Good Black Jobs
Advancing Meaningful Work and Wealth in the Inland Empire
By Alyssah Hall
It is with pride and purpose that Black Voice News introduces a new series titled, “Good Black Jobs: Advancing Meaningful Work and Wealth in the Inland Empire,” sponsored by the Black Voice Foundation and funded in part by Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Thrive Inland So Cal Grant.
While the Inland Empire has a history rich with culture and diversity, at the same time it continues to face significant challenges as it relates to economic disparities and civic engagement.
This reporting project is focused on helping build a stronger sense of belonging and civic muscle, especially among historically marginalized communities, as a way to further efforts to mitigate these challenges.
Flex Different Studio and Juice Bar Creates Space for Community Wellness
Flex Different Studio and Juice Bar, founded by Quinshae White, recently hosted Zen & Juice: R&B Edition, a wellness event that combined movement, music, and mindfulness, reflecting her vision to unite a studio and juice bar under one roof, alongside a family resource center, for Black women seeking space to belong.
Jamie Azpeitia-Sachs Promotes Diversity and Empowers Dancers at the IE Dance Center
Jamie Azpeitia-Sachs is the Artistic Director and Founder of the Inland Empire Dance Center, which offers classes to students of all ages and abilities, and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for dancers of all backgrounds.
Women Demand Answers: Christal Parker Provides Hormone Therapy in Rancho Cucamonga
Christal Parker, a nurse practitioner, owns Savvy Beauty and Wellness Lounge in Rancho Cucamonga, California, where she provides hormone therapy and IV hydration therapy to her patients, emphasizing the importance of community and representation in healthcare and encouraging women to take the first step towards starting their own businesses.
Meet Denice Singleton of Synergy and Surrender
Denice Singleton, a certified yoga instructor and Reiki Master, aims to inspire other Black people to participate in yoga by teaching her classes at local senior centers in Upland and Montclair, despite being a minority in the yoga community.
Executive Director Dr. Nosakhere Thomas and the I.E. Black Workers Center Enriches Black Folks with Job Support and Community
The Inland Empire Black Workers Center, led by Executive Director Dr. Nosakhere Thomas, works to advocate for Black workers’ rights, remove the “bachelor barrier” to get people into higher-wage jobs, and provide training in math and financial literacy.
Noelle Turner Creates Opportunity and Representation in Black Hair Care at Angelic Hair Salon
Noelle Turner, a licensed hair stylist and owner of Angelic Hair Salon, has been making a name for herself in the beauty industry since 2017, specializing in African American hair and providing a variety of styles, including braids, wash and goes, flexi rod sets, twist outs, braid outs, and other natural hairstyles.
Bookstore Owners Danielle and Ruthie Myers-Porter Provide a Safe Haven for Black and Queer Residents
Danielle and Ruthie Myers-Porter opened Get Lit Books & Things, a bookstore in Moreno Valley, California, which serves as a haven for queer folks, women, people of color, and bibliophiles, and sells various items such as books, candles, jewelry, artwork, and hosts events such as book clubs, story hours, and workshops.
Hairstylist and Entrepreneur Niekol Garcia Embraces Her Gift
Niekol Garcia, a hairstylist and business partner, has been styling hair for over 20 years, creating Red Carpet Ready Studio in Rancho Cucamonga, California. She emphasizes the importance of faith, diversity, and entrepreneurship in the beauty industry, and offers advice for aspiring cosmetologists and stylists.
Jay Diallo’s First Community Capital Empowers Underserved Communities with Affordable Capital
Jay Diallo founded First Community Capital in 2019 to expand access to affordable capital and mentorship to economically disadvantaged small businesses and lower income individuals, and has funded about 150 loans in 2024, 95% of which went to and are being paid back by minority owned businesses.