Maryland African American Pride Magazine

Recent News

From the July - August 2007 Issue

Apostle Construction Company

Apostle Construction Co., Inc. of Salisbury got its name because its owners are Christians. Robert Brooks, Jr. formed the company. in 1999 and Omar Estrada joined him in 2002 to build what is today a general contracting firm doing over a million dollars in business a year.

It is the largest, if not one of the largest, minority-owned construction companies on The Shore. It operates a commercial, a residential, and a general construction division with five crews, 16 field personnel, and a fleet of twelve trucks and trailers. It is licensed, insured, and bonded. It also has ongoing relations with several subcontractors and such manufacturers as Certainteed; GAF, and Firestone. The firm recently acquired an office complex at 716 W. Naylor Mill Rd. in Salisbury to locate its headquarters.

Certified as a Minority Business Enterprise with'the State of Maryland, Apostle Construction is unique with African American partner Robert Brooks, and partner, Omar Estrada who is of Puerto Rican decent. Both partners have overcome great obstacles in their youth and are proud of all they have been blessed to accomplish. The firm has completed such sizable jobs as part of the recent renovation of the Gateway Building in Downtown Salisbury, the re-roofing of the Ella Fitzgerald Center at UMES, the Easton Airport Control tower, the Ramada Inn conversion in Ocean City, MD, and a Howard Johnson and Wingate Inn in New Jersey. Apostle Construction has made giving back to the community one of its objectives.

It has worked with Habitat for Humanity and SHORE UP! and even traveled to the Hurricane Katrina ravaged areas to help rebuild. It sponsors various non-profit organizations. It also believes in taking care of its own by emphasizing its promoting from within.

Company founder, Robert Brooks, is a native of New York who migrated to the Shore 14 years ago. He worked for Peninsula Roofing in Salisbury for seven years, working his way up from laborer to project manager. Then he worked for Firestone as an inspector for five years. A graduate of Wor-Wic Community College with an AA Degree in Applied Sciences, Brooks has also completed the Dale Carnegie course. Married to Monica Brooks, he is the father of two children.

He is a youth minister at Lighthouse Full Gospel Church of God in Christ in Salisbury, where he heads the YBMlD Mentoring project. He has been a part of the Jaycees, the Wicomico Mentoring Project, and OUR Community, Inc. As a member of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, he serves on the business affairs committee.

Partner, Omar Estrada, is a native of Chicago. His parents' migrated to the States from Puerto Rico before he was born. He migrated to The Shore 16 years ago. Determined not to be a carpenter like his father (now deceased), he worked for BFI recycling for six years, working his way up from laborer to manager. In 1998 he gave in to the call to the building trade working for a home builder then several highway bridge builders. Wherever he worked, he quickly became the leader. Married to Tania Estrada, Omar is the father of five children. Apostle Construction Co., lnc. may be reached at 410-548-1392.

Black Business Directory Published

The popular Maryland Eastern Shore Annual Black Business Listing is being published for the sixth year in this issue of Maryland African American Pride Magazine. We have listed over 350 Black-owned businesses.

In spite of all our efforts, there are some that we did not get sufficient information about to list. There are some that we did not find at all. If your business qualifies and is not listed, please let us know. According to US Census statistics, there are over 1,000 businesses owned by African Americans located on the MD Eastern Shore. A majority of these businesses are "microbusinesses", individual entrepreneurships.

They are owned and operated by one person and he/she is the only employee. They are truckers, DJ's, Real Estate investors cleaning services, taxi cab operators, lawn care services, barbers, and beauticians. Many are home business operators, like child day care providers.

Many of these businesses are "underground" businesses. These include those whose clients are other businesses so they do not need to publicize themselves to the public. Some are subcontractors dump truck owner / operators, commercial cleaning firms, transportation and delivery companies.

This listing is published to assist Black businesses to attract those who want to do business with them. It is also to assist those agencies that want to aid Black businesses to succeed. The listing will also be placed on our web site in the fall and updated periodically. It will be published again next year with your support.

