{"id":4588,"date":"2026-02-02T19:19:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:19:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/?p=4588"},"modified":"2026-02-02T19:19:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:19:58","slug":"a-legacy-of-leadership-in-celebration-of-black-history-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/2026\/02\/02\/a-legacy-of-leadership-in-celebration-of-black-history-month\/","title":{"rendered":"A Legacy of Leadership in Celebration of Black History Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-1-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"A person speaking in front of a small group of people with a computer in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-4589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-1-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-1-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-1.jpg 1346w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo by ASU Media<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Black History Month is more than a commemoration. It\u2019s a powerful reminder of the remarkable innovations, creativity and legacies continually being built, shaping a future we all benefit from and can be inspired by. It reminds us to honor the vision and achievements of Black leaders whose impact continues to shape our world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Looking back, we celebrate the trailblazers who opened doors and redefined possibility. Looking forward, we recognize the innovation and leadership of today\u2019s changemakers, including entrepreneurs and founders, ensuring future generations see themselves reflected in stories of progress and possibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At Edson E+I Institute, we are proud to uplift Black\u2011owned businesses, including those we\u2019ve collaborated with, and highlight the incredible work they continue to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Spotlight: The Sea Moss Bosses<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:35% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4590 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Jacary-Hawkins.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><em>Photo: Jacary Hawkins and Paris Hawkins of The Sea Moss Bosses<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Jacary Hawkins<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, Founder and CEO of <\/span><b>The Sea Moss Bosses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, recognized a gap in access to essential vitamins and minerals within the community. Driven by a desire to make wellness more accessible, he created The Sea Moss Bosses to offer natural, easy-to-use products that support healthier lifestyles. Today, the company provides sea moss gel, capsules and flavored blends designed to meet people where they are on their health journeys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Since connecting with E+I, Jacary has actively participated in events, expanded his professional network and earned <\/span><b>$10,000 in funding through the Chandler Endeavor Venture Challenge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. He regularly attends events alongside his wife and children, demonstrating his commitment not only to entrepreneurship but also to family and community. His wife, <\/span><b>Paris Hawkins<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, is also a partner in the business\u2014further reinforcing the values of collaboration and shared purpose that guide their venture.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h3><b>The Sea Moss Bosses Q&amp;A<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>E+I: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As we celebrate Black History Month, how does the concept of \u2018legacy\u2019 influence the way you lead your business every day?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Jacary: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Legacy influences the way I lead my business every day by pushing me to operate with integrity in everything we do. I am not building for short-term wins. I am building something that is meant to last, something my family and community can be proud of for generations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E+I: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What has been the most rewarding part of transitioning your vision into a reality?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Jacary: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The most rewarding part of turning my vision into reality has been the impact we have made in the community and in people\u2019s lives. Many people want to take better care of their health, but do not know where to start when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Becoming a trusted resource and a beacon of light in that journey has been incredibly fulfilling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E+I:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> In what specific way did the resources or mentorship at E+I help you move the needle on your business goals?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Jacary: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">E+I played a critical role in helping move the needle for my business. Through mentorship, resources and funding, I was able to clearly define my vision and create a strategy to scale it to the next level. That support directly contributed to our growth, including the ability to hire a new team member to help us expand our reach and impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Spotlight: ARG Coaching &amp; Consulting Group<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:35% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Angela-Garmon-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4591 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Angela-Garmon-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Angela-Garmon-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Angela-Garmon-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Angela-Garmon-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Angela-Garmon.jpg 1350w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><em>Photo: Angela Garmon of ARG Coaching &amp; Consulting Group<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The next business we\u2019re honored to highlight is <\/span><b>ARG Coaching &amp; Consulting Group<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, founded by <\/span><b>Angela Garmon<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. ARG is a change management consulting firm that partners with organizations nationwide to support leadership development and organizational growth. In 2021, Angela also launched a nonprofit initiative designed to support small and diverse businesses across the state.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Angela\u2019s leadership and impact have earned national recognition. In 2025, she was named a <\/span><b>WBENC WBE Star<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, an honor awarded to only 14 women-owned businesses nationwide\u2014out of more than 25,000 certified WBEs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Angela has collaborated with E+I in many meaningful ways, such as serving as a mentor in programs like <\/span><b>Small Business Academy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, acting as a judge for the <\/span><b>Chandler Endeavor Venture Challenge<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and contributing as an ongoing E+I mentor. She also leads the <\/span><b>SEE ME Program<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which she regularly hosts at <\/span><b>The Studios @ Mesa City Center<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Mesa Tribune <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">recently highlighted her work supporting Black entrepreneurs and recognizing her continued commitment to equity and opportunity within the business community.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<h3><b>The ARG Coaching &amp; Consulting Group Q&amp;A<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>E+I: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Who is a Black leader or entrepreneur\u2014past or present\u2014who inspired you to start this journey?