up.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Business and Finance

Black-owned brand redefines vodka with first-ever organic hemp-infused vodka

Published

14 hours ago

September 20, 2024

IAM

Fiyori Vodka changes the foundations of the alcohol industry, offering a singular combination of luxury and well-being.

Founded by Clarence Darkwa and COO Jay Black, Fiyori is the world’s first organic vodka with hemp. It offers a smooth, sophisticated drinking experience combined with the health advantages of organic hemp seeds. As black entrepreneurs in a white-dominated industry, Clarence and Jay have overcome challenges and broken barriers to create a product that stands out and is leading a brand new wave of wellness-conscious spirits.

BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP We caught up with the founders to debate their journey, the innovation behind their brand, and the way Fiyori is poised to disrupt the market.

BE: What inspired you to create Fiyori and the way did the thought for an organic hemp-infused vodka come about?

Clarence and Jay: Fiyori was inspired by the need to create a premium vodka that not only tasted exceptional, but in addition offered health advantages. Known for its wealthy dietary profile—filled with essential fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants—hemp seeds were a natural alternative. We desired to mix wellness with pampering, and so the thought of an organic vodka infused with hemp was born. Fiyori was a product that combined one of the best of each worlds: premium vodka and the advantages of organic hemp seeds, while maintaining a smooth, sophisticated taste.

Can you tell us concerning the technique of developing the world’s first organic hemp-infused vodka? What challenges did you encounter along the best way?

Creating the world’s first organic hemp-infused vodka has been an exciting journey. The process began with sourcing high-quality organic hemp seeds that met our rigorous standards for sustainability and purity. We experimented with the infusion process to realize the proper balance of flavor without compromising the smoothness of the vodka. One of the most important challenges was overcoming regulatory hurdles and educating consumers concerning the difference between hemp and marijuana. Despite these hurdles, we remained committed to creating a singular product that showcased the natural advantages of hemp seeds.

Why was it necessary to you that Fiyori vodka not only be hemp-infused but in addition organic? How do these decisions reflect your brand values?

From the very starting, we were committed to making a vodka that was aligned with the values of quality, sustainability and wellness. The decision to make use of organic ingredients stemmed from our belief that customers deserve a clean, pure product without harmful additives. Hemp seeds have quite a few health advantages and we desired to preserve these characteristics through an organic process. This commitment to integrity reflects Fiyori’s mission to supply a premium, health-conscious vodka while supporting sustainable farming practices.

How do you think that the addition of hemp makes your vodka stand out from others available on the market and the way have consumers responded to it to date?

The hemp infusion definitely sets Fiyori apart in some ways. It adds a subtle nutty flavor and offers potential health advantages like improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and protection of neurological function. Consumers were thrilled to find a vodka that not only tastes smooth but may also contribute to their overall well-being. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many purchasers surprised by how smooth our vodka is and thrilled by the potential health advantages.

In an industry where tradition often rules, how does Fiyori manage to embrace innovation while still paying homage to the art of vodka making?

While we honor traditional vodka-making techniques, we’ve embraced innovation with our hemp seed infusion and deal with organic ingredients. Using state-of-the-art equipment and sustainable practices, we’ve created a product that’s each modern and respectful of workmanship. Our goal is to refine the vodka-making process without overshadowing its roots, combining tradition with recent trends in wellness and sustainability.

Given current trends within the alcohol industry, where do you see Fiyori’s place and what do you think that the longer term holds for cannabis-infused alcohol?

Fiyori suits right into the growing trend of health-conscious, organic spirits. As more people see the advantages of hemp and as regulations evolve, we imagine hemp-infused spirits will turn into more popular. We are proud to be on the forefront of this movement, leading the charge to coach consumers and push the boundaries of premium spirits.

What advice would you give to aspiring black entrepreneurs seeking to break through? spirits industry or other highly competitive market?

Our advice to aspiring Black entrepreneurs is to remain true to your unique vision. Your personal experiences and perspective can set you apart. Build strong networks, deal with quality and innovation, and persevere within the face of challenges. The journey is not going to be easy, but with exertions, community support, and a transparent mission, success is within sight.

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Business and Finance

Gary Payton Launches Greater Purpose Cannabis Brand

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2024

IAM

Former NBA star Gary Payton recently partnered with Green Label Rx to launch Greater Purpose, a cannabis-infused wellness brand with recovery support for athletes and professionals.

The product will debut on September 20 at Hall of Flowers, a cannabis industry trade show in Santa Rosa, California. The former legendary Seattle Supersonic guard has teamed up with Green Label Rx founder Jason McKnight to bring the product to the world.

“Having maintained peak physical fitness throughout my career, it became important to me to share the benefits of cannabis recovery and offer the highest quality wellness products to those with an active lifestyle,” Gary Payton said in a written statement.