The process of collecting this listing gives us the opportunity to meet many of the business owners. Weare proud to pay tribute to the hard-working entrepreneurs that we found. This effort was made possible with the support of the Rural Development Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the advertisers in this issue.

Click here to see the directory online.

Cooke elected president of the State association of wardens

The Queen Anne's County warden makes history
The Maryland Correctional Administrators Association elected Queen Anne's County Detention Center Warden LaMonte E. Cooke as its president for the next two years. The association held its elections at its 32nd Annual conference held June 3rd in Ocean City, MD. Cooke was elected president in 1995 and this unanimous vote marked the first time that a president of the association has been elected twice.

Cooke also received the President's Award for his past service to the association from outgoing association president Douglas Devenyns of Wicomico County's Department of Corrections. A resident of Chestertown, MD, Cooke has been Director of the Queen Anne's County Department of Corrections since 1987. Born in Philadelphia, he moved to Kent County in 1974 and became the first African American deputy sheriff in Queen Anne's County.

A Chesapeake College graduate, Cooke has completed Police Academy and National Institute of Corrections training (Colorado).

Whittington exhibit opens at the Lewis Museum

The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture unveiled the portrait and dedicated the exhibit honoring Dr. H. DeWayne Whittington at a luncheon held on June 19th in Baltimore at the museum. He and his wife, Lois, were joined by friends from The Shore and several Morgan State U. classmates.

With Judylynn Mitchell as mistress of ceremony, the audience was greeted by museum director Dr. David Terry and tributes were made to the honoree by State Department of Education officials, State Delegate Rudolph Cane, SHORE UP!, Inc. director Freddy L. Mitchell, Tri-County Organizations' Coalition president Jesse Ballard, and others. A buffet luncheon was enjoyed by all.

Guerrero Wins 165-lb National Boxing Title

Salisbury's Fernando Guerrero captured his fIrst national title at the US Championships in Colorado Springs, CO on June 8, 2007. In what USABoxing.org called the bout of the night, Guerrero defeated 2007 Golden Gloves champion Shawn Porter 33-17 to win the 165-pound weight class championship.

Guerrero, right, is pictured above during his semifinal bout where he defeated Jonathan Nelson, left, of Little Rock, AK. According to press reports, both boxers exchanged heavy blows from bell to bell. Guerrero led 10-8 after two rounds and 20-12 after three. The crowd cheered repeatedly. Guerrero, a lefty, knocked right-handed Porter down in the forth round. He defeated Jonathan Nelson of Little Rock, AK to reach the Championship bout.

Guerrero is a native of the Dominican Republic who moved to the US with his parents at age 11. He has made a name for himself while attending Parkside High School in Salisbury and wanted to fight in the WorId Junior Olympics for the US in 2004. He ended up winning the title for his home country after being disqualified to represent the US for lack of citizenship.

Having gained his US citizenship last year and having graduated from Parkside, Fernando has had a year to remember and made us all proud.

Elder Rawna L. Smith, Sr.
1936 - 2006

Remembering An Eastern Shore Pioneer. Elder Rawna L. Smith, Sr. was the former Pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church in Cambridge, MD. Rawna graduated from Somerset high School and went to work for Campbell Soup Co. in Salisbury. An entrepreneur, he began his own catering service business serving such clients as The Greater Salisbury Committee and The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

At age 18, Smith became a minister at the former St. Paul United Methodist Church in MI. Vemon, MD. He was ordained in 1960 and did evangelistic work, preaching the Gospel in many places. He was called to pastor United Missionary Baptist Church in Cambridge in 1967. There he served as a devoted leader, preacher, teacher, and counselor for 33 years. After retiring until God called him home, Smith faithfully attended Cross of Christ Church where Pastor L. Gordon is the leader in Berlin, MD.

Cherishing his memory is a wife of 48 years, Frances Smith, one daughter, four sons and daughter-in-Iaws, nine grand children, and one great grand child. "Dad, I see you everywhere. You're the old man in the chair sharing his wisdom; you're the coach and the teacher; you're the hero and the leader. Forever, we will applaud who you were and what you have done. You will always be admired and loved and never forgotten; for the work you have done still speaks for you."