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Angela:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> American civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman once said, \u201cYou can\u2019t be what you can\u2019t see.\u201d Growing up in a blue-collar household, my parents taught us that the path to a successful life was to find a 9-to-5 job, stay with one company and retire. I was conditioned to believe that working for someone else was the only option and that wealth was generated through a pension or a 401(k).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I did exactly that. For more than 15 years, I worked in the hotel industry, spending 13 of those years with one company. That chapter came to an end when I involuntarily transitioned out of the industry due to an acquisition, which ultimately led me to accept a role at the Harding Firm. At the time, the owner, Kina Harding, was transitioning from a solo practitioner to a brick-and-mortar operation and preparing to scale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kina was the first woman (and, importantly, the first Black woman) I had ever seen build a business from the ground up. I worked alongside her for two years, helping to establish systems, processes and procedures, build her team and scale the firm. Our time together inspired me. Kina had a clear vision for her business, and together we brought that vision to life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Working alongside her showed me what was possible. Seeing a Black woman build and grow a successful business gave me permission to imagine a different path for myself. She continues to be an inspiration to this day and proof that when you can see it, you begin to believe that you can be it too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E+I:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring Black entrepreneur who is just starting to tackle their &#8216;big idea&#8217;?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Angela:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> \u201cDon\u2019t play small! Put yourself in rooms that will stretch you, while giving you access to the resources, education and strategic partnerships you need to scale your business.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When I first started my business, ARG Coaching &amp; Consulting Group LLC (ARG), I had a huge vision of building a national company that supported organizations and their leaders across the U.S. As a first-generation entrepreneur, I had no idea how to make that vision a reality. I went from networking event to networking event because that was what I knew, but I struggled to find the introductions to the corporations that I needed to grow. I took whatever opportunity came my way to build credibility and stay motivated, even the unpaid ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At that time, I was also enrolled in a bachelor\u2019s program. The university\u2019s community liaison, Hue Haslim, invited me to an event hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). That event was my first real introduction to corporate partners who actively advocated for the small business community. One of the corporate partners was Salt River Project (SRP). Connecting with SRP gave me access to programs such as the then Small Business Leadership Academy, now known as the Small Business Academy Powered by SRP,\u00a0 and introduced me to resources to scale my business, like business certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Not fully understanding the impact certification could have on my business, it took nearly two years before I certified ARG as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women\u2019s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Our regional affiliate, WBEC-West, has since become one of our most valuable resource partners, and SRP remains one of the strongest small business advocates in the state. After becoming certified in 2019, our revenues grew, and in 2021, ARG secured its first corporate contracts, serving leaders across the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For over two years after starting my business, I was so focused on what I didn\u2019t have and staying comfortable that my business did not grow. That experience shaped my advice: Don\u2019t play small! Put yourself in rooms that will stretch you, while giving you access to the resources, education and strategic partnerships you need to scale your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Today, ARG holds several certification distinctions and continues to support businesses both locally and nationally, large and small, including clients like SRP and ASU. Nurturing relationships that go back as far as when I joined NAWBO allowed me to build ongoing strategic collaborations. Starting your entrepreneurial journey is easy. Persevering and stepping into your vision despite uncertainty and difficult times are what build your legacy of leadership and resilience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>E+I:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> If you could describe the impact E+I has had on your entrepreneurial growth in one sentence, what would it be?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Angela:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> E+I didn\u2019t just support my entrepreneurial journey; they helped transform me from a participant and volunteer into a trusted thought leader, mentor and program facilitator.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Read more about Angela\u2019s impact <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themesatribune.com\/news\/mesa-woman-honored-for-helping-black-entrepreneurs\/article_41c2539c-2aa0-11ef-ad20-47497a14734f.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">here.<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-2-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-2-2-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"A person sitting at a desk and speaking to people in a virtual meeting.\" class=\"wp-image-4595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-2-2-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-2-2-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-2-2-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/ASU-Blog-Black-History-Legacy-2026-2-2.jpg 1346w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo by ASU Media<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3><b>Looking Forward: A Community of Growth<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Innovation and entrepreneurship thrive when more voices, perspectives and lived experiences are part of the conversation. By highlighting Black leaders, creators and visionaries\u2014past and present\u2014we\u2019re not only honoring their impact, but we\u2019re also making space for the next wave of bold ideas to rise. Representation ensures that future innovators see what\u2019s possible, feel empowered to build on that legacy and continue shaping breakthroughs that move all of us forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Edson E+I is deeply honored to work alongside <\/span><b>Jacary Hawkins and The Sea Moss Bosses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, as well as <\/span><b>Angela Garmon and ARG Coaching &amp; Consulting Group<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Our collaborations with these leaders have been inspiring, impactful and a true reflection of the power of community-driven entrepreneurship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many new E+I participants have been introduced to our ecosystem through these collaborations, showing how working together strengthens not only individual ventures but the broader entrepreneurial community as a whole. As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that leadership and resilience are not just historical themes. They are also living legacies shaped by today\u2019s entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To get plugged into our uplifting community, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">our various programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and join us at an exciting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/e_i_events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">entrepreneurial event.<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Black History Month is more than a commemoration. 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