Southeast Queens Scoop Presents: The Innovative Black Health & Wealth Virtual Summit

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

Southeast Queens Scoop Presents:
The Innovative Black Health &
Wealth Virtual Summit
Free Virtual Event Empowers Black Communities Amid Economic and Democratic Headwinds

Zoom Event Over

JAMAICA, NY — October 2025 — As African American communities face mounting economic pressure and democratic uncertainty, Southeast Queens Scoop—a progressive, community-based digital news platform—is hosting a timely and empowering event: The Innovative Black Health & Wealth Virtual Summit.

This free virtual event, held via Zoom on Saturday, October 25th, from 10 AM to 12 PM EST, will unite leading voices in Black health, wellness, business development, and community activism to share strategies and insights on how to survive—and thrive—during these challenging times.

💻 Location: Event Over.  

Recent economic data underscores the urgency for such a dialogue. The Black unemployment rate has risen to 7.5%, significantly higher than the national average. Meanwhile, over 300,000 Black women have lost their jobs since the current administration took office, according to recent labor market reports. Federal proposals to slash more than a trillion dollars from Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other public assistance programs further threaten the stability of working families and seniors across the nation.

“Our communities are facing a one-two punch: economic contraction and an erosion of the social safety nets that have historically helped working-class people survive,” said Kamau Austin, Publisher of Southeast Queens Scoop. “Government jobs—where Black workers have long found opportunity and stability—are now under attack. We need proactive, community-driven strategies to help build resilience and self-reliance.”

The Innovative Black Health & Wealth Virtual Summit will explore visionary solutions that combine grassroots empowerment, cooperative economics, and holistic wellness. Topics will include:

• Cooperative and community ownership through the JOBS Act—investing collectively in local stores, housing, and neighborhood enterprises

• Strengthening farmers markets, food co-ops, and health-oriented Black businesses to promote sustainable local economies

• Expanding access to mental health and wellness services through culturally competent community organizations

• Harnessing technology, high-tech, and AI career opportunities for economic mobility

• Developing independent media outlets that empower communities with knowledge and positive representation

Today's Speakers Include:

The Health & Wellness section will take place between 10 am - 11 am and will include:

Afi S. Okon - MPA, is Founder the American Obesity Foundation on practices to live more healthy lives especially given the issues with healthcare in this country.

Celeste Sassine - Owner Sassy Sweets Vegan Treats on how vegan foods can help our community get better health outcomes.

Aiysha Simon - Co-owner Ca$h Da$h and community organizer and professional on helping us obtain wellness in a stressful political environment.

The Business & Wealth section will take place between 11 am - 12 pm and will feature:

Phil Andrews - President of NYs largest Black Chamber of Commerce and one of the largest in the Nation, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.  Founding President of the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc., African American Small Business Foundation, Inc., and Founding President of The New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Pierre Clark - is the Founder-Editor of The Entrepreneur’s Corner™, Homefree, NuFutures Development Ventures LLC, and NuMillennium Opportunity Capital Ltd. Rights Reserved, and is a graduate of Harvard University

Rahni Sumler -  A world traveler with family roots in business Rahni Sumler, has been moved literally into Southeast Queens, to help shore up community businesses with her company Digital Dandelions Technical Solutions.  She is obviously an innovator who has her pulse on the travails and challenges of Black and small businesses.

Ms. Sumler has a wealth of unique business experience and a passion to help build viable companies and organizations in our community.  She has seen first hand many of the stumbling blocks that stall and derail small and Black businesses.

Gail Johnson - is the Associate Publisher of the Southeast Queens Scoop.  Johnson is a committed and accomplished advocate for economic development, cultural appreciation, and community uplift in Rockaway, Queens, New York and surrounding areas. She is an exceptional resource on events and news in our area.

Host of today's Summitt Your's Truly

Kamau Austin - is the award winning Publisher of the Black News Scoop, The Southeast Queens Scoop, and Scoop Publications, a division of AMS Digital Media.  He is a long time activist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and author.  Austin has also been featured in Black Enterprise, Fortune Magazine Small Business, CNN, radio, cable, and countless newspapers and blog sites.

🎷 Homage to Queens Jazz – A Musical Tribute to Saint Albans’ Legendary Jazz Legacy

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

🎷 Homage to Queens Jazz – A Musical Tribute to Saint Albans’ Legendary Jazz Legacy

By Southeast Queens Scoop Staff

This October, the heart of Southeast Queens will once again pulse to the rhythm of its world-class jazz heritage. On Saturday, October 25th at 7:30 PM, the Saint Albans Jazz Collab will take the stage at Jackson Room for “Homage to Queens Jazz,” an intimate celebration of the borough’s rich cultural and musical legacy.