Love Always

Justin Polk graduates summa cum laude from Howard University

Justin M. Polk of Salisbury graduated summa cum taude fi'om Howard University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Arts in English on May 12, 2007. Television show host and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey, was the commencement key note speaker.

An honors scholar, Justin graduated Phi Beta Kappa and as a member of Sigma Tau Delta, an English Honor Society. During his junior year, Justin studied in London, England as a part of the Institute for the International Education of Students. Polk plans to pursue a career in Law. Before going to law school, he will be working as a legal intern with a law firm in the Washington, D.C. area.

Justin is the son of Rachel S. and Jeffery Polk of Salisbury, MD. He graduated from Parkside Senior High School with honors in 2003 and received a scholarship to Howard University.

Rachel Polk earns a masters degree at Wilmington College

The Salisbury native graduates summa cum laude.
Rachel S.Polk of Salisbury graduated summa cum [aude from Wilmington College in New Castle, Delaware with a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership on May 8, 2007. Her 4.0 GPA earned her an induction into Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society in business management and administration.

A former Salisbury City Council member, Polk directs family services in Cambridge for a housing management firm and operates Grassroots II Bookstore online.

Mrs. Polk is the wife of Jeffery Polk of Salisbury and the mother of tour children: Hartley C. Saunders of Landover, MD, Kayin A Saunders of Chatsworth, CA, Tiffany M. Polk of Gainesville FL, and Justin M. Polk of Washihgton, DC. Her· step-, daughter, Brandi S. Polk resides in Salisbury. Mrs. Polk is the daughter of Mrs. Mary Eure of Salisbury and the late Bishop James L. Eure, Sr.

Curtis is honored

Cbanell D. Curtis of Salisbury was recently recognized as a US National Honor Student award winner for her academic achievement. The Salisbury Middle School honor student will appear in the United States Achievement Academy's official yearbook published nationally.

Chanell is the daughter of William and Carmila Curtis and the granddaughter of Robert and Susie Taylor of Hebron, MD and David and Joanne Sampson of Federalsburg, MD.

UMES News
News for and about the University of Maryland Eastern Shore

UMES kicks off Hytche Legacy Initiative drive

Hytche grandsons and UMES alumni, Jamison Hunter ('06) and Devlin Simms ('04) at the reception.

UMES officials and alumni launched the William P. Hytche Initiative fundraising campaign with a reception in the William P. Hytche Athletic Center on May 30, 2007. The three phases of the Initiative include having an original portrait of Dr. Hytche painted by famous artist Simmie Knox, creating a Hytche Legacy Gallery, and supporting the UMES seven-year, $14 million "Campaign for Academic Excellence." The single motivating factor for the project is the honoring of the life and outstanding achievements of the former UMES president.

Some 150 supporters attended the reception. It was announced that $20,000 of the $50,000 that the campaign plans to raise has already been pledged.

Reddon receives the Richard Bernstein Achievement Award

Alicia N. Reddon of Columbia received the $5,000 Richard Bernstein Achievement Award during spring commencement ceremonies at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Reddon, 21, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management technology. A 2003 graduate of Long Beach High School, she is the daughter of Julie Berry of Columbia and Ronald Reddon of Upper Marlboro. University officials describe her as one of the most sought after graduates in the Department, with job offers from such large companies as Whiting Turner, Winchester Homes and Holder.

In addition to her studies, Reddon served as treasurer and vice president of the UMES chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and volunteered with the local Salvation Army as a mentor to students that participated in the Salvation Army Youth Program. Ms. Reddon has been inducted into Sigma Lambda Chi, the Construction Management Technology Honor Society, and volunteered as a tutor in her department.

The Richard Bernstein Achievement Award for Excellence, named for and established by the Eastern Shore philanthropist and businessman credited with bringing the world of high technology to Maryland's Eastern Shore, is reserved for UMES seniors graduating in business, accounting, engineering technology, construction management technology, science, computer science or mathematics. It is awarded on an annual basis during the fall and spring commencement exercises.