Greater Purpose bills itself as the primary brand of its kind to mix the worlds of recovery and cannabis. The topical product line will help alleviate chronic muscle pain, because it has been developed to harness the healing properties of cannabis and is designed to assist those with an lively lifestyle.

During the Hall of Flowers festival, people will have the opportunity to experience Greater Purpose, receive exclusive prizes, watch live product demos and meet Payton on the event.

“Greater Purpose is more than just a product line – it’s a movement to change the way we think about recovery and self-care,” said Jason McKnight.

It was recently revealed that Payton, who has been coaching basketball for several years, was announced as the brand new head coach of the College of Alameda men’s basketball team. He will lead the team after serving as head coach at Lincoln University in Oakland, California for the past three seasons.

Payton has coached within the Big3 Ice Cube league since its inception in 2017. He led his team to a title last season and was named Big3 Coach of the Year.

In 2006, he won the NBA championship with the Miami Heat. The 56-year-old played within the NBA for 17 seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. In the 1995-96 season, he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the primary point guard to win the award.

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Business and Finance

2nd Annual Franchise Game Symposium in Plano, Texas Breaks New Ground

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2024

IAM

Tarji Carter - The Franchise Game Founder / Event Organizer

Franchise gameThe first and only African American Franchise Symposium and Trade Show in the U.S., held its second annual event on August 16, 2024 in Plano, Texas. The event, which was spearheaded by The Franchise Player, Tarji Carter, marketing expert Dessie Brown Jr., and brand consultant Daylon Goff, was held on the Yum! Restaurants International Corporate Campus. The symposium brought together industry experts and leaders to debate the secrets to success, challenges, and opportunities in franchising.

(Photo credit: Donnie R. Word II)

This yr’s theme, “Own Your Future: Franchising as a Path to True Independence,” was the focus throughout the day. There were many notable highlights, but in keeping with Tarja Carter, “One of the most memorable moments at The Franchise Game 2024 was an incredible fireside chat with our esteemed guest, Roland Parrish, and the incredible Lady Jade. Roland’s story of how he used his success to revitalize a struggling community in Dallas through his foundation is truly inspiring. And his sponsorship of Charlie Pride’s internship with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club shows just how deep his commitment runs. But what really stole the show were the priceless gems he dropped, encouraging everyone to lead with integrity, not greed. His words hit home in a powerful way and left the audience feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to make a difference.”

James Fripp, Chief Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Officer at Yum! Brands made a big impact at this yr’s Franchise Game by offering two scholarships to the Yum! Franchising Bootcamp through the Executive Education Program on the University of Louisville! This opportunity is an actual game-changer for 2 lucky participants who will now have the prospect to delve into the world of franchising and gain invaluable knowledge to advance in their entrepreneurial journey. What a unbelievable gesture of support and empowerment from James and Yum! Brands!

This yr, there have been twice as many exhibitors, including Ben & Jerry’s, American Franchise Academy, Nebo Law Firm, Dine Brands (IHOP, Applebee’s and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop), GoTo Foods (Cinnabon, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Jamba Juice, McAlister’s Deli and Auntie Anne’s), Smoothie King, Potbelly Sandwiches, KFC, European Wax Center, Inspire Brands (Dunkin’, Baskin Robbins, Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy Johns and Sonic Drive-In), EATS Broker (restaurant brokerage), ATenantCo (business real estate), Orchatect (IT infrastructure solutions) and Chick N Max.

I had the pleasure of participating in the symposium and trade fair, representing Ben & Jerry’s and reporting on the event BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP readers. In my role as a franchise development consultant for the brand, I shared with The Franchise Game participants details about Ben & Jerry’s industry-leading racial equity incentive program, which offers a big reduction in franchise fees and waives licensing fees for BIPOC candidates interested in ownership. “It’s definitely one of the most, if not the most aggressive incentive programs in the game,” Carter said. “We were also very grateful to partner with Ben & Jerry’s, who generously donated ten tickets for students at the University of North Texas at Frisco to participate in The Franchise Game and experience the world of franchising firsthand. It’s all about creating opportunity and access, and we’re so grateful for Ben & Jerry’s commitment to making a real difference!”

After the massive success of The Franchise Game 2024, planning is already underway for 2025. Carter said, “2024 was an absolute blast! We’ve doubled in size, with a bigger, better, and bolder program that sets the stage for something truly special. Our partnership with Yum! Brands has been phenomenal, and I’m excited to announce that we’re returning to their Plano Corporate Campus for The Franchise Game 2025 — and trust me, it’s going to be EPIC! We’re already gearing up for next year, ready to welcome more Texas entrepreneurs and give them the tools, connections, and inspiration they need to succeed as franchise owners. I can’t wait to see everyone there!”

To learn more about The Franchise Player and events, go to pl.franchiseplayer.com.

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com