This particular area of Queens in the town of St Albans, was home to an uncanny number of musicians including Count Basie, Fats Waller, Illinois Jacquet, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Lenny White, Marcus Miller to name a few. In fact, John Coltrane lived on Mexico street which is just a few blocks away from the venue.

The special evening will highlight music either composed or arranged by each member of the night's featured ensemble below, blending innovation with tradition in a way that honors the historic role Saint Albans has played in shaping jazz in New York City and beyond. Adding to the night’s spontaneity, special guest artists from the community will join in, keeping the spirit of improvisation alive and vibrant.

A Night of Jazz Excellence

The lineup for this memorable performance includes some of the most talented and respected musicians on today’s scene:

• Ed Jackson – Saxophone

• Jack Glottman – Piano

• Gerald M. Thomas – Bass

• Dave Picton – Drums

Together, these artists form the Saint Albans Jazz Collab, a dynamic ensemble rooted in both the spirit of community and the technical mastery of modern jazz.

Jackson Room: Where Music Meets Community

For years, Jackson Room, located next to Jackson Tax Service at 192-07 Linden Blvd St Albans, NY 11412, has been more than just a performance space — it’s been a community cultural cornerstone. Founded and led by Ed Jackson, the venue has built a loyal following for its electric atmosphere, outstanding acoustics, and its mission to keep live jazz thriving in Queens.

Every last Saturday of the month, audiences gather at Jackson Room to experience the transformative power of jazz — a sound that uplifts, connects, and reminds us of the artistic greatness that continues to flow from Southeast Queens.  The performances are also podcast for jazz enthusiasts across the globe to enjoy legendary jazz performances from the musical epicenter of St. Albans, Queens, New York.  You can contact Jackson by phone also at: (718) 525-2387.

Ed Jackson, an internationally acclaimed saxophonist and founder of the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, has performed with legendary musicians such as Roy Haynes, George Cables, Melba Moore, Bobby Watson Big Band, and The Count Basie Band, among many others. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and recipient of the Selmer Company Award for Outstanding Saxophonist, Jackson embodies the living continuum of jazz excellence.

New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce LIAACC Receives National Recognition During 15th Year Anniversary

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce LIAACC Receives National Recognition During 15th Year Anniversary

New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce LIAACC Receives National Recognition During 15th Year Anniversary.  Under Phil Andrews, President – Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) visionary leadership, LIAACC has emerged as one of the most dynamic chambers in the nation advocating for minority-owned businesses. 

The chamber’s work and accomplishments have earned distinction on both regional and national levels. 

Key National Highlights • Black Enterprise Magazine – BE Modern Man Honoree (2016) Phil Andrews was featured by Black Enterprise as a BE Modern Man 100 Honoree, recognized nationally as “Mr. Economic Empowerment” for his leadership and commitment to advancing Black entrepreneurship and economic development. • U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) – Chamber of the Year Finalist (2025) 

The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. was named a Top Finalist for the Chamber of the Year Award by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. during its annual national conference in Washington, D.C., honoring outstanding chambers across America.

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul Issues Statement On The Trial Verdict Against Officers in the Brutal Murder of Robert Brooks

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

-------

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul Issues Statement On The Trial Verdict Against Officers in the Brutal Murder of Robert Brooks

Robert Brooks Was Beaten Brutally in Prison by Guards

"Today, a jury found one correction officer guilty while acquitting two others in the horrific murder of Robert Brooks. While I am disappointed by the acquittals, I respect the jury's decision. What happened to Mr. Brooks is unconscionable, and these verdicts serve as another sobering reminder of the needless losses of Mr. Brooks and Messiah Nantwi.

That is why I am deeply committed to the changes we are making to ensure that New York State’s correctional facilities are safe for all who enter — employees, the incarcerated, visitors and volunteers alike.

"I have been clear from the very beginning: We have no tolerance for individuals who cross the line, break the law, and engage in violence or abuse. Through the work of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the State Police, and the Onondaga County District Attorney, six of those responsible have already pled guilty and will serve time, along with the individual convicted today.

"The vast majority of our correction officers do extraordinary work under difficult circumstances, and the actions of these individuals do not reflect the integrity and professionalism of the correction officers who continue to staff our facilities. Those responsible for reprehensible acts of violence must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and that is exactly what my administration is committed to doing.

“I am grateful to the Onondaga County District Attorney, the New York State Police, the Office of Special Investigations and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring justice to the family of Mr. Brooks. My condolences are with his loved ones for the pain they have suffered and the loss they continue to endure. My Administration is committed to ensuring a tragedy like this never happens again."

The Video Shows Robert Brooks Was Obviously choaked