Kimani Kirton is named an All-American in track

UMES' Kimani Kirton of St. Thomas, Jamaica/Kingston became an NCAA Outdoor AllAmerican for the first time in his collegiate career after placing eighth in the men's shot put with a personal-best throw of 61'11.5", June 9th at the Alex G. Spanos Sports Complex in Sacramento, Calif. He was also honored as the UMES Male Athlete of the Year at the Annual All Sports Awards Banquet this spring.

Kirton set a UMES shot put record in the preliminary round two days earlier with a mark of 61'7". He received an automatic bid to the Championships after placing fourth in the men's shot put 60'11" at NCAA Regionals, a throw that ranks him 17th in the 26-man field. This caps a historic season for Kirton, who missed the 2006 outdoor season due to injury.

The senior set new school records at almost every meet and shattered a 30-year old conference mark at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Championships. He was the 2005 MEAC Indoor and Outdoor shot put Champion.

Kirton is a senior from St Thomas, Jamaica majoring in Aviation Science.

Briscoe named district director of national finance company

Quantico, MD native Frances Briscoe was recently promoted to district manager of the national fmance company whose Salisbury office she works in. After ten years working for the local office, she has worked her way up to directing the company's offices in Maryland and Delaware. She fmished training in June.

Frances is the daughter of Joshua and the late Winifre Mitchell of Quantico, MD. She graduated from James M. Bennett High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Salisbury University.

Married to Daniel Briscoe for eight years, Frances and he reside in Salisbury.

Cambridge native travels and provides security for celebrities

LaRon Wilmer is a bodyguard and businessman When you have seen years celebrities like Eddie Murphy or Lala Ali on the TV news while traveling, you probably didn't pay any attention to those around them. Somewhere in their entourage was their security or body guard(s). Cambridge, MD native LaRon Wilmer may have been one of them. He has been providing security for such stars for years. He provided personal security for Eddie Murphy for six and now assists Lala Ali when she is traveling to fight. Wilmer is a graduate of Cambridge South Dorchester High School and studied at Delaware State College for two years. He was a partner in a security firm in Washington, D.C. for seven years before deciding to specialize in personal security. The father of two children, LaRon loves working with youth and volunteers at a group home. He also runs a marketing business and is looking to introduce the business to people on The Shore. For those 18 and older, looking for a great money-making opportunity, call him at 202-427-1889.

Wicomico NAACP Freedom Fund banquet coming on October 13th

UMES' Dr. Brenda O. Wade is keynote speaker The Wicomico County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will hold its 2nd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at noon, Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Richard Hazel Youth Center, Billy Gene Jackson Park, Jersey Rd., Salisbury. Dr. Brenda O. Wade, Dean of UMES School of Arts and Professions, is the keynote speaker addressing the theme, "Year 2007: Struggling for Equality."

Everyone is invited to enjoy good food and fellowship with music provided by the UMES Jazz Ensemble. Tickets, may be ordered for $30 each, from Wicomico County NAACP Branch #7028 at P.O. Box 1047, Salisbury, MD 21802. Enclosed checks should be made out to Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP. For further information, call 410-543-4187.

Organizations - Recent Elections

Wicomico Memorial VFW Post #10159 - Salisbury
Commander - James R. Simpson
Sr. Vice Comm. - Dwight W.
Watson
Jr. Vice Comm. - Reginald J. Elzey
Quartermaster - William Peters
Judge Advocate - Thomas V.
Kimball
Chaplain - William M. Price, Jr.
Surgeon - Anthony V. Johnson
Trustees - Elwood Wyatt, Patrick C.
Williams, Douglas Purnell

Wicomico Memorial VFW Post #10159 (Auxiliary) Salisbury
President - Mildred Spence
Sr. Vice Pres. - Mary Ringgold
Jr. Vice Pres. - Thelma Butler
Secretary - Starr Purnell
Treasurer - Jacquelyn Kimball
Chaplain - Genvene Jones
Conductress - Katrena Singleton
Guard - Fonnette Simpson
Trustees - Priscilla Anderson,
Helen Cherry, Eugene Shields
Patriotic Instr. - Helen Cherry
Historian - Helen Williams

Mildred Spence is reelected VFW Post #10159 Auxiliary president

The VFW Auxiliary 0f VFW Post # 10159 in Salisbury has reelected Mildred Spence as its president for 2007-2008. A long-time member of the unit, she held the presidency in 2006-2007 and 2001-2002. She was also elected VFW Auxiliary District # 16 junior vice president for 2007-2008 after serving as its president for 2006-2007 and 2002-2003. She has held several other offices in the VFW Auxiliary. Spence is a member of the Military Order of the Cootie Auxiliary and was reelected Senior Vice President of Pup Tent #27 MOCA in Salisbury.

A member of the Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World, she is Assistant Vice Daughter Ruler of Success Temple #154 in Salisbury and is invited to go to the National Convention in Jacksonville, FL this summer to be honored as a Past Grand Daughter Ruler thru the Purple Cross Nursing Health Department.

Spence is also secretary of the local Buffalo Soldiers.

Local rapper hits the Top 20 music charts

CD released World-wide
Groove City Records has inked a major distribution deal for its hit artist "Rondue." The Eastern Shore-based independent record label recorded the hit single, "Driving Me Crazy" featuring Rondue, M.D. Hasting, and Tara, that reached # 19 on the Billboard Hit Chart. This led to their producing an album and landing a world-wide distribution deal. The CD, titled "Rondu Whatcha Now Know," was released June 26, 2007.

"Rondue" aka Ronald Thorpe, graduated from Cambridge South Dorchester High School and earned a bachelor's degree at Winston Salem State University. He has been rapping since age twelve. His career took off while in college and he has since worked with such notables as Jay Z, Busta Rythms, KRS1, Lloyd Banks, Buck Shot, and Bone Crusher.

Groove City Records is based in Trappe, MD. Billed as "The Hottest New Independent Label on The East Coast," the company was formed and is run by Carlos Stanley of Salisbury. It has other artist following Rondue. To find more info, visit: www. myspace.comJronduegcr or email: musikworks2004@yahoo.com

Parker heads Salisbury's Semi-pro football team

Salisbury's semi-pro football team is owned by Salisbury native Donnie Parker. Associated with the Diamond Football League, The Wicomico Stallions have been in existence as The Stallions since 2004. The team was called the Dragons prior to then. Parker is being installed in the Semi-Pro Hall of Fame for his outstanding play and service.

The team plays all over the east coast and had a winning record of 6-3 last season. The league includes three Delmarva teams the Sussex County Punishers, the Talbot County Warriors, and the Wicomico Stallions. Teams from other familiar areas include the Baltimore Bulls, Prince George's (MD) Headhunters, New Castle (DE) Saints, Virginia Pirates, and Glouster (VA) Generals.

Parker is a Salisbury native who graduated from Bennett High School. The son of Ralph and Patricia Parker, he recently married Amy Parker. Employed at Lorch Microwave in Salisbury, he is the father of two daughters. The 31-year old has played semi-pro football since he was 19.

Team members include quarterback Jeff Lyles, and JR Cameron, Billie Jackson, Taven Parker, Marcus "Koose" Smiley, George "Jigga" Johnson, Chris Cornish, Dwight "Marlo" Dennis, Terran Wright Sr., Chris Robbins, Kenny McMillan, Joe Deshields, Rob Rosario, Trey Vann, AC Sadberry, Linwood Harmon, Caleb Levers, Ernie "RayRay" Bonniville, Chad Potter, Terrell McBride, Derek Stephens, Tom Beckett, RJ Parker, Qujuan Walker, Brent Marshall, Titus Lofton, Derek Himmler, Darnell Evans, Justin Eckard, DL Lassiter, and coaches Jeffrey Dumpson and Hooks.

The team boasts having launched some careers as some players have been recruited to play college ball and on other teams.

For more info, Visit: www.myspace.com/wicomico_stallions.